Introduce the topic.
Provide background information.
Present the thesis statement or main argument.
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An argumentative essay presents a specific claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning. Here’s an outline for an argumentative essay, along with examples for each section: 3
1. Introduction :
Example: “Did you know that plastic pollution is threatening marine life at an alarming rate?”
Example: “Plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans yearly.”
Example: “We must take immediate action to reduce plastic usage and implement more sustainable alternatives to protect our marine ecosystem.”
2. Body Paragraphs :
Example: “The first step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis is reducing single-use plastic consumption.”
Example: “Research shows that plastic straws alone contribute to millions of tons of plastic waste annually, and many marine animals suffer from ingestion or entanglement.”
Example: “Some argue that banning plastic straws is inconvenient for consumers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.”
Example: “Having addressed the issue of single-use plastics, the focus must now shift to promoting sustainable alternatives.”
3. Counterargument Paragraph :
Example: “While some may argue that individual actions cannot significantly impact global plastic pollution, the cumulative effect of collective efforts must be considered.”
Example: “However, individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can substantially reduce plastic waste. Small changes in behavior, such as using reusable bags and containers, can have a significant positive impact.”
4. Conclusion :
Example: “In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices and reducing single-use plastic is crucial for preserving our oceans and marine life.”
Example: “It is our responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices and advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet. By collectively embracing sustainable alternatives, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.”
A claim is a statement or proposition a writer puts forward with evidence to persuade the reader. 4 Here are some common types of argument claims, along with examples:
Understanding these argument claims can help writers construct more persuasive and well-supported arguments tailored to the specific nature of the claim.
If you’re wondering how to start an argumentative essay, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the argumentative essay format and writing process.
Struggling to start your argumentative essay? Paperpal can help – try now!
Here are eight strategies to craft a compelling argumentative essay:
Let’s consider a sample of argumentative essay on how social media enhances connectivity:
In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform for an array of voices to be heard. While critics argue that social media fosters division and amplifies negativity, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of this digital revolution and how it enhances connectivity by providing a platform for diverse voices to flourish. One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to facilitate instant communication and connection across the globe. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram break down geographical barriers, enabling people to establish and maintain relationships regardless of physical location and fostering a sense of global community. Furthermore, social media has transformed how people stay connected with friends and family. Whether separated by miles or time zones, social media ensures that relationships remain dynamic and relevant, contributing to a more interconnected world. Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in giving voice to social justice movements and marginalized communities. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike have gained momentum through social media, allowing individuals to share their stories and advocate for change on a global scale. This digital activism can shape public opinion and hold institutions accountable. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space for open dialogue and discourse. Users can engage in discussions, share information, and challenge each other’s perspectives, fostering a culture of critical thinking. This open exchange of ideas contributes to a more informed and enlightened society where individuals can broaden their horizons and develop a nuanced understanding of complex issues. While criticisms of social media abound, it is crucial to recognize its positive impact on connectivity and the amplification of diverse voices. Social media transcends physical and cultural barriers, connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By fostering open dialogue and facilitating the exchange of ideas, social media contributes to a more interconnected and empowered society. Embracing the positive aspects of social media allows us to harness its potential for positive change and collective growth.
Writing a winning argumentative essay not only showcases your ability to critically analyze a topic but also demonstrates your skill in persuasively presenting your stance backed by evidence. Achieving this level of writing excellence can be time-consuming. This is where Paperpal, your AI academic writing assistant, steps in to revolutionize the way you approach argumentative essays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Paperpal to write your essay:
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The length of an argumentative essay can vary, but it typically falls within the range of 1,000 to 2,500 words. However, the specific requirements may depend on the guidelines provided.
You might write an argumentative essay when: 1. You want to convince others of the validity of your position. 2. There is a controversial or debatable issue that requires discussion. 3. You need to present evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims. 4. You want to explore and critically analyze different perspectives on a topic.
Argumentative Essay: Purpose : An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a specific point of view or argument. Structure : It follows a clear structure with an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, counterarguments and refutations, and a conclusion. Tone : The tone is formal and relies on logical reasoning, evidence, and critical analysis. Narrative/Descriptive Essay: Purpose : These aim to tell a story or describe an experience, while a descriptive essay focuses on creating a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. Structure : They may have a more flexible structure. They often include an engaging introduction, a well-developed body that builds the story or description, and a conclusion. Tone : The tone is more personal and expressive to evoke emotions or provide sensory details.
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Crafting a convincing argumentative essay can be challenging. You might feel lost about where to begin. But with a systematic approach and helpful tools that simplify sourcing and structuring, mastering good argumentative essay writing becomes achievable.
In this article, we'll explore what argumentative essays are, the critical steps to crafting a compelling argumentative essay, and best practices for essay organization.
An argumentative essay asserts a clear position on a controversial or debatable topic and backs it up with evidence and reasoning. They are written to hone critical thinking, structure clear arguments, influence academic and public discourse, underpin reform proposals, and change popular narratives.
Let's explore the essential components that make argumentative essays compelling.
The claim is the cornerstone of your argumentative essay. It represents your main argument or thesis statement , setting the stage for the discussion.
A robust claim is straightforward, debatable, and focused, challenging readers to consider your viewpoint. It's not merely an observation but a stance you're prepared to defend with logic and evidence.
The strength of your essay hinges on the clarity and assertiveness of your claim, guiding readers through your argumentative journey.
An effective argumentative essay should follow a logical structure to present your case persuasively. There are three models for structuring your argument essay:
Each model provides a framework for methodically supporting your position using evidence and logic. Your chosen structure depends on your argument's complexity, audience, and purpose.
The key is to select evidence that directly supports your claim, lending weight to your arguments and bolstering your position.
Effective use of evidence strengthens your argument and enhances your credibility, demonstrating thorough research and a deep understanding of the topic at hand.
