argumentative essay about distance learning brainly

How Effective Is Online Learning? What the Research Does and Doesn’t Tell Us

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Editor’s Note: This is part of a series on the practical takeaways from research.

The times have dictated school closings and the rapid expansion of online education. Can online lessons replace in-school time?

Clearly online time cannot provide many of the informal social interactions students have at school, but how will online courses do in terms of moving student learning forward? Research to date gives us some clues and also points us to what we could be doing to support students who are most likely to struggle in the online setting.

The use of virtual courses among K-12 students has grown rapidly in recent years. Florida, for example, requires all high school students to take at least one online course. Online learning can take a number of different forms. Often people think of Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, where thousands of students watch a video online and fill out questionnaires or take exams based on those lectures.

In the online setting, students may have more distractions and less oversight, which can reduce their motivation.

Most online courses, however, particularly those serving K-12 students, have a format much more similar to in-person courses. The teacher helps to run virtual discussion among the students, assigns homework, and follows up with individual students. Sometimes these courses are synchronous (teachers and students all meet at the same time) and sometimes they are asynchronous (non-concurrent). In both cases, the teacher is supposed to provide opportunities for students to engage thoughtfully with subject matter, and students, in most cases, are required to interact with each other virtually.

Coronavirus and Schools

Online courses provide opportunities for students. Students in a school that doesn’t offer statistics classes may be able to learn statistics with virtual lessons. If students fail algebra, they may be able to catch up during evenings or summer using online classes, and not disrupt their math trajectory at school. So, almost certainly, online classes sometimes benefit students.

In comparisons of online and in-person classes, however, online classes aren’t as effective as in-person classes for most students. Only a little research has assessed the effects of online lessons for elementary and high school students, and even less has used the “gold standard” method of comparing the results for students assigned randomly to online or in-person courses. Jessica Heppen and colleagues at the American Institutes for Research and the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research randomly assigned students who had failed second semester Algebra I to either face-to-face or online credit recovery courses over the summer. Students’ credit-recovery success rates and algebra test scores were lower in the online setting. Students assigned to the online option also rated their class as more difficult than did their peers assigned to the face-to-face option.

Most of the research on online courses for K-12 students has used large-scale administrative data, looking at otherwise similar students in the two settings. One of these studies, by June Ahn of New York University and Andrew McEachin of the RAND Corp., examined Ohio charter schools; I did another with colleagues looking at Florida public school coursework. Both studies found evidence that online coursetaking was less effective.

About this series

This essay is the fifth in a series that aims to put the pieces of research together so that education decisionmakers can evaluate which policies and practices to implement.

The conveners of this project—Susanna Loeb, the director of Brown University’s Annenberg Institute for School Reform, and Harvard education professor Heather Hill—have received grant support from the Annenberg Institute for this series.

To suggest other topics for this series or join in the conversation, use #EdResearchtoPractice on Twitter.

Read the full series here .

It is not surprising that in-person courses are, on average, more effective. Being in person with teachers and other students creates social pressures and benefits that can help motivate students to engage. Some students do as well in online courses as in in-person courses, some may actually do better, but, on average, students do worse in the online setting, and this is particularly true for students with weaker academic backgrounds.

Students who struggle in in-person classes are likely to struggle even more online. While the research on virtual schools in K-12 education doesn’t address these differences directly, a study of college students that I worked on with Stanford colleagues found very little difference in learning for high-performing students in the online and in-person settings. On the other hand, lower performing students performed meaningfully worse in online courses than in in-person courses.

But just because students who struggle in in-person classes are even more likely to struggle online doesn’t mean that’s inevitable. Online teachers will need to consider the needs of less-engaged students and work to engage them. Online courses might be made to work for these students on average, even if they have not in the past.

Just like in brick-and-mortar classrooms, online courses need a strong curriculum and strong pedagogical practices. Teachers need to understand what students know and what they don’t know, as well as how to help them learn new material. What is different in the online setting is that students may have more distractions and less oversight, which can reduce their motivation. The teacher will need to set norms for engagement—such as requiring students to regularly ask questions and respond to their peers—that are different than the norms in the in-person setting.

Online courses are generally not as effective as in-person classes, but they are certainly better than no classes. A substantial research base developed by Karl Alexander at Johns Hopkins University and many others shows that students, especially students with fewer resources at home, learn less when they are not in school. Right now, virtual courses are allowing students to access lessons and exercises and interact with teachers in ways that would have been impossible if an epidemic had closed schools even a decade or two earlier. So we may be skeptical of online learning, but it is also time to embrace and improve it.

A version of this article appeared in the April 01, 2020 edition of Education Week as How Effective Is Online Learning?

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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Argumentative Essay: Online Learning and Educational Access

Conventional learning is evolving with the help of computers and online technology. New ways of learning are now available, and improved access is one of the most important benefits available. People all around the world are experiencing improved mobility as a result of the freedom and potential that online learning provides, and as academic institutions and learning organisations adopt online learning technologies and remote-access learning, formal academic education is becoming increasingly legitimate. This essay argues the contemporary benefits of online learning, and that these benefits significantly outweigh the issues, challenges and disadvantages of online learning.

Online learning is giving people new choices and newfound flexibility with their personal learning and development. Whereas before, formal academic qualifications could only be gained by participating in a full time course on site, the internet has allowed institutions to expand their reach and offer recognized courses on a contact-partial, or totally virtual, basis. Institutions can do so with relatively few extra resources, and for paid courses this constitutes excellent value, and the student benefits with greater educational access and greater flexibility to learn and get qualified even when there lots of other personal commitments to deal with.

Flexibility is certainly one of the most important benefits, but just as important is educational access. On top of the internet’s widespread presence in developed countries, the internet is becoming increasingly available in newly developed and developing countries. Even without considering the general informational exposure that the internet delivers, online academic courses and learning initiatives are becoming more aware of the needs of people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and this means that people from such backgrounds are in a much better position to learn and progress than they used to be.

The biggest argument that raises doubt over online learning is the quality of online courses in comparison to conventional courses. Are such online courses good enough for employers to take notice? The second biggest argument is the current reality that faces many people from disadvantaged backgrounds, despite the improvements made in this area in recent years – they do not have the level of basic access needed to benefit from online learning. In fact, there are numerous sources of evidence that claim disadvantaged students are not receiving anywhere near the sort of benefits that online learning institutions and promoters are trying to instigate. Currently there are many organisations, campaigns and initiatives that are working to expand access to higher education. With such high participation, it can be argued that it is only a matter of time before the benefits are truly realised, but what about the global online infrastructure?

There is another argument that is very difficult to dispel, and that is the response of different types of students to the online learning paradigm. Evidence shows that there are certain groups of students that benefit from college distance learning much more than other groups. In essence, students must be highly motivated and highly disciplined if they are to learn effectively in their own private environment.

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Pros and Cons of Distance Learning Argumentative Essay

On March 13th, 2020 at the end of the day, schools announced that in-person will be suspended due to Covid-19. The school district decided schools would resume. However, it would take place through online learning. I agree that in-person learning is the best option. As a result, there have been so many negative effects since we moved to distance learning. Distance learning has adversely impacted students from a lack of motivation, mental health issues, and procrastination on assignments. 

Distance learning makes it difficult to keep motivated when you're usually on your own and there's a lack of communication. For instance, You wouldn't get as much help online as you would in-person. Teachers would drive us to do better in school if we were physically there. That is the root of inspiration. Teachers supported us, and we received the assistance we needed. Doing work without inspiration is highly difficult for students. 

Distance learning enables one to procrastinate on tasks even more quickly. For instance, students are making their own environment, which means they are at ease with their own house. We have a lot of distractions at home, which makes it difficult for us to concentrate at school. Ultimately, online material is more difficult to grasp. We can audibly see how these are the underlying causes of procrastination and people face these problems on a regular basis.  

