Writing a good argumentative essay is one of the activities that students in high schools and higher learning institutions undertake as a test of their knowledge acquisition. Basically, this is a paper where students focus on persuading readers to agree with the central argument (thesis). However, to make their argument legitimate, people need to highlight views from opposing points of view (counterarguments). In writing, there are 3 main types of argumentative essays: classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin. While these types of papers can follow a similar outline, each has a unique writing structure that distinguishes it from others. In turn, primary features of an argumentative essay a person should capture in writing are a thesis, body paragraphs that support a central claim, a counterargument, a response to a counterargument (refutation), and concluding remarks. Finally, these guidelines present a definition of an argumentative essay, its format, basic writing steps, defining features, types, structures, outlines, templates, prompts, some examples, what to include, and what to avoid, allowing students to present high-quality papers and get their A+ grades.
General Aspects
Academic writing is a broad discipline that covers various styles and types of writing. Among different types of essays, there is an argumentative or persuasive writing format. Basically, the main point of an argumentative essay is to convince a reader of a validity of an author’s position on a debatable issue through evidence, reasoning, and persuasive statements. As such, it is a writing genre where a person investigates a topic by collecting and evaluating evidence to strengthen a claim concerning specific themes, including a basic outline. In other words, an argumentative paper focuses on supporting a person’s stance on an issue. Moreover, writing an entire content aims to persuade readers to understand and support that point of view. To achieve this writing goal, students need to state a valid reasoning behind their stance and provide evidence that backs it up.
What Is an Argumentative Essay and Its Purpose
According to its definition, an argumentative essay is a type and form of academic writing where an author presents a clear stance on a specific issue, supporting their position with logical reasoning and evidence. For example, the main purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to convince an intended audience of a real validity of an author’s viewpoint by presenting points backed by facts, research, and examples while also addressing and refuting opposing perspectives (Rogers, 2024). Unlike simple opinion pieces, an argumentative essay requires critical thinking and a structured writing approach, often involving introduction, body, and conclusion components. Further on, such a composition encourages an entire debate and helps to develop skills in logical reasoning, analysis, and persuasive communication (Koons, 2021). In principle, readers are encouraged to consider multiple sides of a specific issue, fostering a deeper understanding and prompting further reflection on a chosen topic. Moreover, people can take a clear stance, support a main claim with evidence, and systematically address counterarguments to reinforce their positions (Crossley& Tian, 2022). In terms of pages and words, the length of an argumentative essay depends on academic levels, course requirements, and controversial topics, while general writing guidelines are:
High School
- Length: 1-4 pages
- Word Count: 250-1,000 words
- Structure: Introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, conclusion.
College (Undergraduate)
- Length: 2-6 pages
- Word Count: 500-1,500 words
- Structure: Introduction, 3-5 body paragraphs, conclusion, with more emphasis on research and evidence.
University (Bachelor’s Level)
- Length: 4-10 pages
- Word Count: 1,000-2,500 words
- Structure: More in-depth research, multiple counterarguments, and extensive evidence supporting a central argument.
Master’s
- Length: 6-20 pages
- Word Count: 1,500-5,000 words
- Structure: More advanced research, multiple viewpoints, detailed analysis, and integration of sources, and its focus is on original argumentation.
Ph.D.
- Length: 10-30+ pages
- Word Count: 2,500-7,500+ words
- Structure: Extensive research, complex arguments, multiple perspectives, and a highly detailed examination of sources, often contributing new insights to a chosen field.
