How to Write an Argumentative Essay?

In an argumentative essay, you make an opinion by constructing an argument in favour or against the given topic. In other words, you take a stance by presenting strong evidence in support of your argument.

Also, you have to analyze a counterargument and refute that based on strong reasoning and evidence to endorse your viewpoint.

What is an Argumentative Essay?

Argumentative essays refer to the text in which writers present their argument in a way that a reader supports and understands their stance. High school and college students get assignments to write an argumentative essay on subjects such as Political science, English, Information Technology, Healthcare, and Science. Generally, students examine an issue, and take a stance on it; they discuss all the possible scenarios about the topic.

How to Structure the Argumentative Essay in Four Steps?

The argumentative essays have a proper structure so that the readers could understand the writer’s point. The purpose of the argumentative essay is to highlight a viewpoint categorically. An effective argumentative essay has the following structure:

1. Introduction

 It would help if you began the first paragraph with an outline of the topic; give an overview of the issue for the understanding of the readers. State your position by providing some facts or evidence. In the introductory paragraph, a reader should be able to understand your viewpoint.

Read More: Essay Introduction Paragraph Examples

2. A Thesis Statement

 You have to write your thesis statement in the first paragraph. It is a one-sentence statement of your main argument or claim. To make your thesis statement prominent, you can italicize the sentence.

Read More: How to Write a Thesis Statement?

3. Body Paragraphs

 Typically, an argumentative essay consists of three to four or more paragraphs that describe the reason as to why you take this stance. All the body paragraphs should represent different ideas relevant to your thesis statement.

In the body paragraphs, you provide examples or evidence to support your claim. Also, you may review a claim or argument, which is against your stated position. Refute that argument by presenting concrete evidence, reasoning, statistical data, and credible references.

 You have to provide the reason as to why you disagree with the arguments that are in contrast to your views. It would help if you analyzed the topic from every perspective.

Read More: How to Write a College Essay?

Furthermore, it is your responsibility to demonstrate academic honesty. For this purpose, include in-text citations and proper references in your paper from the sources where you borrowed any idea.

4. Conclusion

 This is the last paragraph or section of your paper. Conclusion in the recap of your main argument. In this part, you do not write a new argument or the point. Instead, you restate your central thesis and summarize the facts or evidence that you have already presented.

How to Write a Thesis Statement in Three Steps?

Although your thesis statement is of one sentence, it is the most significant part of your argumentative essay. You include a thesis in the introductory section of your essay, and it gives readers an indication of what your essay is about. Following steps will help readers to understand your point better.

Put Forward a Question and Answer

Come up with a question in the title of your essay or the text of your introductory paragraph. Make your thesis statement in a way that it addresses the question that you have put forward.

For example, in your introductory paragraph, you present the question: “Which two countries will be super economic powers in the next ten years?” Come up with the answer in your thesis statement: “The US and China will be the two economic superpowers in the next ten years.”

This strategy is useful because posing a compelling question in the start would keep the reader interested throughout the text.

Present a Statement and Refute It

State an idea, which negates your viewpoint, and immediately describe why you disapprove the idea. For instance: “According to some people, lunch is the most important meal of the day, but breakfast holds the special significance because you need calories after getting up in the morning.”

This strategy is effective because as soon as you present a view, you immediately refute that by providing credible evidence or argument.

Concisely State Your Main Point

Mention your claim or main point and explain how you will support it. For example: “Juvenile delinquency is causing problems particularly in the areas where college dropout here; this paper will establish the relationship between college dropout rates and juvenile delinquency based on the statistical data of 2019.”

This method provides readers with an idea as to how you will prove your point. In a sentence, you have defined a problem, and you have also stated the reason behind the issue.

Five Types of Arguments

Once you have decided what you are going to argue and planned your thesis statement, focus on the way you will present your argument. You can use five types of argument in your argumentative essay:

1. Fact-based statement: To determine whether a statement is true or false.
2. Definition: The definition of a statement according to the dictionary, and you can add your viewpoint in the essay.
3. Value: the significance of your argument.
4. Cause and effect: What is the major cause of the problem in your essay, and what are its effects/outcomes?
5. Policy: why your main argument is of interest to the reader, and what conclusion should they draw after reading it.

Three Major Classifications of Argument

You can structure your argumentative essay into three types. Select one of the following or integrate them to draft a compelling paper:

1.Classical. State what is your main argument, specify your opinion and try your best to prove your idea right.

2.Rogerian. State the problem, mention the opposing views of the argument, write about your position, and describe why your point is valid.

3.Toulmin. Come up with your claim, present the basis to support that claim, and justify the evidence to validate your claim.

Final Word

In an argumentative essay, you take a stance by stating a thesis statement of one-sentence in the introductory paragraph. In the body paragraphs, you prove your main point through evidence, example and facts.