Structure of an Argumentative Essay

These flashcards cover key concepts and structures related to argumentative essays, including their components, various types of arguments, and tips for effective writing and revision.

What are the four pillars of an argumentative essay?

Thesis, Evidence, Refutation, Concluding Statement

What are the 3 main parts of an argumentative essay?

Introduction, Body, Conclusion

Where should background information go in an argumentative essay?

After the introduction

What is the purpose of the conclusion in an argumentative essay?

To reinforce the thesis with a strong statement

What is inductive structure?

Specific examples that lead to a general conclusion.

What is deductive structure?

A general idea that leads to a specific conclusion.

What is stasis theory?

A method to focus your argument by asking key questions.

What does a 'definition argument' focus on?

Defining key concepts.

What does a 'cause-and-effect argument' focus on?

Causes and results of an issue.

What does an 'evaluation argument' do?

Judges whether something is good or bad.

What is an 'ethical argument'?

Focuses on whether something is right or wrong.

What is a 'proposal argument'?

Suggests a course of action.

How do you show you're well-informed in an argumentative essay?

Do research and know both sides of the issue.

How do you show you're reasonable in an argumentative essay?

Avoid attacking others; use calm and fair language.

How do you show you're fair in presenting your argument?

Avoid bias and misrepresenting evidence.

What is slanting evidence?

Only using facts that support your side.

Why should you avoid quoting out of context?

It misrepresents someone’s true position.

What’s a logical fallacy?

A flaw in reasoning that weakens your argument.

Why should you avoid phrases like 'in my opinion'?

They weaken your authority and confidence.

What should every body paragraph start with?

A topic sentence.

How should points be arranged in an argumentative essay?

From least to most important.

When should you use transitions in your writing?

Between sentences and paragraphs.

Why is parallelism important in writing?

It makes your ideas easier to follow.

Give an example of a causal transition.

Because, As a result, For this reason.

Give a transition to show addition.

Also, Furthermore, In addition.

How do you introduce a refutation?

However, Nevertheless, Still.

What is a formal outline?

A detailed plan that shows the structure of your essay.

Why is a formal outline helpful?

It helps organize ideas logically before writing.

What should be included in your draft?

Thesis, supporting points, counterarguments, conclusion.

What’s the goal of revision?

To improve structure and content, not just fix grammar.

Name a question to ask during revision.

Does my essay have a clear thesis?

Why get peer feedback on your essay?

To get different perspectives and helpful suggestions.

What four elements must your argumentative essay about school uniforms include to be strong?

Thesis, Evidence, Refutation, Concluding Statement.

Where should historical information about school uniforms go in your essay?

In a background paragraph after the introduction.

If you start with 'All students should feel equal,' then argue that uniforms create equality, what structure is this?

Deductive structure.

If you're writing about video game addiction and focus on what causes it and what happens because of it, what kind of argument are you making?

Cause-and-effect argument.

If you're writing about animal shelters and arguing that it’s morally wrong to euthanize healthy animals, what type of argument is this?

Ethical argument.

If you're writing about electric cars and arguing the government should give more incentives, what kind of argument are you making?

Proposal argument.

In your essay about recycling, mentioning working at a recycling center establishes what?

That you’re well-informed.

By starting your counterargument with 'We all want a cleaner planet,' what are you establishing?

Common ground (being reasonable).

Saying, 'People who don’t recycle are just ignorant' creates what problem?

It makes you seem unfair and disrespectful.

If you only include sources that agree with you and ignore strong arguments against your position, what’s the issue?

You’re slanting the evidence.

If you quote someone as saying, 'The environment is a minor concern,' but they actually said, 'While some think the environment is a minor concern, I strongly disagree,' what's wrong?

You quoted out of context.

What’s the danger in using emotional appeal like 'If we don’t act now, future generations will live in disaster and chaos'?

It might be seen as an unfair appeal to fear.

By beginning your paragraph with 'First, uniforms increase focus,' what writing skill are you using?

Topic sentence and transition (sequence).

Writing, 'Although uniforms can be costly, they promote equality among students' shows what?

Subordination and a subordinating conjunction (Although).

In, 'Uniforms help schools by reducing bullying, promoting unity, and increasing safety,' what writing device is used?

Parallelism (items in a series).

If you realize your strongest point is in the middle of the essay while revising, what should you do?

Move it to the end of the body paragraphs for emphasis.

Why should you define 'eco-friendly' based on your peer review partner's suggestion?

Because key terms should be clearly defined.

What should you change if you realize you sound unsure when you say, 'I think uniforms are good'?

Remove qualifiers — say it with confidence!