There comes a time in our lives when it becomes necessary to express your opinion or alternate position on paper, whether it be for a school assignment, a letter to the editor, a memo suggesting new company policy, or just an e-mail to your sibling explaining an opposing viewpoint. No matter which form this may take, the challenge of writing an argumentative reply will be more successful if a specific formula is applied. This formula allows you to state your opinion, acknowledge the opposition, maintain diplomacy, and gain the respect of your target audience. Before beginning, research both sides of the issues so you will be prepared to answer your critics and present yourself as a knowledgeable participant. If this is a school assignment, there may be other criteria that must be included, so be sure to understand the scope of the paper so you will cover all of the bases.
The initial undertaking when attempting this feat will be to create an outline consisting of three parts. Using the formula PRS...Present, Rebut, Summary. Each of these three areas will be discussed below. Good spelling, grammar and sentence structure is vital for your article to be taken seriously. Have someone proofread the paper to get some input as to the flow of information, and consider suggestions that they may offer.
Present. In the opening paragraph, you should explain the nature of the situation you are arguing. Point out the major issues that divide opinions. Express the validity of your opponent's views and allow the reader to understand why this position may be held in popular belief. This will demonstrate that you understand both sides of the argument and are not just trying to cause turmoil. Finally, suggest that there may be a better alternative or approach.
Rebuttal. The next paragraph will be the rebuttal in which you will offer an alternate way of approaching the problem. State your cause. Be very clear and concise so there is no misunderstanding about your position. Offer facts, data, or resources to reinforce your ideas. Explain the benefits of your proposition, but keep your thoughts focused. Avoid adding material that has little effect to the outcome. You may be attempting to sway popular opinion so you must be persuasive as well as thorough. Do not hesitate to include opposing arguments to your view, but be prepared to address these issues. Allow your reader to clearly understand both viewpoints, but keep in mind that you are asking them to examine and accept your ideas.
Summarize. Recap the previous sections by restating your opinions, explain what drew you to these conclusions. Focus your attention on the materials you presented, and challenge your readers to form their own views based on your argument.
You now have the basic formula for how to write argumentative papers. This method allows you to express your opinion as a well-informed participant whose ideas must be taken seriously. You will gain the respect of your adversaries, the support of colleagues, and may change a few minds as to the way a problem can be addressed.
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