mrmreka
28-06-2010, 10:56 AM
In this kind of essay, we not only give information but also present an argument with the PROS (supporting ideas) and CONS (opposing ideas) of an argumentative issue. We should clearly take our stand and write as if we are trying to persuade an opposing audience to adopt new beliefs or behavior. The primary objective is to persuade people to change beliefs that many of them do not want to change.
Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic should be such that
• it should be narrowed down
~~~~~~
X Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good topic because it is too general. In some medical cases, marijuana is prescribed by the doctors and the patients are encouraged to use it in case of suffering from too much pain)
? Selling and using marijuana in public places should be considered illegal.
~~~~~~~~~~
• it should contain an argument
X We should decide whether we want a bicycle or a car. (our stand is not clear: do we support having bicycles or cars?)
? If we are under the age of 30 and want a healthy life, we should definitely get a bicycle instead of a car.
X Are you one of those who thinks cheating is not good for students? (a question cannot be an argument)
? Cheating helps students learn.
X Considering its geological position, Turkey has an important geopolitical role in the EU. (facts cannot be arguments)
? Considering its geopolitical role, we can clearly say that the EU cannot be without Turkey.
~~~~~~~~~~
• it should be a topic that can be adequately supported (with statistics, outside source citations, etc.)
X I feel that writing an
argumentative essay is definitely a challenging task. (feelings cannot be supported; we cannot persuade other people)
If you believe that you can find enough evidence to support your idea and refute others effectively, you can choose challenging topics as well. You can enjoy writing about such topics:
Cheating is beneficial for students.
Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic should be such that
• it should be narrowed down
~~~~~~
X Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good topic because it is too general. In some medical cases, marijuana is prescribed by the doctors and the patients are encouraged to use it in case of suffering from too much pain)
? Selling and using marijuana in public places should be considered illegal.
~~~~~~~~~~
• it should contain an argument
X We should decide whether we want a bicycle or a car. (our stand is not clear: do we support having bicycles or cars?)
? If we are under the age of 30 and want a healthy life, we should definitely get a bicycle instead of a car.
X Are you one of those who thinks cheating is not good for students? (a question cannot be an argument)
? Cheating helps students learn.
X Considering its geological position, Turkey has an important geopolitical role in the EU. (facts cannot be arguments)
? Considering its geopolitical role, we can clearly say that the EU cannot be without Turkey.
~~~~~~~~~~
• it should be a topic that can be adequately supported (with statistics, outside source citations, etc.)
X I feel that writing an
argumentative essay is definitely a challenging task. (feelings cannot be supported; we cannot persuade other people)
If you believe that you can find enough evidence to support your idea and refute others effectively, you can choose challenging topics as well. You can enjoy writing about such topics:
Cheating is beneficial for students.