Argumentative Essay Guide - Steps by Step Guide

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that presents a debatable topic and argues a particular point of view. The essay presents evidence and supporting details to persuade the reader to accept the writer's position.

Writing an argumentative essay requires research and defending a position on a debatable topic. The purpose is to convince the reader to accept your point of view using empirical evidence, such as surveys or experiments. 

Your essay should have a strong thesis and use reasoning to prove your argument. 

While similar to persuasive essays, argumentative essays rely on logic and evidence, rather than emotional appeals. This is the main difference between argumentative and persuasive essay.

Qualities of a Good Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are common high school and college assignments, so important to know how to write one. A well-articulated argumentative essay has the following characteristics: 

• Concise yet comprehensive thesis statement: Clearly convey your stance on the topic in a brief statement placed at the end of the introduction paragraph.
• Effective use of transition words: Utilize transition words to connect ideas and ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. It allows the reader to follow your arguments easily.
• Reason-based body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on one reason supporting your stance, backed up by facts and figures. Avoid mixing different reasons within paragraphs to maintain coherence.
• Use of relevant evidence: Thoroughly research and provide data to support evidence such as facts, statistics, and other credible sources to strengthen your arguments.
• Strong conclusion: Summarize key points, emphasize the significance of your topic, and connect them back to your thesis. Leave the reader with a compelling final impression and end on a positive note.

Types of Argumentative Essays

Here are two major types of argumentative essays. 

Five-Paragraph Argumentative Essays 

A five-paragraph essay approach is very straightforward. It consists of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. 

Each paragraph should focus on a specific point related to the topic and provide evidence to support the argument. This format is usually used for less complex topics.

By following five-paragraph format, you can create a well-structured argumentative essay in just five paragraphs.

Long Argumentative Essays

A long argumentative essay includes more than five paragraphs. When writing about complex issues, it is important to provide a detailed explanation. If the essay requires evidence from research sources or empirical data, five paragraphs will not suffice. 

There are too many details that need to be mentioned. Authors may have to discuss different contexts and arguments before concluding their thoughts on the main topic. So, a long argumentative essay gives you the space to write all the detailed arguments. 

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Types of Argumentative Claims

There are five major types of argumentative claims that are further described below:

1. Factual Claims 

This type of claim relies on facts or evidence found in research.Factual claims rely on hard data to support and facts rather than opinion. 

Examples include “the average temperature has been increasing over the past 100 years” or “the unemployment rate dropped by 2% last year”. 

These types of claims are often used when debating science-related topics or economics. 

2. Definition Claims 

These types of claims involve defining a term or concept and then using this definition as your main point in the argument. 

Examples include “love is defined as feeling deeply connected to someone else” or “success is measured by achieving one's goals”.  

It's important to note that definition claims also require supporting evidence for why your interpretation is correct. 

3. Cause and Effect Claims 

These types of claims look at how one thing causes another thing to happen and then use this connection as part of your argument. 

Examples include “an increase in taxes leads to less spending power for citizens” or “not getting enough sleep leads to poor performance at work” . 

When making causal claims, it's important to look at both short-term effects and long-term implications. This way readers can understand the full scope of your argument. 

4. Value Claims 

These types of claims focus on establishing the value or importance something has, either positively or negatively, and then using this value as part of your argument. 

Examples include “social media has had a negative effect on mental health” or “education plays an important role in achieving success” .  

Value claims should not be confused with opinion pieces. These types of arguments require thought-out analysis backed up by facts.  

5. Policy Claims 

Policy claims involve taking a stance on proposed policies and their effectiveness at achieving certain goals. 

Policy statements often use words such as “we should…” or “the government must…” 

For example, you were advocating for increased funding for mental health services in low-income communities. Now you might make a policy claim such as:

“The government must invest more money into mental health resources for low-income areas so that everyone has access to quality care regardless of their financial status.”  

3 Ways to Present Your Claim in an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay format will be according to any of the below-mentioned three styles. 

• Classical Style: State your main claim and its subsequent arguments. Then, justify your claim by providing supporting evidence. It is the most widely used style of argumentation. 

