Which statement best describes effective claim in an argumentative essay select two options?

American author Rita Mae Brown wrote a brochure called "Language Exerts Hidden Power, Like a Moon on the Tides" (2014). One interpretation of the title could be that language choices affect persuasiveness and credibility when communicating.

Similarly, effective argumentative essays use specific linguistic methods to defend a position on an issue.

Argumentative Essay Definition

What works better when trying to convince someone of something — using demands or reason? An argumentative essay relies on evidence and logic to prove that a viewpoint is valid or invalid or to convince an audience to take action. Statistics aren't always available to support beliefs (and that's where logic is helpful). Still, they need to be corroborated to be viewed as credible.

Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence

The two types of evidence used to support a thesis (claim) in an argumentative essay are qualitative and quantitative:

• Qualitative evidence is data that describes a group or theme. It answers "why" or "how" questions. Examples of qualitative data include photographs, diary entries, audio/video recordings, documents (ex: public records, calendars, articles), and case studies.
• Quantitative evidence counts or measures the amount of something. It asks "how many," "how often," or "how much." Some examples of quantitative evidence are height, temperature, amounts of time, distance, and length.

It is natural to be confident about opinions. While researching topics, be aware of bias. Don't "cherry-pick" evidence to make an opinion look more substantial than it is, or it will be quickly discredited by someone knowledgeable on the subject.

Types of Logic and Common Logical Fallacies

When taking an exam and required to write an argumentative essay, there may not be any sources available to defend a position. Using logic to formulate an argument helps guarantee it will be understandable and reliable.

Logic uses pathways to determine "good" and "bad" reasoning by examining parts of a declarative sentence to decide whether it's true or false. A logical argument is consistent (doesn't contradict itself), sound (supports its conclusion by using valid points), and complete (provable within itself).

A declarative is a sentence that makes a statement about something.

Rhetorical fallacies (also called logical fallacies) are reasoning mistakes people often make. Watch out for these logical fallacies:

• Straw-man Argument: Twists an argument into an overly simplified version of itself. An example of a straw man fallacy is saying evolution isn't real because humans evolved from monkeys, and monkeys still exist.
• Bandwagon Fallacy: Connects validity with popularity. Just because three out of four people prefer a particular soap brand doesn't mean it cleans the best.
• Faulty Causality Fallacy: Implies that because two things share a connection, one caused the other to happen. False logic would conclude that because someone wore a new shirt when they got into a car accident, the new shirt caused the accident.
• Argument From Authority Fallacy: This can happen when someone in a position of power makes claims about subjects outside their area of expertise. For example, if a veterinarian specializing in livestock wants to perform surgery on someone's pet boa constrictor, they should probably get a second opinion.

The terms "argumentative" and "persuasive" are often used interchangeably, but they are technically two different types of essays. Both argumentative and persuasive essays use evidence and logic to defend a position.

However, a persuasive essay also uses emotion to appeal to the audience. For example, if the topic were gun control, an argumentative essay would examine the issue and present facts to prove its claim. A persuasive essay would present facts and include how safe (or unsafe) guns make people feel.

Argumentative essays can be written about any polarized subject, meaning an issue that contains opposing ideas. Typical argumentative essay topic ideas fall into many categories, including current events, politics, history, and culture. Here are a few topic ideas:

• Should we look at old media through the eyes of the time or era it was created?
• Is it unethical to eat meat?
• Should the United States have used atomic bombs on Japan?
• Should parents limit screen time?
• Should the United States accept more refugees from the southern border?

Argumentative Essay Format

An effective argumentative essay is made up of five key components:

• A claim statement that can be proven or disproven. (What are the opinions that surround this issue?)
• Reasons that support the claim because they are supported by evidence. (What led someone to think this way?)
• Verifiable evidence that backs the position. (What proves the claim is valid?)
• Acknowledgement of the opposing viewpoint or counterclaim. (What does the opposite side think?)
• Rebuttals that explain how the counterclaim is incorrect. (How is their logic faulty?)

Qualifying the other side means parts of the opposing argument can't be dismissed entirely. In this case, list concessions that recognize their validity but focus on the areas they are incorrect. Words like "but" and "except" are commonly used in connection with concessions.

