An argumentative essay is a common academic writing assignment for high school and college students. Unfortunately, most students often struggle with writing argumentative essays due to the complexity of conducting thorough research, formulating clear and well-supported arguments, organizing their thoughts effectively, and mastering the nuances of persuasive writing.
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What is an argumentative essay?
Before we proceed with tips for writing an argumentative essay, let’s first understand what an argumentative essay is all about. An argumentative essay is a piece of academic writing that takes a stance on an issue. When writing the essay, you aim to try and persuade the reader (usually your academic instructor) to understand and support your point of view about a topic. You will, therefore, need to share your reasoning and evidence to back it up coherently. Generally, argumentative essay topics relate to health care, technology, science, and politics.
How to outline an argumentative essay
Argumentative essay papers should have a simple structure so they are easy for readers to follow. When writing the essay, your main goal is to clearly outline your point of view, reasoning behind the topic, and evidence to back up your reasoning. Follow this outline when writing the essay:
- Introductory paragraph: You must engage the reader with a compelling opening. Provide context on the topic and outline the evidence you will present to support your arguments.
- The thesis statement: This should be part of your introductory paragraph. A thesis statement is usually a brief one-sentence summary of your main point and claims.
- Body paragraphs: An argumentative essay should have three or more paragraphs that offer reasons to support your thesis. Every reason you will give should be in a paragraph of its own. Support your argument by providing evidence, including facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions. Explain how the evidence relates to your thesis and reinforces your point.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main argument and restate your thesis. Recap the main points you wrote in the body paragraphs. Offer a closing thought, call to action, or implication related to your argument.
- References or works cited: List all the sources you used for your research and cite them properly in a designated format, for instance, MLA and APA.
How to write a thesis statement
As stated earlier, a thesis statement is a brief one-sentence summary of your main point and claims, but it’s the most critical part of your argumentative essay. It should appear in the first paragraph of the essay. Below are a few tips for writing a clear and concise thesis statement.
- Turn the topic into a question and answer it. You can pose the question in your title or introduction. For instance, “Which is the best plagiarism-checking software?” Then answer with your thesis statement: “The best plagiarism-checking software is Turnitin.”
- State an argument and then refute it. Discuss an idea contrasting with your belief, and explain why you disagree. For example: “While some students believe that Turnitin is the best, it is a complex plagiarism checker that can pose a challenge when using it.”
- Briefly outline your main point and explain why you will back it up. For example: “Turnitin is the best plagiarism checker because it uses an extensive database of academic and non-academic content, including essays, research papers, and web pages, to check for similarities.”
Types of argument claim for an argumentative essay
An argument claim is a concise statement asserting a position or viewpoint you aim to support and defend. Below are different types of argument claims that can make your argumentative essay stand:
- Fact claims: Assert statements as true or false, often based on verifiable evidence.
- Policy claims: Propose actions or solutions to specific issues.
- Value claims: Evaluate something’s worth, moral standing, or quality.
- Causal claims: Establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- Definition claims: Define or categorize concepts, often for clarification or debate.
Main types of arguments and how to use them
Persuasive arguments
Persuasive arguments aim to convince the audience to accept a specific viewpoint or action. To sway the audience, you must present substantial evidence, logical reasoning, emotional appeals, and persuasive language. Build a compelling case and address counterarguments effectively.
Expository arguments
Expository arguments focus on providing information, explaining concepts, or clarifying ideas without necessarily persuading or advocating for a position. As a student, you must offer clear explanations, provide evidence and examples, and maintain a neutral tone. Ensure that your information is well-organized and easy to understand.
Analytical arguments
Analytical arguments involve examining a subject or issue in depth, often by breaking it down into its constituent parts, causes, effects, or components. You must analyze the topic critically, dissecting it into its elements and evaluating their significance or relationships. Use data, evidence, and logical reasoning to support your analysis.
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