Argumentative Essay
This essay will require you to construct an argument for a specific position on some issue
relevant to the subject matter of the course.
1. Clear, specific thesis statement: states the position you intend to support with argument and
(usually) sketching a brief outline of the argument you intend to present. Take a definite stance:
“I think X and here is why.” not “This paper will discuss X in general terms for vague reasons.”
2. Background of the issue: a brief synopsis of the topic, which explains why the topic is
important, what the competing positions are and (possibly) their shortcomings that motivate
your support of your own position.
3. Arguments: explained in as much detail as possible or necessary to convince your reader of
the worth of your position.
4. Rebuttal section: examine possible objections to your position or contrary arguments and
show that they are wrong and your arguments are better.
5. Conclusion: make it specific to the arguments that you actually present in the paper. It should
repeat your thesis and give a short statement of the main reason your argument is more
successful than the competition/opposition.
This means no vague, wishy-washy conclusions, such as:
“In the end, it is up to everyone to decide for themselves what to think.”
“In conclusion, it seems there is no answer, or if there is no one will ever know.”
“After looking at the arguments, it seems the issue will never be resolved and
people will argue about it forever.”
6. Sources: Legitimate sources must be genuinely philosophical (sources from the social
sciences will rarely be sufficient for this assignment). Sources should also be focussed and
substantial, i.e. general surveys which skim over a number of positions superficially will not be
adequate. When in doubt, consult your instructor
Some Don’ts:
1. If your paper starts with a line like “For centuries, man has wondered about many deep subjects like
…”, try again, except be specific. An essay should be well-focussed on its subject, and if you start from
“the dawn of time…”, it will take a lot more than 4000 words to get around to saying anything.
Also, please use gender inclusive pronouns (not ‘man’, e.g.).
2. If your conclusion reads “Well, we looked at this reason and that reason for this or that, and there’s
lots of opinions on the subject, so who’s to say what’s right, but I kinda liked so-and-so’s take on it,
because … well, just because”, try again. The conclusion of an argumentative essay should state the
thesis actually argued for, and the main reason for accepting the conclusion, from the arguments
actually examined in the body of the paper. It is not the place to change the subject, introduce new
ideas, speculate or be wishy-washy.
3. Don’t hesitate to address the reader directly and tell them what you are doing in the essay. You are
trying to argue a case, and the easier and clearer it is, the more successful it is. Feel free to say things
like: “…That was the main argument given by X for her claim Y. Now let’s look at the most decisive
criticism of her position, and see if she can give a good reply…”. Any help you can give your reader is
a good thing; there’s no advantage to being hard to understand.
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