12
Introduction
In this module we discussed how to take a position on a social or political issue while also engaging other points of view. This is a difficult kind of writing, so it will be very helpful to see some effective examples. For this module and the next, we have included students’ argumentative essays so that you can see not only how well-written academic arguments are constructed but also what the formatting of such papers look like. The essay in this module follows the APA format; the one in module six will follow the MLA format.
Reading
Select and read this argumentative essay, “ Concealed Carry on Campus .”
Just reading over the essay in this module will be an enlightening experience, for you will not only be able to follow the logic of the paper as it builds its case but you will also be able to see citation in action. The author uses various methods to bring outside sources into her argument, sometimes to present evidence and sometimes to directly engage other academic voices who are involved in the discussion over the controversy in question. You will notice that every time such an outside voice is presented, the author includes all of the necessary information to give that voice proper credit and to inform the reader about the source; this is called in-text citation. Then, at the end of the paper, a references page is included listing all of the information readers need in case they want to find and read those sources themselves.
The organization of an argument should be clear from the outset, and this paper is very well organized. Note that it has a two paragraph introduction ; the first paragraph provides the essay’s hook, presenting a short narrative related to the topic in order to get readers interested. The second paragraph provides basic background on the controversy being discussed, and the last sentence of the second paragraph clearly presents the paper’s thesis:
Thus, though allowing students to openly carry weapons would be a mistake, they should be allowed to carry concealed weapons on campus if they complete an annual training course set in place by the school and adhere to a set of specific standards.
After the two paragraph introduction, the next four paragraphs make up the paper’s body . Each one of the paragraphs presents one of the author’s persuasive points. Take note of the transitions used to help lead the reader from paragraph to paragraph:
- Paragraph two starts with first of all , indicating that the author is going to make her first point.
- Paragraph three starts with secondly , indicating that the author is moving to her second point.
- Paragraph four starts with on the other hand , indicating a shift to the opposite point of view (what the opposing side thinks about the issue).
- Paragraph four starts with a reference to the next step that must be taken if her ideas are to be put into action, further clarifying how committed she is to the process she is laying out here.
Pay close attention to the evidence and reasoning in these body paragraphs; in each one the author clearly presents a point about the controversy and then cites sources and explains the logic behind her thoughts. This combination of logical explanation and in-text citation, combined with the emotional appeals she makes to the reader, help build the essay’s persuasive power. The essay also takes advantage of emphatic order; she builds her case as she goes, interacts with and refutes her opposition’s points (especially in paragraph four where she meets the other side head-on), and ends the body by pointing out practical advice for moving forward after implementing her policy recommendation.
The essay’s concluding paragraph reiterates its main point without being repetitive. It also offers a final citation that relates a published author’s emotional statement to the essay’s overall claim, thus lending even more credibility to the position being taken. However, the author is very careful not to be overly biased or insulting to the other side; the very first sentence of the conclusion admits that there “will be no perfect solution” to the problem being discussed. In this way, she is able to be civil and build community with her audience, even if many of her readers may disagree with her premise. Remember, argumentative papers don’t have to completely persuade their audiences to be successful; if they can help establish understanding between the two sides and present possible solutions that at least seem plausible, they have served an important purpose.
You may want to come back to this short overview after you have read the essay in order to deepen your understanding of the paper and thus of argumentation in general. With practice, you, too, can build a credible argument and help maintain civility in our increasingly hostile world.
“Concealed Carry on Campus” by Brenna Wakefield, Florida State College at Jacksonville is licensed under CC BY 4.0 .
