The art of Argument

the art of
argument

INSCRIBING YOUR WAY TO

THE PERFECT ARGUMENT

BY:

ATuthohre

IMPORTANT
REMINDERS
FOR READERS

1 Use the knowledge you acquire
from here only for good purposes

2 Never meddle with something you
cant handle

3 Only argue on something that really
matters

4 Never argue on opinion

5 Enjoy

EP 4
INSTRUCTORS

#LESSON 1

argumentative

/ɑːɡjʊˈmɛntətɪv/
what is it?

What is an argumentative essay? Date //

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that persuades the reader to agree with the
writer’s viewpoint. Opinions and arguments are presented on a debatable topic where can
be two differing points of view (agree or disagree).

The Introduction paragraph usually reviews
the topic in a general way before presenting
the thesis statement in a clear, concise, and

defined manner.

The Body paragraphs will consist of
arguments and counter-arguments to show a
good analysis of the topic. Both sides of the
arguments must also be validated by facts or
examples in a well-written argumentative
essay.

The Conclusion is where the stand is made by
the students by showing how all the

arguments and evidence fit together.

ArTghuemEenletmateinvets eisnsay

Things in an argumentative essay

Claim Data

An assertion in response to Evidence to support a claim. It can
a contentious topic or take various forms such as facts,
problem. logical explanations, suppositions,
statistics, anecdotes, research
-Counter argument studies, expert opinions, definitions
and analogies.
claim
-Counter argument
A mark created by connecting one point
to another. Lines can have different data
weights and lengths, and can vary in
direction. Evidence similar to “Data” (above) to
support a counterargument claim

Rebuttal claim Rebuttal

Statements in which the writer data
responds to a counter argument
Evidence to support a rebuttal claim
which include the identification of
possible weaknesses in the
counterargument claim, data or
assumptions, such as logical fallacies,
insufficient support, invalid
assumptions and immoral values.

A Claim may appear as an opinion as it sets and idea before later being supported by
facts.

Facts can be highlighted in may ways such as statistic, news report, research, etc.

NOITCUDORTNI ·State the topic sentence
-The mindset that education is a means to an end is due to social conditioning
DRAFTING THE ESSAY OWT ARAP -Such a mindset is a threat to employment prospects
A common structure of argumentative essay -The path to a successful career is no longer straightforward
EERHT ARAP
·Present your stand – getting a good job is not the key purpose of education
RUOF ARAP -Education has numerous important attributes

EVIF ARAP ·State the first supporting point
-(claim 1) – Education trains our mind to deal with challenges
NOISULCNOC
·Elaborate (data):
-Education involves solving problems in exams
-Problem solving skills harness powers of intelligence

·State the next supporting point
-(claim 2) – Refines an individual’s intellect and morals

·Elaborate (data):
-The lack of good character can destroy one’s career

·Give example
-A person with knowledge will think of the benefit of others

·State the final supporting point
- (claim 3) – Education is a lifelong endeavour

Elaborate (data):
-Education facilitates independent learning
-The industry becomes the teacher where the product of education makes up
the industry
-Education ensures quality of the industry

·State the opposing point
-(counter-argument claim)– Does not make economic sense without getting a good job

·Elaborate (counter-argument data):
-Education can easily cost a few hundred thousand dollars

·Rebuttal Claim and Data
-Getting a good job is only one of the objectives
-Besides getting a good job, it also helps one to sustain the job because of good
character developed from education

·Present your final thoughts
-Education is multi-faceted with multiple objectives
-We should not see getting a good job as its sole purpose
-Such narrow-minded thinking can only harness limited benefits from
education

SAMPLE OF

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
TITLE:THE KEY REASON FOR RECEIVING AN EDUCATION IS TO LAND A GOOD
JOB. DO YOU AGREE?

The mindset that education is a means to an end is the result INTRODUCTION:
of social conditioning. Ironically, such a mindset is a threat to ·ATTENTION
employment prospects as the path to career success is no
longer a straightforward one. To snag that job, one must be GRABBER/HOOK
able to bring something different to the table. While the lack of ·THESIS STATEMENT
education leads to the closure of many windows of
opportunities, getting a good job is not the key objective of
education, given the numerous important attributes of an
education.

Firstly, a large part of education involves learning how to BODY PARAGRAPH 1:
solve problems in examinations. Such problem solving skills -PRESENTS
enable one to develop critical thinking skills to make informed
decisions when the opportunities arise; in other words to make ARGUMENT/ CLAIM 1
hay while the sun shines. Therefore, education also aims to -EVIDENCE (DATA)
train and develop the faculties of our mind to deal with
challenges.

Education also plays a significant role in refining an BODY PARAGRAPH 2:
individual intellectually and morally. Without the development -PRESENTS
of good character, one will veer off course and this will
eventually destroy his career. This can be seen particularly in ARGUMENT/ CLAIM 2
cases of errant professionals with axes to grind such as lawyers -EVIDENCE (DATA)
who run away with clients’ money or doctors who abuse their -GIVES EXAMPLE
profession by getting involved in criminal activities. These
clearly show that education is more than just about getting a
good job.

Besides, education is a lifelong endeavour. After completing BODY PARAGRAPH 3:
formal education, we begin to step into the industry as the new -PRESENTS
kid on the block. Independent learning takes place henceforth
and our education facilitates this learning. The industry ARGUMENT/ CLAIM 3
becomes our teacher and the people who make up the industry -EVIDENCE (DATA)
are actually the product of education. Hence, education also
aims to develop the quality of this industry.

It is not uncommon to hear of people investing large sums

of money to pursue a good education. Hence, people might BODY PARAGRAPH 4:
-COUNTER OPPOSING
argue that it does not make economic sense to go through the VIEW (COUNTER-

rigours of education without the purpose of landing a good ARGUMENT)

job. Indeed, getting a good job is crucial but not the main -EVIDENCE (DATA)

objective of education. Rather, education ensures one not only

gets a good job but also sustains that job with good character

developed from his education.

In conclusion, education is multi-faceted with multiple CONCLUSION:

objectives. However, many people are often too myopic and -RESTATES THE FINAL
regard the only purpose of education is to get a good job. With THOUGHTS AND YOUR
POSITION
such narrow-minded thinking, one can only harness limited

benefits from education.

TASK

WRITE AN ESSAY WHICH YOU ARGUE FOR
OR AGAINST A TOPIC GIVEN BELOW.

1. The reading of books has declined because of the rampant use of communication
gadgets.

2. Education in this day and age should focus more on technical and vocational training.
3. Crime prevention should be the responsibility of everyone.
4. The media has contributed to an increase in world violence.
5. Parents are over indulgent today.