Though each of the four sentences states a different action, we feel there is connection between them. We assume that the dog that barked in sentence 1 is the dog that jumped in sentence 3 and that the child that cried in sentence 2 screamed and ran in sentence 4. The four sentences tell a single story. | writers break down the introductory material into two paragraphs the first one introducing the problem and the thesis and the second one providing additional information or definitions and giving background information necessary for the argument. 2. The essay should offer reasons and support for these reasons. In other words the essay should prove its point. It is a good idea to spend one paragraph on each reason. 3. The essay should refute opposing arguments. Refute means to prove wrong by argument or to show that something is wrong. It is this characteristics that is most peculiar to the argumentative essay than to expository essays. Since there are two sides to the issue and since you want to convince the reader that you are right not only must you prove your own case but you should also prove that the opponent is wrong or at least that your points are more valid or significant. Depending on how many points the writer wishes to address the refutation can take from one to three paragraphs. 4. If an opponent does have a valid point concede that point. It does little good in an argument to ignore any valid points the other side may have. You can concede them and then go on to show that your points are more important anyway. 5. The conclusion should logically follow from the argument. The conclusion can summarize the main points and reassert the thesis. In an argumentative essay however the conclusion often makes a demand for some action. It is not uncommon however to see arguments in which refutation comes before the reasons section. 70 TEXT 1 The Right to Be Let Alone By Barry Glazer How much should the government interfere in people s lives In general should it interfere or not 1. Government is the instrument of the people says the United States Constitution. Those to whom the people entrust power are charged with maintaining justice promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty for all of us. Recent newspaper opinion polls however suggest .
