Adam Channel

ENGL 1C
Section 831
8/19/2007
Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a writing that attempts to prove a point through a thesis

supported with evidence. The essay can take many forms, such as a divided thesis, or an

expository essay. A divided thesis attempts to prove a point by looking at the argument from both

angles, offering support for both sides but ultimately choosing one and demonstrating how that

argument is superior. An expository essay simply makes one claim and supports it through

researched evidence. The primary facet of an argumentative essay is that the author does not

simply make an unsupported claim based upon subjective views. In the essay the author must

make a well formulated claim; the thesis, then provide evidence to support their thesis. The

source of the evidence must be properly cited, in an essay following the MLA format the sources

are cited using a bibliography at the end of the writing.