Mastering Argumentative Text Structure and Elements

Understanding Argumentative Texts

We understand argumentative reasoning as a process where a sender attempts to convince, prove, or demonstrate something to a receiver. Therefore, an argumentative text is woven with arguments. These texts are intended to convince, persuade, and make a recipient believe a specific point of view. They can be used to challenge existing ideas or reinforce them. In these texts, the appellative function of language is predominant. The overall structure typically presents an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Common Examples of Argumentative Texts

Examples of argumentative texts are found in every field, including at least:

• Newspaper editorials
• Letters to the editor
• Opinion articles
• General criticism and essays
• Political discourse and debates
• Round tables and judicial speeches
• Slogans and religious speeches (sermons)

Internal Structure of Argumentative Texts

The internal structure of an argumentative text uses reasoning to persuade a receiver and consists of several key parts:

The Thesis

The thesis is a statement, assertion, or opinion made by an issuer that serves as the beginning of an argument. This statement aims to be generally accepted and is normally presented in the introduction. Often, the argument is problematic as it moves within the fields of beliefs, traditions, ideologies, policy options, and cultural prejudices. Controversial theses often lack the shared statements found in those that are not controversial.

The Bases

The bases provide the initial support given to the thesis. They consist of data, facts, or opinions that can be easily shared by interlocutors.

The Guarantees

A guarantee protects and strengthens the relevance of the base that was given to the thesis. While a guarantee is not always required, it is necessary when an interlocutor doubts the relationship between the base and the thesis.

The Support

Support refers to general information that backs the aforementioned arguments. This support can be formed from data, research results, statistics, and scientific knowledge recognized by a large number of partners. When using these backups, it is very important to pinpoint the source of where the information was obtained.