English Composition 101: Essay Types - PersuasiveArgumentative Essay Claim Evidence Facts Statistics Examples Expert Opinion Counterargument Refutation Rebuttal Call to Action

What It Is

A persuasive/argumentative essay is a type of essay that uses evidence and reasoning to convince the reader of a particular point of view. For example, a student might write: "The university should implement a recycling program on campus because it will reduce waste and save money, as seen in a study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that found recycling programs can save up to $100,000 per year." This type of essay matters because it helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.

Core Principles

• Claim: A clear and specific statement that takes a stand on an issue. (e.g., "College tuition should be free.")
• Evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions that support the claim. (e.g., "According to a study by the College Board, the average student debt in the US is over $31,000.")
• Counterargument: A statement that presents an opposing view. (e.g., "Some might argue that making college tuition free would lead to a decrease in academic standards.")
• Refutation: A response to the counterargument that shows why it is not valid. (e.g., "However, this argument assumes that students would not be motivated to succeed without the threat of debt.")
• Rebuttal: A restatement of the claim, often with added emphasis or evidence. (e.g., "In reality, making college tuition free would actually increase academic standards by allowing students to focus on their studies rather than working multiple jobs.")
• Thesis statement: A sentence that combines the claim and roadmap. (e.g., "While some might argue that making college tuition free would lead to a decrease in academic standards, I believe that it would actually increase academic standards by allowing students to focus on their studies rather than working multiple jobs.")
• Use transitional words and phrases: Words and phrases that connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs. (e.g., "However," "In addition," "On the other hand.")
• Use evidence from credible sources: Sources that are trustworthy and reliable. (e.g., academic journals, government reports)
• Use proper citation: A system of credit that acknowledges the work of others. (e.g., MLA, APA)
• Use a clear and concise writing style: Avoid using jargon or overly complex language.
• Use rhetorical devices: Techniques that add emphasis or persuasion to the writing. (e.g., metaphors, allusions)
• Use a strong conclusion: A final statement that summarizes the main points and leaves a lasting impression.
• Use a clear and concise title: A title that accurately reflects the content of the essay.
• Use headings and subheadings: Headings and subheadings that organize the essay and guide the reader.
• Use a clear and concise abstract: A brief summary of the essay that appears at the beginning.

Common Writing Errors

• Error: "The university should implement a recycling program on campus because it will reduce waste and save money."
• Why it fails: This sentence is too vague and lacks evidence to support the claim.
• Correction: "The university should implement a recycling program on campus because it will reduce waste and save money, as seen in a study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that found recycling programs can save up to $100,000 per year."
• Error: "Some people might think that making college tuition free would lead to a decrease in academic standards."
• Why it fails: This sentence is too vague and lacks a clear counterargument.
• Correction: "Some might argue that making college tuition free would lead to a decrease in academic standards, but this argument assumes that students would not be motivated to succeed without the threat of debt."
• Error: "In conclusion, the university should implement a recycling program on campus."
• Why it fails: This sentence is too vague and lacks a clear summary of the main points.
• Correction: "In conclusion, the university should implement a recycling program on campus because it will reduce waste and save money, as seen in a study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that found recycling programs can save up to $100,000 per year."

Quick Application

Scenario 1: You are arguing that college tuition should be free. Write a thesis statement.

Model answer: "While some might argue that making college tuition free would lead to a decrease in academic standards, I believe that it would actually increase academic standards by allowing students to focus on their studies rather than working multiple jobs."

Explanation: This thesis statement combines the claim (making college tuition free) with a roadmap (increasing academic standards) and presents a counterargument.

Scenario 2: You are arguing that the university should implement a recycling program on campus. Write a paragraph that uses evidence to support the claim.

Model answer: "The university should implement a recycling program on campus because it will reduce waste and save money, as seen in a study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that found recycling programs can save up to $100,000 per year. Additionally, a recycling program would also reduce the university's carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable environment."

Explanation: This paragraph uses evidence from a credible source (EPA) to support the claim and adds additional evidence to strengthen the argument.

Scenario 3: You are arguing that the university should implement a recycling program on campus. Write a paragraph that presents a counterargument and refutation.

Model answer: "Some might argue that implementing a recycling program on campus would be too expensive and time-consuming. However, this argument assumes that the benefits of a recycling program would not outweigh the costs. In reality, a recycling program would actually save the university money in the long run by reducing waste and saving on energy costs."

Explanation: This paragraph presents a counterargument and refutation by challenging the assumption that a recycling program would be too expensive and time-consuming.

Last-Minute Revision

• Use a clear and concise writing style: Avoid using jargon or overly complex language.
• Use proper citation: A system of credit that acknowledges the work of others.
• Use a strong conclusion: A final statement that summarizes the main points and leaves a lasting impression.
• Use a clear and concise title: A title that accurately reflects the content of the essay.
• Use headings and subheadings: Headings and subheadings that organize the essay and guide the reader.
• Use a clear and concise abstract: A brief summary of the essay that appears at the beginning.
• Use transitional words and phrases: Words and phrases that connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs.
• Use evidence from credible sources: Sources that are trustworthy and reliable.
• Use rhetorical devices: Techniques that add emphasis or persuasion to the writing.
• Use a clear and concise thesis statement: A sentence that combines the claim and roadmap.
• Use a clear and concise counterargument: A statement that presents an opposing view.
• Use a clear and concise refutation: A response to the counterargument that shows why it is not valid.
• Use a clear and concise rebuttal: A restatement of the claim, often with added emphasis or evidence.
• Use a clear and concise conclusion: A final statement that summarizes the main points and leaves a lasting impression.
• Use a clear and concise abstract: A brief summary of the essay that appears at the beginning.
• Use a clear and concise title: A title that accurately reflects the content of the essay.
• Use headings and subheadings: Headings and subheadings that organize the essay and guide the reader.