3.3.3. Argumentative/Discursive Essay

An argumentative essay (also often referred to as a discursive essay in the ICSE context) presents a strong argument for or against a particular issue. It aims to persuade the reader to agree with the writer's viewpoint by providing evidence, reasoning, and counter-arguments. Discursive essays often explore both sides of an issue before concluding with a reasoned opinion.

An argumentative or discursive essay is a type of writing that focuses on convincing the reader about a specific point of view on an issue. This essay type requires the writer to express their standpoint clearly, supported by solid evidence and engaging reasoning. Additionally, the writer must also acknowledge counter-arguments, which are opposing views on the topic, and address them logically. This process helps build credibility and demonstrates the complexity of the issue being discussed. By exploring multiple perspectives, the essay becomes well-rounded and thoughtful.

Imagine you are in a debate with friends about whether video games are harmful to children's development. You argue that they can improve problem-solving skills and teamwork, while your friend argues that they lead to aggression and social isolation. In your essay, you would present your argument first, back it up with research, then mention your friend’s points and refute them with evidence showing that, under controlled conditions, video games can have several educational benefits.

The primary goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s viewpoint by providing evidence, reasoning, and counter-arguments.

The main objective of writing an argumentative essay is to convince the reader of your position regarding an issue. This involves laying out your argument clearly and logically. To do this effectively, the essay should include solid evidence—like statistics, quotes from experts, or examples—that support your claims. Further, it’s essential to consider and address potential counter-arguments; by acknowledging and effectively responding to these opposing views, you strengthen your position, showing that your argument is well-considered and nuanced.

Think of it as if you're trying to convince your parents to let you go to a concert. You would start by explaining why it’s important to you (the excitement, the experience), provide evidence of the concert’s safety and popularity (maybe reviews or statistics), and also anticipate their concerns (staying out late, getting home safely) and address those with your own solutions (planning ahead, carpooling with friends).

Discursive essays often explore both sides of an issue before concluding with a reasoned opinion.

A well-structured argumentative essay presents a balanced view that considers both sides of the issue before leading to a final conclusion. The structure usually includes an introduction that outlines the issue and presents your thesis statement (the central argument). The body of the essay is where you delve deeper into your argument, dividing it into multiple paragraphs that each cover a specific point. It's important to include paragraphs that address counter-arguments—acknowledging other viewpoints shows that you have thought critically about the topic. Finally, the conclusion wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points and restating your position in light of the discussed arguments.

Imagine you're writing about whether school uniforms should be mandatory. Start by introducing the topic, then present your side (uniforms promote equality), discuss the opposing view (they limit personal expression), and subsequently address both sides in your body paragraphs. Your conclusion would highlight the importance of maintaining a balance between uniformity and individual expression, thereby reiterating your argument but also showing understanding of the complexity of the issue.

Practical Example: Should social media platforms be held responsible for the spread of misinformation? Argue your point of view.

In this practical example, you are asked to formulate a stance on a timely and relevant issue: the responsibility of social media platforms regarding misinformation. Your essay would start by stating your viewpoint—whether you believe they should be held accountable or not. You would then gather evidence to support your argument, such as statistics about the prevalence of misinformation and how it affects society. Additionally, you would include counter-arguments, such as freedom of speech or the role of users in verifying information, and respond to them in order to fortify your position. This example highlights the relevance of argumentative essays in discussing contemporary issues.

Consider a public debate where one side argues that social media companies should take active measures to monitor and eliminate false information (like fact-checking), while the opposing side maintains that doing so infringes on free speech. Your essay would navigate these perspectives, presenting evidence from real cases of misinformation causing societal issues while also discussing the potential negative implications of censorship on open discourse.

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