Argumentative writing is by far one of the moist common types of essay assignments that you’ll have to complete in college.
It requires you to look at an issue, present each side of the issue, but make a strong case for one side in particular.
We’ve covered quite a lot on argumentative essay writing already.
Our goal with this guide is to give you more insight on the different types of argumentative essays, which your instructor may ask you to base your assignment on.
What are the Main Types of Argumentative Essays?
There are three types of argumentative essay that your instructor may require you to make.
These are as follows:
1. Classical Argumentative Essay
Developed by Aristotle, a classical argument convinces a reader to look into a specific point of view.
In an argumentative essay, the classical model requires you to look into both sides of an argument. As you analyze each side, you’ll pick one and use clear authenticity academic and statistical evidence to prove it right.
A classical argument doesn’t require you to prove if something is factual or otherwise. Instead, it invites the utilization of authenticity, emotion, time and logic to persuade an audience to agree with your point of view and accept your side on an issue.
The elements of a classical argument include an introduction to the essay, a presentation of your perspective on a claim, an explanation for and against the other side of the argument, evidence that your claim is true, and an overall conclusion.
Parts of a Classical Argument in an Argumentative Essay
A classical argumentative essay has five parts.
Introduction
Center the introduction on the subject of the argument. Make sure you provide sufficient background information to create awareness of the problem you’d like to address in the essay.
More importantly, the introduction should communicate your specific position on a claim.
And don’t forget to write a thesis statement for the argument as you close up this section.
The Confirmation
Your audience expects more than just a reason to accept your side of the argument. Using both artistic and inartistic arguments to support your position can be enough to meet the expectation of the kind of proof your audience needs.
If your audience must consider your position, you must present arguments that support your thesis in a way that will get them to agree with your claim(s).
As you provide your artistic and inartistic proof to defend your side, try to focus on the evidence that they can respond well to.
The Concession/Refutation
This is a two-part section where you have to agree and counter argue the subject under discussion.
For concession, include points that will draw your audience’s attention and make them want to listen to you. Only make sure the points you provide don’t come close to weakening your own side of the argument.
To make a solid concession, you’ll have to implement pathos and ethos to create a conducive environment for not only listening but also learning.
For refutation, use facts, reasons, and even testimony to show that the opposing points are inaccurate or based on insufficient evidence.
The Conclusion
A classical argument without a good conclusion, or no conclusion at all, isn’t going to be nearly as helpful. It makes sense to learn how to conclude an argument so that you can do it properly.
To be clear, the conclusion isn’t the section to restate the thesis or repeat your topic sentence. Rather, your focus should be on answering the "so what" question without introducing a new topic to the argument.
You may have to spend some time in this section before you come up with a relevant conclusion for the classical argument.
2. Rogerian Argumentative Essay
Named after the famous American psychologist, Carl Rogers, the Rogerian type of argument is the ideal structure to use if you want to discuss the most controversial subjects.
Using this approach, you can easily discuss sensitive matters and get the audience to agree with or against your position without creating an environment for hostility.
This type of argument seeks to present an issue in a respectful way and find a compromise without hurting any person’s emotions.
Unlike with the middle ground argument, the Rogerian presents an optimal position for the opposing side and, at the same time, finds a compromise that both parties can agree with.
The Rogerian argument has a structure that’s completely different from the classical argument.
The outline should highlight the following sections:
3. Toulmin Argumentative Essay
With the Toulmin approach, you’ll break your arguments into claims, backing, rebuttal, grounds, warrant and qualifier.
You’ll start with the primary argument, provide factual evidence to support the claim, and then link a warrant to the claim in question.
While backing, rebuttal, and qualifier elements aren’t quite common in the Toulmin argument, it doesn’t mean they aren’t important. You’re free to add them when and if necessary.
Do keep in mind that by using these elements fully, with claim, grounds, and warrant being the most significant options to focus on, you can easily come up with a well-constructed argument that your audience will easily agree with.