Argumentative Paragraph Writing
Writing an argumentative paragraph, alternatively called a persuasive paragraph, is something that English writers need to master, especially ESL writers.
In this type of paragraph you're arguing for, or trying to persuade your audience of, a specific point of view. This might not be a point of view that you believe in or agree with, but in an argumentative paragraph you still need to write about it.
What’s a Persuasive Paragraph?
A persuasive paragraph will be built around one main idea, like you are when writing a paragraph.
But the main idea will be your argument or your side of the argument.
The paragraph will just include one view point, the point of view that you’re arguing for. This type of paragraph isn’t balanced. It’s just one side of the information. In this type of paragraph you aren’t providing for and against arguments. It’s either for or against. You only include information from one side.
You can either be in favour of the idea or against the idea. You don’t have to support the idea in a persuasive paragraph; just try to get other people to believe that you’re right.
Structure of an Argumentative Paragraph
The basic and most simple outline is similar to the basic paragraph structure:
- Introduce the main idea in the first topic sentence.
- Support the main idea in the following sentences (2-5 sentences possibly).
- Draw your conclusion while restating the main idea in the last sentence.
The main idea is the point of view that you’re arguing for or against. State this clearly so that your audience can easily see what your point of view is right from the start of the paragraph.
To convince your audience that you’re right you’ll need to provide supporting points, information and referenced sources, if possible, in the main body of the paragraph. This is where you’ll really convince your audience you’re right. Don’t leave them in any doubt that your point of view is correct, give them the evidence to prove it. A paragraph shouldn’t be overlong so try to fit as much information into as small a space as possible.
End the paragraph by restating the main point and highlighting why your point of view is the best and correct one.
How to Write a Persuasive Paragraph
Writing an ESL persuasive paragraph is just like any other ESL writing, such as ESL essay writing, you just need to follow the ESL writing process and plan before you start to write.
Take the time to plan, think about the vocabulary you might need and any grammar rules before you start to write, and the writing part will be much smoother.
Once you’ve finished writing your paragraph you’ll need to do ESL proofread to make sure that there aren’t any mistakes.
If you need any help or advice about proofreading or writing your argumentative paragraphs you can submit them to my proofreading service or come to the Excellent Proofreading and Writing Facebook page to ask me any questions.
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By Jolyon Dodgson, copyright © 2011-2020.
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