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How to Write an Argumentative Essay, Step by Step?

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You may often come across situations when you have to raise your voice in support or against a point. It can be a debate on choosing the representative for a team or supporting a football team even after several losses. When you get involved in such situations, you are basically arguing.

The only difference is its style when it comes to writing. In fact, how you plan to write an argumentative essay depends on presentation of striking evidence along with statements.

In general, every writing piece has a significant format. Same goes for argumentative essays. Moreover, it’s an important part of academic assessments. So, if you get too emotional on a topic while stating your arguments, your essay will sound more like advocating for a topic.

Hence, to learn the correct method of writing an argumentative essay, scroll down –

The Basics of an Argumentative Essay

The first thing to know is an argumentative essay takes a position on a subject and offers evidence to defend/oppose the claims in an effort to persuade the reader.

Now, to justify your standpoints, you have to take the help of certain prompts. Doing so, the scope of research is better and you can bring different angles. 

Here are two popular ideas for argumentative essay prompts –

Two-Sided Question

Example – “Is it necessary for students to fulfil a set amount of volunteer hours before graduating from high school?”

Open-Ended Question

Example – “What is the most notable effect that social media has had on this younger generation? 

You must be aware that in an argumentative essay, you’re not merely presenting information or facts. You are taking the support of approved data to bring the truth in your argument. This will bring the validity and soundness in your essay which is essential to convince your audience.

The Preliminary Knowledge for Argumentative Essays

 The 8 Type of Arguments

The 24 letters in the English alphabet and the 8 parts of speech are important for vocabulary. Similarly, the types of arguments are important for an argumentative essay format.

Here are the 8 types –

Causal argument

This kind of argument concentrates on how an issue develops as a result of another event. For instance, discussing the reasons behind climate change enables you to consider possible explanations and settle on them.

Rebuttal argument

When making this kind of argument, it’s common to explain why a certain notion or belief is faulty and how you think it may be altered. 

For example, a statement of the opposing position, a statement describing how your position differs from the opposing perspective or an evidence to back up your position.

Proposal argument

The assertion of a problem, the specifics of the proposal, and justifications for why the proposal is a good idea should all be included in this argument. 

For instance, a staff member might put forth a fresh idea for improving client retention rates.

Evaluation argument

An assessment argument is one that assesses whether or not a specific component is “good” or “bad.”  

For instance, you may compile a list of the most frequently accepted criteria or guidelines for assessing a specific problem.

Narrative argument

An argument that uses a tale to explain a point that is directly relevant to the argument is known as a narrative argument. 

For example, an employee can cite their interaction with the customer care representatives of another company to take a position on a change they want to make in their own firm’s customer service strategy.

Toulmin argument

The claim, grounds, warrant, qualifier, rebuttal, and backup are the six components that form the Toulmin argument, which was created by Stephen E. Toulmin. 

The claim is what the arguer is attempting to prove in this case.

 Rogerian argument

An argument based on the needs and interests of all parties is known as a Rogerian argument and is used to discover the best answer to a specific problem.  

In a Rogerian debate, both sides admit their differences and work to create a trusting relationship.

Classical Western argument

A traditional western argument is used to convince a group of individuals of the truths that define or influence the argument, as well as to convince the group of the argument’s validity. 

When a person or group wishes to be more assertive or direct or when they seek to build authority over another person or group, they frequently deploy traditional arguments. 

What are 3 Use of Arguments in Essays?

You might feel confident about writing an argumentative piece, because you have known the basics.  But, often coming across an argumentative essay topic, you might tend to write more arguably as if it’s your personal issue. To prevent that, you must learn the use of argument.

An argument must help you enquire, negotiate and convince.

Here are the details on that –

To Enquire

An argument’s main objective is to get you to change your mind or reconsider your existing beliefs. By doing this, you can navigate paradoxes and inconsistencies. You must pursue the truth with patience and in a reasonable environment while on your path.

This kind of argumentative writing is primarily intended for you, the author, and a reader who shares your care for the topic. Argumentative writing shouldn’t be challenging if you’ve previously mastered the art of the exploratory essay.