This strategy is also called Aristotelian. It is effective when people are not much aware of your topic. The facts are clear and concise in this type of argument, so people can easily understand them.

• Rogerian Style: Describe the problem first, then acknowledge both sides of the argument. Next, say your point of view and explain why it is better than the other. This is the Rogerian style, which is mostly employed for polarized topics.  
• Toulmin Style: Write your argument first and then tell the readers why you think it is true. Then, write how your reasons are linked to your argument. 

This style is used when a topic can be approached through multiple views. So, you will state your view and support the claim with strong evidence. 

Argumentative Essay Outline 

An argumentative essay could be tricky, but not so much if you write it through a structure. You can learn about the structure of an argumentative essay by reading the description below.

Here is a template in pdf format:

Argumentative Essay Introduction

“How to start an argumentative essay?”

• Start with Hook: Start your introductory paragraph with a compelling attention grabber. For example, a good hook for an argumentative essay can be a startling fact or a famous quotation supporting your topic.  
• Background Details: Discuss the topic briefly. Add important background details and the significance of your topic. Add the thesis statement at the end of the introduction.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement?

The thesis statement is extremely important because it can make or break your essay. A powerful thesis statement will inform the readers what your essay is about.

Here is how you can structure your thesis statement:

Argumentative Essay Body 

The body of an argumentative essay has three or more paragraphs. These paragraphs can be distributed into three categories.

1. Thesis Paragraph: The thesis paragraph describes your argument. You present a reason or an argument to justify the stance that you wrote in the thesis statement. You also mention adequate evidence to support your argument.  
2. Antithesis Paragraph: The antithesis paragraph is used to write the opposing points of view. For instance, if your essay is about the causes of global warming. Your stance is that human activities cause it. The antithesis paragraph will state that it is caused due to natural causes and give evidence accordingly. 
3. Synthesis Paragraph: The synthesis paragraph points out the limitations of the opposing argument mentioned in the antithesis paragraph. Basically, you will counter-argue the opposing argument. You will prove how your argument is better and prove it through facts. 

The order of these paragraphs remains the same in all argumentative essays. You have to mention the thesis first, then the antithesis, and the synthesis at the end.

This will make your writing process simpler and your essay more coherent.

Argumentative Essay Conclusion 

“How to write a conclusion for an argumentative essay?” 

• Restate the Key Points: The conclusion of the argumentative essay should be impactful. Start this paragraph by reiterating your main stance through a rephrased thesis statement. 

Mention all the arguments that justify your stance. These arguments should be only those that have been previously mentioned in the essay.

Do not include any new information, evidence, or argument here.

• Discuss Significance: Finally, end the conclusion paragraph by writing about the topic’s significance. Your conclusion paragraph should leave the reader thinking about the topic.  

A sample outline of an argumentative essay structure is as follows:

The number of paragraphs in the body can change according to the requirements of your essay. However, this is a standard outline that you can follow to make your writing process easier.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step by Step?

Here is a step-by-step guide for college students to learn to write this type of essay.  

Step#1 Find a Suitable Topic

Choose a topic that allows you to form an opinion. Another key to choosing a topic is to select the topic that interests you or is related to your field. 

Step#2 Research on the Topic

Now you need to research what you have to write in the essay. Read other papers related to your topic. Collect evidence, facts, examples, etc. Form the points for your essay accordingly.  

Step#3 Make an Outline

Make an outline to organize all the information that you have researched. See which points you want to write and which should be omitted. A sample outline for an argumentative essay is given ahead. 

Step#4 Write the Essay

Once you are done outlining, you have to follow it to write your essay. Write the introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure you include appropriate evidence to support your arguments. 

Step#5 Get the Essay Proofread

After writing the essay, get it proofread by an expert. They will point out the mistakes in the essays. Or, they will suggest improvements that will make your argument better. 

Step#6 Create the Final Draft

Accommodate the suggestions of the expert. Correct the errors that they pointed out and make the necessary revisions. After this, your final draft will be ready. 

