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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.

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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how to write an argumentative essay step by step pdf

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!

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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 Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Argumentative Essay Writing

18 min read

Published on: Feb 3, 2018

Last updated on: Oct 30, 2023

Argumentative Essay Definition

An argumentative essay is a type of essay where the writer takes a strong stance on an issue and presents arguments for it.

These essays are built around a central argument. These arguments must be supported by logical evidence and facts. The primary purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade readers to accept the writer's point of view on a particular topic.

It is similar to a persuasive essay. The only difference is, it is based on logic and evidence. Whereas, a persuasive essay may use emotional appeals.

Five Types of Argument Claims

There are five types of arguable claims that you can support in your essay. These include factual claims, definition claims, value claims, cause-and-effect claims, and policy claims.

Let's discuss each type in detail:

Factual Claims

These claims focus on facts and events that have occurred in the past. They can be supported with evidence such as statistics, examples, or expert opinions.

For instance, you could write an argumentative essay to support the claim that global warming is a man-made phenomenon. You would present evidence such as scientific research findings and expert opinions to back up your argument.

Definition Claims

These claims focus on the definition of something or a concept. You can use logic, historical facts, and evidence to support a definition claim.

For example, you could write an argumentative essay to define what “success” means for a person or organization. You would need to back up your definition by providing evidence from experts or historical data.

Value Claims

These claims focus on the value of something and can be supported with facts and expert opinions.

For instance, you could write an argumentative essay to argue that technology has a positive effect on our lives. You would present evidence such as surveys and studies that show how technology has made life easier and more efficient.

Cause and Effect Claims

These claims focus on how one event or action leads to another. They can be supported with evidence such as experimental data.

For example, you could write an argumentative essay to argue that poverty causes crime. You would need to present evidence from experts and other sources to back up your claim.

Policy Claims

These claims focus on specific initiatives or policies that people want to implement. They can be supported with evidence from experts and other sources.

For instance, you could write an argumentative essay with the data to support the implementation of a new government policy for healthcare reform. You would need to provide evidence such as reports and studies on the issue to back up your claim.

So, there are five types of arguable claims that you can make in your essay. Each type requires its own unique approach.

Three Argument Structures and How To Use Them

There are three main types of argument structures that may be used in an essay. Let's see how each of them works:

Classical (Aristotelian) Argument

The classical argument structure is the oldest and most common type of argument. This model has its roots in the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.

It consists of five parts:

Introduction
Your Arguments
Counter Arguments

To construct a classical argument essay, you would need to:

Present your position on an issue
Provide evidence to support it
Acknowledge opposing views
Refute those views with evidence
Conclude by summarizing the main points.

Rogerian Argument

The Rogerian model is used in essays where the main purpose is to find a common ground between opposing sides. It was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers.

It consists of four parts:

Both Sides Of An Issue
Common Ground

To construct a Rogerian argument essay, you would need:

To present your side of the issue
Acknowledge and present the opposing view
Find a point of agreement between them

Toulmin Argument

The Toulmin structure is less common than the other two but it has its own unique style. This model was developed by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin. It consists of six parts:

Rebuttal of opposing arguments
Conclusion.

To construct a Toulmin model argument, you have to:

Present your claim on an issue
Provide evidence to back it up (grounds)
Support that evidence with additional information (backing)
Acknowledge any possible exceptions (qualifier)
Refute the counter-arguments (rebuttal)

It is important to choose the right structure that best fits the needs of your essay.

Watch this video that explains the three different types in detail:

How to Outline an Argumentative Essay?

When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to create an outline. An outline will help you organize your arguments and keep track of the flow of your essay.

Here is a basic structure for outlining an argumentative essay:

Following this structure will help you organize your essay and ensure that it is easy to read and understand.

Read more about creating an argumentative essay outline and master the art of essay structure.

How To Write An Argumentative Essay?

Argumentative essays are the most common type of essays for High School and College students. These essays require strong critical thinking skills and an ability to analyze a topic at a deeper level.

Here are the steps involved in argumentative essay writing:

Argumentative Essay Introduction

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement
Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs
Using Counter Arguments

Argumentative Essay Conclusion

Here is a step by step guide on how to start an argumentative essay:

An argumentative essay introduction clearly states the writer’s claim that he will make in the essay. The introductory paragraph should be logical and intellectual and should be written persuasively.

Here are three steps you can follow to write a very persuasive argumentative essay introduction:

Start with a hook: Begin your introduction paragraph with a strong hook that gives the reader a hint about your argument.
Give background information: Provide brief background information necessary to understand the argument and smoothly transition into the thesis statement .
State the thesis: Lay a solid foundation for your claim by stating your thesis statement.

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a concise, clear, and one-sentence summary of the whole essay. It is the most important part of an argumentative essay because it establishes a foundation for your claim. It should be informative, engaging, arguable, and valid.

One of the ways of writing an argumentative thesis is to make a question out of your topic. Simply take your essay topic and turn it into a debatable question.

Here is the thesis statement example for an argumentative essay:

Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs involve topic sentences and evidence, either against or supporting a certain point of view.

Here are three simple steps for crafting the body paragraphs:

Topic sentence: Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that defines only one specific idea and supports the main claim.
Provide evidence: Provide as much supporting evidence as required to convince the reader. Remember! The argument has no value if it is not backed with proper and relevant evidence from credible sources.
Concluding remarks: End the paragraph with a concluding remark and smoothly transition to the next body paragraph.

Using Counter Arguments

This counter-argument paragraph contains the opposing point of view that a reader may pose against your main argument. This paragraph aims to prove that the opposing side is wrong by providing facts and evidence.

Below are the four steps to craft a counter-argument paragraph:

State the counter-arguments: Present all the counter-arguments one by one.
State your response: Provide your response towards the counter-arguments.
Refute the opposing claims: Refute the opposite claims, one by one, with facts and evidence..
Conclusion: Conclude the paragraph by reasserting your main claim of the essay.

The conclusion needs to be logical and precise that inspire the reader to agree with your claim. It should provide the final stance about the argument, which tells that your side of the argument is right.

Here are the three steps to writing an effective argumentative essay conclusion:

Summarize the argument: Sum up the entire essay and rewrite the thesis statement
Stick to the plan: Don’t introduce any new argument here; just synthesize all the information presented in the body paragraph.
Call to action: End your essay by providing a call to action.

Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer

Argumentative Essay Format

Writing a compelling argumentative essay involves more than just great content; proper formatting is equally crucial.

Here is the argumentative essay paragraph format example. Follow these guidelines to ensure your essay is well-structured and visually appealing:

Paper Size and Margins
Use standard letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches) or A4 paper.
Set margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides of the page.
Font and Spacing
Choose a legible font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
Use a 12-point font size for the main text.
Maintain double spacing throughout the entire essay, including the title, headings, and references.
Include a title page with your essay title, name, instructor's name, course name/code, and submission date (in the upper left or center).
Use proper formatting for the title, such as bold or italics.
Header and Page Numbers
Insert a header at the top right corner of each page, including your last name and page number.
Page numbers should be in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3...) and start on the title page if required by your instructor.
Create a centered and bolded title for your essay.
Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title.
Avoid underlining or using quotation marks for the title.
Begin your essay with a clear and engaging introduction.
Introduce the topic, provide background information, and state your thesis statement.
Headings and Subheadings
Use a consistent system for headings (e.g., bold, italics, or underlining).
Organize your essay with clear headings and subheadings to guide readers through your argument.
Body Paragraphs
Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that relates to your thesis.
Provide evidence, examples, and analysis to support your argument.
Use transition words to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs.
Counterarguments
Address counterarguments within your essay.
Refute opposing viewpoints logically and with evidence.
Summarize your main points.
Reiterate your thesis statement.
End with a thought-provoking closing statement or call to action.
Citations and References
Use proper citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) as required by your instructor.
Include a separate page for references or works cited, listing all sources used in your essay.

By adhering to these formatting guidelines, your argumentative essay will not only convey your ideas effectively but also make a professional and organized impression on your readers.

Argumentative Essay Examples

Sample essays play a vital role in understanding the structure of an essay. So check out these examples below.

Argumentative Essay Template

Argumentative Essay Sample

Argumentative Essay About Gun Control

Argumentative Essay Examples College

Argumentative Essay Example For High School PDF

Argumentative Essay on Pollution Due to Urbanization

Argumentative Essay on Social Media

How To Start An Argumentative Essay Examples

Abortion Argumentative Essay Examples

Here are more argumentative essay examples to help you understand the structure of an argumentative essay.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

Choosing a topic for an argumentative essay is way more complicated than choosing a topic for any other essay. To get enough material to write about, your topic should be:

To get enough material to write about, here are some easy argumentative essay topics for students:

Coronavirus is more of a blessing for the earth than a curse.
Human beings are more dangerous for mother earth than any other creature
Most of the young people can work from home
Social media have caused social problems
Single parents can't do the same upbringing of kids as both parents do.
The death penalty should be abolished
Animals shouldn't be kept in captivity
Climate change is caused by human activity
Schools should provide mental health education
Universal basic income should be implemented

If you want to get more unique argumentative essay topic ideas, have a look at our blog with 200+ argumentative essay topics !