A well-rounded argumentative essay acknowledges that there are two sides to every story. Introducing counterarguments and opposing viewpoints in an argument essay is a strategic move that showcases your awareness of alternative viewpoints.
This element of your argumentative essay demonstrates intellectual honesty and fairness, indicating that you have considered other perspectives before solidifying your position.
A compelling rebuttal anticipates the counterclaims and methodically counters them, ensuring your position stands unchallenged. By engaging critically with counterarguments in this manner, your essay becomes more resilient and persuasive.
Ultimately, the strength of an argumentative essay is not in avoiding opposing views but in directly confronting them through reasoned debate and evidence-based.
The workflow for crafting an effective argumentative essay involves several key steps:
Argumentative essay writing starts with selecting a topic with two or more main points so you can argue your position. Avoid topics that are too broad or have a clear right or wrong answer.
Use a semantic search engine to search for papers. Refine by subject area, publication date, citation count, institution, author, journal, and more to narrow down on promising topics. Explore citation interlinkages to ensure you pick a topic with sufficient academic discourse to allow crafting a compelling, evidence-based argument.
Seek an AI research assistant's help to assess a topic's potential and explore various angles quickly. They can generate both generic and custom questions tailored to each research paper. Additionally, look for tools that offer browser extensions . These allow you to interact with papers from sources like ArXiv, PubMed, and Wiley and evaluate potential topics from a broader range of academic databases and repositories.
Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely state your position on the topic identified. Ensure to develop a clear thesis statement which is a focused, assertive declaration that guides your discussion. Use strong, active language — avoid vague or passive statements. Keep it narrowly focused enough to be adequately supported in your essay.
The SciSpace literature review tool can help you extract thesis statements from existing papers on your chosen topic. Create a custom column called 'thesis statement' to compare multiple perspectives in one place, allowing you to uncover various viewpoints and position your concise thesis statement appropriately.
Ask AI assistants questions or summarize key sections to clarify the positions taken in existing papers. This helps sharpen your thesis statement stance and identify gaps. Locate related papers in similar stances.
The evidence you collect lends credibility and weight to your claims, convincing readers of your viewpoint. Effective evidence includes facts, statistics, expert opinions, and real-world examples reinforcing your thesis statement.
Use the SciSpace literature review tool to locate and evaluate high-quality studies. It quickly extracts vital insights, methodologies, findings, and conclusions from papers and presents them in a table format. Build custom tables with your uploaded PDFs or bookmarked papers. These tables can be saved for future reference or exported as CSV for further analysis or sharing.
AI-powered summarization tools can help you quickly grasp the core arguments and positions from lengthy papers. These can condense long sections or entire author viewpoints into concise summaries. Make PDF annotations to add custom notes and highlights to papers for easy reference. Data extraction tools can automatically pull key statistics from PDFs into spreadsheets for detailed quantitative analysis.
The argumentative model you choose will impact your outline's specific structure and progression. If you select the Classical model, your outline will follow a linear structure. On the other hand, if you opt for the Toulmin model, your outline will focus on meticulously mapping out the logical progression of your entire argument. Lastly, if you select the Rogerian model, your outline should explore the opposing viewpoint and seek a middle ground.
While the specific outline structure may vary, always begin the process by stating your central thesis or claim. Identify and organize your argument claims and main supporting points logically, adding 2-3 pieces of evidence under each point. Consider potential counterarguments to your position. Include 1-2 counterarguments for each main point and plan rebuttals to dismantle the opposition's reasoning. This balanced approach strengthens your overall argument.
As you outline, consider saving your notes, highlights, AI-generated summaries, and extracts in a digital notebook. Aggregating all your sources and ideas in one centralized location allows you to quickly refer to them as you draft your outline and essay.
To further enhance your workflow, you can use AI-powered writing or GPT tools to help generate an initial structure based on your crucial essay components, such as your thesis statement, main arguments, supporting evidence, counterarguments, and rebuttals.
Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook — a question, a startling statistic, or a bold statement to draw in your readers. Always logically structure your arguments with smooth transitions between ideas. Ensure the body paragraphs of argumentative essays focus on one central point backed by robust quantitative evidence from credible studies, properly cited.
Refer to the notes, highlights, and evidence you've gathered as you write. Organize these materials so that you can easily access and incorporate them into your draft while maintaining a logical flow. Literature review tables or spreadsheets can be beneficial for keeping track of crucial evidence from multiple sources.
Quote others in a way that blends seamlessly with the narrative flow. For numerical data, contextualize figures with practical examples. Try to pre-empt counterarguments and systematically dismantle them. Maintain an evidence-based, objective tone that avoids absolutism and emotional appeals. If you encounter overly complex sections during the writing process, use a paraphraser tool to rephrase and clarify the language. Finally, neatly tie together the rationale behind your position and directions for further discourse or research.
Set the draft aside so that you review it with fresh eyes. Check for clarity, conciseness, logical flow, and grammar. Ensure the body reflects your thesis well. Fill gaps in reasoning. Check that every claim links back to credible evidence. Replace weak arguments. Finally, format your citations and bibliography using your preferred style.
To simplify editing, save the rough draft or entire essay as a PDF and upload it to an AI-based chat-with-PDF tool. Use it to identify gaps in reasoning, weaker arguments requiring ample evidence, structural issues hampering the clarity of ideas, and suggestions for strengthening your essay.
Use a citation tool to generate citations for sources instantly quoted and quickly compile your bibliography or works cited in RIS/BibTex formats. Export the updated literature review tables as handy CSV files to share with co-authors or reviewers in collaborative projects or attach them as supplementary data for journal submissions. You can also refer to this article that provides you with argumentative essay writing tips .
