Writing an Argumentative Essay

Purpose

An argumentative essay persuades the reader to accept a position on an issue using logic and evidence. The KICD Senior School English syllabus expects you to write such essays for debates, letters to the editor, speeches and examinations.

Structure

1. Introduction: hook, background, thesis statement.
2. Body paragraphs (3-4): each makes one point supported by evidence.
3. Counter-argument paragraph: present the opposing view and rebut it.
4. Conclusion: restate the thesis in new words, summarise and end with a strong closing thought.

The thesis statement

A good thesis is clear, arguable and specific.

• Weak: "Plastic bags are bad."
• Strong: "Kenya was right to ban single-use plastic bags because the ban reduced pollution and protected livestock and waterways."

PEEL paragraphs

• Point: topic sentence stating the idea.
• Evidence: fact, statistic, example or quotation.
• Explanation: show how the evidence supports the point.
• Link: connect back to the thesis or to the next paragraph.

Worked example 1: Point: Free day secondary education has increased access to schooling. Evidence: Transition rates from primary to secondary have risen steadily since 2008. Explanation: Fewer families drop out because of fees, so more girls and boys continue learning. Link: Therefore, government funding is justified.

Types of evidence

• Facts and statistics
• Expert opinion
• Real examples from Kenya (e.g. M-Pesa, the plastic ban)
• Logical reasoning

Counter-argument and rebuttal

Worked example 2: "Some people argue that school uniforms are expensive. However, uniforms reduce peer pressure and, when bought in bulk or passed down, are cheaper than daily fashion clothing."

Useful phrases: "Critics claim...", "It is true that..., but...", "Although..., the evidence shows..."

Linking words

Style

• Use formal register: avoid slang and contractions.
• Use persuasive but respectful language.
• Vary sentence length and keep to the point.
• Avoid fallacies such as exaggeration, personal attacks and "everyone knows".

Revising

Check spelling, subject-verb agreement, tenses and punctuation. Make sure each paragraph supports your thesis.

Try it

• Write a thesis for: "Public smoking should be banned in Kenya."
• Draft one PEEL paragraph supporting your thesis.
• Write a counter-argument and a rebuttal for the motion "Homework should be abolished."
• Rewrite "Phones are bad for kids, everybody knows this" using formal and evidence-based language.