Many people, on the other hand, believe that they have more independence and fewer restrictions online than they do in person. This is particularly valid in recognition of the way that most students are falling behind on assignments and earning low grades. Teachers have been assigning students twice the amount of work. Students stay up all night in order to finish them on time. 

Based on all that has been said, distance learning has proved to be unsuccessful for us, and schools must re-open. There are several disadvantages after nearly a year of distance learning. It's hard to be excited about distance learning because you're always on your own and there's a lack of interaction. Distance learning worsens our procrastination on assignments. This is important because it leads to stress, anxiety, and depression. To improve this society, the schools should resume in-person as it will be of great benefit because you can work at your own pace, school is the best quiet space environment, inspiration, and performing better.

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Distance Learning: Advantages and Limitations Essay

Introduction.

The theme of this study chose distance learning, which is relevant in connection with the recent coronavirus pandemic. After the searches, the three most relevant articles were selected. Namely: University Students Online Learning System During Covid-19 Pandemic: Advantages, Constraints and Solutions by Purwanto, which covers all the aspects of distance learning in terms of coronavirus (570). Indonesia Education Readiness Conducting Distance Learning in Covid-19 Pandemic Situation by Churiyah et al. represents the Indonesian government’s attitude to this phenomenon (491). Moreover, in A Shift from Classroom to Distance Learning: Advantages and Limitations by Sadeghi, the author discusses distance learning in all its terms (80). All three articles cover the topic of distance learning in the context of the coronavirus and everyday practice. However, Sadeghi’s article seems to be the most priority among all three articles, as it reveals this topic in a pros and cons format that is understandable to everyone.

A Shift from Classroom to Distance Learning: Advantages and Limitations

This article consists of distance learning theory, its history, and its advantages and disadvantages. The article’s primary purpose is to familiarize itself since it does not prove anything but explains the complex in simple language. The author states that students participating in distance education may not always be present at a school (Sadeghi 80). In other words, students learn and pass their chosen subjects online without visiting a testing facility, a college campus, or a university building. The question of whether the provided education is as effective as it could be is raised because of its popularization.

Theories of Distance Learning

The same is valid for online education, just as no single learning theory has been developed for instruction in general. Many theories have developed based on the significant learning theories we previously covered. The convergence of four overlapping lenses — community-centeredness, knowledge-centeredness, learner-centeredness, and assessment-centeredness — is one of the theories discussed in this section of the article (Sadeghi 82). These lenses served as the framework for the author’s strategy for researching an online education theory because they considered the qualities and resources the Internet offers about each of the four lenses. The author also pointed out how all types of media are now supported and readily available on the Internet, which formerly existed only as a text-based environment (Sadeghi 82). They also correctly noted that the linking function of the Internet is best suited to how human information is stored and accessed.

Advantages of Distance Learning

Speaking of the advantages of distance learning, the author suggests that remote learning may not be ideal for some students, and there will be a list of disadvantages. The best thing about remote learning is that one can take it anytime and anywhere. According to Sadeghi, a distance education degree earned online or through another method may be significantly less expensive for any given program than an on-campus degree (Sadeghi 83). Thus, one of the advantages is the lower cost of higher education in this format. The author also points out that forms of distance learning enable students to design their learning schedules at their leisure rather than adhering to a fixed course of study (Sadeghi 83). These three advantages can be called the most significant since they are most very distinguishable by remote education from traditional one.

Disadvantages of Distance Learning

While more people have the chance to pursue higher education due to distance learning, there are also some drawbacks. According to the author, the likelihood of being distracted and forgetting deadlines is considered when there is no teacher for face-to-face interaction and no classmates to assist with ongoing reminders about pending work (Sadeghi 84). Additionally, because training is done online, there is almost no physical interaction between students and instructors.

In conclusion, the author states that while distance learning programs and courses are here to stay and will grow in the future, many unclear concerns still need to be defined and looked at. The author believes that the other significant issue is that employers still favor traditional college or university degrees over those obtained through online or remote learning. Summing up, one can note the deep work carried out in the study of the concepts of distance learning.

Works Cited

Sadeghi, Manijeh. “ A shift from classroom to distance learning: Advantages and limitations .” International Journal of Research in English Education , vol. 4, no. 1, 2019, pp. 80–88., Web.

Churiyah, Madziatul, et al. “ Indonesia Education Readiness Conducting Distance Learning in Covid-19 Pandemic Situation .” International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding, vol. 7, no. 6, 2020, p. 491., Web.

Purwanto, Agus. “ University Students Online Learning System during COVID-19 Pandemic: Advantages, Constraints, and Solutions .” Sys Rev Pharm, vol. 11, no. 7, pp. 570–576., Web.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Argumentative Essays

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The Modes of Discourse—Exposition, Description, Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)—are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. Although these genres have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these approaches and students’ need to understand and produce them.

What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 strong argumentative essay examples, analyzed.

General Education

Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.

After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.

A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the author’s thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.

The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

• The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
• The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.

Argumentative Essay Example 1

Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.

However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.

Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.

While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.

The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.

What this essay does well:

• Although it’s a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
• This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the author’s argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
• For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, it’s important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
• This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
• Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the author’s own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
• Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.

Argumentative Essay Example 2

There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention haven’t seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHO’s Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.

One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldn’t be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continent’s spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply can’t rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.

Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.

Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).  These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who don’t even own bed nets.  Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, there’s the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.

Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. It’s estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.  

This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.

• The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
• There’s lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author’s argument.
• The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure they’re being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
• The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.

Argumentative Essay Example 3

There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.

Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldn’t exist, college coaches wouldn’t receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldn’t profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don’t receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating they’ll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.  

Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasn’t worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasn’t paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them “strongly consider” remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.

Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.

People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, they’d turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.

They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from men’s football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.

Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.

People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its members’ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.

While both sides have good points, it’s clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.

This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldn’t be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldn’t be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.

• Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
• Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
• Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you don’t explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesn’t appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesn’t give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.

3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.

#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear

The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isn’t clear or readers can’t find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesn’t fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.

Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument you’re on. After you’ve written it, it’s a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point you’ll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.

#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak

When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but don’t do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldn’t believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why they’re incorrect/weak arguments. That’ll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.

#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side

Remember, an essay can’t be an argumentative essay if it doesn’t support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample

Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.

What's Next?

Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!

You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.

Your college admissions essay may end up being one of the most important essays you write. Follow our step-by-step guide on writing a personal statement to have an essay that'll impress colleges.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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9.3: The Argumentative Essay

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Learning Objectives

• Examine types of argumentative essays

Argumentative Essays

You may have heard it said that all writing is an argument of some kind. Even if you’re writing an informative essay, you still have the job of trying to convince your audience that the information is important. However, there are times you’ll be asked to write an essay that is specifically an argumentative piece.

An argumentative essay is one that makes a clear assertion or argument about some topic or issue. When you’re writing an argumentative essay, it’s important to remember that an academic argument is quite different from a regular, emotional argument. Note that sometimes students forget the academic aspect of an argumentative essay and write essays that are much too emotional for an academic audience. It’s important for you to choose a topic you feel passionately about (if you’re allowed to pick your topic), but you have to be sure you aren’t too emotionally attached to a topic. In an academic argument, you’ll have a lot more constraints you have to consider, and you’ll focus much more on logic and reasoning than emotions.

Argumentative essays are quite common in academic writing and are often an important part of writing in all disciplines. You may be asked to take a stand on a social issue in your introduction to writing course, but you could also be asked to take a stand on an issue related to health care in your nursing courses or make a case for solving a local environmental problem in your biology class. And, since argument is such a common essay assignment, it’s important to be aware of some basic elements of a good argumentative essay.