Format
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Title | Write a concise, unique, and relevant title that reflects a main argument or issue being discussed in an essay. |
| Introduction | Introduce a specific topic or issue. |
| Provide background information to set a context. | |
| Present a thesis statement, which clearly states an author’s position or argument. | |
| Body Paragraph 1 | State a first main point supporting a thesis. |
| Provide evidence (facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions). | |
| Explain how the evidence supports a claim. | |
| Write a transitional sentence to a next paragraph. | |
| Body Paragraph 2 | State a second main point supporting a thesis. |
| Provide evidence (facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions). | |
| Explain how the evidence supports a claim. | |
| Write a transitional sentence to a next paragraph. | |
| Body Paragraph 3 | State a third main point supporting a thesis. |
| Provide evidence (facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions). | |
| Explain how the evidence supports a claim. | |
| Write a transitional sentence to a next paragraph. | |
| Body Paragraphs 4+ | Follow a writing structure presented above for organizing any other body paragraph. |
| Counterargument | Acknowledge an opposing viewpoint. |
| Present a reason for an opposing argument. | |
| Explain why this position is valid. | |
| Refutation | Refute an opposing viewpoint. |
| Present evidence or logical reasoning. | |
| Explain why your position is stronger or more valid in comparison to an opposing view. | |
| Conclusion | Restate a central thesis in a new writing way. |
| Summarize main points and evidence. | |
| Provide a final thought or call to action, leaving readers with something to consider. | |
| List of References | List all sources cited (books, articles, websites, etc.) in an argumentative essay. |
| Follow a required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard, etc.). | |
| Ensure proper credit is given for ideas and research from other sources. |
Note: Some writing sections of an argumentative essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on specific assignments or fields of study. For example, a standard argumentative essay format is an organized framework that outlines how to structure and present a thesis, supporting claims, counterarguments, and evidence in a coherent, logical way to persuade readers (Rogers, 2024). Basically, argumentative writing is a style and form of writing where an author presents a clear position on a specific and debatable issue and supports a main claim with evidence and reasoning while also addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints to persuade readers. Further on, the 5 main parts of an argumentative essay are an introduction, thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, counterarguments with refutations, and a conclusion (Koons, 2021). In writing, a typical length of an argumentative essay ranges from 250 to 2,000 words long, depending on academic levels and course instructions. Moreover, students write an argumentative essay when they need to take a stance on a debatable issue and persuade their audience through evidence, reasoning, and addressing counterarguments (Kleemola et al., 2022). An example of a strong claim for an argumentative essay is: “Implementing renewable energy sources is crucial to reducing global carbon emissions and combating climate change.” Finally, people need to cite sources whenever they use information, ideas, or direct quotes from others to support their argument, ensuring proper credit and avoiding plagiarism (Ferretti & Graham, 2019). In turn, to start an argumentative essay, people introduce a specific controversial topic with a hook to grab attention, provide some background information, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines their main position.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
- Choose a Debatable Topic for Writing: Select a good topic that has two or more sides and can be argued with evidence.
- Conduct Research: Gather credible information, statistics, and expert opinions to support your position.
- Develop a Clear Thesis: Write a concise statement that expresses your main argument or stance.
- Create an Outline: Organize your writing points and structure your argumentative essay with an introduction, body, counterarguments, and conclusion.
- Write an Engaging Introduction: Start writing your argumentative paper with a hook to capture attention, provide background information, and state your thesis.
- Present Your Claims: In each body paragraph, introduce a point supporting your thesis and back it up with evidence.
- Incorporate Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and address them to show balance in your argument.
- Refute Counterarguments: Present evidence or reasoning to disprove or weaken counterarguments.
- Write a Strong Conclusion: Restate your main thesis in another writing way, summarize key body points, and leave readers with a final thought or call to action.
- Revise and Proofread: Review your argumentative essay for clarity, coherence, and any grammatical or logical errors in writing.
Defining Features
An argumentative essay is a common form of writing. Basically, all students encounter argumentative papers at some point in their academic studies. In writing, this type of paper is tailored for a presentation of an argument due to its unique format. For example, a basic structure of an argumentative essay includes a classical layout, covering an introduction with a thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs with supporting evidence from credible sources and counterarguments, refutations, and a conclusion that reinforces a main stance (Koons, 2021). In principle, an argumentative essay is founded on a claim that is supported by evidence and rebuttals, which lack logical fallacies to facilitate a scientific critique. Further on, at the core of writing an argumentative essay is an initial claim that an author intends to defend when considering some argumentative topics. For example, a thesis statement in an argumentative essay must establish a clear position (Hackett, 2021). In this case, an author’s collection of evidence must support a main claim. Moreover, an author needs to have an opinion on an issue at hand and systematically explain an underlying logic to justify that position. Essentially, writing a thesis statement of an argumentative text ties together individual pieces of evidence provided by an author to develop a compelling explanation for an intended audience (Rogers, 2024). In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning an argumentative essay are:
- In today’s society, a hot issue of [topic] has sparked considerable debate over [themes].