Transition Words For Argumentative Essays

Transition words are crucial in argumentative essays to guide readers through your arguments and enhance the coherence and flow of your writing. Here are some essential transition words and phrases to strengthen your argumentative essays:

Additionally
On the contrary
For instance
Consequently
Nonetheless
In conclusion

Argumentative Essay Writing Tips

Writing an argumentative essay can be a challenging task, especially if you are unsure of how to get started. Here are some tips to help you write a good and persuasive argumentative essay:

Choose a Debatable Topic: Pick a topic that has two opposing sides and can be debated. It should also be relevant to the course or subject you are writing about.
Do Your Research: Before you start writing, it is important to do some extensive research on the topic so that you understand both sides of the argument. This will help you make an informed decision when writing your essay.
Write a Clear Thesis Statement: Your thesis should state the main point of your essay clearly and concisely so that readers know what to expect.
Develop Your Arguments: Once you have chosen your topic and done your research, you can start developing the arguments that you will use in your essay. Make sure that each argument is supported with evidence from reliable sources.
Keep it Organized: An outline will help keep your essay organized and focused on the main points that you want to make.
Be Unbiased: When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to remain impartial and present both sides of the argument in a fair and balanced way.
Use Proper Formatting: Different styles have different formatting requirements, such as font size and type, margins, and line spacing. Make sure to follow the guidelines for your chosen style.
Proofread: After you have finished writing your essay, it is important to take time to proofread and make any corrections or revisions that are necessary.

By following these tips, you can write an effective argumentative essay that will help you get the results that you want.

To finish it off,

Argumentative essay writing requires strong research and analysis skills to develop a sound argument. With the right planning and structure, anyone can write an effective argumentative essay.

Now that you have learned about the basics of writing an argumentative essay, it is time to start putting your ideas into practice. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and start writing!

However, we understand that students face many difficulties while writing an essay. If you are one of them, don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for you!

Our argumentative essay writing service is here to help you out. We've got qualified and professional writers who provide excellent writing assistance at affordable prices. We write all the papers from scratch to meet your custom requirements and ensure zero plagiarism.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify an argumentative essay.

In order to identify an argumentative essay, there are three steps:

First figure out the purpose of a message. Who is trying to convince you? What do they want from you?
Second, determine what their conclusion might be—what will it take for them to feel that their goal has been accomplished?
Finally, think about reasons why someone would believe something and consider if any apply here.

Does an argumentative essay have a title?

An argumentative essay should have a title. This should give the reader an idea of what you're writing about.

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Write‌ ‌an‌ ‌Argumentative‌ ‌Essay

An argumentative essay is on the more serious side of things when it comes to academic papers It involves a lot of effort and time on behalf of a student. It is frequently used as an ultimate test to see if learners have fully grasped a given topic. The scale of this assignment can get pretty overwhelming. But if you know how to handle yourself and do serious academic research - well, then there's nothing to fear.

What Is an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that requires a student to take a stance on an oftentimes controversial topic. You'll collect and compile evidence in support of a chosen stance, and attempt to prove the viewpoint using the gathered material.

This task is frequently used as a final test due to the amount of in-depth research and knowledge of the topic that is required.

Argumentative essays topics come in all shapes and sizes. But they don't define this format of writing. Truly defining features of an argumentative essay are its type and elements.

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Argumentative Essay Types

Argumentative writing comes in several different forms. The most common of them are the following:

Persuasive essay

Persuasive essays are frequently used as thought experiments. In this format, the author is trying to make a case for one side of the argument that should be undeniably better than the other. Oftentimes the stance picked opposes the one the author agrees with, which makes learners look at the topic from a totally different angle;

Analysis essay

Analysis essays focus on looking into other argumentative type essays instead of good old argumentative essays topics. These usually take a form of a dialogue or debate, in which one author refutes or affirms the claims of another one;

Personal essay

This type does not usually require much research. The presented arguments are based on the author's subjective reasoning and personal opinion. But you are still expected to make a compelling case even though the objective and logical approach are off-limits.

Argumentative Essay Elements

An argumentative essay has a range of essential elements that make this task stand out from other forms of academic writing. These basic features should be distinctly identifiable in your paper:

Ordinarily, it is not simply a flow of the author's thoughts. In most cases, it should be based on extensive research or previous work.

The structure is what makes it easy to read and understand the author's arguments. A typical argumentative essay consists of an introduction paragraph complete with a thesis statement, 3-4 body paragraphs, and a conclusion section.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this kind of essay is the style of writing. It is usually presented in the form of a scientifically founded debate or argument (hence the name) in which the author attempts to prove a specific claim.

Argumentative Essay Format

Following rather strict structure guidelines is an important part of any research writing assignment. It is meant to serve a practical purpose of helping the reader follow along with the author's argument. It is also one of the major factors that influence your grade.

What are the 5 parts of an argumentative essay? Here is a rough outline. The most common form is a 5-paragraph model -there should be an introduction paragraph completed with a thesis statement, three body paragraphs showcasing evidence in support of your claim (there can be more or fewer of them depending on your assignment guidelines), and a conclusion paragraph with a quick summary of your work.

Here's a more detailed breakdown for you:

Introduction

1 paragraph

Body: Argument + supporting evidence
Body: Opposing argument + refuting evidence

3-5 paragraphs

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How to Start an Argumentative Essay: Introduction

Even though an argumentative essay introduction is probably the easiest part of the work that is ahead of you, many students still have questions about how to start an argumentative essay.

Introduction and thesis are usually merged into one paragraph. But even though they serve largely the same purpose, there are also some distinct differences. An introduction is a general overview of the problem you are addressing in your essay. It should also offer a context overview to the readers.

Here you can allow yourself some liberties. Your main goal throughout the introduction paragraph is to prepare your audience for the onslaught to come.

Briefly go through what your paper is going to be about, and why it is important. You don't have to go into very much detail, save that for the body paragraphs.

An introduction is a sort of buildup that culminates in your thesis statement. Once you hit the latter, you should start getting serious. Now you know how to start an argumentative essay.

This is probably the most important component of the introduction. A thesis in an argumentative essay doesn't really have many differences when compared to other types of writing.

When working on this part, your job is to build a foundation on which you'll be building the rest of your argumentative writing. While the introduction in general leads your audience to the main problem covered in an essay, the thesis should nail that issue.

It is important to get this part right. The thesis statement is the cornerstone that largely defines the rest of your essay. Try to make it as clear and concise as possible. It may be tempting to make this part purposefully vague to have more room for maneuver later on. But that's going to cause more harm than good down the line.

Pay attention to the specifications of your assignment. Your thesis statement should be narrowed down to fit it. Nothing extra. A good way to check if your thesis hits the mark is to test it against the rest of your essay. The point brought up throughout a good argumentative essay should all serve as a logical extension of the thesis statement and complete it.

Body Paragraphs

The majority of your essay will be comprised of body paragraphs. As opposed to the introduction, where you raise the questions, here you have the opportunity to provide the answers.

Argumentative essays should be based on extensive research and\or previous work. So before you get to shaping the body paragraphs, make sure you do the legwork to the fullest extent.

Maintaining a clear structure should be your first priority. The exact number of paragraphs may vary. But each one should address one specific argument. This serves several purposes, such as:

It helps your audience navigate the text;
It allows for readers to follow your reasoning;
It helps in organizing your thoughts clearly.

The main purpose of the body part of the text is to present the evidence that guides your audience along with you from your thesis statement all the way to the conclusion.

It's the perfect time to make use of all that research you might have done previously. Don't go overboard by writing down your entire thought process. Instead, take a shortcut. If an argument doesn't drive the point forward, then it probably can be omitted.

It is also a good idea to use at least one paragraph to look at the topic from another angle. Analyzing and pointing out the flaws in arguments that oppose your conclusion is a valid approach. It can support and complete your previous observations and claims as well as further reinforce your argument.

If you are sticking to this approach, it's best to put it after paragraphs in which you make a positive claim.

Every paragraph should be interconnected with the preceding and following ones. Even though they are showcasing different pieces of evidence, they are still all parts of consistent reasoning. Smooth and logical transitions are what keeps a good argumentative essay together.

The gaps in your flow may not be so apparent when you are in the process of writing. But beware that they will jump out at you during proofreading.

