The Argument/Persuasion Essay

1. Introduction

One or two paragraphs in which you

    1. Indicate your topic
    2. Establish briefly why it is controversial and significant
    3. Present the thesis or claim

In your introduction you may also include relevant background material or summarize a point of view that the essay will refute.

2. Body

The main body of the essay should include the following:

  1. The nature of the controversy
    Explain the conflict or problem and summarize various viewpoints as a way of indicating that you understand the ideas of others and have researched the topic thoroughly. You might also define important key terms and include personal experience that is relevant to the topic.
  2. Support for the thesis
    This is usually the longest and most substantive part of the essay. It supports the thesis with compelling reasons and evidence, which might include facts, statistics, data, statements by authorities, and illustrative examples. It may also establish common ground between you and the intended readers of the essay.
  3. Anticipation and Refutation of Opposing Viewpoints
    In this section you will indicate where your opponent will probably disagree with your thesis. By presenting the opposing viewpoint you can then argue effectively against it, showing why your ideas are superior.

3. Conclusion

Provides a sense of closure by

    1. Summarizing your main argument.
    2. It may also suggest what action, if any, the readers ought to take, or
    3. It may suggest potential implications or consequences

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Errors in Thinking

1. Slippery Slope

The assumption that one action will lead to another that will lead to another and will eventually result in something very undesirable

E.g. Assisted suicide will lead to mass suicide.

2. Black and White

Assumption of an either/or situation, doesn't consider other possibilities

E.g. Either we enroll in that painting class or we will never learn to paint.

3. Hasty Generalizations

Drawing conclusions from insufficient evidence.

E.g. Let's invite Stuart to be a club member. He's African-American and all African-Americans are cool.

4. False Cause

Assumes connections where none may exist.

E.g. As soon as mandatory busing was instituted in the town of Rockport, many families began moving out of town.

(There may have been other causes for the move, like a factory closing.)

5. False Authority

Authorities in one field may be cited as if they are authorities in another, as in when celebrities are used to endorse products.

6. Red Herring

The writer brings in a point that has little to do with the issue being argued.

E.g. Brian should not enroll in the State College because it doesn't offer a major in environmental studies. Anyway, the State College places too much emphasis on sports.

7. Attack on Person rather than Issue

E.g. Don't listen to what Angela has to say. She's just a dumb blonde.

It's not always easy to spot fallacies but be on the look out for them in your own arguments as well as in others'.

 

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