- A question of whether [topic] is critical because it affects [stakeholders or consequences].
- There is no doubt that [topic] has become a highly controversial subject because [reasons].
- Many people argue that [topic], but evidence suggests [synthesis of evidence].
- One of the most pressing issues of a modern time is [topic], and it demands a careful consideration of [factors].
- While some scholars believe that [counterargument], it is clear that [thesis statement].
- An ongoing discussion about [topic] raises important questions about [related issue].
- It is often assumed that [counterargument], but a closer examination reveals that [thesis statement].
- To fully understand a real impact of [topic], people must first explore key reasons why [thesis statement].
- A hot debate over [controversial topic] has intensified over last ten years, with compelling arguments on both sides, but [thesis statement].
Body Section
Writing a body section of an argumentative essay consists of two distinct parts: supporting evidence and rebuttals. For example, the 5 writing characteristics of an argumentative essay are a clear thesis, logical reasoning, evidence-based support, acknowledgment of counterarguments, and a persuasive conclusion (Koons, 2021). Essentially, supporting evidence may be presented in either a deductive or inductive writing form, and it is dependent on a specific nature of an initial claim. In an argumentative text, the evidence provided to a target audience must build a convincing argument where a link between the evidence and the main claim is apparent (Hackett, 2021). Then, people need to provide rebuttals to main competing ideas to demonstrate some flaws in those lines of thought. Basically, students must provide unbiased reasoning and address alternative positions in a dispute (Rogers, 2024). In writing, there is no preferred order for presenting these sections. However, a target audience should be able to follow a person’s arguments easily. In turn, the principal difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay is the former explains a topic with facts and information, while the latter presents a stance on an issue and aims to persuade readers with evidence and reasoning.
Challenges in Writing
The main challenge authors face when writing an argumentative essay is avoiding logical fallacies. For example, the 5 steps of an argumentative essay are choosing a debatable topic, crafting a clear thesis, gathering and organizing evidence, addressing counterarguments, and concluding with a strong restatement of a central claim (Rogers, 2024). In writing, fallacies are defects in one’s reasoning, which undermine an argument’s logic. As such, fallacies can easily creep into one’s paper if authors do not carefully assess the supporting evidence. Moreover, logical errors may manifest in various forms, such as a slippery slope and hasty generalization (Koons, 2021). Hence, writing argumentative papers allows students to improve their awareness of weak arguments through critical analysis of their claims. Besides logical fallacies weaken any argument because they create platforms for a critic. In turn, the key difference between argumentative and narrative/descriptive essays is that the former aims to persuade with evidence and reasoning, while the latter focuses on storytelling or vividly describing a person, place, or event.
Importance
Argumentative essays are important because they provide a valid framework for a scientific critic. For example, the best definition of an argumentative text is a piece of writing that presents a clear position on a debatable issue, supported by evidence and reasoning, with a goal of persuading a reader (Hackett, 2021). In particular, a scientific disagreement may arise because of issues, such as a generality of an argument, questionable methodology, and a presence of alternative interpretations of findings. On the other hand, argumentative writing ensures students can adequately defend their reasoning when disagreeing with some conclusions of other studies (Koons, 2021). In writing a conclusion section of an argumentative essay, people should restate a thesis, summarize key points made in a body, and provide a final thought or call to action that reinforces their position. As a result, a crucial demand for objectivity and logic in an argument ensures any disagreement in a scientific community is handled in a civilized manner.