By this point, you are done arguing. It is time to summarize all your findings. Do not present any new information in the conclusion section. Instead, use this space to reiterate the main points. Come back to your introduction once again. Here's what you should do:

Remind your reader what your thesis is;
Focus on why it is important;
Rehash it in light of all the information you have presented throughout your essay.

Another thing you can briefly address in conclusion is the white spots in your research. In some cases, you won't have the time or resources to get conclusive answers for all the questions your problem poses.

It's okay to admit that you don't have the full picture yet. Write about what scientific research should be done in the future in order to get a more educated answer.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step by Step Tips

What are the steps in writing an argumentative essay? These are the main phases you should go through when writing it. Allocate a certain amount of time for each step so that you wouldn't get stuck with one of them.

Follow our instructions on how to write an argumentative essay step by step, and you will end up with a great paper to turn in when the deadline comes.

Check the Assignment Details

This might seem like an obvious thing to do. But you'd be surprised to know how many students fall flat on their faces with their essays just because they didn't understand the specifications of the assignment.

Read the initial instructions. Then, read them again. Read it a third time out loud. Make sure you understand everything. If you don't - ask for clarification. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Gather the Materials

This phase is dedicated entirely to gathering as much information on your argumentative essay topic as you can. Even if you consider yourself fairly knowledgeable in the given field, take your time with this one.

Look for hard facts to confirm your thoughts, try approaching the issue from a different angle, challenge your understanding of the subject. You may very well change your opinion on the topic while doing your research.

Create a Structure

You already have a rough outline of what paragraphs of your essay should be there. Based on those, create a more specific structure of an argumentative essay.

Think about what arguments you will use, where you will put them, how you will transition between them, and so on. This is the logistics step and getting it right will make creating your first draft much easier.

Make the First Draft

With a decent chunk of research and a good outline of how to write it all down, making the first draft should be a piece of cake. Most of this process is just assigning what you already know to paragraphs and making sure you maintain the structure of an argumentative essay.

Edit Without Mercy

Write without fear and edit without mercy. This is a golden rule every student should keep in mind. Your first draft is unlikely to make the cut. That's when proofreading comes in.

Ideally, you should have a day or two in between the first draft and editing steps. This will help you spot the mistakes easier. But if you are pressed for time, you could recruit friends, family, or fellow students to assist you. It is always better to get a second opinion.

Submit the Final Version

Your final draft will never be perfect. You can make minor improvements here and there pretty much forever. But following the deadlines is imperative in higher ed.

So you will have to settle with what you have eventually. Don't get too worked up over minor details.

How Many Paragraphs Should an Argumentative Essay Have?

The exact number depends on your preference and assignment specifications. But the basic lineup usually includes five paragraphs.

These are the introduction, conclusion, and three body paragraphs showcasing your arguments. You can increase or decrease the number of body paragraphs as long as you stay within the guidelines.

Can You Use Personal Experience?

Yes, you can use personal experience in an essay. However, in order for it to be compelling, it should fulfill the same criteria as the rest of your arguments.

If you use a personal experience to set up a claim, you should look at it in a general sense and as a part of a greater picture rather than equating your personal feelings as infallible truth.

How Do You Introduce an Argument?

Introducing an argument should follow a clear and logical structure. Look at your thesis and create a transition to each of your arguments. It's sort of like opening the door to a pathway you are about to explore.

Go step by step, presenting your evidence, thought process, and logic. Don't jump to conclusions. Things that might seem obvious to you may not appear so to your audience.

Can You Use First-Person in an Argumentative Essay

You should definitely avoid using first-person sentences like 'I believe' or 'I feel' in an argumentative essay. Sentences like these can give off the impression that your arguments lack a proper evidential basis and are supported only on your personal opinion. Using matter of fact statements instead of first-person will make for a much stronger writing voice.

Example of an Argumentative Essay

Using essay examples as a rough template is one of the easiest and quickest ways to complete your assignment. Use this essay to get the hang of the structure and style of writing what's required when working on an argumentative-type paper.

Here’s a sneak-peek for you:

Argumentative essay format may seem a bit too intimidating. It's especially true for those who encounter this type of writing for the very first time.

After all, it really does require extensive research and a deep understanding of the topic of your writing. But even though this type of essay is a bit more serious than you might be used to, you shouldn't worry about getting caught off-guard.

An argumentative essay is usually given as some sort of final assignment after you've amassed some knowledge on a given topic. Using that intellectual baggage, you should have no problem at all navigating the pitfalls ofyour essays.

So instead of stressing about your understanding of the subject, you should probably focus more on the technical aspects of the assignment like its structure or language. The most difficult part about writing is to write the first word. So don't hesitate and go straight to working on your assignment after reading this guide.

The earlier you start, the better. With this guide on how to write an argumentative essay, it will be a cakewalk. And if you still encounter any issues, our custom essay order, rewrite essay, write a paper for me , write an essay for me , and admission essay writing service can provide you with expert assistance. Don't hesitate to contact us right away to proofread your essay or get more help!

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Argumentative essay (30 minutes)

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Writing

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Learn How to Write an Argumentative Essay

By: Jared P.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Oct 15, 2019

If you’re faced with writing an argumentative essay, you might be wondering…

How to write an argumentative essay?

How to start an argumentative essay?

What am I going to write about?

What are the best argumentative essay topics?

Do I need to write an argumentative essay outline first?

Is there a specific argumentative essay format?

Those are great questions. This blog will answer all your questions and help you compose your argumentative essay easily and in less time.

Let’s get started.

On this Page

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a genre of essay in which a writer is supposed to present a well-structured argument. It is a type of essay that establishes a stance on a topic or particular issue and supports it with evidence and facts. It is a well-balanced piece of writing that demonstrates both strengths and weaknesses of a specific subject.

The argumentative essay is one of the most common types of essays that students will encounter in their academic life. Although there are different variations of an argumentative essay, they all share the same foundation.

The writer is required to investigate an issue, pick a side and find strong evidence to prove his claim logically. He has to convince the reader to accept his perspective on the chosen topic.

The argument one presents in an essay must be specific, reasonable, has details and sound evidence.

The goal of an argumentative essay is to provide the reader with counterpoint perspectives on topics and issues. The problems may not be fully resolved in the existing literature or society at large.

Argumentative Essay Format and Structure

There are three different types of arguments that you can use for the argumentative essay format. Use them separately or combine them together to form your argument.

1. Classical or Aristotelian Model

This is the most frequently used argument strategy. Here, you will highlight the problem, provide its solution. And then try to persuade the reader that you have proposed the correct solution.

2. Toulmin Model

Toulmin argument strategy uses logic and breaks down an argument into different parts. It presents both the writer's perspective and opposing views on the topic and explains why the writer’s stance is more beneficial.

3. Rogerian Model

This strategy is used for topics where it is difficult to find common ground. The entire idea is to find a point of agreement by showing the reader that you are considering the counter-argument.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay doesn’t need to be an enormous headache or a project so overwhelming that you don’t even know where to start.

Like any major project, the best way to tackle an argumentative essay is to break it down into “baby steps.” Take the following steps as your guideline. Accomplish them one at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have a workable first draft that informs, entertains, and challenges the reader:

1. Explore Different Argumentative Essay Topics

One of the essential components of an argumentative essay is having a persuasive topic.

While there is no scarcity of persuasive topics, you can find something in the newspaper or TV. Moreover, you might have overheard two people arguing in your class; there must be two strongly conflicting viewpoints.

When you’re thinking about which topic to go for, ask yourself these questions.

Why did a particular thing happen?
What was its cause?
Does it hold any significance?
What should our reaction be towards it?

Also, bear in mind that being interested in a topic and agreeing to it is one thing, but writing about it to persuade the reader is a different thing altogether.

You need to prove that your point is logical without becoming emotional and by using concrete evidence.

2. Choose the Types of Argument Claims

Once you have selected your topic, you must give considerable thought to developing your claim. There are different types of claims. If not all, then include some of them in your argumentative essay.

Authenticity

Whether your claim is a fact or not. Is it true? Will it occur or not?

What exactly is it? How can we define it? How to interpret it? How to classify it?

The importance of the issue. Is it worthy or not? How critical is it to address this issue?

Cause and Effect

How did it happen? What is the possible cause? What are its effects?

What should be done to tackle the issue? What laws should be enforced? What changes need to be made?

These components play an integral part in your essay. These claims make a presentable argumentative essay and help you discuss both supporting and opposing arguments.

3. Determine Your Stance

You have decided on the topic you are most passionate about; the next step is to assess both sides of the argument.

After evaluating both sides, determine the argument you can most relate to and look for strong evidence to support your claim.

The thing with argumentative essays is that to prove the validity of your point, you must educate the reader about both sides of the argument.

