Posted: January 3rd, 2023

Which question can help a writer revise an argumentative essay? : 10 Questions With Examples

Which question can help a writer revise an argumentative essay?

It’s important to take the time to make sure your essay is well-written and free of errors. To help make this process easier, this article will provide 10 questions to help when revising an argumentative essay. From checking the structure of your argument to making sure your essay conveys your intended message, these questions will help you create an effective and polished essay.

Revising an argumentative essay is an important step in the writing process. It allows the writer to reflect on their work and make improvements that can enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of their essay. But in order to effectively revise an argumentative essay, it’s important to ask the right questions.

What is An Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents both sides of an issue, arguing for and against it. It is often used to persuade readers to take a certain stance on an issue or to explain why one side is more valid than another. This article will explain what an argumentative essay is, provide an example of an argumentative essay, and discuss the components of an argumentative essay. By the end of the article, you should have a better understanding of how to craft and revise an effective argumentative essay.

Here are nine questions that can help a writer revise their argumentative essay:

Is my thesis clear and concise?

The thesis statement is the main argument of the essay, and it should be stated clearly and concisely in the introduction. It’s important to make sure that the thesis is specific and well-defined, as it will guide the rest of the essay and help the reader understand the main point being made.

Example:

Weak thesis: “The death penalty is a controversial issue that has been debated for many years.”

Revised thesis: “The death penalty is a cruel and unusual punishment that should be abolished in the United States due to its potential for error and lack of deterrent effects.”

Have I provided enough evidence to support my argument?

An argumentative essay should be supported by evidence, whether it be from sources or personal experience. It’s important to make sure that there is enough evidence to support the argument being made, and that the evidence is relevant and credible.

Example:

Weak argument: “The death penalty is a deterrent to crime because it sends a message that crime will not be tolerated.”

Revised argument: “Multiple studies have shown that the death penalty does not significantly deter crime compared to other forms of punishment, such as life imprisonment. In fact, some states that have abolished the death penalty have seen a decrease in crime rates. Therefore, the death penalty is not an effective deterrent and should be abolished.”

Are my sources reliable and relevant?

Using reliable and relevant sources is essential in an argumentative essay. It’s important to make sure that the sources used are credible and come from reputable sources. In addition, the sources should be relevant to the argument being made and should support the points being made in the essay.

Example:

Weak source: A blog post written by a person with no expertise or credentials on the topic of the death penalty.

Revised source: A peer-reviewed article written by a criminologist who has conducted research on the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent to crime.

Have I addressed counterarguments?

An effective argumentative essay should not only present the writer’s perspective, but also address counterarguments. It’s important to consider the opposing viewpoint and address it in the essay, either by refuting it or acknowledging it and explaining why it is not as strong as the writer’s argument.

Example:

Counterargument: “The death penalty serves as a necessary form of retribution for the most heinous crimes.”

Refutation: “While it is understandable that some people may feel a desire for retribution in cases of violent crime, the death penalty is not an effective or just way to achieve it. Studies have shown that the death penalty does not provide any additional closure or healing for the families of victims compared to life imprisonment. In addition, the risk of executing an innocent person is a real concern, as DNA evidence has proven that at least 18 people on death row were wrongly convicted. Therefore, it is more humane and just to seek alternatives to the death penalty.”

Have I used logical reasoning and avoided logical fallacies?

Logical reasoning is an important element of an argumentative essay. It’s important to make sure that the arguments being made are logical and well-supported, and that there are no logical fallacies present in the essay. Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can weaken an argument and make it less convincing.

Example:

One common logical fallacy is the appeal to authority, which occurs when the writer presents an argument as true simply because an authority figure or expert says it is. In an argumentative essay, it’s important to provide evidence and logical reasoning to support the argument, rather than relying on appeals to authority.

Have I used strong and varied transitions?

Transitions are important in any type of writing, but they are particularly important in an argumentative essay. They help to connect the different parts of the essay and make it flow smoothly. It’s important to use strong transitions that help to guide the reader through the essay and make the argument more cohesive.

Is my essay well-organized and easy to follow?

An argumentative essay should be well-organized and easy to follow. It’s important to make sure that the essay has a clear structure, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section should be clearly defined and flow logically from one to the next.

Have I used appropriate language and tone?

The language and tone used in an argumentative essay should be appropriate for the subject matter and the audience. It’s important to use language that is clear and concise, and to avoid using slang or overly casual language. The tone should be respectful and professional, even if the writer is presenting a strong argument.

Have I proofread and edited my essay?

Proofreading and editing are essential steps in the revision process. It’s important to carefully review the essay for spelling and grammar errors, as well as to ensure that the language is clear and concise. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review the essay to catch any errors that may have been missed.

Revising an argumentative essay can be a challenging task, but by asking the right questions and carefully reviewing the essay, a writer can make significant improvements to the quality and effectiveness of their work

Here are some more tips to help you revise your argumentative essay:

Start by rereading your essay and taking a break. Take some time to clear your head and come back to your essay with fresh eyes. This will help you approach your essay with a fresh perspective and make it easier to spot any weaknesses or areas that need improvement.

Look for opportunities to strengthen your argument. As you reread your essay, pay close attention to your argument and look for ways to make it stronger. This might involve adding more evidence, clarifying your points, or refuting counterarguments.

Check for logical flow and coherence. A strong argumentative essay should have a clear and logical structure, with each paragraph building on the one before it. Make sure that your essay flows smoothly and that your ideas are clearly and effectively communicated.

Revise for grammar and style. As you revise, pay close attention to your grammar and style. Make sure that your sentences are clear and well-constructed and that your essay follows the appropriate citation style.

Get feedback from others. Consider asking a friend, classmate, or tutor to read through your essay and provide feedback. Having a fresh pair of eyes can be helpful in identifying areas that need improvement.

By following these tips, you can effectively revise your argumentative essay and submit a final draft that you can be proud of. Don’t be afraid to take your time and be thorough in your revisions – a little extra effort can go a long way in improving the overall quality of your essay.

Here are some common questions that students have when it comes to revising their argumentative essays:

How do I know what needs revising?

One way to identify areas that need revising is to read your essay out loud and see if it flows smoothly and makes sense. You can also ask yourself if your argument is clear and well-supported by evidence. It can also be helpful to get feedback from others, such as a classmate or tutor, who can provide perspective on what could be improved.

How much should I revise?

The amount of revising you do will depend on the specific needs of your essay. Some essays may require more extensive revisions than others. It’s important to be thorough in your revisions and not to rush through the process. Take the time to carefully review your essay and make any necessary changes to improve its overall quality.

What if I can’t think of any ways to revise my essay?

If you’re feeling stuck and can’t think of any ways to revise your essay, try taking a break and coming back to it later with a fresh perspective. You could also try asking a friend or tutor for ideas or try brainstorming by asking yourself “what if” questions to explore different angles on your argument.

How do I know when my essay is finished?

You’ll know your essay is finished when you feel confident that it is the best it can be. This may require multiple rounds of revisions and seeking feedback from others. Trust your instincts and keep revising until you feel that your essay effectively communicates your message and presents a strong argument.