Types
A principal basis of argumentative papers is a specific aim of authors to affect the minds of readers. Basically, argumentative essay examples are sample papers that present a clear thesis on a debatable topic supported by evidence and reasoning while addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints (Kleemola et al., 2022). In writing, 3 conventional approaches to an argument are classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin, with different types of structures. Firstly, a classical argument emphasizes evidence and refutation to convince an opponent, dating back to Socrates and Aristotle’s 400 BC ancient Greece (Koons, 2021). Basically, refutation means disapproving of a main argument that is likely to challenge a person’s claim. Secondly, a Rogerian argument aims for a “win-win” negotiation, where neither an author nor an opposing viewpoint is wrong (Hackett, 2021). In essence, this writing type of argument emphasizes some areas where an author and an opposing argument have something in common, such as values and beliefs. Finally, a Toulmin argument underscores an author’s evidence and its strength in proving his or her claim (Rogers, 2024). In turn, common writing types of argumentative essays include:
| Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Classical (Aristotelian) | To present a straightforward argument where people introduce a specific topic, state their claim, provide evidence, and refute opposing arguments, with a goal of persuading readers of an actual validity of their viewpoint. |
| Rogerian | To find common ground between opposing views, emphasize understanding a different position, and show empathy, with a goal of reaching a two-sided and mutually beneficial solution. |
| Toulmin | To present a logical and structured argument by breaking down a central claim into a series of data-supported sub-arguments (warrants and qualifiers) while addressing limitations and counterclaims, with a goal of building a solid case for a thesis. |
| Persuasive | To convince readers to adopt an author’s perspective or take action on an issue and use emotional appeals, in addition to facts and logic, to strongly advocate for one side of an argument. |
| Analytical | To critically evaluate different sides of an issue and present a balanced analysis, breaking down a given topic into key components while offering a conclusion based on an entire evaluation of all perspectives. |
| Cause and Effect | To explore a specific relationship between a cause and its effects, analyzing how one event or action leads to specific outcomes, with a goal of demonstrating a logical connection between them. |
| Problem-Solution | To identify a problem and propose one or more solutions, aiming to persuade readers that a proposed option is effective and the best course of action to resolve an issue. |
| Refutation (Rebuttal) | To refute or counter opposing arguments by presenting evidence and reasoning to disprove or weaken another side, with a goal of strengthening an author’s position. |
Standard Writing Structures of Argumentative Essays
2-Point Argument Essay Structure
I. Introduction
Here, a student introduces his or her topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.
II. Body Paragraph 1
Here, a student presents a first point and supporting evidence.
III. Body Paragraph 2
Here, a student presents a second point and supporting evidence.
IV. Body Paragraph 3
Here, a student refutes a first argument (counterargument 1) from an opposing viewpoint.
V. Body Paragraph 4
Here, a student refutes a second argument (counterargument 2) from an opposing viewpoint.
VI. Conclusion
Here, a student concludes an argumentative by restating a thesis.
2-Point Refutation Essay Structure
I. Introduction
Here, an author introduces a topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.
II. Body Paragraph 1
Here, an author refutes a first argument (counterargument 1) from an opposing viewpoint.
III. Body Paragraph 2
Here, an author refutes a second argument (counterargument 2) from an opposing viewpoint.
IV. Body Paragraph 3
Here, an author presents a first point and supporting evidence.
V. Body Paragraph 4
Here, an author presents a second point and supporting evidence
VI. Conclusion
Here, an author concludes an argumentative essay by restating a thesis.
A Structure of a Combination of Arguments With Refutations
I. Introduction
Here, a person introduces a topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.
II. Body Paragraph 1
Here, a person presents a first point and supporting evidence, which also refutes a first counterargument.
III. Body Paragraph 2
Here, a person presents a second point and supporting evidence, refuting a second counterargument.
IV. Body Paragraph 3
Here, a person presents a third point and supporting evidence, which also refutes a third counterargument.
V. Conclusion
Here, a person concludes an argumentative essay by restating a thesis.
Outlines and Templates
Classical Argumentative Essay Outline and Template
I. Introduction
Here, a student focuses on capturing a reader’s attention by using a hook to introduce a topic with a thesis claim.
II. Statement of Background
Here, a student provides readers with an explanation of a context of a theme, an aspect that fosters a reader’s understanding of a topic.
III. Proposition
In this section, a student states a claim (thesis) based on the information presented and provides key points that will be used to support a central claim.
IV. Proof
In this section, a student presents key reasons, sub-claims, and evidence.
V. Refutation
Here, a student anticipates and refutes counterarguments, which indicates that an issue is considered thoroughly, while a conclusion part is the most reasonable.
VI. Conclusion
Here, a student summarizes key points and makes a final appeal to values, motivations, and feelings to persuade readers to identify themselves with a paper’s main argument.
Rogerian Argumentative Essay Outline and Template
I. Introduction of Problem
Here, an author presents a topic as a problem and raises suggestions for influencing positive change by using a thesis statement.
