An argumentative text is a piece of writing that seeks to persuade the reader through clear and coherent arguments. In this article, you will discover what an argumentative text is, its main characteristics, its structure and practical examples. You will also learn how to refute counter-arguments to strengthen your position.
Key points
- Argumentative texts aim to persuade the reader by clearly and coherently presenting a thesis supported by facts and evidence.
- A key feature of argumentative texts is the discussion of counter-arguments, which strengthens the author's position and demonstrates critical ability.
- There are various types of argumentative texts, such as essays, newspaper articles and opinion letters, each adapted to specific contexts and objectives.
What is an argumentative text?
An argumentative text is a written composition whose main purpose is to present arguments clearly and coherently in order to persuade the reader. These texts are built around an initial thesis or premise, which the author defends on the basis of facts and evidence. The intention is to express opinions, ideas and positions on a particular topic with the aim of convincing the reader.
Argumentation seeks not only to make a point, but also to make the reader agree with the position presented. It is crucial to keep the main premise in mind when writing an argumentative text. This premise will be the central axis of our whole argument. Argumentative texts are used in a wide variety of fields, such as journalism, science, law, philosophy and advertising, dealing with a wide range of topics.
From scientific articles in areas such as psychology and philosophy, to legal texts such as judgments and appeals, argumentative texts are essential for effective and persuasive communication in many fields of knowledge and the creation of human-relevant content.
Characteristics of argumentative texts
Argumentative texts are distinguished by their ability to defend a specific position. To do so, they offer data and arguments that support the position defended, thus increasing the credibility of the message. The authority of the writer or the institution behind the text also plays a crucial role in persuading the reader.
An essential feature of these texts is the consideration and discussion of counter-arguments to the position defended, as well as the inclusion of counter-arguments. This exercise of refutation not only strengthens the main argument, but also demonstrates the author's ability to deal critically and confidently with different perspectives.
Finally, language in argumentative texts employs persuasive devices in order to share a point of view with the interlocutor. These devices seek to influence the reader's position. These resources include the use of logical connectors, rhetorical questions and quotations of authority, which help to build a solid and convincing reasoning.
Argumentative text structure
The classic structure of an argumentative text is fundamental to its clarity and effectiveness. It consists of three essential parts: the introduction, the development and the conclusion. Each of these parts has a specific function in the organisation of the text.
The structure of an essay consists of three main parts:
- Introduction: aims to capture the reader's attention and present the thesis or position to be defended.
- Development: this is where the evidence, examples and reasoning that support the thesis are presented.
- Conclusion: summarises the arguments presented and reinforces the author's position, providing a satisfactory conclusion.
Introduction
The introduction in an argumentative text acts as a letter of introduction, capturing the reader's attention from the outset. This is achieved through the use of resources such as punchy questions, relevant quotes or surprising statistics. A good opening can include a question that arouses the reader's curiosity, an interesting fact or a quote from an authoritative personality.
The main purpose of the introduction is to establish the topic and make clear the thesis or position to be defended. This prepares the reader for the development of the text and provides a frame of reference for understanding the arguments that will follow.
Development
The development is the heart of the argumentative text, where the arguments that defend the thesis are presented and developed. Each paragraph in this section should contain a clear and direct idea that supports the thesis. Cohesion between paragraphs is essential to ensure a smooth reading flow, using smooth transitions to maintain the thread of the argument.
It is also in the development that counter-arguments are refuted, demonstrating the strength of the author's position. This refutation strengthens the argument and shows a deep understanding of the subject matter. Further details on how to approach these arguments are presented below.
Conclusion
The conclusion is the last part of the argumentative text and aims to:
- Summarise the main ideas presented in the development.
- Not introduce new ideas
- Reinforce points already discussed
- Leave a lasting impression on the reader.
An effective conclusion can end with a provocative statement or a powerful quote that resonates with the reader. This helps to close the text in a powerful way and reinforces the thesis being made, establishing an emotional connection with the reader.