To Negotiate

Negotiation in a debate is the examination of many viewpoints in an effort to come to a consensus. This promotes conflict resolution and supports a fair working environment.

Since dialogues are the cornerstone of negotiation, it is the duty of each party to hear out the other and make their case. Only by doing this will both parties be able to reach a solid compromise.

To Convince

You can persuade a crowd to take your position on an issue by using an argument. Making a convincing argument for your perspective is how you accomplish that. It’s critical to remember that persuasion is a competitive art. Even if they don’t already agree with your ideals, you’re still attempting to persuade them to do so.

You need to conduct careful investigation, analysis, and discussion in order to come to a firm conclusion. Then you must argue against it to your readers in an effort to get their attention. This is essentially one of the main points of an argumentative essay.

 5 Different Types of Argumentations

Think about how you’ll present your argument once you’ve decided what you’re disputing and have your thesis statement in place. That’s when your essay’s argument claims can take one of five different forms:

  • Fact: Whether the claim is accurate or untrue.
  • Definition: Your argument’s definition from the dictionary as well as your own personal interpretation.
  • Value: It refers to the significance of what you are arguing.
  • Results: What creates the issue in your article and what consequences does it have?
  • Policy: Justifications for the reader’s concern and suggested next steps.

 The 6 Elements of an Argument Essays

Here are the essential elements that you must include in an argumentative essay structure –

  • Problem Statement: Academic papers often start with a statement of the problem, a contradiction, or an explanation of a key idea. This is a common technique in argumentative writing to draw the reader in, emphasise the significance of the work, and specify the body of literature that the study will add to.
  • Literature Review –After stating the issue, discuss a knowledge gap that the study is attempting to fill in the literature. An unanswered query, a paradox, a knowledge gap, a theoretical inconsistency, or any other fault in the current understanding of the thing in question can be this gap. 
  • The Research Focus – A statement outlining the precise focus of the investigation comes after the literature review. You can use a query, a hypothesis, or a statement of the research’s goals or objectives to represent this.
  • Method and Methodology –Typically, the opening and abstract of an argumentative essay succinctly summarise the process and methods. Here, you lay out your thorough research methodology, show your findings, and discuss why each stage was crucial to the project. You should try to use only a few terms to succinctly convey the most important information.
  • Results/Evidence – You must describe your findings and observations to the reader. It can be based on methodological elements, key themes, ideas, concepts, case studies, historical eras, legal frameworks, literary genres, contexts, geographic areas, or other categories. It is essential that the discussion directly addresses the problem or contention of the thesis.
  • Discussion and Conclusion –The final section of the narrative entails answering the question or summarising the case and the main evidence that supported it. The significance of the findings and its consequences are then discussed after that.

The Argumentative Essay Outline

Here is the preferred outline apt for argumentative essays on any topic –

SectionsItems to be Included
Introduction· Overview of the topic with a briefing of the background · Thesis statement in first or middle of the introduction  
Body paragraph one:   · Explanation of 1st argument in support of the thesis   · Supporting fact 1 · Supporting fact 2 · Supporting fact 3   · Summary with the three facts that supports the 1st argument.  
Body paragraph two :· Explanation of 2nd argument in support of the thesis   · Supporting fact 1 · Supporting fact 2 · Supporting fact 3   · Summary of the three facts that supports the 2nd argument.
Body paragraph three:  · Explanation of 3rd argument in support of the thesis   · Supporting fact 1 · Supporting fact 2 · Supporting fact 3   · Summary of the three facts that supports the 3rd argument.
Body paragraph four: · Possible opposing 1st argument to the thesis and your opinion to the claim   · Possible opposing 2nd argument to the thesis and your opinion to the claim  
Conclusion  · Restating or rephrasing arguments as said in the thesis statement   · Specify your points of interest   

Steps to Write an Ideal Argumentative Essay

Step 1 – Construct a Thesis Statement

In your thesis statement, sum up the major idea or argument of your essay in one or two sentences.  Keep it compelling since it’s essential to inform the reader what they are about to learn and explore.