Remember, the strength of your argumentative essay lies in the clarity of your strong argument, the robustness of supporting evidence, and the consideration with which you treat opposing viewpoints. Refining these core skills will make you a sharper, more convincing writer and communicator.
Bonus Material: 10 complete example essays
Writing an essay can often feel like a Herculean task. How do you go from a prompt… to pages of beautifully-written and clearly-supported writing?
This 12-step method is for students who want to write a great essay that makes a clear argument.
In fact, using the strategies from this post, in just 88 minutes, one of our students revised her C+ draft to an A.
If you’re interested in learning how to write awesome argumentative essays and improve your writing grades, this post will teach you exactly how to do it.
First, grab our download so you can follow along with the complete examples.
Then keep reading to see all 12 essential steps to writing a great essay.
Download 10 example essays
One of the most common mistakes that students make when writing is to just dive in haphazardly without a plan.
Writing is a bit like cooking. If you’re making a meal, would you start throwing ingredients at random into a pot? Probably not!
Instead, you’d probably start by thinking about what you want to cook. Then you’d gather the ingredients, and go to the store if you don’t already have them in your kitchen. Then you’d follow a recipe, step by step, to make your meal.
Here’s our 12-step recipe for writing a great argumentative essay:
Grab our download to see the complete example at every stage, along with 9 great student essays. Then let’s go through the steps together and write an A+ essay!
Sometimes you might be assigned a topic by your instructor, but often you’ll have to come up with your own idea!
If you don’t pick the right topic, you can be setting yourself up for failure.
Be careful that your topic is something that’s actually arguable —it has more than one side. Check out our carefully-vetted list of 99 topic ideas .
Let’s pick the topic of laboratory animals . Our question is should animals be used for testing and research ?
Download our set of 10 great example essays to jump to the finished version of this essay.
One of the big differences between the way an academic argumentative essay and the version of the assignment that you may have done in elementary school is that for an academic argumentative essay, we need to support our arguments with evidence .
Where do we get that evidence?
Let’s be honest, we all are likely to start with Google and Wikipedia.
Now, Wikipedia can be a useful starting place if you don’t know very much about a topic, but don’t use Wikipedia as your main source of evidence for your essay.
Instead, look for reputable sources that you can show to your readers as proof of your arguments. It can be helpful to read some sources from either side of your issue.
Look for recently-published sources (within the last 20 years), unless there’s a specific reason to do otherwise.
Good places to look for sources are:
Some of these sources are typically behind a paywall. This can be frustrating when you’re a middle-school or high-school student.
However, there are often ways to get access to these sources. Librarians (at your school library or local public library) can be fantastic resources, and they can often help you find a copy of the article or book you want to read. In particular, librarians can help you use Interlibrary Loan to order books or journals to your local library!
More and more scientists and other researchers are trying to publish their articles for free online, in order to encourage the free exchange of knowledge. Check out respected open-access platforms like arxiv.org and PLOS ONE .
How do you find these sources?
If you have access to an academic database like JSTOR or EBSCO , that’s a great place to start.
Everyone can use Google Scholar to search for articles. This is a powerful tool and highly recommended!
Of course, if there’s a term you come across that you don’t recognize, you can always just Google it!
How many sources do you need? That depends on the length of your essay and on the assignment. If your instructor doesn’t give you any other guidance, assume that you should have at least three good sources.
For our topic of animal research, here’s a few sources that we could assemble:
Geoff Watts. “Animal Testing: Is It Worth It?” BMJ: British Medical Journal , Jan. 27, 2007, Vol. 334, No. 7586 (Jan. 27, 2007), pp. 182-184.
Kim Bartel Sheehan and Joonghwa Lee. “What’s Cruel About Cruelty Free: An Exploration of Consumers, Moral Heuristics, and Public Policy.” Journal of Animal Ethics , Vol. 4, No. 2 (Fall 2014), pp. 1-15.
Justin Goodman, Alka Chandna and Katherine Roe. “Trends in animal use at US research facilities.” Journal of Medical Ethics , July 2015, Vol. 41, No. 7 (July 2015), pp. 567-569.
Katy Taylor. “Recent Developments in Alternatives to Animal Testing.” In Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change . Brill 2019.
Thomas Hartung. “Research and Testing Without Animals: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Heading?” In Animal Experimentation: Working Towards a Paradigm Change . Brill 2019.
Bonus: download 10 example essays now .
Once you have a nice pile of sources, it’s time to read them!
As we read, we want to take notes that will be useful to us later as we write our essay.
We want to be careful to keep the source’s ideas separate from our own ideas . Come up with a system to clearly mark the difference as you’re taking notes: use different colors, or use little arrows to represent the ideas that are yours and not the source’s ideas.
We can use this structure to keep notes in an organized way:
Bibliographic details | – Specific evidence that the source uses – Ideas and themes in the source that seem useful | Figure out the main arguments in the source – Figure out the supporting arguments in the source – How does this source relate to the other sources that you’re using? Does it agree/disagree? Does it use the same or different evidence and reasoning? – What kind of bias does the author have? – Any other thoughts or observations |
Download a template for these research notes here .
