Have you ever tried writing an argumentative paper only to end up writing a document of a different sort? Have you ever tried submitting what you thought was an argumentative paper to your professor only to be remarked “I asked for an argumentative paper, this is not an argumentative paper, you fail.”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people don’t know the difference between an argumentative paper, an analytical paper, a toilet paper or other sorts of report. As you finish reading this article, you would learn how to write an argumentative paper in no time flat. It is simpler than you think; you just have to know the distinct characteristics of an argumentative paper and the basic parts of an argumentative paper. Both of these would be discussed in this article.
What is an argumentative paper?
An argumentative paper’s most distinct characteristic from any other report is that an argumentative paper takes a stand on a particular topic, that’s it. To better understand this, picture any topic, any topic at all. Every topic/issue has at least two perspectives right? “There are always two sides to every coin” as they say (i.e. up and down, in or out, black or white or grey or yellow or orange, man or woman, positive and negative, John or Paul or George or Ringo, at least two sides to everything). An argumentative paper favors one side over the other/s and the bulk of your paper should be aimed at defending that side. It’s as simple as that.
What are the basic parts of an argumentative paper?
Ok, to better understand what comprises an argumentative paper, let’s relate it to something I’m sure you’re quite familiar with – conversations. Conversations you’re your friend, family member, whoever. Imagine yourself talking with someone about a certain issue.
First, you have to set the topic. What would the conversation be about? This would be your thesis statement. You have to take note though, that your thesis statement should be stated in a way that is favoring a particular side of that issue (i.e. you know orange is the best color there is or among the 30 NBA teams, the Miami Heat is the best).
Now, not everybody knows what you’re talking about right? Without anything, you would only get blank stares. Not everybody would be familiar with the story you’re trying to share, so you have to provide some background. You have to put the topic/story into perspective. The second component of an argumentative paper does just this and it’s called the context. Here is when you give a short background about the topic you’re going to discuss.
Before we move on, it’s a good idea to put the thesis statement and the context background in just one paragraph. That would give the readers a complete idea on what you are going to discuss. Now let’s go to the next one.
Now, you know that if you declare favor for a particular side, you have to back it up. This is the part that you answer the question “really now, why do you say so?” And it goes without saying that here is the part you have to provide a reason. Yes, “a” reason. You may have many reasons for your statement, but you provide only one reason at this time. I’ll expound on this later. But for now, you must provide one reason plus the supporting data to support that reason.
Ok, now you and I both know that not everyone you talk to would agree with you. People would have an objection to your reason. Since you’re writing a paper, the paper won’t object to your reason. You have to play the other side and write the objection yourself. To write this section, you have to use your imagination or let someone else read your paper and point out an objection. An important note, strong objections separate a good argumentative paper from a bad argumentative paper. You know the saying, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Now, since you’re defending a particular side, you won’t that objection get in your way right? You have to have a counter-response to that objection. This is where you say why the objection is uncalled for, false or weak and explain why your reason is better. So if you overcame a very strong objection with a good counter-response, you make a very good argument and argumentative paper.
Now we go back to the part I promised to expound earlier which is the reason component. You may have many reasons to support your claim and I told you to state only one reason earlier. It’s because it helps to follow a reason, objection, and counter-response format. So you state your second reason, objection for reason two, and counter-response for objection two, then you write your third reason, and so on and so forth. Do this until you are finished with all of your reasons.
Lastly, end with a conclusion; summarize everything you just said prior in a single paragraph. Leave out the details, just write what were discussed and you’re done with your argumentative paper. Just check for spelling and grammatical errors and you’re sure to get an “A.”
It takes a person at least a week to write out a pretty decent argumentative paper. Research, consolidating the data, writing the draft, editing, etc. takes a lot of time, even for a seasoned veteran. If your deadline is within the next 6 days, then you’re really dead. Got a Term Paper Deadline to Meet – Your Last Chance Here
"A" paper 