When your professor asks you to write an argumentative essay, you’ll often be given something specific to write about. For example, you may be asked to take a stand on an issue you have been discussing in class. Perhaps, in your education class, you would be asked to write about standardized testing in public schools. Or, in your literature class, you might be asked to argue the effects of protest literature on public policy in the United States.

However, there are times when you’ll be given a choice of topics. You might even be asked to write an argumentative essay on any topic related to your field of study or a topic you feel that is important personally.

Whatever the case, having some knowledge of some basic argumentative techniques or strategies will be helpful as you write. Below are some common types of arguments.

Causal Arguments

• In this type of argument, you argue that something has caused something else. For example, you might explore the causes of the decline of large mammals in the world’s ocean and make a case for your cause.

Evaluation Arguments

• In this type of argument, you make an argumentative evaluation of something as “good” or “bad,” but you need to establish the criteria for “good” or “bad.” For example, you might evaluate a children’s book for your education class, but you would need to establish clear criteria for your evaluation for your audience.

Proposal Arguments

• In this type of argument, you must propose a solution to a problem. First, you must establish a clear problem and then propose a specific solution to that problem. For example, you might argue for a proposal that would increase retention rates at your college.

Narrative Arguments

• In this type of argument, you make your case by telling a story with a clear point related to your argument. For example, you might write a narrative about your experiences with standardized testing in order to make a case for reform.

Rebuttal Arguments

• In a rebuttal argument, you build your case around refuting an idea or ideas that have come before. In other words, your starting point is to challenge the ideas of the past.

Definition Arguments

• In this type of argument, you use a definition as the starting point for making your case. For example, in a definition argument, you might argue that NCAA basketball players should be defined as professional players and, therefore, should be paid.

https://assessments.lumenlearning.co...essments/20277

Essay Examples

• Click here to read an argumentative essay on the consequences of fast fashion . Read it and look at the comments to recognize strategies and techniques the author uses to convey her ideas.
• In this example, you’ll see a sample argumentative paper from a psychology class submitted in APA format. Key parts of the argumentative structure have been noted for you in the sample.

Link to Learning

For more examples of types of argumentative essays, visit the Argumentative Purposes section of the Excelsior OWL .

Contributors and Attributions

• Argumentative Essay. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/rhetorical-styles/argumentative-essay/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
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Distance learning, as it is known to many students, is the online learning and teaching programs offered by world class institutions of learning. Unlike traditional classroom education, students are virtually enrolled in their programs and respective classes online. Statistical data taken from the leading institutions of higher learning in the United States and United Kingdom show that the number of students registering for distance learning programs is increasing day and night. In the United States alone, the number of students taking courses through distance education has since risen from 3.9 million in 2010 to approximately 8.9 million students in 2013. Whereas distance learning is applauded for its inherent ability to reduce illiteracy amongst the Americans through promotion of cheaper internet enabled computer programs, the mode of education has been found out to compromise the quality of learning outcomes.

Although traditional classroom education remains the mode of learning which is widely practiced and offered by most of the institutions such as colleges and universities across the world, distance learning is increasingly becoming more popular in the age of information technology. Distance learning is no longer an alternative mode of learning to traditional education but a preferred mode of learning across the world. The most recent survey conducted among college students revealed that 80% of the college and university students are in favor of distance learning because of its flexibility. The subsequent popularity of distance learning is attributed to fact it is the only mode of education that gives students freedom to choose the convenient time of the night or day to take classes. Unlike the subjective traditional face-to-face education with its fixed teaching and learning schedule, the highly individualized distance learning gives students full freedom on when and what they want to learn.

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Secondly, distance learning reaches the highest number of students within the shortest period of time as opposed to the traditional face-to-face learning. The number of students graduating from various institutions of education after undertaking distance learning programs is increasing every year. Statistics show that about there are about 9 million students registered for various distance learning programs in the United States last year and the figures are on an upward trend. The flaring number of students opting for the distance learning implies that larger segments of illiterate populations are effectively reached. Consequently, the mode of learning has proven to the most effective and convenient method of combating higher rates of illiteracy across the continents. Apart from its accessibility, multitudes of learners successfully complete their courses because distance learning programs are far cheaper than compared to traditional learning programs.

Suffice it to say, there is substantial evidence that distance learning has proven to be more effective tool in promoting literacy amongst the adult populations. It is more suitable for the adult learners who are either in full time employment or committed in their domestic duties thus, cannot manage to fit in traditional mode of education with fixed schedule. With the full knowledge that the internet-enabled mode of learning takes place in the comfort of living rooms, many mature learners find distance learning more palatable because it upholds their confidentiality and privacy. In this regard, the electronic mode of learning renders education a private affair compared to traditional education that makes education a public affair. It therefore goes without saying that distance learning has adequately counteracted shame that most adult students face in their efforts to access education programs in traditional institutions.

Most importantly, distance learning programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of learners like no other. For instance, the programs are scheduled to ensure that learners who are in active job with tight work schedule, parents taking care of their children, and persons living outside the catchment areas of the learning institutions can create time and study at their own convenient time. Both the young and old; men and women; the rich and poor are satisfactorily accommodated by the distance learning education programs. In addition to this, distance learning educational programs are designed in a way that individual learners can study at their pace; students are at liberty to start, break and resume personalized studies at their own discretion. This rare phenomenon gives distance learning an upper hand above traditional classroom face-to-face learning.

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Despite the numerous gains and advantages that come with the distance education on the students' side, it has been established that learning at home behind an internet-enabled computer cannot replace face to face education existing in institutions of higher learning such as universities and colleges. On many occasions, educational experts have raised their concern on the effectiveness of distance learning on pedagogical delivery of complex concepts especially in science-oriented subjects such as chemistry and mathematics. According to the latest research finding, distance learning is limited to the kind of courses they offer to students. For instance, technical courses such as engineering, applied technology and mechanics that require the instructors to impart psychomotor and manipulative skills to learners could not be delivered via distance learning programs. The much desired delivery of technical courses of this nature is therefore an exclusive reserve of the traditional face-to-face education. At the end of it all, It emerges that traditional face-to-face education produces better results in technical subjects that requires practical skills.

It has been proven over and over again that there are a lot of difficulties in self-directed learning which is demanded by the online education. Many a times, students undertaking online courses do not have set schedule for their studies thus, leaving much room for distracters that altogether work to the detriment of students' academic performance. Taking into consideration that students are left to study on their own while at the same time being least supervised by their course instructors, most of the students do not see the need to delve into their studies before the examination period. The reduced contact hours between instructors and students due to exclusive use of virtual interactive platform, instructors will not be able to constantly monitor students' learning progress. In this case, the outcome of the learning process in learners is compromised because instructors often fail to identify students' weaknesses in distance learning. On the other hand, instructors quickly identify individual learner's areas of weaknesses and fix them in time to bring about desirable learning outcome in learners.

Lack of the physical interaction between students and course instructors in the distance learning programs leads to gross instructional misunderstanding. This could have unbearable detrimental effects on the accuracy and effectiveness with which learning objectives are met. Contrary to the traditional face-to-face form of education, distance learning deprives students of the adequate opportunity to be in constant contact with their course instructors. Therefore, they are bound to experience instruction breakdown from the internet learning interface. It is imperative to note, however, that distance education leads to increased incidences of cheating alongside other host of irregularities in online examinations.

In conclusion, distance learning has proven to be more convenient, cheaper and confidential learner-friendly mode of learning. The global enrolment rates in the institutions of higher learning have shot up tremendously since the rolling out of distance learning educational programs. Judging from the ongoing trends, it is evident that distance learning will continue to gain prominence over the traditional face-to-face education.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay Outline

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that uses logical evidence and empirical data to convince readers of a particular position on a topic. Because of its reliance on structure and planning, the first step in writing one is often drafting a solid argumentative essay outline. 

