Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.
In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way.
Next the author should explain why the topic is important exigence or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement.
It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay. Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together.
Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section. Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay.
It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research.
It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis warrant. However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic.
A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.
Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.
An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim otherwise known as a thesis , with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments. The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways. The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story.
While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.
If all goes well, your essay could be in a book like this! To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.
This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.
Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence.
So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.
To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point. You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic. Speaking from authority is great for enhancing your argument—as is being a cat. One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well.
Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion. This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.
Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context. Your thesis is the crux of your argument. Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality.
These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument. In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.
Younger students usually have simpler topics and shorter length requirements while advanced high school and college students are required to conduct extensive research, argue comprehensively and write longer arguments with more complex conclusions. Related: 10 Essay Writing Tips. There are three key elements of a good argumentative essay: a strong argument, thesis and comprehensive research. To write a compelling essay that persuades your reader, start with a strong argument.
Start with a topic that you feel strongly about and construct an argument with reasons and proof. Remember, that in order to convince your reader, your argument needs to be well thought out and researched. It should have a main point, but also, several reasons why. Closely related to having a strong argument is your formal and specific message, or your thesis. The thesis is your complex argument condensed into one sentence.
Your thesis needs to be able to be well-reasoned, researched and strong. All facts, data and essay conjecture needs to be able to come back to prove this one-sentence thesis.
For an argumentative essay to be convincing, it needs to be based upon and cited by comprehensive research. Before forming your thesis, use your argument to search for corroborating data in scientific journals, studies and newspapers. Read more: Types of Research: Definitions and Examples. Consider this list of argumentative essay topics by type to consider:. Should doctors be allowed to genetically modify unborn children at the parents' request?
Should vaccinations be compulsory for all United States citizens? Should school libraries ban certain books from students? Is the seemingly increased frequency of natural disasters a result of climate change? Should professional athletes and professional coaches make the same amount of money? Is graffiti an act of vandalism or the creation of art? Find jobs. Company reviews.
Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Career Development. What is an argumentative essay? Introductory paragraph, stating topic and thesis Supporting paragraphs, presenting arguments and unique facts Final paragraph, restating supporting evidence and thesis. What makes a good argumentative essay?
Strong argument. List of argumentative essay topics. Should the U. Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users' data? Should companies have to hire human workers overusing autonomous machines? Should cell phones be banned from vehicles? Has the internet made society better? Should parents limit screen time for kids? Should everyone get the internet for free? Is technology too isolating? Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?
Are GMOs good for us or bad for us? Should schools require vaccinations for students? Would universal healthcare improve healthcare access? Should medical professionals be allowed to market pharmaceuticals to their patients? Should parents limit the number of activities their kids participate in? Are kids more depressed than they used to be? Is there too much focus on diets in society? Is fasting healthy?
Does our society undervalue sleep? Are car seats effective at keeping children safe in car crashes? Is physical health more important than mental health? Should climate change be a governmental issue? Would America function better without the electoral college?
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