II. Summary of Opposing Views
In this section, an author embraces an accurate and neutral stance in stating views that disagree with a thesis.
III. Statement of Understanding
Here, an author shows readers that they understand that there are situations in which opposing views are valid and lets readers understand under which conditions.
IV. Position Statement
Here, an author states his or her own position after persuading readers that they have given full consideration to opposing views.
V. Statement of Contexts
Here, an author describes situations that can persuade readers to agree with his or her position by outlining some merits of a central argument in specific contexts.
V. Statement of Benefits (Conclusion)
In this section, an author appeals to an opposing viewpoint by showing how it would benefit from accepting his or her position.
Toulmin Argument Essay Outline and Template
I. Data (Introduction)
Here, a person presents facts or evidence to prove a main argument.
II. Claim
Here, a person writes a statement that captures an argumentative thesis.
III. Warrants
This section indicates a person’s general, hypothetical logical statements that link a claim and a data.
IV. Qualifiers
This section presents a person’s statements that propose conditions that justify an argument.
V. Rebuttals
Here, a person highlights counterarguments.
VI. Backing (Conclusion)
Here, a person challenges rebuttals by presenting statements that support warrants. In turn, these statements do not necessarily prove a thesis when concluding an argumentative essay, but they prove an overall validity of warrants.
Prompts
High School Level
Classical Argumentative Essay
- Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: A Necessary Debate
- Is a Wage Gap a Reality or an Illusion?
- Is Gun Control Possible in the US?
- Does Owning a Gun Constitute a Right or a Privilege?
Rogerian Essay
- Does Marijuana Legalization Make a Medical or Economic Sense?
- Should There Be a Separation of Religion and Government?
- Is Single-Sex Education Necessary?
Toulmin Essay
- Is Technology Useful or Harmful to Young Children’s Development?
- Do Social Movements, Such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, Promote Iinclusiveness or Division?
- What Is a Greatest Threat to an Integrity of a Natural Environment?
College Level
Classical Argumentative Essay
- Pros and Cons of Self-Driving Vehicles: Evaluating Safety and Efficiency
- Influence of Violence in Video Games
- Roles of Technology in Enhancing Educational Outcomes
- Is Technology a Distraction?
- Is Facebook Still Relevant, or Has It Lost Its Edge?
- Should Companies Surveil Employees’ Use of Social Media?
Rogerian Essay
- Should Companies Fire Employees for What They Post on Social Media Platforms?
- Is There a Moral Justification for Obscuring One’s Identity Online?
- What Are Key Dangers of Cyberbullying for Both Victims and Perpetrators?
Toulmin Essay
- Which Is More Useful to Student Academic Success Between Virtual and Classroom Learning?
- Does Digitization of Class Content Encourage or Discourage Reading Among College Students?
- Should Colleges Allow Instructors to Provide Course Content to Students via Cellphones and Tablets?
University Level
Classical Argumentative Essay
- Impacts of Technology on Society
- Roles of Parental Attachment in Child Development
- Should Higher Learning Institutions Screen Students for Substance Use?
- Are Standardized Tests Necessary or Outdated?
- Do Standardized Tests Give an Accurate Assessment of One’s Abilities?
Rogerian Essay
- Influence of Technology on Modern Education
- Should Schools Be Allowed to Offer Students Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores?
- Do School Holidays Impact Students’ Academic Performance?
- Does a School Environment Foster or Hamper Young People’s Creativity?
Toulmin Essay
- Is Arts Education Beneficial?
- Is a Teacher-Student Relationship a Predictor of Students’ Academic Success?
- Should Parents Contribute to Curriculum Development?
Master’s Level
Classical Argumentative Essay
- The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing: A Paradigm Shift in Medicine
- Balancing School Curriculum: Is Art Education as Important as Science?
- Mandatory Vaccinations: A Public Health Necessity or Personal Liberty Infringement?
- Does Inclusiveness in Schools Benefit “General Education” Students?
- Do Standardized Tests Determine a Student’s Level of Knowledge?
- Does Higher Education Promote or Kill Innovation in an Individual?
Rogerian Essay
- Do Gender Stereotypes Exist in Education?
- How Does Parental Poverty Affect a Child’s Education?
