Argumentative Essay/Commentary
From the University of Purdue’s Online Writing Lab (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/):
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that s/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
Handouts:
- Argument Essays: Getting Started
- Developing Paragraphs
- Finding Academic Journals
- Logical Fallacies
- Research Writing
General Resources:
- Argument: UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center's online handout in argument.
- Types of Argument
- Writing Arguments: An Overview: Comprehensive guide from Colorado State University's Writing Studio
- Sample Argument Essays
- Prompts for Argument Essays: 301 ideas from the New York Times
- Argument: Main page for several argument sources from Oregon State University
- Using Rhetorical Strategies for Persuasion
Rhetorical Appeals (Logos, Pathos, Ethos)
- Examples of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: Numerous examples of each appeal from YourDictionary
- The Rhetorical Situation: Purdue OWL's discussion of Aristotle's three appeals and use of telos and kairos
- Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Advertising: YouTube video
- Ethos, Pathos, Logos: YouTube video
Toulmin Argument
- Toulmin Method: An extensive online guide from Colorado State University on using the Toulmin method of argumentation
- Toulmin Method of Analyzing Arguments: PowerPoint that defines and offers examples for Toulmin method
- Definition of the Toulmin Method: Adaptation of a chapter on Toulmin's approach to argument
- Toulmin Argument (Aims of Argument): YouTube video
Rogerian Argument
- Rogerian Argument: Information on definition and format of argument
- Rogerian Argument Example: YouTube Video
- Rogerian Argument: YouTube Video
Counter Arguments/Perspectives
- Counter Argument: Overview provided by Harvard College
- Writing Counter Argument Paragraphs: YouTube video
- Rhetorical Fallacies