For our topic of animal research, our notes might look something like this:
Kim Bartel Sheehan and Joonghwa Lee. “What’s Cruel About Cruelty Free: An Exploration of Consumers, Moral Heuristics, and Public Policy.” Journal of Animal Ethics , Vol. 4, No. 2 (Fall 2014), pp. 1-15. | Because there are many definitions of the phrase “cruelty-free,” many companies “can (and do) use the term when the product or its ingredients were indeed tested on animals” (1). The authors compare “cruelty-free” to the term “fair trade.” There is an independent inspection and certification group (Flo-Cert) that reviews products labeled as “fair trade,” but there’s no analogous process for “cruelty-free” (2). Companies can also hire outside firms to test products and ingredients on animals (3). | → So anyone can just put that label on a product? Apparently, apart from in the European Union. That seems really easy to abuse for marketing purposes. |
Andrew Knight. “Critically Evaluating Animal Research.” In . Brill 2019. | Knight cites “significant methodological flaws” in “most published animal experiments” (326). For example, “randomized allocation of animals to test groups was reported in only 12%” of a set of 271 studies—in the rest of the studies, researchers could select (whether consciously or not) weaker animals to serve as the control group, for example (326). Similarly, only 14% of papers in a different survey reported the use of blinding in making qualitative assessments of outcomes (327). The ARRIVE guidelines have been widely endorsed by leading research journals (including Nature, PLoS, and BioMed Central) and major UK funding agencies, and they’re part of the US National Research Council Institute for Laboratory Animal Research guidelines (330). But…compliance with the guidelines “remains poor” (330). | → Many people championing or opposing animal testing have their careers at stake. They’re either researchers who use animals as a fundamental part of their research, or they are working on alternatives to animal testing (like Harding). This seems like a potential problem with the debate. → So one way to improve the methodological quality of studies would be to encourage (or regulate) randomization and blinded assessment of outcomes. |
(continued) Andrew Knight. “Critically Evaluating Animal Research.” In . Brill 2019. | Knight advocates that compliance with the ARRIVE guidelines and other standards “must become mandatory,” and that “compliance with such standards should be a necessary condition for security research funding and ethical approval; licensing of researchers, facilities, and experimental protocols; and publication of subsequent results” (331). Knight also argues that “prior to designing any new animal study, researchers should conduct a systematic review to collate, appraise, and synthesize all existing, good-quality evidence relating to their research questions,” and that this step should also be required by grant agencies, licensing bodies, and journals (332). He notes that systematic reviews are really helpful and should be funded more frequently (332). The article then covers impacts on laboratory animals—invasive procedures, stress, pain, and death (333). These aren’t very widely or clearly reported (333). | → This seems like a reasonable position. What would there be to lose from requiring compliance with these guidelines? I suppose it could make research more difficult or expensive to conduct—but probably it would weed out some bad research. → Good to remember that research requires money and is shaped by market forces—it’s not some neutral thing happening in an ivory tower. |
Grab our download to read the rest of the notes and see more examples of how to do thoughtful research!
What major themes did you find in your reading? What did you find most interesting or convincing?
Now is the point when you need to pick a side on your topic, if you haven’t already done so. Now that you’ve read more about the issue, what do you think? Write down your position on the issue:
Animal testing is necessary but should be reduced.
Next, it’s time to add more detail to your thesis. What reasons do you have to support that position? Add those to your sentence.
Animal testing is necessary but should be reduced by eliminating testing for cosmetics, ensuring that any testing is scientifically sound, and replacing animal models with other methods as much as possible.
Add qualifiers to refine your position. Are there situations in which your position would not apply? Or are there other conditions that need to be met?
For our topic of animal research, our final thesis statement (with lead-in) might look something like this:
The argument: Animal testing and research should not be abolished, as doing so would upend important medical research and substance testing. However, scientific advances mean that in many situations animal testing can be replaced by other methods that not only avoid the ethical problems of animal testing, but also are less costly and more accurate. Governments and other regulatory bodies should further regulate animal testing to outlaw testing for cosmetics and other recreational products, ensure that the tests conducted are both necessary and scientifically rigorous, and encourage the replacement of animal use with other methods whenever possible.
The highlighted bit at the end is the thesis statement, but the lead-in is useful to help us set up the argument—and having it there already will make writing our introduction easier!
The thesis statement is the single most important sentence of your essay. Without a strong thesis, there’s no chance of writing a great essay. Read more about it here .
See how nine real students wrote great thesis statements in 9 example essays now.
Think of three good arguments why your position is true. We’re going to make each one into a body paragraph of your essay.
For now, write them out as 1–2 sentences. These will be topic sentences for each body paragraph.
For our essay about animal testing, it might look like this:
Supporting argument #1: For ethical reasons, animal testing should not be allowed for cosmetics and recreational products.
Supporting argument #2: The tests that are conducted with animals should be both necessary (for the greater good) and scientifically rigorous—which isn’t always the case currently. This should be regulated by governments and institutions.
Supporting argument #3: Governments and institutions should do more to encourage the replacement of animal testing with other methods.
Think of a potential counterargument to your position. Consider writing a fourth paragraph anticipating this counterargument, or find a way to include it in your other body paragraphs.
For our essay, that might be:
Possible counterargument: Animal testing is unethical and should not be used in any circumstances.
Response to the counterargument: Animal testing is deeply entrenched in many research projects and medical procedures. Abruptly ceasing animal testing would upend the scientific and medical communities. But there are many ways that animal testing could be reduced.
With these three arguments, a counterargument, and a thesis, we now have a skeleton outline! See each step of this essay in full in our handy download .
Look through your research. What did you find that would support each of your three arguments?
Copy and paste those quotes or paraphrases into the outline. Make sure that each one is annotated so that you know which source it came from!
Ideally you already started thinking about these sources when you were doing your research—that’s the ideas in the rightmost column of our research template. Use this stuff too!
A good rule of thumb would be to use at least three pieces of evidence per body paragraph.
Think about in what order it would make most sense to present your points. Rearrange your quotes accordingly! As you reorder them, feel free to start adding short sentences indicating the flow of ideas .
For our essay about animal testing, part of our populated outline might look something like:
Argument #1: For ethical reasons, animal testing should not be allowed for cosmetics and recreational products.
Lots of animals are used for testing and research.
In the US, about 22 million animals were used annually in the early 1990s, mostly rodents (BMJ 1993, 1020).
But there are ethical problems with using animals in laboratory settings. Opinions about the divide between humans and animals might be shifting.