An argumentative essay will look like a typical essay and include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Follow the standard and begin the introduction with a hook, such as a shocking statistic or anecdote, to engage the reader.

The conclusion will usually reiterate the thesis, summarize the essay in response to the evidence provided, and possibly ask the audience to act on the issue's behalf. However, there are a couple of variations to experiment with.

When something is reiterated, it is repeated to emphasize it or make it more clear.

The Aristotelian Method is classic and straightforward. It uses a clear pathway of logic and reason to state its case. To use this form in an argumentative essay, the first thing to do is introduce the argument. Secondly, spell out its reasons. Next, explain and refute the opposing viewpoint, then provide proof. Finally, form a conclusion.

The Toulmin Method helps disprove an argument or discuss a complex issue. Start by stating the claim clearly and concisely. Next, use evidence to ground the reasons. After that, express the warrant, or assumption, that connects the claim to the reasons. Back the claim with a specific example.

The Rogerian Method is used when both sides have valid points, or the audience could support either side. Begin with an explanation of the issue. Next, discuss how the other side thinks, including their valid points. Then, assert the claim and proof. Summarize the argument by compromising to bring both sides together—end by offering an equalized conclusion.

While disproving the other side, avoid insults and a superior tone. All these will accomplish is making the argument look weak. In addition, avoid using absolutes such as "always" or "never" because they are rarely the case, so credibility will be lost.

A strong thesis statement is the cornerstone of an effective argumentative essay. If you want your position taken seriously, you need to provide a rational argument. One way to organize thoughts into a coherent claim is to brainstorm. Questions to ask include:

• How does this affect me and others?
• Why is this important?
• Are there any solutions to this issue?
• What will happen if nothing (or something) is done about this?

Similar to how a math problem can be checked by solving it in reverse, the validity of reasoning can be checked by anticipating how the other side will disagree. Arguments while alone in the shower — it's your time to shine! Go through reasons one by one and challenge them to answer "because" in a credible way.

Once everything is figured out, use the outline to play around with the argumentative essay structure. It's much less frustrating to spend some time on the organizational flow of an essay before writing than to realize halfway through constructing the essay that something should have been put in a different spot, and it saves time while proofreading, so win-win. Formulate the outline to look like this:

I. Introduction

A. Hook

B. Introduce Topic and Relate it to the Hook

C. Claim

II. Body Paragraphs (number of paragraphs included and organized to suit your needs)

A. Claim/Counterclaim/Rebuttal

B. Evidence

C. Reason/Concession

III. Conclusion

A. Summarize Main Points

B. Restate Thesis

C. Final Thought Based on Evidence Presented/Call to Action

Argumentative Essay Example

The included sample argumentative essay is an abbreviated example of an asserted claim formatted into the Aristotelian Method:

A new mid-range sofa costs between $1000 and $3000.1 Most likely, a person protects their investment by applying a stain guard, but having a pet cat can pose its own threat. It's frustrating when a cat decides to start scratching on the furniture, and some people decide the best way to avoid it is to have their cats declawed. However, declawing cats is painful for them and can eventually lead to health and behavioral issues.

The reader knows what to expect from the article because the thesis claim clearly explains its stance.

While declawing cats used to seem like an easy solution for problem scratching behavior, veterinarians have become more outspoken about its negative aspects for the past decade or so. To declaw a cat, they remove a portion of the cat's bone, which is comparable to removing the tips of a person's fingers. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, it results in lasting nerve pain that can increase over time, cause infection, or interfere with their ability to walk.2 Rather than performing life-altering elective surgery on a pet, other options are available. Trimming the cat's nails and teaching it to use a scratching post will usually protect belongings from a cat's natural scratching behavior.

The body paragraph includes a claim, evidence, and reason.

A valid argument can be made that some cats are stubborn and refuse to use a scratching post. However, it's a pet owner's responsibility to take the time to try to figure out what is causing a cat to act out destructively. The cat could have an undiagnosed health issue, or it could just take a bit of extra work to persuade the cat to choose the scratching post over the arm of the expensive couch. A point to consider is the possibility that the declawed cat will not want to use its litterbox because scratching the litter causes discomfort, so the pet owner could be creating an even bigger behavioral problem down the road.3

The body paragraph anticipates the opposing side's counterclaim. The author offers a rebuttal using evidence.

