BCCC Tutoring Center
Argumentation Essays
Purpose:
1. Convince the reader
A. To convince, appeal to the reader‟s logic; provide sound reasoning, facts, statistics,
quotes, etc. “Argument to convince centers on making a case, which means offering
reasons and evidence” (Crusius and Channell 16).
B. Logos – logical appeal: “The logic relies on evidence provided for claims and on sound
reasoning” (Troyka and Hesse 156).
2. Persuade the reader
A. To persuade, appeal to the reader‟s beliefs, ethics, etc. Still make sure to provide sound
reasoning and logic. “The persuasive writer attempts to represent something „higher‟ or
„larger‟ than him- or herself – some ideal with which the reader would like to be associated”
(Crusius and Channell 17).
B. Pathos – emotional appeal: “…emotional has a specific meaning in this context: „arousing
and enlisting the emotions of the reader‟” (Troyka and Hesse 156).
C. Ethos – ethical appeal: Audiences “trust a writer who comes across as honest,
knowledgeable, and fair” (Troyka and Hesse 157).
3. Do not feel confined to only one appeal. Try to use a combination of the three that best fits
your paper.
Outline:
I. Introduction
A. Provide any background information needed, define terms, etc.
B. Provide your thesis, which needs to be debatable.
1. The thesis states your main claim and is the overall point of your essay.
2. The thesis for an argumentative essay cannot be a fact or something that people
generally agree upon – the thesis needs to be debatable, having at least two sides.
II. Counter-argument
A. Include a short paragraph that provides the opposition‟s argument.
B. Some instructors do not require a counter-argument. Check with your instructor to see
if you need to provide a counter-argument.
III. Supporting Paragraphs (including evidence)
A. Include at least three supporting paragraphs.
B. Within these paragraphs, include:
1. Explanation of your points/ reasons
2. Textual evidence (mainly for literary criticism)
3. Support of your points – evidence, facts, statistics, quotes, etc.
C. Remember that all of your points need to relate back to your thesis.
IV. Conclusion
A. Re-affirmation of argument (Holland)
B. “The writer is particularly concerned with helping the reader move from the parts back
to the big picture and to understand the importance or significance of the essay”
(Ramage and Bean 480).