4. Collect Evidence and Supporting Examples

Since your reader isn’t in front of you, you can’t interpret the body language to see whether you have convinced the reader or not. Therefore, it is necessary to use strong proof, evidence from credible sources, and convincing data to support your stance.

When assessing a claim, consider the following points:

Is the statement factual?
What is its definition?
What are the causes of the issue?
Is the fact valuable?
What action should be taken, or what should be done about it?
What impact will it have on living things and our environment in general?
You might want to interview the experts of the field and use it to sketch an argument.

5. Create Argumentative Essay Outline

The argumentative essay is the most difficult type of essay that high school and college students have ever come across. Writing a well-structured and properly formatted essay needs effort and strong writing skills. The best option to make things easier is to draft an outline.

An essay outline is like a roadmap that guides you to reach your destination. The outline works the same for an essay. Therefore, it is a good idea to create an outline before starting an essay.

If you avoid writing an outline, you might have to suffer the following consequences.

Disjointed writing structure.
Pointless research.
Convoluted composition style.
Wandering point of view.
Disjointed and contradictory arguments.
Confused readers.
A lousy grade.

However, crafting an argumentative essay outline can offer you several benefits.

All research will be “on point” and support your argumentative topic theme.
Discussing both sides of the argument will become easy.
Both sides of the argument will be well-reasoned; weaknesses will be easily identified.
You’ll save a lot of time editing and revising the whole essay. You can do that with the outline.
Your conclusions will be supported by evidence.

A typical argumentative essay outline usually consists of 5 sections.

Introductory paragraph
Body Paragraphs I
Body Paragraphs II
Body Paragraphs III

The number of body paragraphs can be increased or decreased depending on the word limit and the essay topic.

6. Compose a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the main building block of an argumentative essay. Therefore, it is essential to draft a strong thesis statement that makes a substantial point about the topic. Your whole essay will revolve around the thesis statement, so make sure it is worthy of discussion.

7. Write a Compelling Introduction

The introduction paragraph outlines the topic, some relevant background information essential to understanding the topic, and the thesis statement. It gives a glimpse of all the claims you are going to make in your essay. It also outlines the facts and evidence that you will present to support your topic and thesis statement.

‘How do you start an argumentative essay introduction?'

Here are the four steps you can follow to write a compelling argumentative essay introduction:

Start with an attention-grabbing hook statement.
Outline the main subject of your essay.
Present some background information that is necessary to understand the topic.
Lay the foundation of your claim with a strong thesis statement.

8. Draft the Body Section

As discussed in the outline section, a typical essay usually has three body paragraphs. However, the number can vary according to the nature of the topic and the information that needs to be presented to support your claim.

Here are the three steps that you need to write a body section:

Start with a topic sentence that supports your thesis statement.
Present facts, evidence, examples, and relevant data from credible sources to back up your claim.
End the paragraph with concluding remarks and smoothly transition to the next paragraph.

9. Write a Convincing Conclusion

Although the conclusion paragraph is the last section of the essay, it holds the same significance as the introductory paragraph. It should be convincing and persuasive enough to prove your side of the argument right.

Here are the steps for writing the argumentative essay conclusion:

Summarize the whole essay in two to three sentences.
Rewrite the thesis statement to remind your reader what your essay was all about.
Provide a call to action.

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Argumentative Essay Samples

Here are a few argumentative essay examples on interesting topics for your guidance

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY SAMPLE (PDF)

ABORTION ESSAY SAMPLE (PDF)

SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY (PDF)

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

‘What are good topics to write an argumentative essay on?’

Here are some amazing argumentative essay topic s that will help you get started.

Is an MS degree in business necessary for your business to be successful?
Mobile phones as educational tools: is it the right approach?
Should you be friends with your professor on social media?
Every student possesses writing skills. Do you agree?
Is it right to blame social media for the use of incorrect grammar?
Are social networks an effective platform for communication?
Do people really get a job through LinkedIn?
Is Facebook legally allowed to leak the private information of its users?
Is it possible to earn a good amount of money from YouTube?
Should Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter be banned permanently?

Hire a Professional Argumentative Essay Writer

If the work it takes even to get started writing your argument paper is more daunting than you feel you can’t handle at the moment. Or if you remain uncertain about how to even go about selecting a viable argumentative essay topic. It is time to find a professional argumentative essay writer to help you deliver a paper you can be proud of.

Finding the right expert help and learning from it is often the best alternative to starting from scratch. Remember, your grades count. If you’re in doubt about your ability to deliver a compelling argumentative or persuasive essay. Or, even to decide upon the right argumentative essay topic, then you need to work with the best ‘ do essay for me? ’ service and get the help you need.

The professional essay writers at 5StarEssays.com essay writing service are standing by, waiting to help with your academic writing. You can easily get their help by placing an order .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of an argumentative essay.

The main goal and aim of an argumentative essay are to develop your opinion and support it with relevant arguments and evidence.

What is the purpose of reasoning in an argumentative text?

The key purpose of reasoning is to clarify your main point and provide supporting evidence and arguments to back and support your claims

What are the five parts of an argument?

Here are the five parts of an argument.

Acknowledgment

What are the types of argumentative essays?

The main types of argumentative essays are persuasive, analysis, research, and personal essays.

College Admission Essay, Literature

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

How to Create a Strong Argumentative Essay Outline?

Informative Argumentative Essay Examples by Experts

Know About Types of Argument with the Help of Examples

A Step-By-Sep Guide On How To Write An Argumentative Essay

Almost every type of essay writing aims at informing, educating, or even convincing readers. Writers employ different tactics, from using literary devices to syntactical structures, to achieve this end.

An argumentative essay takes the task of convincing the readers to a new limit. It relies on factual information and logical support to make the reader think in a certain way. Many students believe that they need to be aggressive or emotional to get people back on the claims in the essay. This is not true because the writer needs to show that other perspectives, apart from his, are false.

Argumentative Essay Writing – In A Nutshell

Students and novice writers often think that a successful argumentative essay needs to be fuming and puffing with aggression. On the contrary, the more structured and composed an argumentative essay is, the more academically sound it is. This leads us to its simplest definition.

An argumentative essay convinces the reader of a particular point of view through factual information and arguments with logical flow and support. It stands on the shoulders of the argument and the way of convincing. If you want your argumentative essay to fetch good scores, the argument and the logic behind it should be immutable.

Argumentative essays are also called persuasive essays because they follow the same structure. The approach is different, however. The former relies on objectivity and reasoning, whereas the latter can be aggressive and emotional.

Another thing that sets argumentative essays apart from other types is that the thesis is not always undisputed. Usually, there is a lot of opposition to that stance and writers need to prove otherwise.

Hallmarks of Argumentative Writing

No matter which type of argumentation ground you are setting in your essay, it needs to develop precise and focused arguments. Readers often find it hard to read argumentative essays because of the technical jargon. If they got to deal with loose claims with ambiguous language and expression, they might abandon the essay halfway through. There are many forms of argument building on Aristotelian, Rogerian, and Toulmin.

It is not enough to provide a claim as it is no better than presenting an unproven theory or an active hypothesis. Whatever claim or argument a writer makes in the essay, should be backed by empirical evidence. The most common type is the basic mathematical or logical evidence, including induction and deduction. For more complex matters, students may have to consult other publications and read authors to ensure their arguments are backed by evidence.

Like expository essays, argumentative essays need to have a solid structure and flow of content to bind all the different parts together. If there are many loose ends and stray thoughts in an essay, readers would not find the essay readable. It has to be clear in content and format. If your essay is not quite clear yet because of poor logical flow, you should edit and strengthen the essentials before turning in your essay.

What’s An Argumentative Essay – Structural Analysis

Apart from the contents and the language of the essays, the structure is also a very good indicator of the type of essay and its quality. Since we are covering the basics for students so that they can write good argumentative essays on their own, we must take a look at the structure and format of argumentative essays. Through this, we will be able to identify and understand the functions and scope of each section.

Opening Paragraph For Context And Thesis

The opening paragraphs are for the introduction. Writers have the chance to make the readers believe that it is indeed a well-conceived essay with a lot to give. The opening lines should have a hook to grab the reader’s attention. Then, it is time to give some context regarding the problem or issue on which the argumentative essay will be written. In the closing lines of the introduction, writers can state the thesis which is the essence of the writer’s stance.

Body Paragraphs For Argumentation And Evidence

Body paragraphs are utilized by writers to provide the necessary support and evidence for the arguments. But first, they need to build one which is covered in the closing lines of the introduction. Again, no matter which methodology they follow, they must ensure that the argument is sound and backed by empirical evidence. Merely stating the point of view, no matter how forcefully or emotionally, will not yield the desired results, since it is academic writing with logic and reasoning.

