Argumentative Essay: Counterarguments

Argumentative Essay: Outline

5 Paragraph Essay

1. Introduction

a. Hook

b. Bridge (Background Information)

c. Thesis

2. Body Paragraph - Reason 1

a. Topic Sentence - Claim

b. Textual Evidence – Explanation

c. Textual Evidence – Explanation

d. Reasoning

3. Body Paragraph - Reason 2

a. Topic Sentence -Claim

b. Textual Evidence – Explanation

c. Textual Evidence – Explanation

d. Reasoning

4. Body Paragraph - Opposing Arguments Reason

a. Topic Sentence (Claim)

b. Textual Evidence for opposing arguments reason – Explanation

c. Rebuttal

d. Textual Evidence for Rebuttal – Explanation

5. Conclusion

a. Restate Claim (Thesis)

b. "So What" Statement

"Is social media more beneficial or risky for teenage students?"

Unit 7 Overview

In an argumentative essay, the conclusion is a vital element that provides a final verdict on the topic under discussion. It summarizes the main points and reinforces the thesis statement, offering the reader a clear perspective. Effective writing demands the proper use of language, particularly active and passive voice. Active voice is preferable as it provides a clear and direct message to the reader, while passive voice obscures the message. Before writing an argumentative essay, it is essential to reread the two articles to ensure a thorough understanding of the topic. Analyzing a sample argumentative essay can also provide a better understanding of the structure and style used in crafting an argumentative essay.

(Argumentative Essay final draft will be submitted in Unit 9)

Conclusion

(Your conclusion will be one paragraph for your argumentative essay.)

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body. A conclusion is the final paragraph of your essay. It's the last chance to leave an impression on your reader.

Conclusions in argumentative essays have two parts.

1. Restate your argument.

The restatement should summarize your thesis and topic sentences to remind readers of the main points of your essay. Remember to repeat the same words from your thesis and topic sentences! Express your main points in a new language to make your conclusion more interesting for your readers.

Below is an example of restating your argument based on a thesis statement.

2. "so what?" statement

Your "so what?" statement should drive your argument home by showing readers why your thesis matters. Try suggesting an action for readers to take, warning them about the consequence of ignoring your thesis, or appealing to their emotions.

Below is an example of a "so what?" statement based on a thesis statement.

Let's Practice

Don't distract readers by introducing new evidence or reasoning in your conclusion! Instead, use your body paragraphs to present new ideas and your conclusion to summarize or reflect on those ideas.
Your conclusion should leave readers with a sense of closure. Your readers should feel that the essay has ended and left them with an action to take or a question to consider.

Active and Passive Voice

Have you ever noticed how some parts of your writing pop while others don't? You can improve those dull sentences if you take a moment to consider the active and passive voices.

There are two voices in writing: Active and Passive.

Active Voice

In the active voice, the subject of a sentence acts like "Neil Armstrong walked on the moon."

The active voice is direct, clear, and easy to read. In active voice sentences, the subject is doing the action. This is usually clearer for readers to understand.

An astronaut stands on the moon, with a caption reading "Neil Armstrong walked on the moon."

Passive Voice

In the passive voice, the subject is acted upon, like "The moon was walked on by Neil Armstrong."

Although the passive voice is still grammatically correct, it typically doesn't carry the same energy or clarity as the active voice.

Its structure can feel clumsy and unnatural, which makes your writing harder to read. It also tends to use more words than the active voice. Over the course of a document, all those extra words can make your writing drag.

You should use the active voice more often than the passive in writing. This will help keep your writing snappy and efficient.

Two halves labelled 'Active' and 'Passive', with the 'Active' half taking most of the space.

Creating Active Voice Sentences

A subject is part of the sentence doing an action or being something.

A sentence is in the active voice if the subject is doing the action.

Example: Aya juggled three rubber chickens. In this sentence, "Aya" is the subject and "juggled" is the verb, or the action.

In the example above, the subject—Aya—is doing the juggling.

A sentence is in the passive voice if an action is being done to the subject.

Example: Three rubber chickens were juggled by Aya. In this sentence, "three rubber chickens" is the subject and "were juggled" is the verb, or the action.

In the second example, the subject—the rubber chickens—didn’t do the juggling. Aya did the juggling to the rubber chickens.

Sentences in the passive voice include a version of the verb "to be," such as "is," "was," or "being."

Let’s Practice

Argumentative Text

Start by rereading the two article titles: "This Muslim-American Teen Turned his Suffering into a Full-fledged Battle against Stereotypes" and "Why Young Adults Are Taking a More Mindful Approach to Social Media."

Be sure you do the following as you are reading:

1. Review any notes or annotations from the first time you read the articles. This can help refresh your memory of each article's key ideas and evidence.

2. Pay attention to any new insights or details you may have missed the first time you read the articles. Rereading can often reveal new information or help deepen your understanding of the material.

3. Consider any questions or areas of confusion you had the first time you read the articles. Rereading can provide an opportunity to clarify any uncertainties and better understand the material.

4. Compare and contrast the two articles more closely. Pay attention to similarities and differences in the evidence presented, the arguments made, and the overall tone and perspective of the authors.

5. After rereading, reflect on what you have learned and how the articles have impacted your understanding of social media and its effects on the mind. Consider any implications for your own social media use and habits.

Analyzing a Sample Argumentative Essay

You are about to read a sample argumentative essay. As you are reading, remember the structure of your argumentative essay:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2: Body Paragraph – Reason One

Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph – Reason Two

Paragraph 4: Body Paragraph – Counterargument

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Below is a list of argumentative key terms. Study the list before reading the sample essay.

UNIT 6 KEY TERMS These terms will appear throughout the unit. Use this reference sheet as needed.
Argument	A genre of writing where the writer conveys their position on a topic and uses research, evidence, and reasoning to persuade others
Audience	The group of people that a piece of writing, media, or art is intended for
Claim	The main argument of the essay. All of the reasons and evidence support the claim. Sometimes called the thesis.
Counterclaim	A point made by the opposing side in an argument
Rebuttal	Reasoning and evidence that attempts to disprove or point out weaknesses in the counterclaim
Refute	To prove an idea is wrong or false; disprove

Click here to read the sample argumentative essay.

Let’s Practice