Final answer:
An argumentative essay seeks to persuade the reader through a well-supported argument on a topic, such as the meaning of art, which can range from daily aesthetics to museum pieces. It uses both subjective and objective evidence to build a strong case.
Step-by-step explanation:
An argumentative essay is a writing piece meant to persuade someone to think the way you do. It presents a topic and a viewpoint, or argument, on that topic, supported by evidence. When writing an essay on literary analysis, for instance, the argument is built through a critical examination of texts, using details such as character development, plot, themes, and writing style to support the author's perspective. This examination must include both subjective responses, how the text makes you feel, and objective evidence, what the text actually says.
Art, to me, is an expansive concept that embraces a variety of expressions, experiences, and forms. It ranges from the daily aesthetic sensations we encounter, like a pleasure derived from a well-designed object, to the profound encounters we might have with art in museums. Aesthetically meaningful moments in everyday life are powerful because they are personal and pervasive, yet they might lack the context or recognized value that gallery art holds. Contrarily, art in a museum carries a universal quality and often has a broader cultural or historical significance.
When addressing a topic like art in an argumentative essay, it is essential to define your position and support it with evidence. This could involve arguing about what constitutes art or claiming the importance of everyday aesthetics in shaping our understanding of beauty and creativity. Arguments are foundational to this type of essay, and they are not only present in the academic writing but become a core method through which students engage with and contribute to a broader discourse.