Additional Paragraphs For Further Scrutiny

The body of the essay is where all the action takes place. After making and proving the argument, writers should explore the additional paragraphs for further scrutiny of their stances and validation from credible sources. In many cases, a simple logical explanation is not enough, especially when the thesis has substantial opposition in academia. The main body has three paragraphs so writers can employ the additional space to further augment their arguments.

Closing Paragraph For Summing Up The Discussion

The conclusion is another important part of the argumentative essay. It is where the whole discussion comes to an end. Writers need to reiterate the main points of the essay without adding new to them. They should be compact and memorable so that readers may remember them after signing out. The conclusion is often considered the best part because good concluding paragraphs impart basic information to the readers if they do not have the time to read the whole essay.

How To Write a Good Argumentative Essay

Since we have covered the basic elements of an argumentative essay and its distinguishing characteristics, it is time to move on to the heart and soul of this post. This section will lead novice writers and students who want to learn how to write strong argumentative essays. The headings in this section can be treated as a checklist as they will help them remember important things.

Keep in mind that the sequence of these tasks is important and should not be shuffled because it will cause writer’s block and frustration.

Brainstorming The Argument

A good argumentative essay stands on the shoulders of a good argument. Before sitting down to write the whole first draft, only to discard it later, it is best to get this step out of the way. Try to understand the topic and draw arguments from the core. Test the arguments as you go and then stick with the one that shows the most promise. Once it clears the initial crucible, it is time to find validation.

Researching Facts And Evidence

Argumentative essays require solid facts and empirical evidence to make the arguments stick. No matter how sound the arguments are, if they are not backed by evidential information from credible sources, it is good for nothing. Many students make this mistake as they think that the argument is too accurate for the reader so they do not need any evidence. This results in an argumentative essay being discarded because it is not a true one.

Composing A Solid Thesis

A thesis or a thesis statement is a summary of the main idea or theme of the essay. In the case of argumentative essays, it is the distillation of the writer’s stance usually covered in a single or a couple of bold and brief sentences. Based on the original argument and the evidence found in its favor, writers should compose a riveting thesis. The best way to do so is by coming up with and stating the thesis after finishing the essay.

Finishing The Draft

The first draft should be written quickly. Writers should cram all the information relevant to the topic and the thesis in the essay. The introduction should start with a hook and then lead to the context. In the closing lines of the introduction, present the thesis. The main body should cover the bulk of the essay, including arguments, evidence, and explanation. The conclusion should tie all the loose ends boldly and succinctly.

What are the types of argumentative essays?

Argumentative essays are defined by their reliance on empirical evidence and logical flow of the content to convince the readers. Like expository essays, there are different types of argumentative essays. Here are some of the most common types of argumentative essays:

Persuasive essays
Research papers
Analysis essays

What is the main goal of an argumentative essay?

The main purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to make the readers believe in the writer’s arguments. In these essays, writers take a stance and then provide the evidence to ensure its soundness. Persuasive essays can be charged with emotional language, but argumentative essays are composed of logic and reasoning.

What are the steps involved in writing an argumentative essay?

Here are the five steps to writing an argumentative essay:

Brainstorming the argument
Collecting evidence to support the claim
Composing a thesis statement
Writing the first draft
Proofreading and editing

How do you start an argumentative essay?

Like any other essay, an argumentative essay starts with a hook. It is a literary device that can help readers ease into the main body. Usually, it is a question or a statement about the thesis or the subject of the essay. Students should consider using different methods to ace the opening because the rest will depend on it.

What is the standard format and structure of an argumentative essay?

The format of an essay is the sequence in which different sections appear in it. In the case of argumentative essays, the format is standard as it is found in other essay types. There are three major sections.

Introduction

We have gone through the nature and purpose of these sections in the blog.

How do you commence and close an argumentative essay?

To start an argumentative essay effectively, it is best to employ a hook that can grab readers’ attention. Then, it is necessary to provide some context before moving on to the main body. To conclude an argumentative essay, writers should wind up the discussion by summarizing the main arguments. They should be bold and succinct but should not add anything to the original argument.

Concluding The Discussion

So, this is the basic mechanics and chemistry of an argumentative essay. The purpose of writing an essay is as important as its more tangible assets. Argumentative essays are written to convince the readers about a certain stance or point of view. The information in the essay should be structured and easy to follow for the readers. The process is addressed in the body of this blog, which starts from coming up with an argument to writing the essay.

We hope that students will find this guide helpful as we have explained everything clearly and concisely.

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How To Write An Argumentative Essay: Step By Step Guide

Essay Writing Guides

With argumentative essays, the student must explore his stance on an issue and think about possible rebuttals to this claim. Otherwise, the argumentative essay is incomplete.

However, all forms of essay writing follow a specified format, and they all need an outline. So, let’s examine how to write an argumentative essay . This guide will also cover essay examples and useful writing tips to present a convincing argument.

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a form of writing that explores the writer’s viewpoint on any topic. The writer must outline their opinion in the opening paragraphs to give the reader a better understanding of their stance on the issue.

Despite similarities with other forms of writing like persuasive essays, argumentative essays go beyond convincing the reader that your point is superior. You also need to explore different existing viewpoints on the issue and refute them. Besides, you must support all your claims with irrefutable evidence based on fact.

For example, if the argumentative essay topic focuses on police brutality, your paper should support and refute these claims simultaneously.

In academia, argumentative essay writing is one of the most common assignments for students in the arts and humanities. Besides, the standard structure of argumentative essays is the bedrock of the famous 5-paragraph writing style.

5 Types of Argument Claims

The argument claim describes the prevailing viewpoint in your argument — the theory you support. Before outlining your view, you need to select presentation criteria to dictate the paper’s tone and direction. Here are the five types of argument claims:

The fact claim focuses on answering a ‘yes or no’ question. This claim uses concrete evidence to determine the veracity of the paper’s central claim. Often, the fact claim is used when the argumentative essay topic is a question .

When using the definition claim, you should only focus on the standard definition of the word or expression. All forms of personal and contextual interpretation should not appear in the paper.

The value claim stresses the importance of the topic of discussion. What is the relevance to society? This type of claim is often used for existential problems affecting humans in general or a specific group.

Cause and effect

As the name suggests, the cause and effect claim focuses on an issue and the reasons it occurred. In essence, the essay establishes a connection between an event and an outcome.

This claim assertion technique is used in politics. For argumentative essay writing, the policy claim should address the relevance of the discussion, the affected parties, and the best policy moving forward.

Argument Strategies

Making a convincing argument relies on your ability to strategize. You need to acquaint yourself with the facts of the matter and choose a winning strategy to express your ideas.

Think of lawyers in the courtroom; they spend hours preparing their arguments and studying the adversary. And in the end, they come up with a strategy to counter the opponent’s most vital points. Politicians also use this technique.

So, let’s go through the three main argument strategies to use in your argumentative essay.

The Classical Approach (Aristotelian)

The classical approach is named after the great philosopher Aristotle. This argumentative strategy involves a straight-line expression of your argument.

First, you start with your main claim and convince the reader that your stance is the only valid one. Then, you have to offer context and provide evidence-backed data to counter any rebuttals from your opponent. This strategy is the most straightforward since it follows a linear chain of action.

Also, the classical approach appeals to the credibility (ethos) of the claim and the logic (logos) of thinking. At the same time, you can appeal to the reader’s emotions (pathos) with vivid imagery. And most importantly, you can make a time-sensitive appeal (kairos) by calling the reader to immediate action.

The Rogerian Strategy

This argumentative strategy was developed by Carl Rogers and became popular through the works of Young and Pike. This strategy’s central ideology focuses on compromise — the ability to reach a middle ground and avoid further conflict with your adversary.

In life, the Rogerian strategy is often applied when negotiating with family and friends. For example, if you want to visit Paris and your partner wants to see Venice, the Rogerian method will help you plan a trip that covers both destinations.

Therefore, this Rogerian strategy is not the best approach in an academic setting. Even if you are ready to reach a compromise, your opponent may not have the same motivations. Besides, you have to yield some ground to come to a sensible resolution, which contrasts the entire essence of argumentation.

The Toulmin Style

This argumentative approach was developed by Stephen Toulmin. The central theme involves coming up with a claim and backing it up. So, we can divide this strategy into three components: claim, grounds, and backing.

The claim is your main opinion, usually an event that occurred somewhere. The grounds of the argument refer to a collection of facts and evidence supporting the original claim. Finally, the backing refers to additional data that corroborates the main claim without conceding to the opposition.

Choose one of these three approaches to present an opinion relevant to the argumentative essay topic. And if you are unsure about the best approach, use the classic method.

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How to Choose a Topic for an Argumentative Essay

Most teachers hand out argumentative essay topics to students. Sometimes, they provide an array of topics from which students can choose. However, some teachers allow students to flex their creative muscles and choose topics on their own. If you are left with the herculean task of selecting a fascinating essay topic, here are some tricks to help you come out unscathed.