McIsaac refers to “the essential moral dilemma: how to balance the welfare of humans with the welfare of other species” (Hubel, McIsaac 29).
The fundamental legal texts used to justify animal use in biomedical research were created after WWII, and drew a clear line between experiments on animals and on humans. The Nuremburg Code states that “the experiment should be so designed and based on the results of animal experimentation and a knowledge of the natural history of the disease or other problem under study that the anticipated results will justify the performance of the experiment” (Ferrari, 197). The 1964 Declaration of the World Medical Association on the Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (known as the Helsinki Declaration) states that “Medical research involving human subjects must conform to generally accepted scientific principles, be based on a thorough knowledge of the scientific literature, other relevant sources of information, and adequate laboratory and, as appropriate, animal experimentation. The welfare of animals used for research must be respected” (Ferrari, 197).
→ Context? The Nuremberg Code is a set of ethical research principles, developed in 1947 in the wake of Nazi atrocities during WWII, specifically the inhumane and often fatal experimentation on human subjects without consent.
“Since the 1970s, the animal-rights movement has challenged the use of animals in modern Western society by rejecting the idea of dominion of human beings over nature and animals and stressing the intrinsic value and rights of individual animals” (van Roten, 539, referencing works by Singer, Clark, Regan, and Jasper and Nelkin).
“The old (animal) model simply does not fully meet the needs of scientific and economic progress; it fails in cost, speed, level of detail of understanding, and human relevance. On top of this, animal experimentation lacks acceptance by an ethically evolving society” (Hartung, 682).
Knight’s article summarizes negative impacts on laboratory animals—invasive procedures, stress, pain, and death (Knight, 333). These aren’t very widely or clearly reported (Knight, 333). → Reading about these definitely produces an emotional reaction—they sound bad.
Given this context, it makes sense to ban animal testing in situations where it’s just for recreational products like cosmetics.
Fortunately, animal testing for cosmetics is less common than we might think.
A Gallup poll published in 1990 found that 14% of people thought that the most frequent reason for using animals to test cosmetics for safety—but figures from the UK Home Office in 1991 found that less than 1% of animals were used for tests for cosmetics and toiletries (BMJ 1993, 1019). → So in the early 1990s there was a big difference between what people thought was happening and what actually was happening!
But it still happens, and there are very few regulations of it (apart from in the EU).
Because there are many definitions of the phrase “cruelty-free,” many companies “can (and do) use the term when the product or its ingredients were indeed tested on animals” (Sheehan and Lee, 1).
The authors compare “cruelty-free” to the term “fair trade.” There is an independent inspection and certification group (Flo-Cert) that reviews products labeled as “fair trade,” but there’s no analogous process for “cruelty-free” (Sheehan and Lee, 2). → So anyone can just put that label on a product? Apparently, apart from in the European Union. That seems really easy to abuse for marketing purposes.
Companies can also hire outside firms to test products and ingredients on animals (Sheehan and Lee, 3).
Animal testing for recreational, non-medical purposes should be banned, like it is in the EU.
Download the full example outline here .
Occasionally you might realize that there’s a hole in your research, and you don’t have enough evidence to support one of your points.
In this situation, either change your argument to fit the evidence that you do have, or do a bit more research to fill the hole!
For example, looking at our outline for argument #1 for our essay on animal testing, it’s clear that this paragraph is missing a small but crucial bit of evidence—a reference to this specific ban on animal testing for cosmetics in Europe. Time for a bit more research!
A visit to the official website of the European Commission yields a copy of the law, which we can add to our populated outline:
“The cosmetics directive provides the regulatory framework for the phasing out of animal testing for cosmetics purposes. Specifically, it establishes (1) a testing ban – prohibition to test finished cosmetic products and cosmetic ingredients on animals, and (2) a marketing ban – prohibition to market finished cosmetic products and ingredients in the EU which were tested on animals. The same provisions are contained in the cosmetics regulation , which replaced the cosmetics directive as of 11 July 2013. The testing ban on finished cosmetic products applies since 11 September 2004. The testing ban on ingredients or combination of ingredients applies since 11 March 2009. The marketing ban applies since 11 March 2009 for all human health effects with the exception of repeated-dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and toxicokinetics. For these specific health effects, the marketing ban applies since 11 March 2013, irrespective of the availability of alternative non-animal tests.” (website of the European Commission, “Ban on animal testing”)
Alright, now this supporting argument has the necessary ingredients!
You don’t need to use all of the evidence that you found in your research. In fact, you probably won’t use all of it!
This part of the writing process requires you to think critically about your arguments and what evidence is relevant to your points .
Once you’ve organized your evidence and decided what you want to use for your essay, now you get to start adding your own analysis!
You may have already started synthesizing and evaluating your sources when you were doing your research (the stuff on the right-hand side of our template). This gives you a great starting place!
For each piece of evidence, follow this formula:
If you follow this fool-proof formula as you write, you will create clear, well-evidenced arguments.
As you get more experienced, you might stray a bit from the formula—but a good essay will always intermix evidence with explanation and analysis, and will always contain signposts back to the thesis throughout.
