Are you struggling to write an argumentative essay? Do you want to learn the essential tips and techniques to craft a convincing argument?
Argumentative essay writing needs more than just a personal opinion. It requires you to present evidence and facts to support a claim. But where do you begin?
Look no further! This blog post will provide an in-depth guide on how to write an effective argumentative essay.
Read on to learn how to craft a perfect argumentative essay in this simple step-by-step guide.
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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. The 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.
Students often mix up argumentative essays and persuasive essays. The big difference is that an argumentative essay uses strong evidence and facts to prove a point, while a persuasive essay tries to convince readers by appealing to their emotions and beliefs.
Argumentative essays are the most common type of essays for High School and College students. These essays require strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze a topic at a deeper level.
Here are the steps involved in argumentative essay writing:
Here is a step-by-step descriptive guide on how to start an argumentative essay:
Pick a debatable topic that interests you and has ample research material. A debatable topic is one that has multiple perspectives and can be argued for or against. It should also be a topic with ample research material available, so you can find enough evidence to support your arguments.
Your essay title should reflect the central theme and stance of your argument, such as "Should school uniforms be mandatory in public schools?"
Once you have chosen your topic, the next step is to gather information. Thorough research is the foundation of a strong argumentative essay. Here's how to approach it:
For Example:
Benefit of Uniforms: "A study by the National Association of Elementary School Principals found that schools with uniforms reported 30% fewer incidents of bullying." Drawback of Uniforms: "Opponents argue that uniforms suppress individuality and creativity, which are important aspects of personal development." |
An outline helps organize your thoughts and structure your essay. For argumentative essays, consider using a basic essay outline structure like the five-paragraph essay format for shorter essays.
However, for longer argumentative essays, where complex issues and detailed research are involved, you may need a more intricate and detailed outline to address all aspects of the topic comprehensively.
Here's a basic outline template, for more detailed structure read our argumentative essay outline blog:
Argumentative Essay Outline I. Introduction
II. Body A. Body Paragraph 1
B. Body Paragraph 2 (Follow the same format as Paragraph 1) C. Body Paragraph 3 (Follow the same format as Paragraph 1) III. Counter Arguments
IV. Conclusion
V. References or Works Cited List all the sources you've used for research, following the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA). |
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:
Here is the thesis statement example for an argumentative essay:
"Public schools should implement uniform policies because they promote a sense of community, reduce distractions in the classroom, and contribute to a more equal educational environment." |
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:
Smoothly transition between paragraphs in your argumentative essay using transition words like "however," "therefore," "moreover," and "nevertheless." These words help maintain the flow of your ideas, ensuring your essay is easy to follow and logically structured.
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 write a counter-argument paragraph:
The conclusion needs to be logical and precise and 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:
Before wrapping up your essay, review the graphic organizer provided below. This will help ensure your essay is well-structured and each part, from introduction to conclusion, is properly developed and supported.
This final check makes sure your essay is cohesive, persuasive, and thoroughly addresses your chosen topic.
For writing a good argumentative essay formatting is equally important. Here are some formatting guidelines for composing a well-written and visually appealing argumentative essay:
These formatting guidelines are general standards. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your institute or professor for any additional requirements.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are three main types of argument structures that may be used in an essay. Let's see how each of them works:
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:
To construct a classical argument essay, you would need to:
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:
To construct a Rogerian argument essay, you would need:
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:
To construct a Toulmin model argument, you have to:
Watch this video that explains the three different types in detail:
Sample essays play a vital role in understanding the structure of an essay. So check out the examples with the analysis below and do not forget to read our argumentative essay examples blog for more sample essays.
Public Libraries vs. Tablets As online learning gains traction, a debate ensues: should public libraries be replaced by tablets? Proponents argue that this move would save costs and enhance access to reading materials. However, such a transition would be shortsighted and detrimental for several reasons. Firstly, while digital resources offer convenience, studies show they hinder learning compared to print. Research reveals that tablet readers are slower, retain less information, and comprehend less than print readers. Additionally, prolonged screen exposure leads to various health issues, including eye strain and musculoskeletal problems. Secondly, libraries offer diverse services beyond book lending, fostering community cohesion and knowledge exchange. Community events and study spaces provided by libraries create invaluable connections that tablets cannot replicate. While the notion of replacing libraries with tablets may seem pragmatic, it risks exacerbating screen dependency and depriving communities of essential services. |
Analysis:
Strengths:
Improvements:
Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels With the growing concern over climate change, the debate between renewable energy and fossil fuels has intensified. While some advocate for a swift transition to renewable sources, others argue for the continued use of fossil fuels. However, a closer examination reveals that renewable energy is the more viable and sustainable option for our future. Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, offers numerous environmental benefits. Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, renewable sources produce clean energy with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, renewable energy technologies are becoming increasingly efficient and cost-effective, making them competitive alternatives to fossil fuels. Furthermore, reliance on fossil fuels poses significant risks to both the environment and public health. From oil spills to air pollution, the extraction, transportation, and combustion of fossil fuels contribute to environmental degradation and respiratory diseases. Transitioning to renewable energy would mitigate these risks and promote a healthier, more sustainable future for all. While opponents argue that renewable energy is intermittent and unreliable, technological advancements have addressed these concerns. Battery storage and smart grid technologies enable the efficient storage and distribution of renewable energy, ensuring reliability and stability in the power grid. In conclusion, the benefits of renewable energy far outweigh those of fossil fuels. Not only does renewable energy offer cleaner and safer alternatives, but it also fosters economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy sector. By embracing renewable energy, we can mitigate climate change, protect our environment, and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. |
Analysis:
Strengths:
Improvements:
Also, check out the following free argumentative essay examples provided in PDF format:
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, we have compiled some easy argumentative essay topics for students.
Check out these topics and visit our argumentative essay topics blog for more ideas:
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!
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The five main parts of an argumentative essay are:
Here are some essential transition words and phrases to strengthen your argumentative essays:
In an argumentative essay, the writer presents a claim or argument and supports it with evidence, aiming to persuade the reader to adopt their viewpoint. In contrast, an expository essay aims to inform or explain a topic, presenting facts, analysis, and evidence without necessarily taking a stance or trying to persuade the reader.
The 3 best tips for writing a good argumentative essay are:
An argumentative essay is written in various contexts, including:
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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.