Argumentative-essay-英文议论文写作

To be more specific, ➢ the major premise is a generalization
that you and your reader can both agree on, whether it is a generally accepted statement or whether you have already proved it earlier in the argument. ➢ The minor premise is the part that you need to prove in your argument.
➢ Two sides are generally involved: proponents ( those in favor of the issue) and
opponents ( those against the issue); ➢ The thesis must take a side of an issue, and
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Ⅴ. Organizing an argumentative essay (1) Introduction To make a good beginning of such an essay, you should first introduce the problem and the thesis to clarify the controversial issue to your reader. Then you should provide background information.
∴ John eats eggs. All Americans speak English. Mary is a South American.
∴ Mary speaks English.
Ⅳ. Planning an argumentative essay
When you plan an argumentative essay, keep in mind the following points: The argumentative essay should introduce and explain the issue or case; The essay should offer adequate reasons and support the reasons with good evidence;
➢ Try to identify and understand your opponent’s point of view You cannot just present your own opinion in argumentation. This can never convince the reader. You have to consider the point of view of your opponent’s.
(2) The developmental part
Confirmation (2-3 paragraphs) and refutation (1-3 paragraphs )are required in developing the main part of the essay. To confirm your personal point of view, you need to give reasons to support your thesis;
the reasons must be convincing evidence which is normally from
➢ The terms in one premise must be used the same way in the other premise. Look at the following examples: Some vegetarians eat eggs. John is a vegetarian.
The essay should refute opposing arguments. This is a very particular characteristic which distinguishes argumentative essays from expository essays. You must not only present your own point of view and prove it, but also refute your opponent’s view and prove that yours is more valid or superior.
Deduction（演绎）: the process of reasoning from the general to the specific. It begins with a generalization and is applied in a specific case. The conclusion is drawn based on a generalization.
An incorrect logical order is as follows: All A = B All automobiles have
wheels. C = B Honda has wheels.
∴ C = A Therefore, Honda is automobile. (Such an illogical order makes the conclusion invalid, for Honda might be a motorcycle or a wagon.)
3. Use two forms of logical reasoning: induction and deduction.
Induction（归纳）: the process of reasoning from the particular details to the general conclusion. It involves examining particular details such as specific cases, facts, or examples. The conclusion is made based on the evidence coming from the specific details.
to be misguiding, untrue, or evil
Ⅱ. Basic features ➢ The argumentative essay must take a
controversial issue for an open debate, i.e., the issue must be arguable; ➢ The argument cannot be general belief; personal preference ; or fact
To avoid being illogical in this reasoning process, you need to keep the following points in mind: ➢ The major premise and the minor premise must be true if the conclusion is to be valid; e.g., All people like to suffer. ( MaP )
e.g. If the issue is about nuclear power plant construction, you may take the three-step form of reasoning like this: Major premise: Only safe sources of energy should be developed. Minor premise: Nuclear power plants are safe sources of energy. Conclusion: Therefore, nuclear power plants should be constructed. （Notice: Some complex issues require more than one premise to be proved.)
Ⅲ. Strategies for logical persuasion ➢ Be fully aware of your audience or
reader; As the purpose of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader of your position, you should address your reader by writing objectively, logically, and respectfully.
Deduction involves a three-step form of
reasoning called Syllogism（三段论）: Major
Premise ( the initial generalization), Minor Premise ( the specific case ), and Conclusion ( the resulting statement). This three-step form can be illustrated as follows: Major Premise: Dogs bark. Minor Premise: Little Brown is a dog. Conclusion: Therefore, Little Brown barks.
Jonny is a person. ( MiP ) Jonny likes to suffer. ( C ) The above reasoning process appears illogical since the major premise is not based on the truth.
frequently proposes a course of action; ➢ The argumentative essay are highly
persuasive and logical ( often expressed with the modal “should”); ➢ Good logic is the heart of the argumentative essay.
The Argumentative Essay
Ⅰ. Main communicative purposes of the argumentative essay: To convince or persuade
➢ to agree with an opinion; ➢ to defend an opinion; ➢ to attack an opinion you believe
➢ The major premise and the minor premise must be set up to follow the correct logical order; The correct logical order is as follows: A = B All automobiles have wheels. C = A Honda is an automobile. ∴ C = B Therefore, Honda has wheels.