Choose a topic that interests you

Regardless of the essay writing genre, always choose a topic that interests you. If you are into sports, look for sports-related argumentative essay topics . Selecting a topic that you don’t care about will always reflect in the paper’s quality. The entire argument will lack inspiration and passion.

Besides, writing on a topic that you find interesting helps you to explore the topic even more. It also reduces the amount of work needed to complete the argumentative essay assignment . So, always outline your interests when choosing a topic, and tailor your research to them.

Research hot-button issues

Another easy way to come up with a relevant topic is by addressing hot-button issues. For example, topics related to animal rights and climate change are the subject of debates in politics and even at dinner parties. As a result, you can find enough material to structure your argumentative essay.

Besides, controversy sells. Readers want a topic that will strike all the emotional chords for them. So, choosing a controversial topic piques the reader’s interest and earns you maximum points in your essay. Most importantly, focus on hot-button issues related to your field of study.

Search for trending topics

Trending topics are always a reliable go-to when you are struggling with creative ideas for your argumentative paper. By focusing on trending topics, you will come up with relevant issues for arguments. At the same time, you will fulfill the emotional aspect of argumentation since most trending issues are controversial.

Besides, writing about popular issues gives you access to enough materials. You can also select your topic from any form of media.

Here are some reliable sources for argumentative essay topics:

Internet forums (Medium, Quora, Twitter, etc.)

A common theme for argumentative essays is the current COVID pandemic and its effects on social interactions.

Find topics with arguable sides

When choosing essay topics, students often forget that they need to argue both sides. Therefore, the topic you choose must be arguable . In simpler terms, people should be able to look at it and agree or disagree instantly. Hence, the need to choose controversial topics for your argumentative essay.

For example:

“The earth is flat.”

No one (in their right mind) will argue with this assertion. And even if they do, no evidence can support this stance.

“Climate change will lead to armageddon.”

Now, this topic is debatable since scientists are conflicted about the long-term impacts of climate change.

Avoid broad topics

You might think that choosing broad topics provides you with more content for your argumentative essay. But the reverse is the case: broad topics extend the area you need to cover in your paper. And since you have a word count restriction, you can’t express your ideas to the best of your ability.

Therefore, choose a topic that provides you with enough material. Some topics make you think, “How am I supposed to find evidence to support that?”

Stay away from these ‘unresearchable’ argumentative topics.

Argumentative Essay Outline

With a clear understanding of the topic, you can now focus your efforts on brainstorming. Conduct extensive research on the issue to gather enough information for all sides of the argument. After collecting the data and supporting evidence, you need to create a plan for your paper. This plan is called an argumentative essay outlin e .

The outline provides structure to your paper. It also saves you time when working on time-sensitive assignments. And most importantly, an essay outline provides you with an arrangement framework for your points.

For argumentative essays, the outline contains at least five paragraphs — the basis of the standard essay structure.

Let’s take a look at the standard argumentative essay structure .

The introductory paragraph

Every essay starts with the introduction, making it the most crucial part of the argumentative essay format . This section previews the paper by providing background information on the topic. Besides, the argumentative essay introduction eliminates all elements of neutrality, stating the writer’s intentions to support a specific side of the argument.

As a result, you need a well-crafted thesis statement that captures the central theme covered in the paper. The thesis statement is often concise, with a maximum of two sentences. You can also place it at the end of the introduction.

The body section

This is the paper’s main section because it contains the source of information and the main arguments. Also, the body paragraphs examine two sides of the writer’s viewpoint. In essence, you have at least three sections or paragraphs dedicated to each point.

Here are the main paragraphs that make up the body.

This paragraph expresses the author’s main argument in detail. Depending on the paper’s size, this section can contain two or more paragraphs linked by transitional phrases.

The rebuttal

This section presents opposing viewpoints to the main claim. In essence, the rebuttal counters the thesis presented in the introduction.

The counterclaim

This section reaffirms the thesis and counters the rebuttal.

All three sections must appear in the body of a full-fledged argumentative essay. Also, you must start every paragraph with a topic sentence. Don’t forget to use linking verbs to establish a relationship between paragraphs. And most importantly, provide supporting evidence and citations for your points.

The conclusion

In this section, the student should restate the central ideas presented in the paper. A standard argumentative essay conclusion always starts by rehashing the thesis statement. However, you cannot introduce new ideas in the conclusion.

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Argumentative Essay Examples

You can choose a myriad of topics for your essay based on the specific subject. But if you’ve hit a brick wall in your selection, here are some excellent examples to choose from based on earlier recommendations:

Controversial argumentative essay examples

Gender-based discrimination is prevalent in Silicon Valley.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine harmful to society?
CTE is a significant problem in all contact sports
Is police brutality warranted or an appropriate response to high crime rates?
Should all states legalize late-term abortion?

Fact-based argumentative essay topics

Racial discrimination is responsible for police brutality.
The racial quota is a slap in the face of meritocracy.
Fast food is responsible for obesity.
The criminalization of Cannabis is responsible for all drug wars.
High taxation is harmful to the local economy.

Useful Tips for Argumentative Essay Writing

Every outstanding argumentative essay relies on persuasion. You need to convince the reader that your opinion is the ultimate truth. However, false evidence and poor grammar affect the credibility of your claims. So, let’s consider some essential tips when writing a convincing argumentative paper.

Choose an arguable topic

If the teacher allows you to select your preferred topic, make sure you choose an issue with arguable sides. After all, an argumentative essay’s entire essence is to explore all the sides of the problem and confirm your viewpoint. So, look for topics that interest you and are relevant to your field of study.

Focus on controversial issues

Nobody wants to spend time reading a bland, uninspired essay. So, while searching for topics, focus on hot-button issues. But don’t choose controversial topics for kicks. Ensure that the topic is related to your field. Moreover, pay more attention to issues that ignite your passion. This emotional connection improves your argument and makes the paper more engaging.

Take a stance you can support

When choosing an emotionally-charged topic, avoid those that are limited in scope. You don’t have to select the ‘progressive’ side of every argument. Identify your interests and beliefs and focus your opinions on them. By doing so, you will give yourself more wiggle room to express your ideas better.

Consider your audience

Writing an argumentative essay for your peers is different because you can use an informal and conversational style. But since your audience is the teacher, you can only use formal language. Therefore, adapt your writing style to your audience to earn higher marks. And as a rule, stay away from informal expressions in academic writing at all costs.

Gather convincing evidence

Personal experience and opinions have no place in argumentative writing, no matter how painful and convincing. Only evidence from authoritative sources is acceptable when supporting your claim. Therefore, your research should focus on academic material and resources from acclaimed authors. You can also rely on the works of recognized experts in the field to back your claims. Stay away from Wikipedia, Quora, and other open-source platforms.

Outline your essay

As you gather your points, arrange them into a framework for your essay. This technique helps you to develop a relevant outline for your paper without much stress. Besides, the outline forms the basis of your argumentative essay and saves you tons of hours spent on arranging your ideas. Eventually, this outline will help you come up with a preliminary draft.

Write a captivating title and intro

Why is a title essential when writing an argumentative essay? First of all, using a question title allows the reader to take a stance right away. And if the topic is emotionally-charged, you have your reader by the hook. And as far as hooks are concerned, use them in your essay. Add essay hooks in the introduction alongside a well-written thesis statement.

Mind the formatting

Every academic writing assignment follows a specified format. The only exception is narrative essays that feature personal accounts. When writing your argumentative essay, use the formatting style specified by the teacher. Remember that APA writing style needs an abstract, while the MLA doesn’t need one. If you don’t know the differences between writing formats, consult the official style guides for more clarity.

Conclude by restating the thesis

The conclusion paragraph should always restate the thesis. For a more comprehensive conclusion, summarize every paragraph in the essay. Always be careful not to introduce any new ideas in the conclusion paragraph. And most importantly, keep it short and straight to the point.

End with a call to action

The last point in the conclusion should always call the reader to act on something. Since the point of an argument is to convince others that your opinion is the most logical, you should sign off by calling them over to your side. At the same time, you can highlight a moral lesson from the text.

Edit the final draft

Editing is the final frontier in any writing task. This stage of writing allows you to analyze your ideas and grammar. At the same time, you can adjust the writing structure or use a more impactful tone. When you are satisfied with the final draft, you can now submit your paper.

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How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Feb 3, 2022

Feb 3, 2022 | Blog

The argumentative essay is a type of essay frequently assigned as a capstone or final project at the end of freshman year and at the advanced level. It involves extensive research and academic writing.

Argumentative essays require you to investigate argumentative essay topics, collect and evaluate evidence, and come to some sort of decision regarding the topic.

Argumentative essays are similar to expository essays in that it presents information about a particular great argumentative essay topic. However, the argumentative essay relies more heavily on research and is usually longer than an expository essay.

