What Is an Argumentative Essay?

Fall 2025

Presentation

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

Kelly Perriello | LDT 650 | Fall 2025

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Argumentative Essay

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What is an argumentive essay?

“Everything we say or do presents some kind of argument, takes some kind of position” (Bullock et al. 157).

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By the end of this presentation, learners will:

• Understand the basics of what an argument is
• Be able to identify what a topic is
• Form their own research question

Arguments are all around us and take various shapes and forms, some we recognize every day. This module will give the learner the basics to understand the parts of an argument and

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contextualize your topic

'The need to have a clear and concise position. You usually want to state this at the beginning of your thesis. This forecasts the rest of your argument

The basic foundations of a good argument

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Other Features

Counterarguments

Trustworthy Tone

Connect to Readers

Reason

Context

Show you've considered other positions to not come off as biased.

Your argument cannot stand without good evidence.

Provide good background on the subject.

You want your readers to trust what you have to say.

Connect to readers values.

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Developing your research question

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Find a good research question

• Consider the roles in your life
• Identify issues that interest you
• Frame your topic as a problem
• Choose one issue to write about

There are many ways to pick a topic:

• Topics that interest you now
• Topics that aren’t too focused
• Have a personal connection in your life

- Who cares about your topic? -

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Getting Started

What do you already know?

What are other perspectives?

What does good support look like?

Take a position.

Think of prior knowledge, do some background research or freewriting.

Can you name and identify possible counterarugments or rebuttals?

Decide whether your topic can be argued. Can you take a position or stance and debate it?

Can you quanitfy your position or develop any good reasons and evidence?

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Activity: Creating a Good Research Question

Support adding additional info

Illustrate what you want to tell

What's been in the news lately?

1.) Inspiration in all forms

3.) Answer that question

2.) Which perspectives?

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To begin thinking about your research question, complete your first journal.

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Almost anything can be a topic. You just need to figure out a good way to look at things.

Don't limit yourself.

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oRganization

Different types of argument organization

Mostly supportive

Support followed by rebuttals

This structure focuses on pros and therefore the support of the argument. Rebuttals and counterarguments are relevant to, but usually placed at the end.

Resembles a conversation

Pro/Con approach

Resembles a traditional pro/con paper where you list a pro, followed by a con, etc. A good method for organization if you're tryin to resemble a conversation

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Next Steps:

Follow the link to the discussion board

To complete this module you must, you must:

• Visit the discussion board, read the sample essay, and respond to two of your classmates
• Submit your research question jounal

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What perspectives are being represented?

From your topics you listed, determine what groups, perspectives, or individuals have a say in the topic. Once you identify the respective parties and the positions they represent, dig into the meat and potatoes of their positions. Question why or how, for example, a group might have that perspective? What is right? What is wrong? What evidence is used, etc? Once you have identified that, close out the window to go to the next step.

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This will keep the audience's attention

Even if you explain itorally later

You can present the figures like this...

Use this space to briefly describe your chart and its evolution. Statistics convey professionalism and a greater sense of truthfulness. A plus: always try to include the source.

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You can add a highlighted title

Show enthusiasm, smile, and maintain eye contact with your audience: 'The eyes, chico. They never lie'. This will help you connect with your audience. Leave them speechless!

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You can add a highlighted title

You can develop the content in more detail through your oral presentation. We recommend practicing your voice and rehearsing: the best improvisation is always the most prepared!

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You can add a prominent title

You can create an outline to synthesize the content and use words that are etched into your audience's memory. Numbered ideas are remembered much better than bullet point lists.

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Answer your question!

Once you have a good research question, flip it and answer it. What makes you take that position? What needs to be developed further? What is your answer? That answer becomes the start of your thesis and your claim!

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Finding inspiration in the news.

A quick news or Google search of recent headlines can help you contextualize your topic. Directions: Take a few minutes to do a quick Google search on a topic you are interested in. What things are standing out? Jot down a couple of topics in a few words. Got it? Good! Hit the back button to go to the next step.