Argumentative Essay Structure and Research

Argumentative and expository essays share similarities.
Argumentative essays require more pre-writing (invention) and research.
Argumentative essays are often assigned as capstone projects in advanced composition courses.
They involve extensive and detailed research.
Expository essays involve less research and are shorter.
Expository essays are used for in-class writing exercises (e.g., GED, GRE).

Argumentative essays require extensive research of literature or previously published material.
Assignments may involve empirical research (interviews, surveys, observations, experiments).
Research helps students understand different viewpoints.
Students choose a position and support it with evidence.
Regardless of research type, essays need a clear thesis and sound reasoning.

Thesis Statement:
- Clear, concise, and defined.
- Located in the first paragraph.
First Paragraph:
- Set context by reviewing the topic generally.
- Explain the topic's importance (exigence).
- Present the thesis statement (narrowed appropriately).
- Mastering this is crucial for an effective essay.
Transitions:
- Clear and logical transitions between introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Transitions connect ideas between sections.
- Without transitions, the essay's structure collapses.
- Wrap up the previous idea and introduce the next.
Body Paragraphs:
- Each paragraph limited to one general idea for clarity.
- Conciseness enhances readability.
- Each paragraph must logically connect to the thesis statement.
- Some paragraphs directly support the thesis with evidence.
- Explain how and why evidence supports the thesis (warrant).
- Consider and explain differing viewpoints.

Requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information.
Support the thesis and consider other viewpoints.
Use factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence.
Consider multiple viewpoints when collecting evidence.
Acknowledge opinions not aligned with the thesis.
It is unethical to exclude evidence that doesn't support the thesis.
Explain why other positions may not be well-informed or up-to-date, rather than dismissing them outright.
It is important to make sure the essay is effective and logical