Types of Argument Essays

Argument essays can be organized in different ways depending on the essay's purpose and the topic under consideration. Argument essays organized as a debate compare two or more options with the purpose of showing that one option is superior to the others. Toulmin essays, named for philosopher Stephen Toulmin, provides evidence for a claim while anticipating audience responses. Rogerian essays, named for psychologist Carl Rogers, compare options by examining their relative weights in an effort to determine the best option. Persuasive essays argue a single position or course of action that the audience should choose. Finally, satire is a special kind of literary argument that holds some position up for ridicule.

The following chart examines some of the similarities and differences between these types of argument essays [Note: The acronym SIRV stands for Significance, Importance, Relevance, or Value].

Types of Argument Essays

Type Focus Thesis (SIRV) Topic sentences identify Body Paragraphs Common conclusions

Debate favor one option in opposition to others of option arguments/counter-arguments provide evidence to support arguments/to counter opposing arguments strength of pro position; call to support

Toulmin Model establish a claim of claim data, warrants, backing, rebuttals
(Barnet and Bedau 251-9) Data: the premises/evidence in support of claim
Warrants: Reasons why grounds support or guarantee the claim
Backing: reasons for accepting the grounds as good
Rebuttals: identifying and responding to objections
(Barnet and Bedau 251-9) summation

Rogerian Model weigh options and recommend strongest of issue relative strengths/weaknesses analyze strengths/weaknesses
analyze relative weights qualified call for response; request for further study

Persuasive new course of action/new idea of issue reasons support proposed view/course of action provide evidence to support proposal;
provide anecdotal or human interest support for action or view plea, often emotional, for support

Satire flawed position held up to ridicule using a variety of figures of speech of issue qualities of position/steps to implementation narrative describing qualities/nature;
narrative/arguments outlining action plan SIRV of benefits;
call for action (ironic)

Types of Argument Essays
Type	Focus	Thesis (SIRV)	Topic sentences identify	Body Paragraphs	Common conclusions
Debate	favor one option in opposition to others	of option	arguments/counter-arguments	provide evidence to support arguments/to counter opposing arguments	strength of pro position; call to support
Toulmin Model	establish a claim	of claim	data, warrants, backing, rebuttals (Barnet and Bedau 251-9)	Data: the premises/evidence in support of claim Warrants: Reasons why grounds support or guarantee the claim Backing: reasons for accepting the grounds as good Rebuttals: identifying and responding to objections (Barnet and Bedau 251-9)	summation
Rogerian Model	weigh options and recommend strongest	of issue	relative strengths/weaknesses	analyze strengths/weaknesses analyze relative weights	qualified call for response; request for further study
Persuasive	new course of action/new idea	of issue	reasons support proposed view/course of action	provide evidence to support proposal; provide anecdotal or human interest support for action or view	plea, often emotional, for support
Satire	flawed position held up to ridicule using a variety of figures of speech	of issue	qualities of position/steps to implementation	narrative describing qualities/nature; narrative/arguments outlining action plan	SIRV of benefits; call for action (ironic)

This chart identifies different five types of argument essays (debate, Toulmin, Rogerian, persuasive, and satire) and the ways in which each type handles its focus, thesis, topic sentences, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Works Cited

Barnet, Sylvan and Hugo Bedau. Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing: A Brief Guide to Argument. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford St. Martins, 1999.

ENGL1010 Composition I