An argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents a claim or argument and supports it with evidence. While the purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept the writer's perspective, it is important that the argument is well-reasoned and supported by strong evidence. Unfortunately, there are some bad argumentative essay examples that fail to do this, and instead rely on flawed logic, weak evidence, or even deceptive tactics to try and sway the reader.
One common flaw in argumentative essays is the use of faulty logic. This means that the writer presents an argument that is not logically sound, either because it relies on flawed assumptions or because it ignores counterarguments. For example, an argument that asserts that all criminals are evil and should be locked up for life is flawed because it ignores the fact that some criminals may be rehabilitated and may not pose a threat to society.
Another common flaw in argumentative essays is the use of weak evidence. This means that the writer presents evidence that is not strong enough to support the argument being made. For example, an argument that asserts that all genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are harmful to human health may be supported by a single study, but this study may not be representative of the larger body of research on the topic. In order to present a strong argument, it is important to consider multiple sources of evidence and to evaluate the quality and credibility of each source.
Another problem with some argumentative essays is the use of deceptive tactics. This means that the writer presents information in a way that is intended to mislead or manipulate the reader. For example, an argument that asserts that a particular product is the best on the market may present only positive reviews of the product, while ignoring negative reviews or studies that have found flaws in the product. This is not only unethical, but it also undermines the credibility of the argument being made.
In conclusion, it is important for writers of argumentative essays to ensure that their arguments are well-reasoned and supported by strong evidence. By avoiding flawed logic, weak evidence, and deceptive tactics, writers can present a more compelling and persuasive argument to their readers.