Of course, drafting an argumentative essay outline can be just as daunting as actually writing one. Choosing topics is one thing, but organizing your thesis , research, reasoning, and conclusion is a whole other endeavor—and that’s all before beginning the first draft! 

So in this quick guide, we explain how to make an effective argumentative essay outline, covering all three major formats: Classical (Aristotelian), Rogerian, and Toulmin. We’ll also include argumentative essay outline examples and templates to help you understand what works. 

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Table of contents

How is an argumentative essay structured? 

How to create an argumentative essay outline

Classical argumentative essay outline template, rogerian argumentative essay outline template, toulmin argumentative essay outline template, argumentative essay faqs.

An argumentative essay uses facts, data, and logical reasoning to substantiate a specific stance on any given topic. They are typically structured to “build an argument,” with a clear thesis statement , unambiguous conclusion, and as much evidential support as needed.  

While all seven types of essays follow the same introduction-body-conclusion structure, argumentative essays tend to be more complex to fit all the necessary components of a convincing argument. For example, you may want to dissect opposing points of view to strengthen your own argument, but where would you put that section? Before your argument? After? Intermingled throughout the essay with each new piece of evidence? 

There’s no one right way to structure an argumentative essay; it depends on your topic, opposing viewpoints, and the readers, among other things. In fact, to accommodate different types of argumentative essay styles, three methods have emerged as the go-to formats: Classical (Aristotelian), Rogerian, and Toulmin, explained below.  

No matter the format or topic, a strong argumentative essay outline makes it easier to organize your thoughts and present your case in the best possible way. So before you get down to the actual essay writing , take a little time to prepare what you want to say in an outline. 

Knowing how to write an outline is just half the battle. Because an argumentative essay outline requires extra structure and organization, it often requires more extensive planning than the standard essay outline . After all, the goal is to present the best argument for your topic, so you need to make sure each section is in the optimal place. 

As mentioned, there are three main options for how to structure an argumentative essay. Before we dive into the details, let’s look at an overview of each so you can decide which one best fits your essay. 

Classical (Aristotelian)

When to use it: straightforward and direct arguments

The most forthright approach, the Classical or Aristotelian format is closest to traditional essay structures. It follows a simple layout: explain your argument, explain your opposition’s argument, and then present your evidence, all the while relying on credibility ( ethos ), emotion ( pathos ), and reasoning ( logos ) to influence the reader. 

When to use it: both sides make valid arguments; your readers are sympathetic to the opposing position

The Rogerian format gives ample respect to opposing stances, making it a great “middle-ground” approach for representing both sides. This method is ideal if your thesis is a compromise between conflicting positions or an attempt to unify them. 

Likewise, this format is best if you’re writing for readers who are already biased toward an opposing position, such as if you’re arguing against societal norms. 

When to use it: complicated arguments with multiple facets; rebuttals and counterarguments

The Toulmin method is a deep analysis of a single argument. Given its methodical and detailed nature, it works best for breaking down a complicated thesis into digestible portions. 

The Toulmin method is rather nitpicky in a very systematic way. That makes it an ideal format if your essay is a rebuttal or counterargument to another essay—you’re able to dissect and disprove your opposition point by point while offering a more reasonable alternative.  

Aristotle had a gift for explaining things clearly and logically, and the Aristotelian argumentative essay structure leans into that. Also known as Classical or Classic, the Aristotelian format is the most straightforward: the writer presents their argument first and then refutes the opposing argument. 

Let’s look at the details in this argumentative essay outline example for the Classical or Aristotelian format. 

I. Introduction

A. Open with a hook, something to keep the reader interested enough to read until the conclusion (known as exordium ) B. Give any background information or context necessary to understand the topic (known as narratio )  C. Provide a thesis statement explaining your stance and why you feel that way (known as proposito and partitio )

II. First reason 

A. Start with the least controversial reason to support your argument, explaining your point clearly as an overview 1. First evidential support of your reason (known as confirmatio )

2. Second evidential support of your reason, then third, and so on

B. Summarize your first reason again and tie it together with evidential support 

III. Second reason, etc. 

A. Continue to list your reasons in the same format as the first. List your reasons from least to most controversial 

IV. First opposing point of view

A. Explain the reasoning of the opposing side. Point out their defenses and evidence—what would they say if they were writing the essay?  1. Point out weaknesses and inconsistencies in their argument

2. Refute their points with evidential support (known as refutatio )

3. Reinforce your position as the more reasonable position

V. Second opposing point of view, etc. 

A. Continue to present and refute opposing points of view in the same format as the first 

VI. Conclusion

A. Reiterate your position and thesis statement, drawing on your strongest evidential support and rebuttals of opposing points (known as peroratio ) B. Wrap everything up with a thought-provoking ending or call to action (a suggestion you want the reader to take) 

Of all formats, Rogerian gives the most attention to opposing arguments. Its goal is to create a middle ground between two arguments, pointing out the validity of each and finding a way to unify them as one. If positions on a particular topic are too polarized or unable to coexist, this format won’t work. 

Let’s take a closer look at the Rogerian argumentative essay outline example below and notice the concessions for opposing points of view. 

A. State the problem that needs to be solved and any context necessary for understanding it B. Explain the ideal solutions from your position as well as the ideal solutions from opposing positions (and point out any overlap) C. Make your thesis statement

II. Summarize the opposing position

A. Summarize the opposition’s point of view respectfully; consider their defense and reasoning  1. Present evidential support for the opposing position

2. Comment on or refute their support

B. Follow the same format for additional opposing points of view

III. Validate the opposing position

A. Show that you understand and/or sympathize with the opposing position 1. Explain the context and reasoning behind your opposition’s perspective

2. Elaborate on the evidence and data from opposing positions

B. Affirm the areas in which you agree with the opposition

IV. Present your position

A. Summarize your first reason for holding your position 1. Present your first piece of evidential support

2. Present your second piece of evidential support, and so on

B. Summarize your second reason for holding your position, and so on 

V. Bring both sides together (compromise)

A. Consider which aspects from each argument are most reasonable B. Propose a compromise that combines the best elements from each position

A. Reaffirm your respect for the opposing point of view B. Reiterate the areas in which the opposition can benefit from your argument and vice versa C. Summarize the earlier compromise and, if possible, end on a positive note

Stephen Toulmin’s original purpose was to analyze the nature of arguments, but the application of his teachings has evolved into an argumentative essay format, especially for challenging existing arguments. It focuses on the six elements that make up a good argument: claim (thesis), grounds (data and reasons), warrants, backings, qualifiers, and rebuttals. 

The argumentative essay outline example below shows the recommended order in which to put these elements: 

A. Open with a hook, if you can, to garner interest B. Explain the topic and its necessary context C. Make your thesis statement

II. Present the grounds (hard evidence) to validate your thesis

A. Present your first evidential support of data or logical reasons  B. Present your second evidential support of data or logical reasons, and so on 

III. Explain your first warrant (justification for your thesis)

A. Explain how the warrant relates back to your thesis B. Provide backing to support your warrant (could be more evidence or data or just logical reasoning) C. List any qualifiers that undermine or limit your warrant—the idea is to acknowledge any weaknesses in your own argument

IV. Explain your second warrant, and so on

A. Continue to explain your individual warrants as above 

V. Discuss opposition

A. Explain the first opposing point of view 1. Discuss the opposition fairly and transparently

2. Explain your rebuttal to defend your thesis

B. Explain the second opposing point of view, and so on 

A. Connect all your warrants and data together  B. Reiterate the opposing position and your rebuttals C. Draw a conclusion to make your final claim and reaffirm your thesis

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a short, nonfiction piece of writing that uses logical evidence and empirical data to convince the reader of a certain point of view. 