- Should One Refuse Medical Treatment Because of Religious Beliefs?
Toulmin Essay
- Is Parental Consent Necessary in Teenagers’ Decision to Have a Tattoo?
- Is ‘Mercy Killing’ Moral?
- Who Is to Blame for Childhood Obesity in America Between the Government and Parents?
Ph.D. Level
Classical Argumentative Essay
- Importance of Dream Analysis in Understanding Subconscious Thoughts
- Did Mormons Have an Impact on America as a Society?
- Was War Necessary for a separation of the Southern States from the Union?
- What Was Slavery’s Contribution to the American Economy?
Rogerian Essay
- Was the Federal Reserve to Blame for the Great Depression?
- What Is the Most Controversial Amendment of the US Constitution?
- Does Immigration Promote or Undermine a National Economy?
Toulmin Essay
- Is There a Connection Between Concepts of Illegal Immigration and Runaway Crime in the US?
- Should Children of Illegal Immigrants Benefit From a Public Education System?
- What Is a Real Impact of Immigration Between Fostering Diversity and Threatening Indigenous Culture?
Practical Examples of Written Outlines
Classical Argumentative Essay Structure
I. Introduction: An importance of vocational training for inmates.
II. Background: Most inmates lack personal development skills, which explains a high number of inmates serving time for drug-related charges.
III. Proposition: Exposing inmates to vocational training reduces chances of reoffending (recidivism).
IV. Proof: Research shows that ex-offenders who get employed or those who engage in economic activities rarely get arrested for criminal involvement.
V. Refutation: There is no evidence that individuals with vocational training do not engage in criminal activities.
VI. Conclusion: Exposing inmates to vocational training is the best approach when it comes to reducing chances of reoffending (recidivism) after release from prison.
Rogerian Argumentative Essay Structure
I. Problem: A growing number of fast-food joints is to blame for increasing rates of teenage obesity in the United States (US).
II. Summary of Opposing Views: American teens eat more from home than at fast-food joints.
III. Statement of Understanding: There is a high probability that fast-food joints contribute to a culture of unhealthy eating in the US.
IV. Statement of a Student’s Position: A growing number of fast-food restaurants is to blame for the rising rates of obesity among American teenagers.
V. Statement of Contexts: Evidence shows that American teens see fast-food joints as places for social connection, an aspect that increases their exposure to unhealthy foods.
VI. Statement of Benefits: By regulating a general number of fast-food restaurants in a city, official authorities can reduce teenage exposure to unhealthy foods.
Toulmin Argumentative Essay Structure
I. Data: An excellent weather in Miami has seen a number of foreign tourists this year doubled from last year’s.
II. Claim: Weather is a significant factor in holiday-goers’ destination choice.
III. Warrants: There is a higher likelihood that a family would choose a place with warm weather as a holiday destination.
IV. Qualifiers: A primary reason for holidaymaking is to enjoy oneself, which includes engaging in outdoor activities. Good weather makes this happen.
V. Rebuttals: Weather is a natural phenomenon that is sometimes unpredictable.
VI. Backing: Despite a possibility that a weather can change abruptly, considering it is an essential activity for anyone planning on going for a holiday or even out of town.
Short Writing Example of a Toulmin Essay Format
There is emerging evidence that cruelty against animals is an accepted fact in a pursuit of specimens for use in animal research (data). In this case, a thought that a scientific community is indifferent to a cruelty involved in a search for specimens for use in experiments is enough to compel the United States (US) Congress to ban animal research (claim). Moreover, morality demands that society should place a higher premium on animals’ well-being than profits or scientific advancement (warrant). As things stand, it is only Congress that can bring about change through legislation (warrant). Then, a reason as to why Congress should intervene in this matter is because it is the only institution that corporations cannot influence through lobbying (backing). Moreover, a fact that there has been a public uproar makes it difficult for congressional members to be swayed by corporate lobbyists from enacting the law (backing). For clarity purposes, this ban should not apply to medical research (qualifier). In turn, a law that bans all research would be counterproductive since human civilization has relied on science to advance in many areas (rebuttal). As such, it would be incumbent upon congressional members to craft a law that specifies what kinds of research are illegalized (backing).
