The Ultimate Guide to Argumentative Essay Writing

An argumentative essay is a type of essay in which the author takes a strong stance on a subject in order to persuade the reader and convert them to their viewpoint.

It is comparable to a persuasive essay, with the exception that it is based on logic and facts. A persuasive essay, on the other hand, is based on the writer’s feelings and personal views.

Argumentative Essay Structure

An argumentative essay format follows these three major models:

1. Classical Model

In the traditional style, the writer attempts to persuade the reader of his or her point of view. The author analyzes all sides of the debate before presenting facts to back up his claim.

2. Toulmin Model

The Toulmin model, developed by philosopher Stephen E. Toulmin gives data that makes it difficult to dispute a proposition. It merely gives one side of the debate, rather than both.

3. Rogerian Model

The Rogerian paradigm, developed by Psychologist Carl Rogers, is also known as a common ground argument model. It respects both sides of the debate and offers a compromise.

How To Write An Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are the most prevalent sort of essay written by students in high school and college. They need excellent critical thinking abilities as well as the capacity to study a topic at a deeper level.

Here’s a step-by-step strategy to starting an argumentative essay:

1. Argumentative Essay Outline

The plan for an argumentative essay is an important aspect to consider. The most typical format for an argumentative essay outline is:

1. Introduction
2. Body Paragraphs
3. Counter Argument
4. Conclusion

2. Argumentative Essay Introduction

An opening to an argumentative essay clearly expresses the writer’s assertion that he will make in the essay. The introduction paragraph should be logical, intelligent, and persuasively worded.

Here are three stages to writing an effective argumentative essay introduction:

1. Start with a hook: Begin your introduction paragraph with a strong hook that gives the reader a hint about your argument.
2. Give background information: Provide brief background information necessary to understand the argument and smoothly transition into the thesis statement.
3. State the thesis: Lay a solid foundation for your claim by stating your thesis statement.

3. Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a one-sentence summary of the whole essay that is brief and straightforward. It is the most significant component of an argumentative essay since it provides support for your assertion. It should be educational, intriguing, debatable, and legitimate.

Making a question out of your topic is one technique to write an argumentative thesis. Simply transform your essay topic into a debatable issue.

4. Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs contain subject phrases and evidence that either opposes or supports a certain point of view.

Here are three easy stages to writing body paragraphs:

1. Topic sentence: Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that defines only one specific idea and supports the main claim.
2. Provide evidence: Provide as much supporting evidence as required to convince the reader. Remember! The argument has no value if it is not backed with proper and relevant evidence from credible sources.
3. Concluding remarks: End the paragraph with a concluding remark and smoothly transition to the next body paragraph.

5. Using Counter Arguments

This counter-argument paragraph presents the reader’s opposing viewpoint to your primary argument. This paragraph uses facts and evidence to demonstrate why the opposing viewpoint is incorrect.

The four phases to writing a counter-argument paragraph are as follows:

1. State the counter-arguments: Present all the counter-arguments one by one.
2. State your response: Provide your response towards the counter-arguments.
3. Refute the opposing claims: Refute the opposite claims, one by one, with facts and evidence..
4. Conclusion: Conclude the paragraph by reasserting your main claim of the essay.

6. Argumentative Essay Conclusion

The conclusion must be logical and precise in order to persuade the reader to agree with your point. It should present the ultimate stand on the debate, indicating that your side is correct.

The three phases to writing a good argumentative essay conclusion are as follows:

1. Summarize the argument: Sum up the entire essay and rewrite the thesis statement
2. Stick to the plan: Don’t introduce any new argument here; just synthesize all the information presented in the body paragraph.
3. Call to action: End your essay by providing a call to action.

Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer

Argumentative Essay Writing Tips

To earn an A+ on your essay, you should follow the fundamental set of requirements.

Use the 5 Argumentative Claim

Determine the sort of argument you want to make with your essay before you begin writing. The five categories of argumentative claims are as follows:

1. Fact: Whether the argument is true or false?
2. Definition: What the argument actually means?
3. Value: How important is the argument?
4. Cause and effect: What causes the problem, and what are its implications?
5. Policy: What should the reader do about it?