The expository essay is a type of academic writing where students are required to do a bit of research and analysis on a particular topic and then write about their findings.

What Is An Argumentative Essay ?

An argumentative essay is a common type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. It could be that both sides are presented equally balanced, or it could be that one side is presented more forcefully than the other. It all depends on the writer, and what side he supports the most.

A good argumentative essay is all about stating your position towards the issue, providing strong arguments in favor of your opinion, and confronting different views on the matter.

How To Outline an Argumentative Essay in 4 Steps

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that you can use in many different areas. It follows the same structure as any other paper but has an additional paragraph stating arguments against it and then rebuttals to those statements.

Three types of argument models are used to outline an argumentative essay. There are three common models for structuring your main points: Classical, Toulmin, and Rogerian.

The most commonly used structure in argumentative essays is as follows:

Introduction
Counter Argument

Let’s take one section at a time to understand how perfect argumentative essays is organized.

Argumentative Essa y Introduction

Essay introductions act as a roadmap for the entire essay. The introduction paragraph introduces the main argument and provides a brief background of your chosen essay topic. For an argumentative essay, this is where you lay the foundation for your arguments to come in later on.

The first paragraph of an argument essay is one paragraph that should introduce the reader to your topic and your point of view.

In a well-organized introduction, you should include three essential components:

Hook statement
Background information on the topic
Thesis statement

Let’s see all of them one by one in detail:

1) Hook Statement

A hook statement is the beginning of an essay that grabs and holds your reader’s attention. It compels them to read on, so make it count.

Begin your introduction with a hook . The first statement should grab the attention of the reader. For an argumentative ess ay , a hook can be a controversial statement, a less-known fact, a piece of statistical data, or an intriguing question.

2) Background Information

The opening of an essay should have a concise and informative introduction that outlines the main argument. The reader will be able to more easily follow your reasoning when you provide background information about your topic, so they know what it is you’re talking about.

Explain the importance of the topic. What is the importance of talking about that topic?

Explain why you are talking about the subject and let the reader know your point of view.

.3) Thesis Statement

Present your thesis statement . Clearly, state the argument or claim you will support in the body of the essay.

The thesis statement of your essay should explain the main point and purpose of writing your essay. Your entire essay revolves around the thesis; the body paragraphs present information and evidence to defend your thesis.

Good thesis statements of argumentative essays should be clear and have a definite point of view. A successful one will highlight why the reader should read your article or give them insight into what it is about. It must also provide reasons for its position that are understandable to most people who would read this paper to make sure others find their arguments persuasive.

Related: How To Write An Argumentative Abortion Essay (With Examples)

Argumentative Ess ay Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraph, you provide evidence that strengthens your argument. You make clear to readers why they should accept your claim by pointing out all of the reasons.

A claim is the central argument of an essay, and it poses as one of the most important parts of academic papers. In fact, the paper’s effectiveness, complexity, and overall quality depend on the claims you make. The primary purpose of claim in argumentative writing is to define the paper’s goals, direction, scope, and support of the argument.

The goal is to prove how strong your argument is by providing supporting arguments with credible sources for a stronger presentation based on facts.

Several paragraphs provide arguments to support your main argument.

Each supporting argument should be in its paragraph.

You could start with the arguments supporting your claim, then finish with sections refuting the opposing views.

Or, you could start with a paragraph that refutes the main opposing view, then continue to support your claim in the paragraphs that follow.

A well-written body paragraph should state four things:

Topic sentence
Concluding statement

Here is the detail of every part:

The purpose: Why are you making an argument about a particular issue?

Topic sentence: The topic sentence of a paragraph should focus on just one point only. This sentence is an example of why focusing on one idea in a paragraph would be better. It helps the reader understand your argument and enables them to follow along easily.

Provide evidence: The most important aspect of research for the paper is to make sure that you have collected authentic evidence from credible sources by doing detailed research. This means using facts with examples and statistics to support your thesis statement and support what you said in my topic sentence.

Concluding sentence: The conclusion should show how clearly and succinctly the author conveys their message to readers to understand a topic or claim better.

Argumentative Es say Counter Arguments Paragraph

The counter-argument is the opposing side of your argument in the argumentative essay. You will prove wrong by outlining and elaborating specific reasons. In this paragraph, you should mention the opposing arguments that someone might make against your arguments and refute them one by one. Conclude with a strong statement to reinforce what has been said so far in the argumentative essay.

State the opponents’ views and use the evidence, reliable sources to debunk or refute them. Just like with the previous section, you also have to elaborate on why it’s wrong and support it with evidence for every opposing argument. This way, your reader is more convinced that the claims you made are, indeed, correct.

Argumentative E ssay Conclusion

The conclusion is a paragraph that sums up your major points and your argument.

To end a good argumentative essay, the author needs to summarize what they said throughout their entire piece and provide an actionable call to action. This is just as important as the introductory paragraph because it reminds readers of your arguments in this paper.

In this section, remind your readers of the importance of the topic, restate your thesis , and relate it to your supporting arguments.

Readers mostly remember the ending of any piece. Therefore, you must create a strong conclusion that will stick in the readers’ minds for a long.

Inform the readers that after a careful analysis of both sides of the argument, you have come to no other conclusion than that side A is more accurate. From all the facts analyzed in your discussion thus far, it’s clear that there are many benefits and few disadvantages to this issue. The author makes a compelling point defending their position and backs it up by explaining its importance without making unfounded claims.

You can create a memorable conclusion by ending it with a rhetorical question, a statement that inspires the reader to conduct further detailed research or a call to action.

Similarly, when writing your argumentative essay conclusion, you can either propose a solution to the problem or make predictions about what will happen if your argument is believed. You should also outline how things could turn out if it isn’t taken seriously and explain why people might be resistant to believing in your claim at first glance.

Ultimately, readers will have their own opinion of whether they believe this idea is true or not. So give them some incentive for thinking that way.

3 Main Types of Arguments Models and How to Use Them

There are three classical structure models of arguments:

1 Classical structure- popular in philosophy, divides an argument into its logical parts, starting with premises and ending with a conclusion. The defining features of a “cause and effect” essay are causal chains that connect from a cause to an effect, careful language, and chronological or emphatic order. A writer using this rhetorical method must consider the subject, determine the purpose, consider the audience, think critically about different causes or consequences, consider a thesis statement, arrange the parts, consider the language, and decide on a conclusion.

2 Toulmin’s structure -is a little more flexible than the classical model, but still organized around the basic logic of an argument. The Toulmin method (or system) is useful for analyzing an argument. You’ll need to consider strong arguments for the other side in order to shoot them down. Note that you don’t necessarily have to do this as part of your essay-it could just be part of your thinking-but keep track of it all the same. Toulmin’s structure looks like this:

Claim . The claim is what the writer wants you to believe; it might be described as the thesis statement of an argument.

Grounds . The grounds are what support or prove the claim.

Warrant. The warrant is what connects the grounds to the claim. It explains why we should accept that the grounds prove the claim.

Backing. Backing supports or strengthens the warrant by providing additional support or justification for it (it is not always necessary).

Rebuttal or reservation. This is a place where a writer anticipates and addresses positions that oppose his or her own, thus strengthening his or her position by showing why these positions are inadequate or irrelevant.

3 Rogerian – Rather than being aimed at a comprehensive win, it is designed at the creation of a basis for negotiation and compromise on a topic of disagreement. It is based on the assumption that there is common ground to be found between parties of even apparently opposed standpoints. The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

This argument strategy attempts to persuade by finding the main points of compromise and agreement. It is an appropriate technique to use in highly polarized debates, but you must be sincere about your willingness to compromise and change your main points of view for the reader to take you seriously.

List of Argumentative Essay Ideas

Are girls too “mean” in their friendship?
Is buying a lottery ticket a good idea?
Is fashion really important?
Can the death penalty be effective?
Can smoking be prevented by making tobacco illegal?
Is competition really good?
Is religion the cause of war?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write an argumentative essay.

Develop a thesis statement. This will outline your premises and the conclusion you will draw.
Link the main points in your argument.
Include evidence.
Consider counterarguments.
Create a strong conclusion.

What are the 5 parts of an argumentative essay?

A Well-Structured Thesis. Write an introductory paragraph that introduces your argument and explains why readers should be interested in your topic.
Supporting Body Paragraphs.
Your Persuasive Conclusion.
Transitional Phrases.

What is argumentative essay and examples?

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. Argumentative essays are by far the most common types of essays to write at university.

What is an argumentative in a essay?

An argumentative essay is a piece of essay writing that uses factual evidence and logical support to convince the reader of a certain way of thinking. Argumentative essays are only as good as their argument, and structuring good arguments requires a little more than just being stubborn (even if it helps!).