For our essay about animal testing, our first body paragraph might look like:
Every year, millions of animals—mostly rodents—are used for testing and research (BMJ 1993, 1020) . This testing poses an ethical dilemma: “how to balance the welfare of humans with the welfare of other species” (Hubel, McIsaac 29) . Many of the fundamental legal tests that are used to justify animal use in biomedical research were created in wake of the horrors of World War II, when the Nazi regime engaged in terrible experimentation on their human prisoners. In response to these atrocities, philosophers and lawmakers drew a clear line between experimenting on humans without consent and experimenting on (non-human) animals. For example, the 1947 Nuremberg Code stated that “the experiment should be so designed and based on the results of animal experimentation and a knowledge of the natural history of the disease or other problem under study that the anticipated results will justify the performance of the experiment” (Ferrari, 197) . Created two years after the war, the code established a set of ethical research principles to demarcate ethical differences between animals and humans, clarifying differences between Nazi atrocities and more everyday research practices. However, in the following decades, the animal-rights movement has challenged the philosophical boundaries between humans and animals and questioned humanity’s right to exert dominion over animals (van Roten, 539, referencing works by Singer, Clark, Regan, and Jasper and Nelkin) . These concerns are not without justification, as animals used in laboratories are subject to invasive procedures, stress, pain, and death (Knight, 333) . Indeed, reading detailed descriptions of this research can be difficult to stomach . In light of this, while some animal testing that contributes to vital medical research and ultimately saves millions of lives may be ethically justified, animal testing that is purely for recreational purposes like cosmetics cannot be ethically justified . Fortunately, animal testing for cosmetics is less common than we might think . In 1990, a poll found that 14% of people in the UK thought that the most frequent reason for using animals to test cosmetics for safety—but actual figures were less than 1% (BMJ 1993, 1019) . Unfortunately, animal testing for cosmetics is not subject to very much regulation . In particular, companies can use the phrase “cruelty-free” to mean just about anything, and many companies “can (and do) use the term when the product or its ingredients were indeed tested on animals” (Sheehan and Lee, 1) . Unlike the term “fair trade,” which has an independent inspection and certification group (Flo-Cert) that reviews products using the label, there’s no analogous process for “cruelty-free” (Sheehan and Lee, 2) . Without regulation, the term is regularly abused by marketers . Companies can also hire outside firms to test products and ingredients on animals and thereby pass the blame (Sheehan and Lee, 3) . Consumers trying to avoid products tested on animals are frequently tricked . Greater regulation of terms would help, but the only way to end this kind of deceit will be to ban animal testing for recreational, non-medical purposes . The European Union is the only governmental body yet to accomplish this . In a series of regulations, the EU first banned testing finished cosmetic products (2004), then testing ingredients or marketing products which were tested on animals (2009); exceptions for specific health effects ended in 2013 (website of the European Commission, “Ban on animal testing”) . The result is that the EU bans testing cosmetic ingredients or finished cosmetic products on animals, as well as marketing any cosmetic ingredients and products which were tested on animals elsewhere (Regulation 1223/2009/EU, known as the “Cosmetics Regulation”) . The rest of the world should follow this example and ban animal testing on cosmetic ingredients and products, which do not contribute significantly to the greater good and therefore cannot outweigh the cost to animal lives .
Edit down the quotes/paraphrases as you go. In many cases, you might copy out a great long quote from a source…but only end up using a few words of it as a direct quote, or you might only paraphrase it!
There were several good quotes in our previous step that just didn’t end up fitting here. That’s fine!
Take a look at the words and phrases highlighted in red. Notice how sometimes a single word can help to provide necessary context and create a logical transition for a new idea. Don’t forget the transitions! These words and phrases are essential to good writing.
The end of the paragraph should very clearly tie back to the thesis statement.
If it’s not specified in your assignment prompt, it’s always appropriate to ask your instructor who the intended audience of your essay or paper might be. (Your instructor will usually be impressed by this question!)
If you don’t get any specific guidance, imagine that your audience is the typical readership of a newspaper like the New York Times —people who are generally educated, but who don’t have any specialized knowledge of the specific subject, especially if it’s more technical.
That means that you should explain any words or phrases that aren’t everyday terminology!
Equally important, you don’t want to leave logical leaps for your readers to make. Connect all of the dots for them!
See the other body paragraphs of this essay, along with 9 student essays, here .
By now you should have at least three strong body paragraphs, each one with 3–5 pieces of evidence plus your own analysis and synthesis of the evidence.
Each paragraph has a main topic sentence, which we wrote back when we made the outline. This is a good time to check that the topic sentences still match what the rest of the paragraph says!
Think about how these arguments relate to each other. What is the most logical order for them? Re-order your paragraphs if necessary.
Then add a few sentences at the end of each paragraph and/or the beginning of the next paragraph to connect these ideas. This step is often the difference between an okay essay and a really great one!
You want your essay to have a great flow. We didn’t worry about this at the beginning of our writing, but now is the time to start improving the flow of ideas!
Follow this formula to write a great introduction:
(Pro tip: don’t use phrases like “throughout history,” “since the dawn of humankind,” etc. It’s good to think broadly, but you don’t have to make generalizations for all of history.)
This makes a smooth funnel that starts more broadly and smoothly zeroes in on the specific argument.
Your conclusion is kind of like your introduction, but in reverse. It starts with your thesis and ends a little more broadly.
For the conclusion, try and summarize your entire argument without being redundant. Start by restating your thesis but with slightly different wording . Then summarize each of your main points.
If you can, it’s nice to point to the larger significance of the issue. What are the potential consequences of this issue? What are some future directions for it to go in? What remains to be explored?
See how nine students wrote introductions in different styles here .
Check what bibliographic style your instructor wants you to use. If this isn’t clearly stated, it’s a good question to ask them!
Typically the instructions will say something like “Chicago style,” “APA,” etc., or they’ll give you their own rules.
These rules will dictate how exactly you’ll write your citations in the body of your essay (either in parentheses after the quote/paraphrase or else with a footnote or endnote) and how you’ll write your “works cited” with the full bibliographic information at the end.
Follow these rules! The most important thing is to be consistent and clear.
Pro tip: if you’re struggling with this step, your librarians can often help! They’re literally pros at this. 🙂
Now you have a complete draft!
Read it from beginning to end. Does it make sense? Are there any orphan quotes or paraphrases that aren’t clearly explained? Are there any abrupt changes of topic? Fix it!
Are there any problems with grammar or spelling ? Fix them!
