How to write an argumentative essay in 4 steps.

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a genre of writing within an academic setting where a student is required to establish a firm and supported position on a specific topic. It requires the writer to convince the reader of a certain perspective, point of view, and thesis. The writer will use fact-based evidence to establish and support their claim and point of view. Additionally, presenting and refuting opposing arguments with factual evidence strengthens your case and pokes holes in the opposing side. It also showcases a well-rounded understanding of the topic.

While searching for how to write an argumentative essay, you may have learned that it is often confused with a persuasive essay. The two essay formats may be similar, but persuasive essays tend to be less formal as they use emotion with facts. In comparison, argumentative essays rely on logic and hard evidence to win over the reader.

Additionally, expository essays are another popular format that’s mistaken for argumentative essays. However, the latter essay type presents a clear and biased view, while the former balances multiple viewpoints, putting the responsibility on the reader to form a conclusion.

Preparing for college and the next step in your academic career means learning how to write at a higher level. Teachers will likely require you to write argumentative essays throughout your academic career to research compelling and diverse topics and foster critical thinking skills. To memorize key concepts so you feel prepared when presenting your essay, an AI flashcard maker can help you feel confident in the material at hand. Additionally, learn how to write a college essay, including a cover letter for your university application or potential internship opportunities.

1. State your argument.

The most important part of an argumentative essay is your thesis statement. The thesis statement should be clear and defined and emphasize the importance of the topic. By learning how to write a thesis statement, you’ll set your essay up for the best chance of success.

Also, the introduction is where the writer can include a compelling hook to entice the reader. A strong hook raises the stakes of the essay and sets up your claim. Finally, don’t forget to include a general overview of the essay’s topic within your introduction so your reader knows what to expect. Now that you know how to write an argumentative essay introduction, let’s move on to the largest section of your paper, the body paragraphs.

2. Make your case.

Your body paragraphs are the meat of your argumentative essay. You’ll likely have at least three body paragraphs, and each will include evidential support that backs up your thesis. The writer must explain the connection to the thesis and why the provided evidence supports the claim.

Try to approach each body paragraph separately and limit each one to a single overarching idea. If you present too many diverse ideas in one body paragraph, then you’ll confuse your reader.

Also, don’t forget to include transitions throughout the essay and in between the body paragraphs. A transition supports the flow from the previous paragraph’s point to the focus of the next paragraph. Transitions assist the reader with following the essay’s argument while maintaining the structure.

Remember that at least one body paragraph must be dedicated to the opposing argument. This is where the writer explains how the opposing view is misinformed, out of date, or incorrect by supplying accurate counterarguments and facts. Depending on the length of the assignment or topic, you may include multiple paragraphs dedicated to the contradiction.

3. Present the evidence.

These key components are the most crucial part of your argumentative essay and separate this essay type from other academic essay structures. An argumentative essay requires well-researched, current data and information to support your thesis statement. Your support can be factual, statistical, logical, or even anecdotal, but it must be accurate and detailed.

You should also consider multiple points of view when gathering evidence. An argumentative essay must include an additional point of view and subsequently disprove that perspective by showing how the opposition is out of date or misinformed.

Additionally, the research must be well-rounded and comprehensive. Disregarding evidence that does not align with or support your thesis is unethical.

4. End your essay.

Many writers struggle with how to write a conclusion for an argumentative essay. This part of the essay leaves a lasting impression on the reader and synthesizes all your information and presented data.

Your conclusion should not restate your thesis but readdress your claim by succinctly pulling together all the presented evidence. You can re-explain the importance of the topic, present the main points, and then tie it all into your thesis once more.

Keep in mind that this is not the time to introduce new information. However, you may share a perspective that more research is necessary to consider your claim.

Before you hit submit on your argumentative essay, don’t forget to save it as a PDF to ensure the reader doesn’t accidentally make changes. However, you can always make quick changes to a PDF with the Adobe Acrobat PDF editor or convert your PDF into a Word document.