Sarah Bentley

With a passion for helping students navigate their educational journey, I strive to create informative and relatable blog content. Whether it's tackling exam stress, offering career guidance, or sharing effective study techniques

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A Scrivener license offers a unique advantage compared to other writing software. It's not subject to monthly or yearly subscription fees. When you purchase Scrivener, it's a one-time payment, allowing you to use the software indefinitely. In other words, a Scrivener license lasts forever, regardless of which version you purchase.

2. Does Scrivener licenses work on multiple computers?

Absolutely! Scrivener offers what is known as a "household" license. This means that with a single license purchase, you can install Scrivener on any computers that you own and for which you are the primary user. Furthermore, you have the flexibility to install it on the computers of family members who reside in the same household as you.

Conclusion: Ultimate Guide for Scrivener License

In summary, this article has explored the world of writing software, Scrivener, and its licensing details, shedding light on the benefits of its perpetual license and multi-computer usability. Scrivener stands as a valuable tool for writers of all kinds, offering an array of features to streamline the writing process and enhance organization.

Additionally, we've introduced an alternative office suite, WPS Office, as a modernized and powerful solution for diverse office needs. With its user-friendly interface and convenient functions, WPS Office simplifies the work of users, making it accessible to both beginners and seasoned professionals.

1. How to Download Scrivener: A Comprehensive Guide
2. A Guide to the Scrivener iPad App: Features, Download, Pros and Alternatives
3. How to Download and Use Scrivener on Linux - A Comprehensive Guide
4. Scrivener Templates Free Download and Customize Guide
5. How to Change Font for Entire Document on Scrivener: A Step-by-Step Guide
6. How to Use Scrivener for Writing (Easy Guide)

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step by Step
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PDF Argumentative Essay Writing A Step-by-Step Guide
Body paragraph #4: Writing the opposing argument. 1) The opposing argument, called the counterclaim or counterargument, proves that you fully understand the topic and that you have considered the opposition. 2) The turn-back is a return to the original argument. It gives you an opportunity to prove why the opposing argument is invalid.
PDF Argumentative Essay
Argumentative Essay Revised by: Brandon Everett Created by: Chris Kildegaard Revised, Fall 2019 An Argumentative, or position, essay is a common genre of academic writing. It requires you to investigate a topic; collect, create, and evaluate evidence; and then establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
PDF HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
what a good argumentative essay should look like when it is done. The second section provides a step-by-step process that can lead you to this happy result. But first, some words of wisdom: "You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it.
PDF WRITING ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS
This chapter shows you how to prepare and write an argument, but you should keep one important point in mind as you read: Although the advice and information is arranged in a step-by-step fashion, writing an argumen-tative essay is not a linear process. You can't write a paper the way you fol-
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
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.
PDF ACADEMIC WRITING
- Practicums: These boxes give step-by-step instructions to help you build ideas and write papers. - The Writing Process: These features show all the steps taken to write a paper, allowing you to follow it from initial idea to published article. - Into the Essay: Excerpts from actual papers show the ideas from the
PDF Argumentative Essay Writing
Brainstorming will help you get started with your argumentative essay. In this section, you will choose a topic for your essay, write your thesis statement, think about several supporting ideas for your opinion, and think about the counterargument. Planning your Essay Follow the steps below to develop ideas for an argument essay. 1.
PDF Argumentative Essays
When an argumentative essay is assigned by your teacher , it is important to distinguish whether the assignment asks you to : a) Present both sides of the issue equally and objectively OR b) Present your position on the issue as stronger than the opposing position Your thesis statement must reflect clearly the purpose of your essay assignment. ...
PDF Writing Guide: How To Write An Argumentative Essay
Writing Guide: How To Write An Argumentative Essay
How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
These steps will help you get your point across clearly and concisely: 1. Turn the topic into a question and answer it. Set up a big question in the title of your essay or within the first few sentences. Then, build up to answering that question in your thesis statement.
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. ...
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Here are the three steps to writing an effective argumentative essay conclusion: Summarize the argument: Sum up the entire essay and rewrite the thesis statement. Stick to the plan: Don't introduce any new argument here; just synthesize all the information presented in the body paragraph.
How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Write‌ ‌an‌ ‌Argumentative‌ ‌Essay
Create a Structure. You already have a rough outline of what paragraphs of your essay should be there. Based on those, create a more specific structure of an argumentative essay. Think about what arguments you will use, where you will put them, how you will transition between them, and so on.
(PDF) HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
The Body: • Each paragraph in the body of the essay should start with a topic sentence. The topic sentence should announce the argument of the paragraph and make clear how the paragraph's evidence will support the essay's overall argument. The rest of the paragraph should then present and explain evidence that will support the topic sentence.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step by Step
Interest the reader in the situation. Make them want to learn more about it. Explain the controversy or problem clearly. Explain the different sides of the debate. Tell them your side. Convince them that your side is the best one to take. Refute any objections they may be thinking about as they read. Urge the reader to adopt your point of view ...
Argumentative essay
surna2011. dose a argumentative essay planning match like a informative essay planning? Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
Step By Step Guide To Write An Argumentative Essay
1. Discover your Topic. To begin your essay, you must have a topic or a subject to write your paper on. A good argumentative essay is based on a strong persuasive topic presented to the reader by a writer. Choose a topic of interest or an issue that prevails widely in your society to talk and persuade people about it.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Write An Argumentative Essay
It should be convincing and persuasive enough to prove your side of the argument right. Here are the steps for writing the argumentative essay conclusion: Summarize the whole essay in two to three sentences. Rewrite the thesis statement to remind your reader what your essay was all about. Provide a call to action.
How to write an argumentative essay step by step
Step 3: Draft a structure and write your essay. This step involves outlining the content of your essay in a structure that creates a seamless flow for your argument but also for your reader. Wize Writer is a good tool to use to create this outline and understand better what each section needs (try it for free here).
A Step-By-Sep Guide On How To Write An Argumentative Essay
The introduction should start with a hook and then lead to the context. In the closing lines of the introduction, present the thesis. The main body should cover the bulk of the essay, including arguments, evidence, and explanation. The conclusion should tie all the loose ends boldly and succinctly.
How To Write An Argumentative Essay Step by Step
Three Ways to Write a Thesis Statement (With Examples) f 1. Question/Answer Format: The easiest way to write a thesis statement is to turn the topic or. prompt into a question, and then answer that question. In order to write a clear answer, you need. to understand the kind of question you are asking.
How To Write An Argumentative Essay: Step By Step Guide
All three sections must appear in the body of a full-fledged argumentative essay. Also, you must start every paragraph with a topic sentence. Don't forget to use linking verbs to establish a relationship between paragraphs. And most importantly, provide supporting evidence and citations for your points.
How To Write A Good Argumentative Essay: Step-by-Step Guide
1) Hook Statement. A hook statement is the beginning of an essay that grabs and holds your reader's attention. It compels them to read on, so make it count. Begin your introduction with a hook. The first statement should grab the attention of the reader.
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The Ultimate Guide for Scrivener License [2023]
Scrivener License Project Goals and Targets. Scrivener empowers you to set goals and targets for your writing projects. You can track your progress, receive prompts on your project's status, and even set targets for individual writing sessions. The "Writing History" feature allows you to monitor your progress over time.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

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Argumentative writing at college level

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

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Toulmin arguments

Rogerian arguments

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The Ultimate Guide to Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay Definition

Five Types of Argument Claims

Factual Claims

Definition Claims

Value Claims

Cause and Effect Claims

Policy Claims

Three Argument Structures and How To Use Them

Classical (Aristotelian) Argument

Rogerian Argument

Toulmin Argument

How to Outline an Argumentative Essay?

How To Write An Argumentative Essay?

Argumentative Essay Introduction

Argumentative Essay Conclusion

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement

Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs

Using Counter Arguments

Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essay Examples

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

Transition Words For Argumentative Essays

Argumentative Essay Writing Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an argumentative essay have a title?

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How‌ ‌to‌ ‌Write‌ ‌an‌ ‌Argumentative‌ ‌Essay

What Is an Argumentative Essay

Struggling with your Argumentative Essay Homework?

Argumentative Essay Types

Persuasive essay

Analysis essay

Personal essay

Argumentative Essay Elements

Argumentative Essay Format

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How to Start an Argumentative Essay: Introduction

Body Paragraphs

How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step by Step Tips

Check the Assignment Details

Gather the Materials

Create a Structure

Make the First Draft

Edit Without Mercy

Submit the Final Version

How Many Paragraphs Should an Argumentative Essay Have?

Can You Use Personal Experience?

How Do You Introduce an Argument?

Can You Use First-Person in an Argumentative Essay

Example of an Argumentative Essay

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2. Choose the Types of Argument Claims

3. Determine Your Stance