Argumentative Essays
Argu1nentative Essays
Mani stones, Nepal
An argumentative essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with an issue, using reasons to support your opinion. Your goal is to convince your reader that your opinion is right. Argumentation is a popular kind of essay question because it forces students to think on their own: They have to take a stand on an issue, support their stand with solid reasons, and support their reasons with solid evidence. In a general writing test such as the TOEFL exam, you might encounter questions such as these:
The U.S. Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal." Agree or disagree with this statement. Support your opinion with reasons and examples. The most important element in a friendship is trust. Agree or disagree with this statement. Support your opinion with reasons and examples.
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Chapte1· 9 I Argumentative Essays 143
In an academic class, your instructor might ask questions such as these:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Some cities in the United States and the United Kingdom have passed laws establishing curfews for young people. Young people (usually age I 7 and younger) may not be out on the streets after 9 or 10 P.M. Do you agree or disagree with such curfews? Stem cell research offers a potential cure for many fatal diseases. Many people oppose stem cell research because it involves using cells from human embryos. Do you agree or disagree that stem cell research should be prohibited? Companies that do business abroad sometimes find that local business practices include activities considered unethical at home-offering gifts of money or awarding contracts to family members, for example. Should companies go along with local business practices in order to become successful, or should they refuse to do so and risk failure as a result?
HEALTH SCIENCES
BUSINESS ETHICS
What is unique about an argumentative essay is that you do not just give reasons to support your point of view. You must
Mani stones, Nepal
An argumentative essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with an issue, using reasons to support your opinion. Your goal is to convince your reader that your opinion is right. Argumentation is a popular kind of essay question because it forces students to think on their own: They have to take a stand on an issue, support their stand with solid reasons, and support their reasons with solid evidence. In a general writing test such as the TOEFL exam, you might encounter questions such as these:
The U.S. Declaration of Independence states that "all men are created equal." Agree or disagree with this statement. Support your opinion with reasons and examples. The most important element in a friendship is trust. Agree or disagree with this statement. Support your opinion with reasons and examples.
142
Chapte1· 9 I Argumentative Essays 143
In an academic class, your instructor might ask questions such as these:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Some cities in the United States and the United Kingdom have passed laws establishing curfews for young people. Young people (usually age I 7 and younger) may not be out on the streets after 9 or 10 P.M. Do you agree or disagree with such curfews? Stem cell research offers a potential cure for many fatal diseases. Many people oppose stem cell research because it involves using cells from human embryos. Do you agree or disagree that stem cell research should be prohibited? Companies that do business abroad sometimes find that local business practices include activities considered unethical at home-offering gifts of money or awarding contracts to family members, for example. Should companies go along with local business practices in order to become successful, or should they refuse to do so and risk failure as a result?
HEALTH SCIENCES
BUSINESS ETHICS
What is unique about an argumentative essay is that you do not just give reasons to support your point of view. You must