To make your thesis statement highlight well, include a claim, your position on the claim, and the key arguments supporting your position on the subject matter you have chosen. It will also work as a manual for you when you write the  body paragraphs.

Step 2 – Select the Sources You Will Use

For an argumentative essay, extensive research into the literature that is already available is required. Such essays also demand empirical research, which entails the collection of data using the following methods by the author.

Here are some types of sources you can look for –

Do not add too much data which may be secondary and not directly connected to your case. Unless there is a clear reason not to, attempt to pick sources that were published within the last 20 years for the most recent data.

Step 3 – Present a Statement or a Question in the Introduction

Since the essay will be argumentative, you must introduce the case with an opinion. This will give the reader a scope to think and relate with your statement as well. Most importantly, writing an introduction this way keeps the content compelling and people are intrigued to find what’s more or the truth of the case.

Step 4 – Write Body Paragraphs into Separate Segments

If you observe the outline above, you will see each body paragraph has a space for additional sub-points. So, if you’re writing an argumentative essay of five paragraphs, three of the paragraphs will be in the body section.

Divide them into three sub topics. In each paragraph, discuss an aspect. For example, talk about the facts in the first paragraph, some cases in the second and your take in the third paragraph.

This will make your argumentative essay more detailed and stronger since it’s built with sufficient evidence.

Step 5 – Conclude with Your Final Take & Observation

Most writers make the mistake of repeating the introduction in brief in the conclusion. It’s the most common mistake but can lose a lot of points.

So, an ideal conclusion for an argumentative essay should rephrase the thesis statement. But, you must also write how the evidence and analysis have brought in new observations. You must also state your opinion and mention the positive sides or any development aspects which the topic can bring in the future.

How Can Argumentative Writing Benefit You?

Here are ways how argumentative writing can benefit you in real life –

  • Helps to cultivate critical thinking abilities

Argumentative writing aids in the development of critical thinking abilities in writers. Writing convincing arguments can help students dissect the elements of logical thinking, discover flaws in both their own and others’ arguments, and present stronger arguments overall. Critical thinking is one of the most important abilities that people learn through formal education. People who can make effective arguments will probably also be able to spot erroneous reasoning, or fallacies, in other people’s arguments far more rapidly in the actual world.

  • Focuses on persuasion

The art of persuasion is one crucial skill that a writer develops through engaging in argumentative writing. Writers are able to comprehend what persuasion is, how it operates, and how to use it to their benefit in argumentative writing. They will then have the ability to persuade others to adopt their viewpoint and to act in their favour.

  • Suitable for the Real World

Argumentative writing improves a writer’s skills in transferrable ways. When crafting grant proposals, grant sales pitches, or letters to the editor about significant problems, writers might use their argumentative writing abilities. In the job, they could also need to communicate via email in ways that call for more modest arguments.

  • Improves Wide-Eyed Thinking

Other writing genres, like the expository style, don’t necessarily require the author to be well-versed in the subject matter. Writing argumentatively forces the writer to engage with opposing viewpoints and incorporate them into his broader argument, which encourages critical thinking.

Example of an Argumentative Essay

 Explanation of the example – In the above example, the writer presents a counter-argument on the topic. You can see the blue-inked text is the thesis statement, which provides the direction for the essay. Later, the introduction brings an open-ended question as to whether there are chances of digital books replacing with physical libraries.

 The important factor is in each of the paragraph, you can see how the writer has introduced new points and formed the argumentative paragraph. Hence, it’s not only presenting a notion but keeping the points intact with approved facts.

Lastly, the conclusion talks about the positive aspects of using digital resources as substitutes of books. But its end with how library still holds an important value overall.

