In argumentative writing, the writer must build a strong case by presenting facts, stating reasons, giving examples, or relating incidents that lend support to the argument. It can make use of the following expository writing techniques so that it can properly present the supporting points of the argument:
• Comparisons and contrasts
• Cause and effect
• Analogy
• Providing reasons
• Providing examples
What a writer must remember is that good argumentative writing is based on facts—not emotions. Many writers commit the mistake of simply expressing their opinion about a topic without supporting it with substantial facts. This does not pose an advantage to the writers since readers are more likely to be convinced that a certain argument is valid if it is supplemented with factual evidence. Writers can make use of direct quotations, statistics, examples and other accurate accounts. In many cases, these facts can speak for themselves, making the argument more persuasive to the readers.
Another technique of making an argument more effective in essay writing is for the writers to recognise the opposing views of their arguments. By using this technique, the writers have shown that they are able to go through the opposing views—along with their strengths and weaknesses—before they have come up with their own position. They can then explain why these opposing views are less valid. When stating the weaknesses and limitations of the opposing statement, writers must avoid the use of derogatory or insulting words that might turn off a reader. Disproving the opposing statements must be done with objective civility, with factual evidence as support.
Most argumentative essays include a number of reasons, examples and specific points offered in support of the central argument the writer has created. Some of these items may be more impressive or persuasive than the other points included in the argumentative essay. In several instances, the essay becomes more effective if the points included in the essay are presented logically, with proper emphasis. The weakest points must be presented first and the strongest evidences must appear towards the end of the essay. In this manner, the essay builds up a stronger momentum as the reader continues to read the essay towards the end. The drama of the argumentative essay’s strong conclusion will further leave the readers with a favourable, final impression.
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