Edit for clarity.
Ideally, you’ll finish your draft at least a few days before it’s due to be submitted. Give it a break for a day or two, and then come back to it. Things to be revised are more likely to jump out after a little break!
Try reading your essay out loud. Are there any sentences that don’t sound quite right? Rewrite them!
Double-check your thesis statement. This is the make-or-break moment of your essay, and without a clear thesis it’s pretty impossible for an essay to be a great one. Is it:
Try giving your essay to a friend or family member to read. Sometimes (if you’re lucky) your instructors will offer to read a draft if you turn it in early. What feedback do they have? Edit accordingly!
See the result of this process with 10 example essays now .
You did it! Feel proud of yourself 🙂
We regularly help students work through all of these steps to write great academic essays in our Academic Writing Workshop or our one-on-one writing tutoring . We’re happy to chat more about what’s challenging for you and provide you customized guidance to help you write better papers and improve your grades on writing assignments!
Want to see what this looks like when it’s all pulled together? We compiled nine examples of great student essays, plus all of the steps used to create this model essay, in this handy resource. Download it here !
Emily graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame. She was a National Merit Scholar and has won numerous academic prizes and fellowships. A veteran of the publishing industry, she has helped professors at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton revise their books and articles. Over the last decade, Emily has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.
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This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 848,033 times.
Understanding how to structure and write an argumentative essay is a useful skill. Strong argumentative essays present relevant evidence that supports an argument and convinces the audience of a particular stance. This type of essay provides the reader with a thorough overview of a topic, covering all facets, but also attempts to persuade the reader into agreeing with the author's point of view.
To write an argumentative essay, select a debatable topic that you have a strong opinion about. Your job is to convince the reader that your view on the subject is the best one, so choose a topic you can investigate and support with research. Open the essay with a concise thesis that asserts your viewpoint, then sum up all aspects of the issue, including your opinion and counterarguments. Pull quotes from reputable sources to support your stance, and end by restating your thesis and reasserting your main points. If you want to learn more, like how to format your Works Cited page to list your sources, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Need editing and proofreading services, how to write an argumentative essay (examples included).
Argumentative essay writing, as the name implies, involves creating strong arguments based on facts and evidence. The goal of this essay is to convince the reader to adopt a logical viewpoint based on the available proof. It is a complex form of essay writing which requires extensive first-hand as well as second-hand research.
Let’s understand what an argumentative essay is and how to write it with the help of numerous argumentative essay examples. To guide you in your essay writing journey, we’ve also provided a well-structured argumentative essay outline.
Let’s start off with understanding what is an argumentative essay.
An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that convinces one to adopt a particular viewpoint, based on statistics and evidence. Unlike an expository essay, an argumentative essay involves adopting a particular point of view on a topic based on the available information.
Since it’s aimed at convincing the readers, it needs to contain strong supporting evidence. This requires a much more thorough examination of the available data sources. An argumentative essay is the most common essay type assigned in science, technology or even advanced literature courses in colleges.
A well-written argumentative essay makes use of information rather than personal opinion. For instance, the statement “beaches are better than mountains” makes for a poor argument. However, including statistical data and figures makes this argument more substantial. For instance “48% of Americans prefer beaches, whereas only 27% prefer mountains”
Now that we’ve understood the meaning of an argumentative essay, let’s take a look at its outline.
The argumentative essay structure is different from other essay types. Although its aim is to convince the reader to adopt a viewpoint, a good argumentative essay structure looks at an argument from all sides and also addresses the counterargument. The goal is to disprove the opposing arguments with the use of logic and the latest evidence.
There are three main argumentative essay formats. Let’s take a look:
This is the simplest structure of an argumentative essay when it comes to writing. It follows a logical path of introducing the argument, providing evidence supporting the argument, refuting counterarguments, and finally concluding your argument.
The following outline talks about the advantages of using nuclear power for environmental protection.
Advantages of Nuclear Power for Environmental Protection
I. Introduction
A. Background information on the topic
B. Thesis statement: Despite the negative reputation and potential risks associated with nuclear power, it is the best bet for our environment due to its low carbon emissions, high energy production, and advancements in safety technology.
II. Low carbon emissions
A. Explanation of carbon emissions and their impact on the environment
B. Comparison of nuclear power to other energy sources in terms of carbon emissions
C. Case studies and statistics supporting the low carbon emission of nuclear power
III. High energy production
A. Explanation of energy production and its importance
B. Comparison of nuclear power to other energy sources in terms of energy production
C. Case studies and statistics supporting the high energy production of nuclear power
IV. Advancements in safety technology
A. Explanation of nuclear power safety concerns
B. Overview of advancements in nuclear power safety technology
C. Comparison of nuclear power safety technology to other energy sources
D. Case studies and statistics supporting the advancements in nuclear power safety technology
V. Counterarguments and refutations
A. Discussion of common counterarguments against nuclear power
B. Refutation of counterarguments with evidence and examples
VI. Conclusion
A. Restatement of thesis
B. Summary of main points
C. Final thoughts on the importance of nuclear power in addressing environmental challenges.
This format is used to explain your stance on a highly polarizing, complex topic. It involves presenting your stance and comparing it with the generally accepted evidence. It also involves presenting the limitations of your claim along with rebuttals.
The following Toulmin essay outline highlights the dangers of genetic modification:
The Dark Side of Genetic Modification
B. Thesis statement: Genetic modification is dangerous due to the potential risks it poses to human health, the environment, and ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering.