Indeed, a cat can't claw furniture if it doesn't have claws. However, there are multiple ways to steer a cat's inborn desire to scratch in a suitable direction. Making sure the cat has ways to keep itself occupied to prevent boredom and using a pheromonal diffuser to lower its stress level could deter the cat from scratching things it shouldn't. The alternative is to commit to caring for a cat with long-term nerve pain and potentially worse behavioral difficulties.

The conclusion offers solutions and restates the thesis claim as a consequence.

What words were used in the sample argumentative essay to avoid using certainties that could weaken the author's credibility? Are there any logical fallacies?

Argumentative Essay - Key takeaways

• Unlike a persuasive essay that uses emotion to sway its audience, an argumentative essay uses logic and reason to state its case.

• Evidence used to support your opinion in an argumentative essay can be grouped as qualitative or quantitative.

• A logical argument is consistent and uses valid points.

• Effective argumentative essays contain five key components: a claim, reasons, evidence, a counterclaim, and a rebuttal.

• Ask yourself questions and challenge your beliefs to construct a compelling argument.

1 Benedetti, Ginevra. "How Much Should I Spend on a Sofa? Price Up the Perfect Sofa to Last You a Lifetime." Homesandgardens. 2021.

2 American Association of Feline Practitioners. "2017 Declawing Statement." Catvets. 2017.

An argumentative essay relies on evidence and logic to prove that a viewpoint is valid or invalid or to convince an audience to take action.  

The five parts of an argumentative essay are its claim, reasons, evidence, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

An example of an argumentative essay is "The Pleasure Principle" by Phillip Larkin

An argumentative essay can be written about any polarized subject, such as:

• Should we look at old media through the eyes of when it was created?
• Is it unethical to eat meat?
• Should the United States have used atomic bombs on Japan?
• Should parents limit screen time?
• Should the United States accept more refugees from the southern border?

An argumentative essay can be structured into three formats:

• Aristotelian
• Toulmin
• Rogerian

Question

According to Aristotle, which of the following is NOT a way to present an argument

Answer

Question

Which other type of argument would be most closely related to logos?

Answer

Question

Which of the following is not a necessary component of a good argument?

Answer

There is only one possible answer or solution

Question

How many steps are there in the basic structure of an argument?

Question

How is the Rogerian method of argument different from the others?

Answer

The Rogerian method of argument does not try to convince the audience of their stance, and instead looks for common ground.

Question

What is the foundation of the argument when writing an essay?

Answer

Question

Of the following, which is not a recommended strategy for removing bias from an argument?

Answer

Only talk about unimportant things

Question

What is required to find support for an argument?

Answer

Question

Which step to the basic argument structure is missing?

• Introduction
• Narration
• Confirmation
• Summation

Answer

Question

Which method of argument is best used to show the facts of an argument?

Answer

Question

In a Toulmin-style argument, what is necessary to support the claim?

Answer

Question

Which component of an Artistotelian argument appeals to the emotions of the audience?

Answer

Question

What is the definition of an argument?

Answer

An argument is a reason for either supporting or challenging a topic under discussion.

Question

What is missing if an argument is based solely on someone's opinion?

Answer

Question

What is the goal of the Rogerian method of argument?

Answer

To find common ground, or consensus on the subject

Question

What is an emotional argument?

Answer

An emotional argument is a means by which an audience might be persuaded of a particular argument by appealing to commonly held emotions.

Question

How could you avoid an emotional argument?

Answer

Avoid emotional arguments by focusing on evidence and concrete details of the argument.

Question

Which is an example of a negative emotion?

Answer

Question

Which of the following is most closely related to emotional arguments?

Answer

Question

True or false, it is possible to use a combination of ethos, logos and pathos in one single argument.

Answer

Question

Which of the following is NOT a cognitive faculty?

Answer

Question

What does an emotional argument add to an argumentative essay?

Answer

It makes the topic feel more personal to the audience

Question

Why might you want to avoid emotional arguments?

Answer

Avoid emotional appeals in instances where the audience might have extremely opposing views and/ or emotional exhaustion

Question

What are the two things to  do/ consider before crafting your emotional argument?

