Argument Essays

In one sense, every essay is an argument essay in that the writer is providing evidence in support of a thesis. However, writers generally see argument essays as essays that seek either a change in behavior or a re-orientation in thinking. Some argument essays offer reasons or evidence in favor of one option among several. Some argument essays debate options, offering pros and cons for each in an effort to show that one option is superior to the others. Other argument essays marshal evidence to persuade the reader to adopt a point of view or pattern of behavior contrary to the reader's normal thinking or behavior. Others present and evaluate evidence in order to reach what appears to be the best or most reasonable conclusion. Still others attempt to persuade by consensus, acknowledging the strengths of one point of view or pattern of behavior and then providing evidence to suggest that another point of view or pattern of behavior more successfully addresses the situation.

Argument essays are common to all disciplines, and students are exposed to arguments in their course reading, in their everyday lives, and in their professional careers.

One thing to remember--argument is not just contradiction as two members of the cast of Monty Python demonstrate in this short video. An argument presents carefully thought out reasons supported by evidence, presented with passion, by a responsible, knowledgeable, and honest person.