An argumentative essay is a free-topic text whose objective is to convince or persuade the reader of the ideas presented. Its purpose is to incite in the reader an inclination towards the author's opinion. In this video we will explain what an argumentative essay is, its characteristics, structure and we will give you an example. But if you want to learn more you can visit the description link on lifeder.com. An argumentative essay will always contain elements of an expository essay, since it needs to explain its position regarding a certain problem or topic. The author, through coherently exposed concepts, will try to justify and demonstrate his reasons. Arguing is that, defending the ideas that have been exposed in the essay in a logical and orderly way. The author can even present contrary premises to dismantle them with his reasons, and give more strength to his argument. The important thing about this type of essay is the author's point of view, and the way in which he approaches the argument. They are usually of an academic nature and have a free theme, as already said, since they reflect the personal opinion of the author, where he tries to demonstrate its validity. In any case, regardless of whether or not it manages to convince the reader, the argumentative essay will be a starting point to reflect on a topic. Characteristics of the argumentative essay An argumentative essay shares a literary language with other types of essay, and in that sense it uses metaphors and other rhetorical figures to validate its thesis. It is a space where the subjectivity of the issuer fits, but also the conceptual rigor. In general, an argumentative essay has the following characteristics: Point of view The author's point of view is presented in the introduction of the essay, through the thesis with which he adheres. Analysis The analysis is an inseparable part of the argument, since by contrasting ideas or contrasting the advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons of the positions, the author gradually unravels why he assumes a certain position. Marks of language in the argumentative essay In the argumentative essay various literary devices can be used: Connectors Use various argumentative connectors: to start the text, to add new ideas, include examples, point out conclusions, compare, contrast and end. To begin the text, the connectors used are, for example: First of all, To begin, The idea of this essay, What we present... and the like. To add ideas and give them order, they are used: Also, In this sense, On the other hand, In other words..., and to exemplify: For example, In fact, Specifically, etc. For the conclusions, they are used: In other words, In conclusion, In summary, In sum. The comparison connectors: In the same way, In a similar way, In the same way, Likewise, etc.; those of contrast: On the contrary, In opposition to. And to finish: Finally, Lastly, To summarize, etc. Qualifications and designations Throughout the text, the author will rely on expressions that qualify and designate what he is arguing. An example would be: “A conservationist attitude is necessary on the part of all humanity to face a possible environmental catastrophe. The idea is that we can live together on the same planet.” Formal use of language An essay is a literary text, and in this sense, the author will use careful language, respecting grammatical rules and avoiding colloquialisms that may hinder understanding. That does not prevent the language from being close. Coherence From beginning to end, the argumentative essay must present an internal coherence between the ideas. That is, it must respect an order when presenting the arguments, so that the reader can follow the reasoning. What is an argumentative essay for? In principle, an argumentative essay serves to convince readers of the thesis presented by the author. The essay, by definition, is a text that establishes a theme and reflects on it. Many times the topic discussed generates controversy, and hence the author argues in favor of his thesis. And although it is the author's opinion, in an argumentative essay the important thing is the foundations that it exposes, it is the way in which the issuer, in addition to informing the reader, reasons on the subject and supports his reasons. This is how you can convince, by demonstrating that your point of view is correct. It is not enough to argue, you must support it with figures, quotes and other information, always saying where you got it from. Structure of an argumentative essay An argumentative essay has a similar structure to other types of essay: introduction, development or arguments and conclusion. Introduction In the introduction, the author will explain what the essay is about. It will do it in a way that catches the reader so that they continue reading. Apart from pointing out the general topic, you will also indicate which side you are going to argue, if you are for or against and why. Development or arguments It is the body of the essay. Arguments are presented in paragraphs; if there is more than one, the ideal is that each paragraph corresponds to an argument. In any case, they must be very clear and explain the reasoning precisely, so as not to lose the reader. There are one-page argumentative essays, and others that can be an entire book. It does not matter, the important thing is the clarity with which it is argued. You can even submit a rebuttal that offers ideas contrary to your thesis, and the author will counter-argue to prove the validity of their reasons. It is a resource that many authors use to defend their ideas. You have to start with the most important argument and end with the one that has less relevance, that indicates an order, determined by the author. Conclusion In the conclusion, the author highlights the theme again but in the light of a larger context, showing the reader that thanks to his argumentation, understanding and opinion should change after reading. A mistake that is often made, especially when writing thesis, is to introduce new arguments. The conclusion should close the issue, not open a new controversy. Taking into account that the essay is