Answer

• Identify your intended audience
• Understand commonly held emotions on the topic

Question

Which emotional appeal technique uses words and phrases that appeal to the five senses of your audience?

Answer

Vivid details and imagery

Question

What should you do if you cannot identify an opportunity for an emotional argument in your essay?

Answer

Question

Which prewriting exercise involves mapping out your argument, either with word trees or word association?

Answer

Question

Which philosopher outlined the three methods of persuasion?

Answer

Question

Finish the sentence: Emotional arguments are an effective tool for writing ________ essays.

Answer

Question

Which of the following focuses most on the reader?

Answer

Question

What is an Argumentative Essay? 

Answer

An Argumentative essay relies on evidence and logic to prove that a viewpoint is valid or invalid or to convince an audience to take action. 

Question

How are an argumentative and persuasive essay different? 

Answer

An argumentative and persuasive essay are different because, in addition to using logic and evidence, a persuasive essay uses emotion to sway its audience. 

Question

What are the five parts of an argumentative essay?

Answer

Question

True or False: You should always use words like "all" or "everyone" to show the audience you have a strong argument.

Answer

False: Using certainties in your argument is an opportunity for the other side to discredit your reasoning. 

Question

What should you do if the other side has valid points?

Answer

If there are valid points to the opposing view, acknowledge (qualify) them using concessions.

Question

What are the three argumentative essay formats?

Answer

Question

True or False: If most people agree with something, it's a valid argument.

Answer

False: Relying on popularity to prove validity is a logical fallacy known as the Bandwagon Fallacy.  

Question

True or False: You should allow evidence to disprove the other side rather than sarcasm or insults.

Answer

True: Using an unprofessional tone when disproving a different viewpoint damages your credibility. 

Question

What is it called when someone twists your argument into a simplified version of itself?

Answer

A Strawman Fallacy twists an argument into a simplified version of itself.

Question

How does asking yourself questions and questioning your beliefs help?

Answer

Asking yourself questions and questioning your beliefs helps you write a compelling claim. 

Question

What is an ethical argument?

Answer

An argument based on ethics that evaluates whether an idea is morally right or wrong

Question

Answer

Moral principles that guide a person's behavior and beliefs

Question

What are ethical principles?

Answer

Rules which govern behavior and decision-making

Question

What are two types of ethical arguments?

Answer

Ethical arguments based on principles and ethical arguments based on consequences

Question

Which of the following is NOT an ethical argument based on principles?

Answer

Physician-assisted suicide is right because it leads to the following positive consequences: individuals have more control over end-of-life decisions and physicians can provide care better aligned with the patient’s quality of life.

Question

Which of the following is an argument based on principles?

Answer

Physician-assisted suicide is wrong because it violates Kant’s moral theory about human life.

Question

Which of the following is NOT used to make ethical arguments from principles?

Answer

Question

What is the correct reason an ethical argument based on consequences would be effective for a diverse audience?

Answer

An ethical argument based on consequences will not alienate audience members who have different moral beliefs.

Question

An ethical argument based on principles would be most effective to which type of audience?

Answer

An ethical argument based on principles will be most effective to audience members who share similar moral beliefs.

Question

Which of the following statements is NOT written as an ethical argument?  

Answer

Public health officials should study the effects of gun control regulations to gain data on how these regulations impact public health.

Page 2

Every essay is an opportunity to share an original idea on a subject about which you have some knowledge. Sometimes you only just gained that knowledge—as in a free response question paired with a reading segment during an exam—and other times you’ll be writing about a subject that you have studied for years and know like the back of your hand. In either case, writing a five-paragraph essay can serve as a useful tool for communicating your thoughts to an academic audience.

5 Paragraph Essay: What Is It?

A five-paragraph essay is a prose composition that follows the basic structure of five paragraphs. It includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Often critiqued for being too formulaic, the five-paragraph essay is an essential tool in every writer's toolkit and is especially handy on timed writing assignments and exams.

Why is this format best for writing timed essays? During an exam, you might be asked to write an essay, and you may have only just learned some of the details about the subject. You likely won’t have time to draft a uniquely formatted, in-depth analysis in the time you are given. That’s where the five-paragraph structure comes into play; you can use it as a vehicle to get your main idea across to the reader and not spend precious time on how to structure your essay.