Types of argumentative texts
There are various types of argumentative texts, each with its own characteristics and uses. Among the most common are essays, newspaper articles and opinion letters. Each type has its own approach and style, adapted to its specific purpose.
Argumentative texts also include forms such as legal, advertising and scientific texts, each with its own structure and aims. These texts are essential for communicating ideas and persuading in a variety of contexts, from courts of law to advertising campaigns.
Essay
The essay is a common type of argumentative text which sets out ideas and opinions on a topic with arguments for and against. It combines subjective and objective elements, using personal opinions along with verifiable information. Argumentative essays are usually short compared to other scientific or academic texts.
The topic of the essay is crucial and must be carefully selected to ensure a thorough and coherent analysis. This type of text is widely used in academic and scientific contexts, such as theses and research papers.
Journalistic article
In journalism, argumentative texts often take the form of opinion pieces and editorials. These texts use argumentation not only to report on current events or issues, but also to influence the reader's opinion. The main functions of journalism in relation to these texts are to report the facts and to persuade the reader.
Journalistic opinion pieces are a powerful tool for shaping public thinking and generating debate on important issues. They use solid, well-substantiated arguments to support their views.
Opinion letter
The opinion letter is a written text that presents arguments to defend a specific idea. There is no need to refute the objections of the opponent in this type of text. This type of text is used to express personal views on a specific topic and may include suggestions or calls to action.
Opinion letters are common in magazines and newspapers, and allow readers to express their opinions on a variety of current issues. They are an effective way to participate in public debate and share personal perspectives.
Types of arguments
In an argumentative text, different types of arguments can be used, each with its own rhetorical procedure. Rational arguments are based on ideas and truths generally accepted by society, while factual arguments use evidence that can be verified.
Arguments of exemplification rely on concrete examples to illustrate a point, and arguments of authority cite opinions of well-known people in a specific field. Finally, emotive-affective arguments seek to provoke an emotional reaction in the reader, using linguistic devices such as analogies and comparisons to appeal to feelings.
Examples of argumentative texts
Examples of argumentative texts are varied and cover different formats. A common example is a newspaper editorial, which argues for a position on a topical issue. Academic essays are also argumentative texts which present a thesis and support it with evidence and arguments.
Other examples include:
- Political speeches
- Letters to the editor
- Book and film reviews
- Blog articles
These examples demonstrate how arguments are developed and sustained to persuade the reader, applying the theories of argumentative texts. Understanding and learning from these varied examples helps to improve your ability to write effective argumentative texts.
Summary
In summary, argumentative texts are an essential tool for communicating and persuading in a variety of contexts. From definition and characteristics to structure and types of arguments, each aspect is crucial to constructing a convincing and effective text.
We hope this guide has provided you with a clear and practical understanding of how to write argumentative texts. Now, it's your turn to put this knowledge into practice and create texts that really make an impact on your readers.
Frequently asked questions
What is an argumentative text?
An argumentative text is a written composition that seeks to persuade the reader by presenting clear and coherent arguments around a thesis or premise. In short, it is a type of text that seeks to convince the reader through solid arguments.
What are the main characteristics of an argumentative text?
The main characteristics of an argumentative text are the defence of a particular position, the use of data and arguments supported by authorities, and the consideration of counter-arguments. It is important to maintain a clear and reasoned approach to argumentation.
What is the classic structure of an argumentative text?
The classic structure of an argumentative text consists of introduction, development and conclusion, presenting the thesis, stating the arguments and reinforcing the thesis at the end.
What types of argumentative texts are there?
There are different types of argumentative texts, such as essays, newspaper articles, opinion letters, legal, advertising and scientific texts. All of these formats seek to persuade the reader of a point of view or argument.
What types of arguments are used in argumentative texts?
Argumentative texts use rational, factual, exemplifying, authoritative and emotional-affective arguments to persuade the reader. It is important to keep these types of arguments in mind when writing an argumentative text.
