What is an argumentative text? Definition, examples and types

What are the types of argumentative text that exist, and what elements compose them?

There are many types of texts that we can find when we surf the Internet, in the workplace, in an entertainment context, etc. Each of them has certain functions and characteristics. One of them is the argumentative text.

As its name suggests, this type of text aims to present a series of arguments for or against a topic, in order to persuade the reader to share that view. In this article we will learn about their definition, functions, some types, uses, examples and the sections they contain.

What is an argumentative text?

An argumentative text is one that is intended to show opinions in favor of a particular topic, and to convince or persuade the reader of a particular idea or position. about a particular idea or position.

That is to say, it may aim to change the reader's mind (in case he/she has a different opinion), or to offer solid arguments that ratify and strengthen his/her ideas, in case they are the same as the ones contained in the text itself.

The argumentative text, however, can also include ideas that may also include ideas that aim to refute a thesis, to confirm another one. Thus, the main objective of this type of text is to persuade the reader about a certain idea or ideas.

Argumentation

In this way, in the argumentative text appears mainly the argumentation, that is, the incorporation of examples and ideas that demonstrate some idea or thesis. Cicero defined argumentation as "the discourse by which evidence is adduced to give credence, authority and foundation to our proposition".

Through it, a reasoning is expressed in written form around a subject matter.. For example, an argumentative text could be one in favor of abortion, containing arguments in favor of it, and arguments against its prohibition.

In addition to argumentative elements and resources, the argumentative text is also elaborated through exposition; exposition consists of showing a series of elements in relation to a topic, and not so much in "demonstrating", as argumentation would imply.

Functions

The main function of an argumentative text is the appellative function of language, mainly thanks to the argumentative elements it contains. This function, also known as conative function, refers to the attempt by the sender of the message to influence the behavior of the receiver..

Through it, the sender expects the receiver to manifest some kind of reaction after hearing or reading the text. This function is therefore focused on the receiver.

However, it is not the only function it fulfills; it also fulfills a referential functionthrough the aforementioned expository elements. This function alludes to the fact of transmitting objective information about the world around us; that is to say, it focuses on showing, expressing, communicating, transmitting ideas, etc.

Types

An argumentative text can be of different types: scientific, philosophical, political, journalistic, opinion, judicial... depending on the subject matter and its characteristics. Let's summarize what some of them consist of.

Scientific texts

A scientific argumentative text, in turn, can be of different types, depending on the subject matter it deals with: psychological, theological, linguistic...

The essential characteristic of scientific texts is that they are based on facts and datathat is to say, their arguments are developed through empirical and solid knowledge. That is, they are based on proven or demonstrable facts, and also on statistical data.

Examples of this type of text include scientific articles, research reports, dissertations, etc.

2. Journalistic texts

The purpose of argumentative journalistic texts is the same, to persuade the reader to share an idea or to reject it.. However, here a more partial point of view is adopted than in scientific texts, and the importance of creating an understandable narrative gains ground over the importance of presenting concrete data.

Examples of this type of texts are critical reviews (e.g. a movie review, a music review, a food review...) and readers' letters (where they express their opinion on some issue).

Legal texts

Legal or judicial texts may be intended, for example, for the reader not to take legal action against the sender, or to change some kind of statement, to revoke an accusation, etc. In other words, they seek the reaction and response of the receiver in relation to some legal issue..

On the other hand, legal texts usually set out a series of conditions or restrictions in relation to some kind of action. They are usually drafted by lawyers, judges or notaries..

Examples of this type of texts, or elements that are usually found in this type of documents, are: sentences, declarations, appeals, judicial notifications, etc.

4. Oral debates

Oral debates, when developed within a formal context, have behind them an argumentative text that supports them. Oral debates can take place in opinion forums, for example, or on television as part of a political campaign, etc.

In them, different speakers present their vision, point of view or perspective in relation to a common theme.

Uses

Argumentative texts, in addition, are widely used in advertising and propagandaThey are used to persuade the receiver to buy a certain product or to contract a certain service; they are also used to support awareness campaigns.

On the other hand, many ideas that could be found in an argumentative text (which is written) also appear in the oral language we use on a daily basis.

That is, every day and in many contexts we use argumentation to convince or persuade others of something we think; we do this with our parents (for example, to be allowed to go out), with our teachers (for example, to pass an exam), with our bosses (to get a raise in our salary), etc.

These examples can be found not only in informal contexts (family, street...) but also in formal contexts (at round tables, in political debates, in work meetings, etc.). Thus, although they are not strictly argumentative texts (because they are not written documents, but rather oral language), we do use arguments on a daily basis. we do use arguments on a daily basisas well as other elements that can be found in this type of texts.

Sections

Generally, an argumentative text consists of these essential sections: an introduction, the development (body of the argument) and a conclusion.

1. Introduction

It can also be called a frame; here it is a rather brief introduction to the topic to be discussed.. It sets out the main ideas that will be developed in the body of the text, and is therefore written in a way that will attract the reader's attention.

In addition, it also has the objective of creating an initial favorable attitude towards the subject (or polemic) on which the argumentative text will deal with. After the introduction, and before the development, the thesis of the text is written, that is, the main idea that will be reflected upon. The thesis may include one idea or several.

2. Development

The development of the text, also called argumentative body, and consists of the main arguments that are intended to convince or persuade the reader.. This section is about exposing and arguing all the ideas, through examples, proofs, inferences, etc.

The objective is to support a thesis or refute it (depending on the type of text), through a solid base of knowledge and theoretical contributions.

3. Conclusion

The last section of any argumentative text is the conclusion section; in it, the conclusion or conclusions reached through the previous argumentation, corresponding to the development section, are exposed.

In other words, it is a kind of synthesis or summary that allows to finish persuading the reader or "demonstrating" that what has been said has a solid argumentative basis. Thus, it gathers the initial thesis and the main arguments of the text, in order to arrive at the consequence that is drawn from the study of a series of data or statements (i.e., to reach a conclusion).

Bibliographical references:

• Cáceres, O. (2016) Types of argumentative texts.
• Poblete, C.A. (2005). Production of argumentative texts and metacognition. Letters.