https://bio.link/benjamineg 

https://bio.link/benjamineg

https://bio.link/benjamineg

An argumentative essay is an academic text that requires research (from peer-reviewed journal articles) to argue for or against a particular point of view. An argumentative essay contains an initial claim (or initial argument), and counterclaim (or a counterargument or response), and a rebuttal (or reply or comment). An argument is only as good as its counterargument; that is, a good argument requires evidence that supports both the initial argument as well as the counterargument.

​Initial claim: The initial claim contains evidence (from the literature) that supports the thesis statement of the essay.

Counterclaim: The counterclaim contains evidence that supports the opposing viewpoint. The counterclaim explains what's weak or what's wrong with the initial claim.

Rebuttal: The rebuttal contains evidence that supports the weaknesses of the counterclaim.

For context, assume you are writing a five-paragraph essay where the first paragraph is an introduction paragraph, followed by three body paragraphs, and ends with a conclusion paragraph. An argumentative essay that follows a block method would dedicate the first body paragraph to the initial claim, the second body paragraph to the counterclaim, and the third body paragraph to the rebuttal.

An argumentative essay that follows a point-by-point method would establish three key points in the thesis statement whereby each key point is developed in each of the three body paragraphs. When developing each of the three points (in the body paragraphs), the initial claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal would appear throughout as necessary to create a sound argument. With a point-by-point method, there are several options:

• The first body paragraph contains the initial claim only; the second body paragraph includes an initial claim and counterclaim; and the third body paragraph includes an initial claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal.


• The first body paragraph contains the initial claim and counterclaim; the second body paragraph includes an initial claim and counterclaim; and the third body paragraph includes an initial claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

There are several options available when writing a point-by-point argumentative essay, but there should be an initial claim to support each of the key points listed in the thesis statement (in each of the three body paragraphs).

When narrowing down a topic and developing a thesis statement, consider whether you are writing a problem essay or problem-solution essay.

An argumentative essay is a type of persuasive essay, but the latter typically only include an initial claim. When writing an argumentative essay, the writer is trying to persuade the reader to take action or change one's mind or perspective, but does so by include strong initial and counterclaims, along with a final rebuttal.

https://benjaminlstewart.substack.com | https://bio.link/benjamineg

​Course name: Writing Workshop

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The thesis statement is the "bridge" between a problem statement and skeleton (essay) outline:

1. Problem statement

Remember that a thesis statement should have three sections:

• Transition

Example: Because English language learners often get distracted with technology, English language teachers should use cell phones in the class because they allow learners to interact with classmates outside of class, they allow learners to connect with outside experts, and they allow teachers to provide more timely feedback.

Based on your thesis statement, create a skeleton outline that includes 1) a thesis statement and 2) three topic sentences that later will begin your three body paragraphs.

• evidence 1

Using cell phones to access online spaces, English language learners can reach outside experts to learn more about the subject matter. (Topic sentence #2)

• evidence 1

English language learners receive more timely feedback by setting up social media learning spaces for one-to-one teacher-to-student engagement. (Topic sentence #3)

• evidence 1

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Music: Clover 3 by Vibe Mountain Video Link: https://youtu.be/GU3ABAWA-Jk ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

An argumentative essay is an academic text that requires research (from peer-reviewed journal articles) to argue for or against a particular point of view. An argumentative essay contains an initial claim (or initial argument), and counterclaim (or a counterargument or response), and a rebuttal (or reply or comment). An argument is only as good as its counterargument; that is, a good argument requires evidence that supports both the initial argument as well as the counterargument. 

For context, assume you are writing a five-paragraph essay where the first paragraph is an introduction paragraph, followed by three body paragraphs, and ends with a conclusion paragraph. An argumentative essay that follows a block method would dedicate the first body paragraph to the initial claim, the second body paragraph to the counterclaim, and the third body paragraph to the rebuttal.

An argumentative essay that follows a point-by-point method would establish three key points in the thesis statement whereby each key point is developed in each of the three body paragraphs. When developing each of the three points (in the body paragraphs), the initial claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal would appear throughout as necessary to create a sound argument. With a point-by-point method, there are several options:

• The first body paragraph contains the initial claim only; the second body paragraph includes an initial claim and counterclaim; and the third body paragraph includes an initial claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal.

There are several options available when writing a point-by-point argumentative essay, but there should be an initial claim to support each of the key points listed in the thesis statement (in each of the three body paragraphs).

When narrowing down a topic and developing a thesis statement, consider whether you are writing a problem essay or problem-solution essay.

An argumentative essay is a type of persuasive essay, but the latter typically only include an initial claim. When writing an argumentative essay, the writer is trying to persuade the reader to take action or change one's mind or perspective, but does so by include strong initial and counterclaims, along with a final rebuttal. 

(Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2008)

Reflect on your topic-to-question statement:

• Topic: I wish to learn more about...

First, distinguish between a practical problem and a research problem...

• Practical problem: Students are afraid to speak in class.

One way to look at a problem: A problem consists of a topic + indirect question + significance

• I am studying teacher feedback [topic] because I want to find out when giving feedback allows students to feel more confident when speaking L2 with their peers [indirect question] in order to answer the bigger question of how teacher intervention can either promote or discourage student's oral production in class [significance, purpose, or objective].

Another way to look at a problem: A problem consists of a condition and a cost or consequence.

• I am studying teacher feedback [topic] because I want to find out when giving feedback allows students to feel more confident when speaking L2 with their peers [condition] in order to answer the bigger question of how teacher intervention can either promote or discourage student's oral production in class [cost or consequence].

• Ask teachers, students, administrators, and other experts in the field about problems they face related to teaching and learning an additional language.

1. Select a topic. (See above.)

• Am I currently working (teaching)?

Data analysis

• What's my unit of analysis?

• Am I going to focus on speaking?

As you are narrowing down a researchable topic, consider the list below as a good place to start as one begins the process of narrowing down a researchable topic in the field of applied linguistics. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. What problems or issues have I faced in the classroom or some other educational setting that relate to the learning process?

• Grammar

• Grice and Implicatures: Understanding Discourse part 1, part 2, & part 3.

Other helpful websites include Choosing and Refining Topics and Writing a Thesis Statement.

Once you have narrowed down a searchable topic, create a skeleton outline.

In this episode, I provide an overview of my website, blog, podcast, newsletter, and online courseware. Video: https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/blog/bls_101-overview-of-online-spaces-used-to-make-teaching-and-learning-more-transparent#/ 

Audio Gear - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)

In this episode, I share a recent conversation I had with a learner regarding narrowing down a topic for a five-paragraph essay. The learner granted me permission to share our conversation publicly.

Audio Gear - Microphone: Shure MV7; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)

In this episode I provide group feedback to English language learners from a recent speaking practice exercise: pronunciation and vocabulary, showing enthusiasm, and approaches to answering philosophical questions.

**Audio Gear** - Microphone: Shure SM7B; Microphone pre-amp processor: dbx 286s; Audio interface/recorder: Zoom Podtrak4; Screen recorder/streaming software: OBS; Video/audio editor and normalization (14 LUFS): Kdenlive; Music attribution - Joystock @ https://www.joystock.org/; https://www.benjaminlstewart.net/; @bnleez (Twitter)