Fall 2025
Presentation
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
Kelly Perriello | LDT 650 | Fall 2025
start ➛
Argumentative Essay
Ask a question
Audio
continue ➛
What is an argumentive essay?
“Everything we say or do presents some kind of argument, takes some kind of position” (Bullock et al. 157).
Click continue to proceed to the next slide.
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
continue ➛
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
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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.
continue ➛
Developing your research question
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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? -
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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?
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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?
info
info
info
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
To begin thinking about your research question, complete your first journal.
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
Almost anything can be a topic. You just need to figure out a good way to look at things.
Don't limit yourself.
continue ➛
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
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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
home ➛
BACK
02
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.
BACK
164 k
3.5 k
72k
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.
BACK
03
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!
BACK
02
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!
BACK
01
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.
BACK
03
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!
BACK
01
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.
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
K. Perriello
Created on October 9, 2025
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Transcript
Fall 2025
Presentation
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
Kelly Perriello | LDT 650 | Fall 2025
start ➛
Argumentative Essay
Ask a question
Audio
continue ➛
What is an argumentive essay?
“Everything we say or do presents some kind of argument, takes some kind of position” (Bullock et al. 157).
Click continue to proceed to the next slide.
By the end of this presentation, learners will:
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
continue ➛
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
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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.
continue ➛
Developing your research question
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
Find a good research question
There are many ways to pick a topic:
- Who cares about your topic? -
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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?
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
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?
info
info
info
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
To begin thinking about your research question, complete your first journal.
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
Almost anything can be a topic. You just need to figure out a good way to look at things.
Don't limit yourself.
continue ➛
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
continue ➛
contextualize your topic
Next Steps:
Follow the link to the discussion board
To complete this module you must, you must:
home ➛
BACK
02
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.
BACK
164 k
3.5 k
72k
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.
BACK
03
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!
BACK
02
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!
BACK
01
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.
BACK
03
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!
BACK
01
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.