Argumentation is a process of reasoning that asserts the reasonableness of a position, belief, or conclusion. An effective argumentative essay introduces a compelling, debatable topic to engage the reader. The purpose of the argument essay is to establish the writer's opinion or position on a topic and persuade others to share or at least acknowledge the validity of the writer's opinion in a fair, logical, and engaging process. 

Image: Debate na UFMG by Eu Governo, courtesy of Flickr. CC-BY-SA 2.0.

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify the elements of an argumentative essay
   
2. Determine the structure of an argumentative essay
3. Apply each phrase of the writing process to create an argumentative essay

To achieve these objectives: 

1. Read the Module 11 Introduction 
   
2. Read and view the materials in chapter 12 on Argument in Writing Rhetorically.
   
3. Complete the two sets of discussion questions and the Your Turn activity that appear in chapter 12.
4. Write the rough draft of your Cause/Effect and Argument paper.