Types of Writing: Argumentative

Writing an argumentative paper on a controversial issue requires that you look at both sides of an issue and take a position on one side or the other.  You not only take a stand on an issue, but you must defend it against opposing points of view. Therefore, your argumentative research paper will involve advocacy and persuasion.

What to do:

• Select your topic
• Research the issues surrounding the topic
• Read other writers’ arguments for and against
• Take a stand
• Present supporting evidence in favor of your position
• Defend your position against opposing points of view
• Anticipate and deflect arguments against your position
• Make your case persuasively 

For step by step help on researching and writing an argumentative paper vistit the library's Controversial Issues Research Guide

Persuasive writing is important in a variety of courses. Any time you have to take a stance and defend it, you are performing some sort of persuasion. Persuasion is not, however, limited to writing. You may be asked to:

• Give a persuasive speech or presentation
• Defend a stance in a debate.
• Write on a controversial issue and take a side

The aim in assigning this type of writing is to ensure that you can coherently and logically defend a stance. Persuasion is used in many classes because the ability to convince others is extremely useful in your career and in day to day life. 

Need a topic? The library has dozens of guides on Controversial Issues Topics available.