This essay format can also be thought of as a building block for almost every type of essay you could write. It is built on a thesis statement and uses the main pieces of support, which are formatted into segments (or paragraphs), to uphold your thesis. This approach can be expanded based on however much support or analysis is appropriate for your essay.

The key principle of this familiar structure is to organize your perspective or claim in a way that is logical and easy for your reader to understand.

You can use the five-paragraph format for writing any of the five styles of essay: argumentative, descriptive, narrative, informative, and persuasive. Think of this approach as not merely an essay structure, but also a means to adapt your writing and strengthen your composition skills for any future assignment.

5 Paragraph Essay Structure

Sometimes the five-paragraph essay is referred to as the hamburger of essays. That’s not because it’s cheesy, but rather because of how it is built—like a hamburger with a beginning (bun), middle segmented into separate parts (hamburger patty, lettuce, condiments, etc.), and end (bun).

Below is the basic structure of a five-paragraph essay:

1. Introduction

   1. Hook

   2. Background information

   3. Thesis

2. Body paragraph 1

   1. Topic sentence

      1. Supporting details

      2. Examples

3. Body paragraph 2

   1. Topic sentence

      1. Supporting details

      2. Examples

4. Body paragraph 3

   1. Topic sentence

      1. Supporting details

      2. Examples

5. Conclusion

   1. Rephrased Thesis

   2. Call to action

The paragraphs below break down each section to show how it functions within the whole essay.

Introduction

The introduction serves several purposes, all of which are important and should not be forgotten or glossed-over. Remember, this is the "bun" to the hamburger and without it, the whole thing falls apart. The introduction starts with a statement to get your readers’ attention—this is called a hook.

The Hook

A hook can take the form of a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote; it grabs your reader and pulls their interest into the topic.

Hook as a Question: Have you ever stood at the edge of the crashing waves in the ocean and wondered how far out it goes?

Hook as a Quote: Clarence Joshua Tuttle once said, “Why do we call this planet Earth, when it would more aptly be called Ocean?"

Hook as a Statistic: About 71% of the face of the earth is covered by water, and the oceans hold about 96.5% of earth’s water.

Hook as an Anecdote: As a child, I used to gaze at the line where the horizon met the sea and wonder how it could stretch on for infinity.

In addition to the hook catching your reader’s attention, your introduction should also contain background information on the topic to give your reader context.

Without some kind of explanation about the topic’s background, you risk your reader not having the full picture, or worse, not understanding what you’re talking about at all.

You don’t have to include too much background explanation for your five-paragraph essay. Usually a couple of sentences will suffice to give the necessary context.

Lastly, your introduction needs your thesis statement, which is arguably the most important part of the essay.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a single sentence that explains your main argument for the entire essay. You don’t have to pack every point you’re going to make into the thesis, but your thesis should be a clarified version of the main point.

The vast majority of our planet is covered in water, so there needs to be more awareness about the impact of global warming on Earth's oceans and the wildlife therein.

The thesis should be stated near the end of the first paragraph. It should be supported by details and evidence in the following paragraphs.

3 Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are the meat of your five-paragraph essay (literally, remember the hamburger—the body paragraphs are the juicy middle). You can use more than three paragraphs if you have more points that need to be discussed, but typically no less than three.

You can consider each of your body paragraphs to be one piece of support for your thesis. The first sentence of each paragraph should be the topic sentence for that paragraph, and can act like a mini-thesis. It will state the main idea of that particular paragraph, and the rest of the paragraph will dive into further explanation by including examples and supporting details.

Your body paragraphs should look something like this:

• Paragraph 1: First piece of support

  • Topic sentence

    • Supporting details

    • Examples

• Paragraph 2: Second piece of support

  • Topic sentence

    • Supporting details

    • Examples

• Paragraph 3: Third piece of support

  • Topic sentence

    • Supporting details

    • Examples

Conclusion

Your five-paragraph essay should not end abruptly; it should include a short summary that will wrap up your argument and/or observation on the topic, just like the bottom bun of the hamburger. Provide a brief summary, and then remind your audience of your thesis statement.

By restating or rephrasing your thesis, you are reminding your audience that in the body of the essay you explained everything you said you would way back in your introduction.

