How to Write an Argumentative Essay. The Main Points
The Definition of an Argumentative Essay
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. While writing this type of essay, you may notice that it is similar to an expository essay. The things that differentiate one type from another are the following: the amount of pre-writing and research involved (argumentative essay involves lengthy and more detailed research than expository); expository essays are usually written for in-class writing exercises or tests when an argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project.
If you need to write an argumentative essay, make sure to provide an extensive research of literature or other reliable materials. A student might need to collect some information through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. This is called empirical research. When planning your writing, remember that argumentative essays must have a clear and strong thesis, they also must follow sound reasoning. Here are the must-have things in your argumentative essay:
- A clear and defined thesis statement that is provided in the first paragraph of your essay.
- Clear transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Body paragraphs that include evidential support.
- Evidential support (it can be factual, logical, statistical, or even anecdotal).
- A conclusion. It should not simply repeat the thesis but readdresses it in light of the provided evidence.
Don’t hesitate following these things – be the best argumentative essay writer in your class!
The general structure of an argumentative essay
We recommend you to follow this structure when writing an argumentative essay:
- Start with an introduction – establish the context and review the topic. Try to highlight the importance of your topic. The last thing that you have to do in this part is to present the thesis statement.
- Body of the essay- here you should write a couple of paragraphs. In them, you have to compare two controversial statements.
- Counterargument – make it supported with truthful, accurate, detailed, and current information to support your thesis statement and consider other points of view.
- Conclusion – obviously, this is the last part of writing. Last but not least. Do your best here, because the reader will mostly remember the introduction and conclusion. Be effective and interesting.
Bad argumentative essay? Not with these killer tips!
- Try to choose a topic you are interested in. You’ll have more fun finding the facts and smashing the other side.
- Be quiet with the emotions on your side. Show them subtly, by presenting facts that will make them respond emotionally.
- The other side is the opponent. However, do not use such disrespectful terms as “stupid,” “uninformed,” “evil,” or “crazy.” Your evidence will speak for yourself. Let the reader come to those conclusions.
- After all, why not to present the opposing side first. This will differ a lot and will definitely impress your lecturer or teacher.
- Never make up evidence – it’s very easy to check your essay. If you can’t find the evidence for one of your points, choose another point, but do not devise.
- Get a stunner of an opening. We are trying to break the shock meter. We dare you to impress everybody!
- Another thing that you will be judged for is what factor tells the story. Make the evidence tell your story, not your opinion statements.
- After completing all the aspects of the essay, ask your friend to estimate it. A real friend will tell you if she or he was fascinated by your argument.
Don’t let any essay assignment suppress you. Remember the steps highlighted above, use every tip, and you’ll make your argumentative essay pop! Being the leading essay writer is easier than you thought.