The Argumentative Essay
Explain how texts are structured depending on their purpose and how language features vary, recognising that some texts are hybrids that combine different genres or elements of different genres.
You pick a side and prove it. This is not a discussion — you are arguing to win, and the structure is built for that.
Builds onYr 7 · The Paragraph — P.E.E.L.
Method
Pick a side in the introduction
The reader must know your position by the end of the first paragraph. No suspense.
Strongest argument last
The opposite of a news article. In an argument, you build.
Answer the other side once, properly
One counter-argument paragraph, acknowledged and then dismantled. Ignoring the objection is the weaker choice.
Worked example
e.g. Argue that students should have a say in what they are taught.
- Introduction. A hook, the issue in one line, and your position stated plainly.Three sentences is enough. Do not preview every argument.
- Argument 1. Your second-strongest point, as a full P.E.E.L. paragraph.Point · Evidence · Explain · Link
- Argument 2. Your weakest point goes in the middle, where it is least exposed.The middle is the safest place for the thinnest argument.
- Counter-argument. State the other side fairly, then answer it.Some argue that students would simply choose the easiest subjects. In practice…
- Argument 3. Your strongest point, last, with your best evidence.This is the one the reader carries away.
- Conclusion. Restate your position in new words. Never introduce new evidence.A conclusion that raises something new reads as a paragraph you forgot to place.
Practice
Order, evidence, and the counter-argument.
1
Why does the strongest argument come last here, when a news article puts the best fact first?
AnswerDifferent purposes. A news reader may stop at any moment, so give them the news first. An essay reader finishes, so you build to your strongest point and leave them with it.
2
A learner leaves out the counter-argument to keep their essay one-sided. Why does that weaken it?
AnswerIt looks like the objection has not been thought of. Naming it and answering it shows the position survives challenge.
3
A conclusion introduces a brand new statistic. What is the problem?
AnswerNew evidence in a conclusion has nowhere to be explained. If it is good enough to include, it belongs in a body paragraph.
4
Where should your weakest argument go, and why?
AnswerIn the middle. First and last positions are the most exposed and the most remembered — put your two best there.