The last thing your conclusion needs is something to bring the topic back into the reader’s world. Make them remember why it’s relevant. This could be a call to action, warning, provocative question, or something to evoke emotion in the reader.

Call to action

Because of [insert main idea], you should take [X] action.

Warning

If you (or we) don’t do [X thing], [X consequence] will happen.

Provocative question

What do you think will happen if [X] continues (or ceases. Whatever is relevant to your main point.)?

Evocative statement

Could be a quote or anything you think will stir the emotions of the reader on the subject.

With the basic structure of a five-paragraph essay in mind, you can begin the process of making an outline.

An outline is simply a plan for your essay, and it’s important to create one so you know how to organize your ideas. Without an outline, you’re likely to ramble or wander all over your topic without fully developing your main point.

Below are the essential steps to drafting an outline for your five paragraph essay.

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is brainstorm the topic; look for associations you may already have and keep the assignment or prompt in the front of your mind.

How to brainstorm a topic: Brainstorming is a strategy for coming up with ideas and content for your essay. Brainstorming can be anything from creating word associations, to freewriting, to making lists, to drawing a venn diagram, or whatever makes sense for you so that you can break down the topic and pick out what you have to say.

Sort through whatever you come up with in the brainstorming process, and pick out something that you find important or something you can elaborate.

Step 2

Next, you need to draft a thesis statement. As previously stated, your thesis is the guide for your essay—especially so in a five-paragraph essay—because your thesis introduces the ideas of your body paragraphs.

Take whatever piece of the puzzle you came up with after brainstorming, and work it into a single statement that makes a claim on the topic.

The thesis statement of your five-paragraph essay should contain a claim of some sort about the subject. It should an original thought, and not be a restating of known facts.

Step 3

Now, apply the basic structure of a five-paragraph essay to your topic. An outline typically uses numbers as a way to organize the essay. Each point can be a key word or phrase; you don’t need to use whole sentences in an outline.

Organize the paragraphs by the main points that support your thesis, then include subpoints, or pieces of evidence, to explain the topic sentence of that paragraph.

5 Paragraph Essay Example: The Outline

Here’s an example of a five-paragraph essay outline:

1. Introduction

   1. Hook: Children are no longer growing up walking to the candy store around the corner or sharing root beer floats at the local diner with kids they’ve known their entire lives. They aren’t even growing up in an innocent world like when Super Mario Brothers was the most popular video game.

   2. Background: The world has changed rapidly in the last fifty years.

   3. Thesis: Because of violence in video games, movies, social media, and increased pressure from peers, being a parent today is much more difficult than it was a generation ago.

2. Body paragraph 1

   1. Topic sentence: The progression of technology has given children more entertainment, but it has also decreased their attention spans, making it much more difficult to keep them on task.

      1. Supporting detail: Music, video games, and social media are all easily accessible on phones or computers.

      2. Supporting detail: Research shows that excessive screen time for children can drastically affect their attention span and even brain development.

3. Body paragraph 2

   1. Topic sentence: Not only do parents have to be aware of the effects of constant screen usage, it means they must also be vigilant about their children being exposed to inappropriate material.

      1. Supporting detail: In film

      2. Supporting detail: On television

      3. Supporting detail: Online

4. Body paragraph 3

   1. Topic sentence: Children are now often exposed to dangerous situations during their daily lives or via the media.

      1. Supporting detail: Access to drugs & alcohol

      2. Supporting detail: Violent crimes (school shootings, etc.)

5. Conclusion

   1. Rephrased Thesis statement: Society and media have a huge impact on children’s lives and have worked together to make parenting extremely difficult, now more than ever.

   2. Call to action: Because of these changes, it is up to parents to remain present so we can be aware of and sensitive to all these challenges facing our children.

With your outline in hand, it’s now time to write your five-paragraph essay! The beauty of this process is that your argument is now fully mapped out, and you know exactly what you need to say.

The first thing to do is nail down your thesis statement. Again, the body of your essay hinges on the main point contained in your essay, so you need to be certain of that before you proceed. Next, you can start to put together your body paragraphs.

5 Paragraph Essay Transitions

Be sure you include transitions between paragraphs, otherwise, your essay will feel very robotic and will not be enjoyable to read. Transitions help to show the relationship between thoughts as you move from one to another.