Check out this video and get all of the information you need to compose an argumentative essay!

Best Argumentative Essay Topics for Students 

Following is a list of good argumentative essay topics for middle school and college that you may choose from to write your essay. 

• Should standardized tests be the primary measure of student knowledge and ability?
  
• Is social media beneficial for mental health?
  
• Should the use of cell phones be allowed in classrooms?
  
• Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime?
  
• Should college education be free for all students?
  
• Is online learning more effective than traditional classroom education?
  
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  
• Is censorship justified in certain circumstances?
  
• Should the government regulate the sale and consumption of sugary drinks?
  
• Is animal testing necessary for scientific and medical advancements?
  
• Should the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be banned?
  
• Is climate change primarily caused by human activity?
  
• Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised?
  
• Is the death penalty morally justifiable?
  
• Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use?

These topics will give you argumentative essay ideas that will get you started. Remember to choose a topic that you find interesting or is directly linked to your field of study.

You should also consider your strengths and weaknesses and your instructor’s requirements in topic selection. 

Good Argumentative Essay Examples

If you are looking for an argumentative essay example, then look no further. 

Here is a sample argumentative essay on social media:

Analysis of Sample Essay

Here's a simple analysis of the essay:

Points that make this essay good:

• The essay clearly presents an argument on the topic of social media and provides examples and evidence to support this argument.
  
• The essay is well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  
• The essay uses a range of sentence structures and vocabulary to create variety and maintain the reader's interest.
  
• The essay acknowledges potential counterarguments and responds to them in a thoughtful and convincing manner.

Points that could be improved:

• The essay does not explicitly state the thesis or main argument until the second paragraph, which may make it less clear for some readers.
  
• The essay could benefit from additional sources or research to support its claims, rather than relying solely on the author's opinions and observations.

By following such a practice of analyzing your essay for good and bad points, you can easily write polished essays.

Check out the free argumentative essay examples below in PDF format: 

Argumentative Essay  VS. Expository Essay

The figure below shows a comparison table highlighting the key differences between an argumentative essay and an expository essay:

While both essay types have their own distinct characteristics, they both aim to engage the reader and present information. The argumentative essay focuses on convincing the reader to accept a particular viewpoint, whereas the expository essay focuses on providing objective information.

Tips to Write an Impressive Argumentative Essay

Reading these tips will help you create an impressive piece of writing. 

• Always draft an outline before writing the actual essay. It will make your essay well-structured and coherent. 
  
• The thesis statement of your essay should reflect your stance. 
  
• Every paragraph of the essay should have a topic sentence highlighting the argument that you will explain in the paragraph.
  
• Each topic sentence should relate to the thesis statement. That means your arguments should justify your claim. 
  
• Make smooth transitions between paragraphs. You can use transition words to do this. 
  
• Get your essay proofread by an expert and make the necessary revisions. 

These tips will help you to write an essay that will surely impress your readers or instructor. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an argumentative essay: 

• Unclear thesis statement: Ensure your thesis statement clearly states your stance and provides a roadmap for your essay.
  
• Emotional appeals without evidence: Back up your arguments with credible facts and logical reasoning, rather than relying solely on emotional appeals.
  
• Ignoring opposing viewpoints: Engage with counterarguments and provide a rebuttal to strengthen your overall argument.
  
• Insufficient research and evidence: Conduct thorough research and use credible sources to support your claims.
  
• Inadequate organization and structure: Organize your essay with clear topic sentences, transitions, and a coherent structure.
  
• Lack of editing and proofreading: Edit and proofread your essay to eliminate errors and enhance clarity.
  
• Overgeneralization and sweeping statements: Avoid making broad claims without sufficient evidence.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve the effectiveness and persuasiveness of your argumentative essay.

Let’s Wrap Up!

This comprehensive guide provides you with the necessary steps, types, and topics to write an outstanding argumentative essay. Whether you're a high school or college student, this resource equips you with the tools to tackle your next essay assignment successfully.

If you are still unsure about which topic to write your essay on or how to write it, feel free to ask for help from our skilled writers at MyPerfectPaper.net. 

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