Ensayo argumentativo

Counter arguments Refutation
1. People should trust medicine
since it is effective and
scientifically proven.Definition: In this kind of essay, we not only give information but also
present anargument with the PROS (supporting ideas) and CONS
(opposing ideas) of an argumentative issue. We should clearly take our
stand and write as if we are trying to persuade an opposing audience to
adoptnew beliefs or behavior. The primary objective is to persuade people
to change beliefs that many of them do not want to change.
Choosing an argumentative topic is not an easy task. The topic shouldbe
such that
• it should be narrowed down
X Marijuana should be considered illegal. (Not a good topic because it is
too general. In some medical cases, marijuana is prescribed by the
doctors andthe patients are encouraged to use it in case of suffering
from too much pain)
 Selling and using marijuana in public places should be considered illegal.
• it should contain an argument
X Weshould decide whether we want a bicycle or a car. (our stand is not
clear: do we support having bicycles or cars?)
 If we are under the age of 30 and want a healthy life, we should
definitely get abicycle instead of a car.
X Are you one of those who thinks cheating is not good for students? (a
question cannot be an argument)
 Cheating helps students learn.
X Considering its geologicalposition, Turkey has an important geopolitical
role in the EU. (facts cannot be arguments)
 Considering its geopolitical role, we can clearly say that the EU cannot
be without Turkey.
• it should bea topic that can be adequately supported (with
statistics, outside source citations, etc.)
X I feel that writing an argumentative essay is definitely a challenging
task. (feelings cannot besupported; we cannot persuade other
people)
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Copyright @ 2006 Bogazici University SFL 2 of 6
If you believe that you can find enough evidence to support your idea and
refute others...