Argumentative essays typically include an explanation of the writer’s position (thesis), evidence supporting that thesis, opposing points of view, and rebuttals against that opposition. The order in which these sections are presented, however, depends on the format. 

What are some common ways to organize an argumentative essay outline?

The most straightforward approach to an argumentative essay outline is to first present your position, including the evidence and reasoning to back it up, and then address the opposing points of view. However, the more complex the topic, the more layers must be added to the outline. 

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Distance Learning Argumentative Essays Samples For Students

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If you're looking for an applicable method to simplify writing an Argumentative Essay about Distance Learning, WowEssays.com paper writing service just might be able to help you out.

For starters, you should browse our vast directory of free samples that cover most diverse Distance Learning Argumentative Essay topics and showcase the best academic writing practices. Once you feel that you've determined the key principles of content structuring and taken away actionable insights from these expertly written Argumentative Essay samples, composing your own academic work should go much easier.

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Free Distance Learning Is The Way To Go Argumentative Essay Sample

Introduction.

There have been admirable advancements in technology amongst them being video teleconferencing, video, email, internet and videotapes. This has brought about change in the education sector. With technology, individuals are able to meet varying educational needs of varying students. Distance learning has in a way undermined face-to-face teaching and being in a class has had its magnitude of necessity minimized. It is a modern approach that delivers education in a different way eliminating the need for the student and the teacher meeting at the same place. The entire globe has identified the need for education and distance learning is helping that become a success.

Thesis Statement

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Abortion Is Dividing the ‘Religious’ From the ‘Right’

Does god have to be republican.

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

This is just my favorite kind of episode.

You’re doing the Lord’s work, my friend.

Aha. That’s what they tell you right before they string you up.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

From “New York Times Opinion,” I’m Michelle Cottle.

I’m Ross Douthat.

I’m Carlos Lozada.

And I’m Lydia Polgreen.

And this is “Matter of Opinion.”

All right, so this week, abortion landed in the spotlight again, reminding us just how much the issue of reproductive rights continues to rock American politics. So I’ve gathered you all here today for us to noodle over whether the latest developments in the fight over abortion access suggest religion is gaining or losing steam in the political arena. But first, someone’s going to have to walk us through the latest. Lydia, you want to tackle this for us?

I’m happy to. Well, it was an action-packed week. I mean, we always knew since the Supreme Court overturned Roe in 2022 that abortion was going to play a huge role in the 2024 presidential election. Obviously the Senate is up for grabs, the House. It’s going to be a big, big, big issue.

It’s a lot.

It’s a lot. And so this week, Trump, the wily politician that he is, took a big swing at diffusing what has become, I think, a very difficult and toxic issue for his party. And he announced in a video that, while he’s proud to have helped dismantle Roe v. Wade, he believes that abortion should be left up to the states. He thought IVF needs to be protected.

And he didn’t explicitly say that he was against a national ban. And there were a lot of other details that he left out that give him lots and lots of wiggle room, his favorite thing to have. But it was a big moment that happened on Monday. And then on Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a draconian ban on abortion that dated back to 1864 —

Pre-statehood.

Yeah, pre-statehood. Pretty amazing. Yeah. Women couldn’t vote back then, as you might recall. So —

Just to be clear, this ban was on the books in 1968 and 1969, which is the reason that the Supreme Court had it reversed. The Supreme Court ruled that because of Roe, the law that was on the books in Arizona in 1969 or 1970, when women had the right to vote —

Dating back to —

Which had originally been passed in 1864 —

Thank you, Ross.

— and had not been repealed in 1920, 1930, 1940 or 1950 was —

Got it. Point made.

— put into effect. I just think it’s useful to be clear. That’s all.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Just here for clarity.

Very kind of you.

Arizona is, of course, a very important swing state. So this issue instantly became a hot potato. One of Trump’s acolytes, Kari Lake, who a couple of years ago said she loved this very old law, she’s currently running for Senate in Arizona and she’s tried to back away from it. She didn’t get any help from her fellow state Republicans because, on Wednesday, the Republican-dominated state legislature blocked a Democratic effort to repeal the 1864 law. So that’s about where things are.

You know how when Trump and his supporters talk about the economy under his watch during his presidency, they always act as if 2020 didn’t count, right, as if they can just go back in time and erase that year from his record as president?

On abortion, I see a similar kind of time travel, depending on what audience he’s trying to sway. And you see that clearly in that video statement. Like Lydia said, he doesn’t express support for a national abortion ban. He also doesn’t criticize the proposed state-level bans, even if they’re far more restrictive than his own prior stated preference for a ban after 16 weeks.

But even beyond those policy specifics, the rhetoric is very weirdly and artfully all over the map. He urges people to follow their heart and their faith, which sounds kind of like it’s a nod to Christian conservatives, but then he also says, do whatever is right for yourself, which sounds very —

— very kind of pro-choice-ish.

I missed that in the Bible where it says that.

Authentic — authentically Trump.

But yeah — but what’s clear is, exactly, is that Trump probably does not have hard and fast views on abortion himself and he says whatever he thinks will help him politically. But that doesn’t change the fact that he’s in a bind, right? He obviously sees that the efforts at abortion restrictions post-Dobbs have been very unpopular. But he also knows where his bread gets buttered on abortion. And the hard thing about trying to signal different things to different audiences is that everyone can hear you at the same time.

That’s true, although they sometimes hear you through different filters, and that has worked to his advantage a lot. Although, in this case, there were some staunchly pro-life political players who were not pleased. I mean, Mike Pence and Lindsey Graham and the Susan B. Anthony folks were expressing their disappointment over this. But on some level, does this matter if they’re unhappy with this particular thing?

Well, that’s — I mean, let me just to, I guess, quasi defend the specificity of Trump’s views. So afterward he was asked whether he would sign a national abortion restriction that crossed his desk. And I believe he said no, he would not. So he didn’t say that in the video, but he did clarify it when asked afterward.

And he also criticized the abortion law, which reflects, again, a certain incoherence. He was saying states should do whatever they feel like they should do, but then when a state law is reinstated that he doesn’t like, he criticized it. And Trump has been on the record criticizing the heartbeat bills, the kind that Ron DeSantis supported. Again, not in this moment, but in different contexts in the last year or so.

So I think you can look at Trump and say, pretty clearly, that Trump is, in a way, a classic conflicted voter on abortion. Again, not that he has any kind of deeply felt views. But you could talk him into a 15-week ban or a 20-week ban, and you probably couldn’t talk him into a six or eight-week ban. And again, without that being his absolute position, he’s sent enough signals, I think, that we can say that’s where he actually is.

But do you actually think you couldn’t talk him into pretty much anything? I mean, that’s the problem with him and the problem with paying too much attention to what’s in his heart really. When you’re talking about a pure opportunist, if the pressure from his congressional team or from his base was to go farther, why wouldn’t he?

I think if it suddenly became the case that heartbeat laws were very popular across America and 60 percent of the country supported them, Donald Trump would absolutely support them. But if you’re trying to pressure him from the pro-life side, I don’t think you have incredibly strong political leverage. I think it’s very clear, even before he came out with this statement, that most Republican senators in contested states were not themselves eager to pass a 16-week ban or even a 20-week ban.

So, yes, you could pressure him. But for the pressure I think to radically shift his perspective, the country as a whole would have to shift. Pro-lifers would have to show that they could win some referenda, for instance. So in this landscape, I think Trump’s positioning is likely to hold to some degree. That would be my guess.

