How to Write an Argumentative Essay
It is always important that you know how to write an argumentative essay in order to deliver the best results in essay assignments, and general academic performance. Writing argumentative essays is a simple task that you can easily master with just a few tips. Read on for comprehensive guidelines on how to write an argumentative essay within the shortest time.
In order to craft a good argument essay, you should first know what is required in such kinds of academic papers. An argumentative essay is a type of essay that entails investigating a topic or subject, collecting, generating and evaluating evidence to determine a stand on the subject in a way that readers can understand and relate to.
In most occasions, students confuse argumentative essays with expository essays. It should be noted that these two genres are the same, however, there is a slight difference in that writing an argumentative essay involves elaborate pre-writing and research. Argumentative essays are usually written as capstone projects or final projects in first year and other advanced levels.
Knowing how to write an argumentative essay will not only assist you in creating top notch essays but also other kinds of academic papers since the writing formats are almost the same.
Guidelines on how to write an argumentative essay
For your paper to qualify as an argumentative essay, there are certain specific elements that it must contain. It is these aspects that will persuade the readers to view the discussion from your angle. Read and practice the following guidelines in order to easily master the art of how to write an argumentative essay.
Find a good topic
The first step in planning how to write an argumentative essay should be choosing an ideal topic that you can effectively discuss. It is advisable that you look into issues or subjects with two conflicting views and diverse conclusions.
One of the best ways of finding a suitable topic for an argumentative essay is going for one that interests you. However, that alone is not enough reason for settling on a subject. You should also consider a topic with a claim that you can comprehensively prove with evidence.
It is important to note that when presenting your ideas, you will be required to clearly explain why your argument is logical and reasonable. Therefore, you have to be very careful when selecting a topic to find a claim that you can properly defend in the essay.
Research on the subject of the essay
It is only through research that you can obtain sufficient information to support the argument in the paper. In order to make the task easier, you should focus the research on issues that are relevant to the topic.
There are lots of academic research materials and other resources that you can easily acquire online. Gather as much information as you can on the topic from them in order to have a variety of ideas to choose from when writing.
In the research process, dig deeper to establish the different perspectives from which the subject can be discussed. Based on the purpose of the paper, you should take a stand on the topic since that is what you will be required to justify in the essay. However, both sides of the arguments have to be presented before concluding with your position.
Consider the outstanding arguments from both sides that you will use in building the discussion in the essay. It is advisable that you list down all the points and evidence acquired from the research so you do not forget.
Procedures on how to write an argumentative essay
Once you have collected, analyzed and come up with the best points for your essay, you can now get down to writing it. However, it would be advisable to begin by preparing an outline to illustrate the specific points and evidence that you have chosen to use in the argument.
The basic steps outlined below can assist you on how to write an argumentative essay with ease.
Introduce the essay
As required in essay writing, the first sentences of the introduction should clearly give a brief explanation of the topic of discussion. Although you will later on take a stand to prove in the essay, the introduction should provide background information on all the controversial arguments about the topic.
The introduction should also tell the readers about your position on the subject of the paper. The stand that you take will serve as the thesis statement and should come towards the end of the introduction.
Give a detailed coverage of both sides of the argument
Since an argumentative essay entails the discussion of two conflicting views, you have to first make the readers knowledgeable on all those claims. It is only then that you can be able to convince them to consider one instead of the other.
State all the strong points supporting each side so that your argument does not look biased but simply logical. However, you should not forget to dwell much on both sides since the basis of the paper mainly depends on your stand and how it is presented.
After putting into perspective the conflicting claims or ideas, you can now present your thoughts on the subject with sufficient evidence to support it. In order to make your argument compelling, it is advisable that you discuss the points individually, giving evidence for each separately.
Use the most outstanding evidence to back up your argument in a way that can convince readers. Using various kinds of evidence will show that you effectively understand the topic. Try to use a combination of evidence obtained from statistics, quotes, and anecdotes among others.
Conclude the argument
By the time readers get to the end of your argumentative essay, they should be able to clearly see the idea or claim presented in the paper. In order to make sure that your point is effectively passed across, you should hint the thesis statement at the end of the paper. This will confirm your purpose to the readers and also leave an impression on them.
A good argumentative essay conclusion should be logical and not emotional. Besides, you should also remember to properly cite the sources that you have obtained information from.
Examples of Argumentative Essays
Argumentative essay samples can also offer you great hints on how to write an argumentative essay. The following have been written by experts and can easily show you how to go about writing argumentative essay papers on different topics.
Example 1
Sample Argumentative Essay on Single Parent Struggle
‘’For several years, children brought up in single parent families have been considered as different. The fact that they are raised by one parent seems impossible to most people yet it is a concept that has become more prevalent over the decades. In the modern society, children have grown up to attain emotional stability and success irrespective of whether they have had one or two parents to guide them through the murky waters that life offers to all humans. The problem is in the diversity between children raised by single parents and those raised by both parents. Does a child need both parents? Does a young boy need a father figure around?’’
Read the rest of this sample argument essay here.
Example 2
Sample Argument Essay on ‘Legalize It’
‘’George Bierson’s ‘’Marijuana, the Deceptive Drug’’ was published by the Massachusetts News in 2000. In the conclusion of the article, Bierson says that marijuana is harmful in several ways including brain and reproductive system damage, and weakening of the immune system. He further tries to convince readers that marijuana is a ‘’getaway drug’’ that can lead users towards trying out other hard drugs. I believe that one must look at issues critically when researching in order to make a sufficient claim to support an argument. The fallacy in Bierson’s work is because he is looking for facts to back up a conclusion that is already assumed. Based on my personal experiences and research, I have established that a logical view on his points do not arrive at the outlined conclusions…’’
Visit mesacc.edu to view the entire essay.
Example 3
Sample argumentative Essay, ‘’School Choice; An Unwise Option’’
‘’The issue of charter schools and vouchers is an ongoing debate across various platforms today ranging from the local school board meetings to even state supreme courts. Both charter schools and voucher programs are collectively known as ‘’school choice’’ initiatives, considering that they offer parents the choice of educational options for their children who are not in the traditional public school system. A school voucher program provides the parent with a certificate to use in making payments for the education of their children at an institution of their own choice, instead of the public school to which they are assigned.’’
Continue reading the rest of this sample argument essay here.
If you still find it a challenge to write an argument essay, get in touch with us now. You can also visit our homepage to find out more on the professional essay writing services that we provide online.
References
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/essaywriting/a/argument.htm
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/
https://www.kibin.com/essay-writing-blog/argumentative-essay-outline/