only a contribution, it is good to recognize and guide (in any case) the possible investigations that others want to carry out, based on that initial reading. How to write an argumentative essay step by step Now you understand better what an argumentative essay is. But how to make one? To do this, you can follow these steps: Choice of topic To write an argumentative essay , you must first select a topic about which you have knowledge or about which you feel inclined. Suppose we want to write about the effect that happiness (or feeling happy) has on the body and on health in general. We are interested from a physiological point of view. So we would already have a tentative topic: “The effect of happiness on the body”. Documentation Although we have an idea on the subject, it is necessary to document as much as possible, investigate various sources. We must remember that, although we present a personal opinion, if we want to argue it must be with reasons, in this case, scientific. What substances are produced in the brain when we feel happy? Can happiness be a constant state? Is it possible to feel happy even when going through difficulties? Is it possible to maintain health while being happy? By virtue of these questions, we will search for information, and for this we will resort to legitimate sources (neurological, psychological, scientific studies) that support our thesis. Scheme The previous questions can serve as a skeleton to order the elaboration of the essay. Draft When we already have the ideas in order, we will proceed to write a first draft, which will further define the topics to be discussed. You have to be consistent: develop ideas logically. That also means logically structuring sentences, and then paragraphs. If our thesis is that happiness has a certain effect on the body, we will have to argue step by step. For example, establishing the existence of hormones produced in the brain (endorphins) when the person feels good and happy, and also the existence of substances that are toxic when the person is stressed, angry, sad or worried, which also produces the brain. If the person gets sick from these toxic substances, it is possible to think that the benevolent substances can also heal the organism. From there, then, the importance of properly managing stress to prevent the toxic from deteriorating health would be highlighted. Revision The coherence of the essay, linguistic and stylistic cohesion, the succession of ideas and arguments, syntax and spelling will be exhaustively reviewed. If you notice that there is a "jump" in the order of ideas, then it will have to be corrected. It is advisable to make the initial outline and follow it, although it can be modified in the course of writing and revising. Argumentative essay example Below we present an argumentative essay whose title is "To conserve the environment is to conserve human life on Earth". To facilitate its understanding, the beginning, development and conclusion are indicated. If you want to read it slowly you can visit the description link. Introduction In recent years, the environment has been the subject of discussion in several international meetings, where the most powerful powers in the world have come together to try to reach agreements that involve the most industrialized countries and those that pollute the most. Development and arguments Interestingly, the nations that pollute the most are currently the two strongest economic powers, China and the United States, followed by the European Union, India, Russia and Japan. The objectives of these international agreements are to fight against global warming and climate change, and for this they agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, since it is estimated that they are the cause of the increase in temperature on Earth. China, which until at least 10 years ago did not seem to care about the pollution of its cities, has been one of the most important actors in the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, and at present, it is one of the countries that carry out the large-scale production of infrastructure for the transition to solar energy and other renewable sources. Apparently, the Asian giant has understood the risks of climate change. However, the United States, one of the most powerful countries in the world, left these agreements after the arrival to the presidency of Donald Trump, claiming that they are a brake on the economic growth of their country. It also argues that studies on climate change are inconclusive, and that it is cheaper to continue exploiting coal mines and oil fields than to invest in energy production based on clean sources. The immediate stance of the US president is obvious, as well as the irresponsibility in discarding all the scientific work carried out by thousands of professionals, such as biologists, geologists, ecologists, who account for environmental deterioration. If the temperature of the planet continues to rise, it will affect the ecological balance, from plants to larger animals, including humans. Little by little the viability of human life will be restricted, the progressive desertification of the land will cause the rivers to dry up. Water will be lacking, and what are we without water? Water is life, without water there is no life: it is a simple equation. And if we talk about pollution of the oceans, the problem goes on and on. We must assume a proactive and responsible attitude in the conservation of the environment. It concerns us all equally, no country will be saved if we go to extinction. So both nations and individuals must take action on the matter. It is not about believing or not in climate change. Climate change does not produce tornadoes, but it does make them stronger and more intense; It causes unforeseen floods, the polar ice caps to melt, and species to disappear. Conclusion In a century we have done what nature has not done in millions of years: destroy the conditions for human life to exist. If we want to continue living on Earth with water, food and air to breathe, we will have to make changes. The planet will continue without us. We will not be able to continue without him.