The other thing that was notable to me was the two biggest political voices that came out were Lindsey Graham and Mike Pence. And Lindsey Graham is notable to me because of his incredibly poor track record of sticking to it when he criticizes Trump, right?

Folds like a cheap suit.

Yeah, no, he really does. And Pence, who I think is someone who has a very, very deep conviction on this issue, is so deep in the wilderness. I mean, he is the guy that Trump put on the ticket to prove his fealty to the pro-life position. It’s just kind of remarkable how far exiled he is from the beating heart of the Republican Party today.

Trump’s political needs are also very different now from the moment when he needed Pence or when he had — if you go back to 2016, he needed Evangelical voters not just to win the election, to even secure the nomination, right? And he needed Pence to win people over. He doesn’t need this voting base in quite the same way that he did back then. He can be — I don’t know if I’d call him a conflicted voter like Ross does. He can just be an opportunistic politician.

So there’s been a lot of talk about whether or not Trump’s going squishy on this is going to cause a rift among his white Evangelical supporters. And I just find this almost incomprehensible. And I think, in part, it’s because of how he has changed in terms of what he represents to those white Evangelicals.

I mean, originally he was a tool, right? He was going to give them their justices on the Supreme Court and he was going to give them their death of Roe. It was very specific, very transactional almost. But over the past several years, he has become almost their Messiah — if not their Messiah, then at least their prophet.

He has leaned all in into that, I am your representative. You are persecuted. I am your justice. He has tapped into the larger grievance of that community to a degree that it goes way beyond the specifics of what he can actually deliver for them to where it is a spiritual connection with a lot of these folks. And they are not going to abandon — he would have to do something truly egregious for them to abandon him.

I think the most honest moment in Trump’s video statement was when he said, “You must follow your heart on this issue. But remember, you must also win elections,” right?

: And so he recognizes that even as he’s become that figure for the pro-life movement, he’s very pragmatic about what it means for his own prospects.

And the irony in this is that when it comes to the two candidates’ own views, it’s the pro-choice Democrat who may be the one — who is the one with the more religious and philosophical qualms about abortion than compared to the Republican nominee. But that doesn’t matter, right? Biden says that Roe basically had it right. And Trump beats his chest about being the one who got rid of Roe.

So Evangelicals may — Mike Pence and others may wonder how deeply they can trust Trump on abortion, but they know they can’t trust Biden. And so I don’t see how it’s going to have a significant any kind of erosion of support for him, especially since he’s become this kind of messianic figure.

They can’t trust Biden. They also can’t trust the voters, right? I mean, the reality is that Roe, it turns out, may well be the compromise position on abortion, right? I mean that may be where America actually has landed on abortion.

First of all, I mean, I think talking about American evangelicalism as essentially a messianic cult for Donald Trump is a ridiculous overgeneralization about an incredibly diverse community of tens of millions of people that honestly we would never make about any other group.

And in fact, there are tons and tons of Evangelicals who still have a totally transactional approach to their support for Donald Trump, along the lines that Carlos is suggesting where it’s like, look, no matter what happens, Joe Biden supports zero pro-life policies. He supports legislation that is well to the left of where Roe actually was. And so if you are pro-life, what are you actually going to do? You don’t have to love Trump to have that perspective.

There’s also the reality — and this is why Trump did this now as opposed to four months ago when he was still in a semi-contested primary or four months from now when he will actually need pro-lifers to vote — he did it now because elections are fought at the margins. He didn’t want to alienate pro-lifers during the primary. And he doesn’t want to be seen as betraying them close to the election when it would be high in their minds.

Trump, in a really tight election, yeah, he’s obviously going to get 80 percent-85 percent of the white Evangelical vote no matter what. But he could lose the election if 200,000 people in a few swing states are pissed off about his abortion stance. So there is some risk for him. And again, this is why he’s doing it now and not earlier or later.

So here’s the question then, we can see why Trump needs the white Evangelical base clearly. But what about how is the era of Trump impacting religious conservatives and the conservative movement and their role in politics more generally, which, Ross, you had some very deep thoughts on, and I want you to unpack them after we take a quick break. So stick with us, everybody, and we’ll be right back.

All right, we’re back. Ross, you wrote a column this week coming off of Trump’s statement on abortion. You want to walk us through your thoughts on how all of this connects to the challenges facing the pro-life movement and religious conservatives in this moment?

Sure. I’ll just take an hour and 47 minutes and —

— run you guys through it.

We will be glued to you.

So trying to be very brief and glib, we were talking before about the extent to which the overturning of Roe and the return of the issue to the states has pushed American politics in a more pro-choice direction. I think that’s somewhat true and evident.

But it’s also true that if you look at polling on what people think about abortion and whether people think it should always be legal or sometimes be legal and so on, there’s a big shift that doesn’t start in 2022. It starts in the mid-2010s, around the time that Donald Trump becomes the leader of the Republican Party.

And I argued in the column that there is some connection here, that, essentially, having — if you are a idealistic and religiously-motivated movement that is trying to argue that you are defending the rights of unborn human life while also promising to protect women in a vulnerable state, having Donald Trump as opposed to someone else as your standard-bearer makes that argument seem less compelling to a lot of people who are on the fence about the issue. And I even suggested it might make it less compelling to people who vote for Trump.

People might vote for Trump because he’s a tough guy and a hard ass and is going to secure the Southern border. But they still wouldn’t trust him to figure out what you do about abortion ban exceptions for women who have miscarried or to save the life of the mother and so on. Would you trust Donald Trump to write that kind of legislation? You probably wouldn’t. So I think that is both a real force affecting politics for the last five to seven years, but also one that continues to be an issue, right?

I mean, you write about the need to protect women in a vulnerable time. But I have to say that I’m pretty sure what women want — most women want — is not male protection, but the autonomy to make their own decisions. And I don’t know that a politics that’s based on we’ll protect you in a vulnerable time is the need of the hour in this moment.

So I actually think there are problems with both as we stare down the 2024 election. And I think neither of them is especially appealing to the people that he needs to convince to vote for him.

I mean, that’s the pro-choice argument, right? And it may be that that argument just —

Which, by the way, is winning, just FYI.

All right, I want to take —

I mean, I’m just — wait, wait, wait, wait, just so — I’m obviously quite aware that the pro-choice argument is winning, and I never expected the overturning of Roe v. Wade to lead to abortion bans in more than a very few states. And it was always clear that the pro-life perspective was a minority perspective in American politics.

That said, I’m naturally quite interested, as someone who thinks that it’s wrong to kill unborn human beings in the womb, in arguments and politics that might persuade, if not you, my beloved fellow podcasters, then at least some people who are genuinely conflicted on the issue. And I do think an argument that says we’re here to help women and children has a more plausible chance of making that persuasion than the kind of arguments that Trump makes. That’s all I’m saying.

Ross, your column made the point that the pro-life movement has become deeply intertwined with Donald Trump and that he’s a lousy standard-bearer for a strident pro-life case. And I guess what I’m wondering is, why? In 2016, they had many options. They had many options who were more conventionally and plausibly pro-life candidates.

I mean, I think the argument that you can make is that once Trump was president, the pro-life movement should have, let’s say, thrown their weight behind one of the impeachment efforts and tried to get Mike Pence as president instead. You could make that kind of argument.

I mean, Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz were the two candidates of different flanks, different factions within the pro-life movement. The upper middle class, Whole Foods shopping pro-lifers liked Rubio. And Iowa Evangelicals liked Cruz. And if you go back and look at a lot of never — there were a lot of different kinds of never Trumpism, but a lot of never Trumpers were in different parts of the pro-life part of the party. Trump was very successful at rallying a different kind of voter.

