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
- Introduction: hook, background, thesis statement.
- Body paragraphs (3-4): each makes one point supported by evidence.
- Counter-argument paragraph: present the opposing view and rebut it.
- 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
| Function | Words |
|---|---|
| Addition | moreover, furthermore, in addition |
| Contrast | however, on the other hand, nevertheless |
| Cause/result | therefore, consequently, as a result |
| Example | for instance, for example |
| Conclusion | in conclusion, to sum up |
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.