The bare minimum is that you should let the reader know the topic and introduce your stance on the
issue for example – “ this essay will address the options health care workers ( HCW) have in
confronting issues of violence against them and will show and reason why HCW ought to be able to
refuse care”.
Remember to clarify your understanding of the topic and key terms or concepts used – do not
assume the reader knows – the examiner wants to know that you know.
A good argumentative essay considers the counter arguments against the position taken and seeks
to defend them with reasoning and logic and always with reference to the literature. Failure to do so
cannot be considered an argument – it is a one-sided account and unchallenged opinion even if well
sourced and referenced.
The essay must be ethically sound and constructed –it ought to provide a rich account of ethical
thought and justification based on sound ethical theories and priniciplism. Much of this is available
to you in the modules and Leganto reading list in the same tile. Where necessary you might choose
to reinforce arguments with professional codes, and legal considerations.
Communicating based on an “emotional account” can detract from the essay as the write is
communicating on a personal stake on the topic and thus is invested in that emotion. It is better to
give example and support the example with the literature in mind. However, you can obviously draw
the reader to your argument by providing strong ethical, conventional, and contemporary
arguments that support your stance.