And then once he was the nominee, you had a combination of the binary choice dynamic of American politics with, yeah, some of the dynamics that Michelle was talking about earlier, where you had parts of Evangelicalism developed this kind of religious narrative around Trump, especially in, I think, Pentecostalist parts of American Christianity. And we talk about white Evangelicals, but, in fact, if you look at like Hispanic Republicans, a lot of them are Pentecostalists.

So there’s a lot of different dynamics at play it’s partially being forced into it. It’s partially rationalizing something once you’re forced into it. It’s partially the kind of quasi religious bond that people form with their leaders. It’s a lot of different things at once. If the pro-life movement could wave a magic wand and make Ron DeSantis the Republican nominee, most of them would have. But that’s not what happened.

So we’ve landed in this spot. And so I now have certain concerns about — and this will sound odd from where we’re coming from, but I have certain concerns about what this is doing to the appeal of religion in a country where you’re having a rise of secularism and a loss of faith in all kinds of institutions. And I find the loss of broad religious faith in this country to be very troubling. I mean, I don’t think that’s a good thing to be hoping for.

But what we’ve seen with Trump, and even going back farther than Trump with a certain kind of militant Evangelical Christianity, is that it turns off people. People talk about how they are very turned off by the punitive, restrictive, backward-looking approach to what Christianity should be and what Trump is pushing.

But I think it is a real issue if by tying themselves to this really flawed, really toxic figure, that Christianity, especially white Protestantism, has linked itself in the minds of younger generations, in particular, with something that’s really negative. And for a church that is fighting to hold on to its voters, I mean, this is a broad problem, whether you’re talking about white —

You mean hold on to its parishioners —

Yes, hold on to its —

— not its voters.

— parishioners. Sorry, Freudian slip there.

Hold on to the faithful.

So this is something that it used to be that you were just looking at this as a problem in mainstream Protestantism, but it has made its way into more conservative groups as well. And so I do kind of worry what it’s going to mean for that side of this equation. They have definitely damaged the brand.

I mean, the good news, though, Michelle, is that liberals can prop up religion themselves just by going back to liberal Protestant churches and reviving them, right? So be the change —

But if you’ve damaged the whole idea —

— be the change you wish to see. Well, I mean —

But if you’ve damaged the whole idea of religion and increasingly religion is viewed as a Republican political arm, that’s a problem.

I’m sorry, I was being mildly facetious.

So, yes, I think — I mean, this is an argument that I have with my more pro-Trump religious conservative friends who basically say, look, you may hate Trump, but given how secular and socially liberal and hostile to religious liberty the Democratic coalition has become, you have no choice but to support him.

And I say, well, that works to a point, but you are also creating a version of the cultural effect that I think you’re describing correctly where there is — I mean, the thing about all these things is they’re very hard to measure. The trend towards disaffiliation predates Trump. Trump did not cause this. Everything in cultural and political life happens on the margins.

And it is important to stress that a big part of religious disaffiliation is not young, college-educated ex-Evangelicals turning against their parents religion. Those people exist. But a bigger part is working class Americans dropping out of religious life because they’re dropping out of other forms of life altogether. And a lot of those people are still voting for Trump.

Well, they still consider themselves religious.

So it’s a complicated — well, they identify — they still believe in God.

They just don’t go to church.

They still believe in God. Some of them. I mean, a lot of the so-called nones, people with no religious affiliation, are disaffected working class Americans who, yes, still say they believe in God, but aren’t congregationalists or Methodists or Catholics anymore, right? So that’s part of the story, too.

And Trump picks up disaffected voters who have left religion for one set of reasons and pushes some college-educated, younger Evangelicals maybe away from their parents churches too. But I agree — I agree it’s a big problem. I don’t think secular liberalism is doing that great either at the moment. But yes, it’s a real issue that the Trump era has exacerbated for religious conservatives.

Yeah, but I mean, look at the presidents of the 21st century, setting Trump aside. I think each of them give us a model of what it is to be a believer and to model a compassionate Christian faith, right? I mean, George W. Bush, the creator of PEPFAR, one of the most important humanitarian efforts that the United States has done in recent history to bring treatment for HIV and AIDS to Africa — his faith, I think, prompted him to want to end the civil war in Sudan, which his administration successfully did.

You had Barack Obama, who very much was a product of the Black church and culturally embodied those values of a certain kind of Christianity. You have Joe Biden who’s, I think, a very bog standard type of centrist Catholic. And it’s just it’s interesting to me that you look at that genealogy in the 21st century, you’ve actually had leaders who’ve modeled, to me, what feels like a very normal kind of Christianity, and I would say admirable kind of Christianity with different political inflections. And so Trump really is the very, very big outlier in all of that.

But that would seem to cut a little bit against Michelle’s argument, right? I mean, the most liberal forms of Protestantism are the mainline churches did not recover because Barack Obama modeled liberal Christianity and they haven’t recovered because Joe Biden has modeled liberal Catholicism. So that should make us a little more doubtful, I think, about the strength of this political effect, even as, again, I do think it’s real.

Carlos, your mouth is open.

Yeah, I know.

Yes, my mouth is open. Maybe I’m just hungry, Michelle.

Hungry — hungry for the truth.

Hungry for the word of God. We’re talking about a secularization of American life and a departure from churchgoing. And I wonder — I’m trying to understand the connection to politics with this because it’s also that politics has, in some ways, become a new religion.

It’s overlapping so forcefully with religious inclination. In the past, it was hard to identify someone’s political affiliation based on whether they went to church, right? Now it’s the overlap is enormous. It’s conservative Republicans.

And it seems that there are times in which religious observance and religious principle is defined by a series of positions on policy questions on abortion rights or on same-sex marriage. And I was thinking about this, Ross, in the context of a prior column that you wrote. I read you very carefully.

More carefully than I read myself.

And you wrote, for instance, that the left has a hard time being happy, in part because they’ve given up on God, right? I’m sort of simplifying that —

Yes, that was the simplified version.

Yeah. But when I read that, I immediately thought, I wonder if there’s an extent to which the right has held on — some portion of the right has held on to faith not by giving up on God, like you say the left has, but by somehow turning that faith into a political almost culture war tool.

Well, I also think that the, quote unquote, “being religious” gets a bit of a bad rap in being so closely associated with one idea of what it means to be religious. I mean, one of the cases that I’ve been following in this whole abortion saga is one in Indiana where Jewish women brought a suit saying that the very, very strict abortion ban there actually conflicts with their religious beliefs. And we’ve just been through Ramadan.

There are many, many different kinds of religious faith, both liberal, conservative, and everything in between. And I think that the overidentification with one specific kind of faith with politics is in itself kind of a problem.

One thing that could change that kind of identification is if more liberal people were religious. There certainly is a religious left. I grew up around parts of it. I went at times to churches that were connected to it. My own Catholic Church includes, obviously, lots of political liberals.

But the story of the last 40 years, nonetheless, is that the churches that are most associated with liberal politics have had the most trouble — conservative churches have had trouble, too. But it’s liberal churches have had the most trouble sustaining themselves and getting people to go to church.

So to the extent that you want — and I think you should want — religion in America to mean something more than just Southern white Evangelicalism or traditionalism in its various forms, you would need people who are liberal to be more religious. And, again, to generalize, in the aggregate, you’d need people to go to church or synagogue or their mosque.

There have been people raising the alarm and begging Democrats not to cede the field on religion. I mean, Hillary Clinton had somebody on her campaign whose entire raison d’etre was to reach out to liberal religious voters. I mean, this is kind of a perennial issue for them for years and years and years. But —

Again, I just want to point out that the past many, like, basically every Democratic president in my lifetime has been a professed believer. I mean, and now we have a presidential candidate who — does he believe in God, Donald Trump? I don’t know.

Yeah, but it’s not about — it’s not about the messenger. It’s about the outreach to the voters.