Complete Argumentative Essay Example
What to Include
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Argumentative Thesis Statement | A clear and concise sentence that expresses a position of an entire paper. |
| Claims | Statements or points that support a central thesis, forming core arguments that advance a chosen position. |
| Evidence | Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions that are used to support paper’s claims. |
| Counterarguments | Opposing views or arguments that contradict an author’s position, acknowledging alternative perspectives. |
| Refutation | A process of disproving or weakening counterarguments with logical reasoning or evidence. |
| Logical Reasoning | A specific use of logic and rational thought to connect evidence to claims and persuade readers. |
| Ethos | Establishing credibility and trust by demonstrating authority, ethics, or expertise on a presented topic. |
| Pathos | Emotional appeals that connect with readers’ values, beliefs, or emotions to persuade them. |
| Logos | Appeals to logic and reason, often through facts and data, to support a given position. |
| Kairos | A timeliness or relevance of a stance, showing that it is happening at the right moment to make an impact. |
| Concession | Acknowledgment of some valid points in an opposing argument to show fairness and balance. |
| Conclusion Insight | A thought-provoking final statement or insight that encourages further reflection or action. |
| Quotations | Direct quotes from credible sources or experts to reinforce claims and give authority to a position. |
| Statistics | Numerical data that can objectively support claims and add weight to an argument. |
| Examples | Real-world instances or scenarios that illustrate key points being made and make writing relatable. |
Common Mistakes
- Lack of a Clear Thesis Statement: Without a strong, specific thesis, an argumentative essay lacks focus and direction for writing.
- Ignoring Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge opposing views weakens a central position by making it seem one-sided.
- Insufficient Evidence: Arguments without proper evidence appear weak and unconvincing, relying too much on opinion.
- Overusing Emotional Appeals: Excessive reliance on emotion instead of logic undermines credibility and fails to persuade rationally.
- Poor Structure and Organization: A disorganized argumentative essay confuses readers and makes a central idea harder to follow.
- Weak or Vague Topic Sentences: Without strong topic sentences, body paragraphs lack clear direction and focus.
- Using Unreliable Sources: Citing unreliable or biased sources can damage an overall credibility of an entire argumentative paper.
- Failing to Explain Evidence: Presenting evidence without explaining its relevance weakens a connection between a claim and support.
- Overgeneralization: Making sweeping claims without considering exceptions or nuances diminishes a paper’s validity.
- Inconsistent Tone or Style: Shifting tone or style can distract readers and break an overall flow of an argument, making it less persuasive.
Summing Up
To write an argumentative essay, people clearly state their thesis, support this stance with evidence and reasoning, address counterarguments, refute them, and conclude by reinforcing their main point. In writing, they must cover a presentation of an argument in a convincing manner by considering certain aspects. Firstly, a position or main claim of an author has to be stated at the beginning of a paper. Secondly, people must provide evidence that supports a chosen position and necessary rebuttals. Finally, an author ensures there are no logical fallacies. Unfortunately, they may undermine an underlying logic of a central argument. Moreover, mastering a critical skill of writing an argumentative essay ensures students can actively engage in scientific criticism. As such, some writing tips include:
- Pick an interesting topic for writing an argumentative essay.
- Research the topic widely.
- Record all the facts.
- Decide which type of argumentative paper to write.
- Craft an argument.
- Formulate a structure.
- Start writing an argumentative composition.
References
Crossley, S., & Tian, Y. (2022). Argumentation features and essay quality: Exploring relationships and incidence counts. Journal of Writing Research, 14(1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.17239/jowr-2022.14.01.01
Ferretti, R. P., & Graham, S. (2019). Argumentative writing: Theory, assessment, and instruction. Reading and Writing, 32(6), 1345–1357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-019-09950-x
Hackett, U. (2021). Brilliant essays. Red Globe Press.
Kleemola, K., Hyytinen, H., & Toom, A. (2022). The challenge of position-taking in novice higher education students’ argumentative writing. Frontiers in Education, 7, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.885987
Koons, M. (2021). Writing an argumentative essay: The complete introductory guide to writing an argumentative essay for beginner students. Write Illusion LLC.
Rogers, D. (2024). Writing better essays: A rhetorical guide to writing and revision. Equinox Publishing Ltd.