Argument Essay

00:24

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

00:27

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

00:35

An argument essay persuades your reader to make a change

00:38

It could be a mental change a different way of thinking

00:42

Or an actual change in a poilicy or practice

00:46

It's wide open

00:48

Here's a classic example

00:50

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

00:53

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

00:59

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

01:04

But, give them evidence and support your claim

01:06

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

01:09

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

01:16

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

01:20

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

01:25

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

01:29

and effectively shooting down any potential counter-arguments

01:33

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

01:40

So how is this puppy organzied?

01:42

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

01:46

The body of your essay will have your supporting points,

01:50

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

01:53

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

01:59

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

02:08

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

02:13

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

02:20

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

02:26

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

02:33

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?

02:42

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