Essay Topic:
Considering that luke 21:17 in the Greek language, and especially that Luke 17:21 – 22, kingdom of god is among you. This is held true even though kingdom of god is within you.
Word limit: 500 words
What is an Argumentative Essay?
Argumentative essays are often called persuasive essays because their purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the writer. The writer has investigated the topic thoroughly, evaluated the evidence, and reached a conclusion. The essay presents the evidence to persuade you, that the author’s conclusions are the best explanation of the available data.
An argumentative essay, therefore, makes a claim with which others might disagree – and the writer attempts to persuade those who might disagree, of the validity of his/her claim.
Your essay should have the following outline:
Paragraph 1: Introduction. (This contains the context and the topic statement.). (100 words)
Paragraph 2: Supporting argument 1, with evidence and explanation. Start this paragraph with the term “Firstly…” (100 words)
Paragraph 3: Supporting argument 2, with evidence and explanation. Start this paragraph with the term “Secondly…” (100 words)
Paragraph 4: Supporting argument 3, with evidence and explanation OR name and refute a counterclaim. Start this paragraph with the term “Thirdly…” (100 words)
Paragraph 5: Conclusion. This restates the topic statement and main arguments. (100 words)
The Introduction
The introduction includes a topic statement, which is a one-sentence statement of the central claim for which the author argues. It is a one-sentence summary of the topic of the essay. The entire essay will attempt to persuade the reader that the claim is valid.
The Body
The body of the essay consists mostly of supporting arguments. Each argument presents and explains evidence to support the thesis statement. The nature of the evidence depends on the type of essay. If the essay is based on an analysis of a text, such as a Bible passage, then textual evidence is offered. The author shows how the text supports the claim. Citations from scholarly sources are another kind of evidence. At some point, the essay might present and refute counterarguments. Through arguments and refutations, the author stakes a claim for the validity of their position.
Each body paragraph should begin with one statement that supports the topic statement, which you should then elaborate on by explaining it and citing biblical texts and other academic sources as evidence. Here, you are welcome to cite Smith, the author of the Reader – which will be where most of your supporting arguments come from.
If your argument warrants it, Paragraph 4 could name at least one counterclaim – an argument of those who do not agree with your position, and bring evidence from the Bible or reading material to refute it. In other words, here, you may show how your claim is a valid alternative to an opposing position.
The Conclusion
The conclusion should restate the main thesis statement (the statement the writer attempted to persuade the reader of), as well as a short summary of the arguments, to show how these together, prove the writer’s position is valid.
