Effective Writing Strategies for Argumentative Essays

DR. LAKSHMI MUTHUKUMAR, HEAD, DEPT. OF ENGLISH, SIES, SION WEST DR. LAKSHMI MUTHUKUMAR, HEAD, DEPT. OF ENGLISH, SIES, SION WEST.

This writing strategy is commonly used in the first paragraph or the introduction of the argumentative essay. writer statement and then proceeds to elaborate or expand it by giving specific details. The begins by making a general

Sometimes writers use specific statements to begin their essays and then move towards general statements. Others may choose to progress from the general to the specific. It is the writer s prerogative to select whatever method works for the purpose.

Here the writer takes something apart for example, an issue, a process or a work. It involves the following: 1. Separate examination of the different parts of the issue or process. 2. The writer may use strategies such as cause and effect and/or comparison and contrast to closely examine the various steps in a process for instance.

This is a most useful and a very commonly used writing strategy. Here the writer takes a strong highly supporting evidence in the form of: Facts Figures Examples Logical reasons to defend that position strong position position on an issue very often a controversial issue and provides

This strategy is particularly useful when the writer wishes to explain what caused something by tracing: The effects Results consequences

In this strategy the writer sorts things according to certain categories. sorts or groups groups For example: One can analyse the student population by separating students into groups according to their streams such as Arts, Science or Commerce.

Here the writer compares and contrasts two or more things by noting similarities and differences between them. For example: A comparison of the number of cases of mercy-killing in England and Canada.

Definition Definition involves an explanation and a definition of a word, phrase or idea. Description Description involves the vivid description of something so that the reader can form a clear mental image of the object or idea.

Here the writer describes a process step by step. Process also helps in analysis analysis when, in addition to the description of a process, the writer also explains explains the the significance significance of some of the steps of the process or analyses the relationship relationship of one step to another.

Exemplification or analysis using specific examples or case studies or illustrations in order to lend weight or substance to one s argument. Listing detailed step by step attempt at explaining by indicating various aspects of an issue point by point. Exemplification involves explanation, definition Listing involves a numerical sequencing or a

In this very useful strategy, the writer tells a story in order to illustrate a point or examine an issue. This strategy is particularly useful in order to lend an emotional touch to an argument and bring in empathy or sympathy towards the issue.

Here the writer offers a historical survey by presenting chronological pattern. facts in a sequence or a For example, tracing how India achieved her independence by giving a timeline of the various events that led to our struggle for freedom.

This tool helps the writer restate and summarize his main ideas in other words. Just as a microphone amplifies sound, this strategy helps the writer get his point across to the reader by using simpler language or sometimes by just rephrasing the idea differently.

Certain domains such as Economics require statistical data in order to prove the writer s point. Motivational or self-help books often use quotations to inspire the readers.