Writing Argumentative Essays Tutorial

Lesson Modules 1. Unit One 2. Unit Two 3. Unit Three 4. Unit Four 5. Unit Five Site Index

Providing Support for Debatable Statements (or Conclusions)

You now know that debatable statements are not statements of fact but are statements or conclusions* with which other people may or may not agree. When you are writing an argumentative essay your aim is to make your readers agree with your debatable statements or conclusions. You need to convince your readers of the value or truth of your conclusions. But by themselves, they are not convincing - they need support.

In this section, you will learn how to provide supporting statements for your conclusions. (We will use the term "conclusion" from now on for any debatable statement or assertion in your argumentative essay). You will also learn how to use connectives to link these statements to each other and to the conclusion.

*The word "conclusion" is the same as "thesis" in this context.

Example 1

Conclusion:	Marijuana should be legalized
Supporting statement 1:	It is less harmful to people's health than alcohol.
Supporting statement 2:	A very large percentage of the population uses it.

Both supporting statements provide information that helps prove or support the conclusion. We can use connectives to link these statements together:

Example 2

Conclusion:	Marijuana should be legalized
Supporting statement 1:	Firstly, it is less harmful to people's health than alcohol.
Supporting statement 2:	In addition, a very large percentage of the population uses it.

Firstly tells the reader that this is the first supporting statement. (There are no other formal connectives that can be used in this place. It is, however, acceptable to have no connective here)

In addition tells the reader that this is an extra supporting statement. Other connectives that you could use here are Furthermore, Moreover and Secondly.

Task 1
The following conclusions (C) have one supporting statement (SS1). Rewrite them adding a second supporting statement (SS2). Also use connectives for the first and second supporting statements

Immigration
(C)	A strong immigration program is necessary in Australia
(SS1)	The population is too small for sustained economic growth
(SS2)

Smoking
(C)	Smoking should be banned in restaurants and pubs.
(SS1)	It will help people to give up this unhealthy habit.
(SS2)

Freeways
(C)	The government should build more freeways instead of public transport.
(SS1)	It keeps traffic off residential streets.
(SS2)

Public Transport
(C)	The government should build more public transport instead of freeways.
(SS1)	It provides cheap transport to people who can't afford cars.
(SS2)

After you have completed this task, check here for suggested or possible answers.

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Lesson Modules 1. Unit One 2. Unit Two 3. Unit Three4. Unit Four 5. Unit Five Site Index

Lesson Modules 1. Unit One 2. Unit Two 3. Unit Three 4. Unit Four 5. Unit Five Site Index