English

CESL, University of Cincinnati

Analysis of Argumentative Essay Instruction

1. Description

An essay analyzing an argumentative selection of writing contains an introductory paragraph summarizing the author’s views and a thesis statement clearly expressing the student’s viewpoint. Body paragraphs clarify student’s viewpoint with paraphrasing/quotations from main article. Concluding paragraph underscores student’s point of view and points out consequences of agreeing with author. An analysis of argument is useful for effectively challenging an opposing viewpoint in a fair and accurate way. When analyzing an argument, use your own words, but include quotations from the article. The instructor will assign the article.

1. Structure

The steps for writing an Analysis of Argument are:

A) Introduction Paragraph

1. The first sentence should state the title, author and topic of the article

2. The following sentences should state the main viewpoints of the author of the article

3. The final sentence will clearly state the student’s viewpoint

B) Paragraphs 2-4

1. State each author’s argument and why you disagree, in the topic sentence

2. In each body paragraph, the analysis should agree/disagree with each argument, followed by fair and accurate responses from the students

C) Paragraph 5

1. Finally, the analysis should conclude by re-emphasizing the student’s point of view, and warn of the consequences of accepting the author’s argument.

1. Requirements

1. Length 750-1000 words, 3 to 4 pages

1. MLA format https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/

1. One inch margins, Times New Roman font, 12 size text, double spaced