No, but this is — but it’s not about either. It’s about whether liberals go to church. Liberalism can be OK politically in a country that’s secularizing, but the fundamental issue driving the identification of conservative politics with religion is the fact that liberals, especially the well-educated liberals who set the tone for the culture, have decided to be in denial about the existence of God, to retreat into a vague agnosticism, and to not get up on Sunday or Saturday and go to church. That’s what’s driving the identification.

All right, but right now —

If you want the identification to stop, dear listener, go to church.

Ross is going to have a nosebleed soon.

No, I’m sorry, but we’ve just talked about the fact that there are all these Trump supporters who don’t go to church, right? I mean —

— I know you think they should go to church, too.

Fewer of them listen to this podcast. But dear Trump supporters who don’t go to church —

Get back there. You get in those pews.

— you should also go to church.

And while you’re at it, read the New Testament, people. It’s great.

I love it. I love it.

You know, it’s interesting, Ross’s challenge to the religious churchgoing left just because I know so many Catholic liberals, Dan Berrigan, Dorothy Day-type Catholic liberals who I went to college with at Notre Dame, who feel politically homeless and for whom this incessant overlap and identity formation between religion and politics is destructive. And I know that there are many reasons why they have a harder time getting up on Sunday, as Ross wants them to.

Yeah, and I guess I do think that there is a deep American tradition of separating religion from politics. And at least if they can’t be clinically separated, at least having some space and distance between them. And I think that we’re living in a moment of upheaval about the interpretation of the Constitution’s separation between religion and government. And I think that undoubtedly plays a role in all of this as well. It feels unsettling.

I think church and state is the division. Religion and politics will never be divided.

And on that spiritual note, we will close this discussion. And when we come back, we’re going to get hot and cold.

And we are back. And finally, huzzah, it is time for hot cold, where each week one of us shares something we’re into, over, or somewhere in between. So who’s got us this week?

I can do it.

I am at least warm towards Netflix’s big hit science fiction drama, “The Three-Body Problem,” which is adapted from a Chinese science fiction bestseller. It is — I actually don’t — I’m writing my newsletter about this, so there will be spoilers in the newsletter. But the way the show is structured, I don’t even want to say the most basic thing about what the story is.

Wait, you’re hot on it, but you’re not going to tell us anything about it.

All right, fine. It’s about aliens. Fine. It’s about aliens.

Of course, you like it.

Of course. No. But, yeah, it’s about interstellar conflict, but with a very interesting conceit for how — the shape this takes where basically there is an alien fleet that is on the way to Earth to conquer us, but it’s going to take them hundreds of years to get here. And in the interim, they have sent ahead forces, probes, technologies that are supposed to —

Not that kind, Michelle.

Go to church, Michelle. That are supposed to divide us, prevent scientific progress, all these kind of things, to basically keep us stuck in decadence. So the show is, in fact, a merger of two of my interests.

This is your sweet spot.

Decadence and stagnation and aliens. Now, unfortunately, I don’t think — the guys who did “Game of Thrones” are doing it. They’re very talented. They couldn’t land “Game of Thrones.” Looking ahead to the future books in this series, I don’t think they’re going to be able to land this one either.

Well, at least they have books to land on. That’s the —

They do. No, that’s true. But the books get —

Oh, they get weird?

The books get weird, yeah.

We just need a specialty on who can land series like this. There should be somebody out there who specializes in not having a lost ending.

The makers of “Succession” should be hired, brought in for series landings.

“Justified” is my bid for an ending.

Actually, every series should end with Tom Wambsgans taking power.

How does “Dune” end? Emperor Tom Wambsgans. Who wins the alien Earth war? Tom Wambsgans. That’s what I’m here for.

OK, well, there we go. I think that is what the takeaway from this week’s episode should be. Tom Wambsgans forever. Anybody disagree?

Yeah, he’ll decide our abortion policy too.

God is — God and —

God and Tom Wambsgans.

All right, then. Well, guys, thank you so much. This has been illuminating, inspirational even.

Thanks, guys.

Till next week.

See you then.

See you, guys. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Thanks for joining our conversation. If you liked it, be sure to follow “Matter of Opinion” on your favorite podcast app and let us know what big question we should think about next by emailing us at [email protected].

“Matter of Opinion” is produced by Sophia Alvarez Boyd, Phoebe Lett and Derek Arthur. It’s edited by Jordana Hochman. Our fact-check team is Kate Sinclair, Mary Marge Locker, and Michelle Harris. Original music by Isaac Jones, Efim Shapiro, Carole Sabouraud, Sonia Herrero, and Pat McCusker. Mixing by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. Our executive producer is Annie-Rose Strasser.

• April 12, 2024   •   38:05 Abortion Is Dividing the ‘Religious’ From the ‘Right’
• April 5, 2024   •   38:40 Are Smartphones Just a Scapegoat for Our Unhappy Children?
• March 29, 2024   •   36:17 Finding the Line Between Celebrity and Politician With Tressie McMillan Cottom
• March 22, 2024   •   38:05 Obama, Trump, Pence: Revelations From Reading the Swamp
• March 15, 2024   •   36:00 What Do You Do if You Hate Both Biden and Trump?
• March 8, 2024   •   41:36 Trump 2.0: ‘A Blueprint for Retribution’
• March 1, 2024   •   37:16 The Pro-Life Movement Had a Plan Post-Roe. The G.O.P. Didn’t.
• February 23, 2024   •   38:30 Will the Economy Favor Biden or Trump? Paul Krugman Weighs In.
• February 16, 2024   •   34:40 The Presidential Fitness Test
• February 9, 2024   •   35:37 Our Super Bowls, Ourselves
• February 2, 2024   •   42:02 The Gender Split and the ‘Looming Apocalypse of the Developed World’
• January 26, 2024   •   36:53 Could Israel Cost Biden the Election?

Hosted by Michelle Cottle ,  Ross Douthat ,  Carlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen

Listen to and follow ‘Matter of Opinion’ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

This week, the “Matter of Opinion” hosts debate how religious voters will react to Donald Trump’s betrayal of anti-abortion positions, the evolution of Christianity as the domain of the right and whether religion is actually as powerful as it seems in modern U.S. politics.

Plus, Ross finds aliens, again.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

Recommended in this episode:

“ This Is Probably Not the Deal the Pro-Life Movement Bargained for With Trump ” by Ross Douthat

“ Can the Left Be Happy? ” by Ross Douthat

Thoughts? Email us at [email protected] .

Follow our hosts on X: Michelle Cottle ( @mcottle ), Ross Douthat ( @DouthatNYT ) and Carlos Lozada ( @CarlosNYT ).

“Matter of Opinion” is produced by Sophia Alvarez Boyd, Phoebe Lett and Derek Arthur. It is edited by Jordana Hochman. Mixing by Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. Original music by Isaac Jones, Efim Shapiro, Carole Sabouraud, Sonia Herrero and Pat McCusker. Our fact-checking team is Kate Sinclair, Mary Marge Locker and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. Our executive producer is Annie-Rose Strasser.

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

Michelle Cottle writes about national politics for Opinion and is a host of the podcast “Matter of Opinion.” She has covered Washington and politics since the Clinton administration.  @ mcottle

Ross Douthat has been an Opinion columnist for The Times since 2009. He is the author, most recently, of “The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery.” @ DouthatNYT • Facebook

Carlos Lozada is an Opinion columnist and a co-host of the weekly “Matter of Opinion” podcast for The Times, based in Washington, D.C. He is the author, most recently, of “ The Washington Book : How to Read Politics and Politicians.”  @ CarlosNYT

Lydia Polgreen is an Opinion columnist and a co-host of the “ Matter of Opinion ” podcast for The Times.