From the University of Purdue’s Online Writing Lab (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/):
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that s/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
- Argument Essays: Getting Started
- Developing Paragraphs
- Finding Academic Journals
- Logical Fallacies
- Research Writing
- Argument: UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center's online handout in argument.
- Organizing an Argument Paper: Helpful overview on methods of organization for argument papers from the Purdue OWL
- Argument Paper, MLA Style: Sample argument paper from Hacker's A Writer’s Reference
Rhetorical Appeals (Logos, Pathos, Ethos)
- Examples of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos: Numerous examples of each appeal from YourDictionary
- The Rhetorical Situation: Purdue OWL's discussion of Aristotle's three appeals and use of telos and kairos
- Ethos, Pathos, or Logos: Online PowerPoint with definitions and several visual examples of the appeals
- The Rhetorical Triangle: Understanding and Using Logos, Ethos, and Pathos: PDF Handout from Indiana University
- Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Advertising: YouTube video
- Ethos, Pathos, Logos: YouTube video
- Toulmin Method: An extensive online guide from Colorado State University on using the Toulmin method of argumentation
- Toulmin Method of Analyzing Arguments: PowerPoint that defines and offers examples for Toulmin method
- Definition of the Toulman Method: Adaptation of a chapter on Toulmin's approach to argument
- Toulmin Argument (Aims of Argument): YouTube video
- Argumentation-Reasoning-Toulmin: Youtube video