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Argument Essay a la Shmoop

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Is Beiber's Hair more awesome than Cousin It's?

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Should weekends be extended to four days instead of the measly two we currently have?

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Are dogs better than cats?

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Anyway you answered theses questions you are already in the thick of an argument.

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And hopefully you didn't tick off any cats in the process They are unforgiving creatures

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In writing, arguing has nothing to do with the decibal level of your voice!

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An argument essay persuades your reader to make a change

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It could be a mental change a different way of thinking

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Or an actual change in a poilicy or practice

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It's wide open

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Here's a classic example

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I am sixteen years old and just got my driver's license

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Therefore, I am clearly more than capable of driving your new Porshe Turbo.

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Try telling that to one of your parents and he/she will probably say, "Yea, right."

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But, give them evidence and support your claim

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Show them how you can drive in reverse in a straight line for a 100 feet

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and parrallel park a hummer into a parking spot meant for motercycles and you just might suceed in changing their mind.

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If you're presenting an argument the read must see things from your point of view

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You can't let them just brush you off because they don't agree with you right off the bat

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It's on you to persuade them by providing evidence for your arguments

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and effectively shooting down any potential counter-arguments

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Keep your tone civil and polite or your reader will toss aside your paper

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So how is this puppy organzied?

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You've got your intro, a thesis, which states the overall point of your essay,

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The body of your essay will have your supporting points,

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and finally, your conclusion in which you wrap things up neatly

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If that seems like a bit much, don't panic. Shmoop's writing guide has help and more info on these terms.

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The argument essay is the most important kind of academic essay, because most essays have a a level of argumentation even if they are not always obvious

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After all, why are you writing anything at all if it isn't to convince someone

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The personal statement that you will be writing to get into college is just an argument about how awesome you are.

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That long facebook status about how Taken 2 is the best move ever...

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That's right, you're trying to persuade your reader that the oft derided film is just misunderstood.

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If you're going to turn anyone to your side in this instance, hope you have a very particular set of skills, see what we mean?

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Now go on, argue, we can see you're chomping at the bit

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