Popular Topics on Argumentative Essay

  • Do you believe that the flag should be allowed to be burned?
  • Do you believe that if children skip school, parents could be held accountable for truancy?
  • Are relationships harmed by social media?
  • Do you believe that employers should be forced to hire a diverse workforce?
  • Women and men are treated equally, right?
  • Do you believe the minimum wage needs to be increased?
  • Do you believe that all people should attend college?
  • Is the threat of climate change real?
  • Are wind farms good for the economy and environment?
  • Do you believe that anyone should be permitted to wear fur?
  • Which political party has the most moral principles?
  • What should be done, in your opinion, to lessen income inequality?
  • Is reducing the US deficit the most important issue facing us right now?
  • Do you think the Federal Reserve should cease printing money since it causes an unsustainable bubble?
  • Is capitalism the ideal form of government?
  • Is socialism the ideal form of capitalism?
  • America: Is a female president appropriate?
  • Do you think it’s better to strive to reach a compromise or do you think an elected leader should represent the interests of their own political party?
  • What political choice from today has influenced society the most?
  • Do you think reforming campaign money is effective?
  • Many people believe that we can learn from the past, but history is full of patterns. Do you believe that history is cyclical?
  • How did the American Civil War improve or harm the country?
  • As a writer and a statesman, Thomas Jefferson made significant contributions to the creation of America. He didn’t have a perfect life, though. He was a hero?
  • Do you think that the “truth” of important historical events has changed as a result of our current perspective?
  • Discuss whether lower socioeconomic strata had opportunities during a particular decade in the past.
  • Was the treatment of Native Americans morally repugnant to the US?

Final Words,

Argument is an important element in the way you think, you speak and develop your ideology. All these factors comes into work when present your viewpoint in writing. In most days, the use of argumentative writing comes into use in essay format.

This means, your content has to be well organised, and arguments must have provide valid reasons for supporting or denying the case. That’s why you must learn how to apply certain techniques that will help your use your opinions in the right way.

To learn that, remember the suggestions stated in this blog when you start writing your assigned argumentative essay.

Frequently Asked Questions –

How to write an argumentative essay?

When you plan to write an argumentative essay, the first thing is how you will arrange your opinion. You have to state it in brief in the introduction and then carry towards the body paragraphs with logical reasoning. 

How to write a conclusion for an argumentative essay?

When writing a conclusion for an argumentative essay, restate the thesis with an overview of your findings. You must also include the additional findings that have given the argument another angle. In fact, you can check the blog above and learn in detail about the same.

How to write an introduction paragraph for an argumentative essay?

The important element of writing an argumentative essay based introduction is to put a hook along with your thesis point. This will intrigue readers and they will relate with the argument you are about to present. In the ending part of the introduction, you can add your objective regarding the essay topic.

What are the 5 parts essential in an argumentative essay?

The five parts of an argumentative essay includes the following –

  • Claim, 
  • Reason, 
  • Evidence, 
  • Counterclaim, and 

What is argumentative writing with examples?

An argumentative writing is one where you present a claim with evidence and state your reasoning. This type of writing will also require examples of certain cases as a proof of real life incidents or a hypothesis to make the argument more logical.

How do you structure an argumentative essay?

The structure of an argumentative essay basically involves the below steps –

  • A thesis added introduction
  • Highlight of the premises
  • Mentioning of assumption in the introduction
  • 3-4 Body paragraphs with different topic points
  • Conclusion with the proven point 

Some Free Argumentative Essay Examples-

Why Do I Deserve A Scholarship- Essay Writing Tips And Examples

Why Abortion Should Be Legal Essay: Argumentative Essay

Why College Education Should Be Free? : Argumentative Essay

Georgia Taylor

Hi, I am Georgia Taylor. I am a certified midwife nurse. Though I am a nurse by profession, I could never let my passion for reading and writing subside. Caring for ailing people gives me as much joy as does helping out students trying to earn their degrees. While working hard during my MSN days, I saw how my non-native batch mates struggled to work on English essays and assignments. As much as their dreams of getting into the medical field mattered to them, their struggle with English essay tasks was real and challenging. That's what ignited the desire to be a guide to such people. From helping my fellows to becoming a part-time English essay writer, the journey has been quite exciting. As my profession teaches us for being kind, that's my way of abiding by this responsibility. 

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