II. Claim 1: Risks to human health
A. Explanation of the potential risks to human health associated with genetic modification
B. Overview of studies and research that have shown adverse effects on human health
C. Evidence and examples supporting the claim
III. Claim 2: Risks to the environment
A. Explanation of the potential risks to the environment associated with genetic modification
B. Overview of studies and research that have shown negative impacts on the environment
IV. Claim 3: Ethical concerns
A. Explanation of the ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering
B. Overview of the potential consequences of genetic modification on social, cultural, and ethical values
V. Counterargument and refutation
A. Discussion of common counterarguments in favor of genetic modification
V. Conclusion
C. Final thoughts on the dangers of genetic modification and the need for caution in its application.
This format acknowledges both sides of the argument and provides evidence as to why your stance is valid. It is the least confrontational form of argument which is used to convince to opposition to adopt your point of view.
The following Rogerian essay outline talks about why more government funds should be dedicated to space exploration.
A Cosmic Investment
B. Thesis statement: While some may argue that government funds should be allocated towards pressing issues on earth, dedicating more funds to space travel is necessary because of the technological advancements it brings, the potential for scientific discoveries, and economic benefits.
II. Understanding the opposing arguments
A. Explanation of the opposing viewpoint’s concerns and arguments
B. Acknowledgement of valid points made by the opposing viewpoint
C. Statement of common ground between the opposing viewpoint and the argument
III. Presenting the supporting arguments
A. Explanation of the technological advancements made possible through space travel
B. Overview of the scientific discoveries that have been made possible through space exploration
C. Explanation of the economic benefits of space travel and the growth of the space industry
IV. Addressing concerns of the opposition
A. Discussion of concerns raised by the opposing viewpoint and why they should not prevent the dedication of funds to space travel
B. Explanation of how funding for space travel can coexist with funding for pressing issues on earth
C. Evidence and examples to support the argument
V. Common ground and conclusion
A. Restatement of the thesis statement
B. Summary of the main points of the argument
C. Statement of common ground and call to action for continued exploration of space.
Now that you’ve learned how to structure, let’s understand how to write an argumentative essay.
Although the process of writing an argumentative essay is similar to other essay types, it requires much more research and planning. Developing an argument requires a significant understanding of the subject matter from all angles.
Let’s take a look at the steps to writing an argumentative essay:
1. Choose appropriate argumentative essay topics.
Although topics for an argumentative essay are highly diverse, they are based on a controversial stance. So, make sure that your argumentative essay topics are debatable. Here are a few examples of good argumentative essay topics:
Should animal testing be prohibited?
Should sports be segregated by gender?
Are wildlife sanctuaries ethical?
2. Construct a thesis statement.
The thesis statement involves taking a stance on your topic. For instance, if your topic is “Should school uniforms be mandatory?”, your thesis statement will take a stance for, or against this. However, make sure that your thesis statement has sufficient evidence from reliable sources to back it up.
Let’s take a look at a thesis statement example for the topic “Why four-day work-weeks should be encouraged”:
A four-day workweek is a viable solution for reducing employee burnout, enhancing work-life balance, and improving overall productivity. It not only promotes a healthier and happier workforce but also reduces costs for employers.
3. Collect evidence.
After taking your stance on your essay topic, it’s time to back it up with facts, evidence, and statistics. This requires an extensive amount of research.
Make sure to facilitate your research from reputed sources. To make your essay up-to-date and reliable, you can even collect evidence with the help of surveys and experiments.
Next, sort your evidence into main points to create a basic outline of your essay. This is also a good time to address the counterarguments to your stance.
4. Write the first draft.
After developing the outline, it’s time to flesh it out. Start by constructing an interesting hook, and providing background information for your thesis statement in the introduction.
Next, elaborate on the topic sentences that provide support to your thesis statement. You can add statistics and empirical data along with plenty of direct quotes and citations to give credibility to your essay.
And finally, conclude your essay with a summarization of the main points of your essay along with the key takeaway. A powerful conclusion not only allows the readers to see your viewpoint but also creates a lasting impression on their minds.
5. Edit your draft.
Your first draft may not be perfect. Make sure to optimize the sentence structure and word choice. Also, modify your arguments if necessary. You can have friends and family go over your essay and spot any errors that slip through the cracks. For a more fool-proof, error-free essay you can also take the help of professional essay proofreading services .
Now that we’ve understood how to write an effective argumentative essay, let’s take a look at an example of an argumentative essay.
To guide you in your essay-writing journey, we’ve provided you with an argumentative essay example. It discusses the ill effects of automation. This essay is slightly longer in length and deviates from the commonly used five-paragraph structure.
The rise of autonomous machines has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, with robots now able to perform tasks that were once done exclusively by human workers. While this technology has undoubtedly improved efficiency and productivity, the question remains whether companies should be required to hire human workers over using autonomous machines.
The use of autonomous machines has resulted in job losses in the manufacturing industry. According to a study by the Brookings Institution, the use of robots in the United States has led to the loss of over 1.7 million jobs since 2000. While automation has created new jobs in certain industries, such as software development and engineering, the number of jobs lost is significantly higher.
Hiring human workers also has a positive impact on the economy. According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, every robot that replaces a human worker leads to a net loss of 1.6 jobs. This means that for every 10 robots introduced into the workforce, 16 jobs are lost. Hiring human workers over using autonomous machines can help to create more jobs and improve the overall economic situation.
In addition to the economic benefits, human workers offer several advantages over autonomous machines. Human workers are able to adapt to changing situations and problem-solve in a way that machines cannot. This is particularly important in industries where there is a high level of variability in the work being done.
Furthermore, the use of autonomous machines can lead to safety concerns in the workplace. While robots have become increasingly sophisticated, they are still prone to malfunctions and errors. In some cases, this can lead to workplace accidents and injuries. Human workers are able to identify potential safety hazards and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of accidents.
Although the use of autonomous machines has led to increased efficiency and productivity, their negative impact cannot be ignored. Hiring human workers over using autonomous machines can create jobs, improve the economy, and offer many more advantages. Additionally, the safety concerns associated with the use of autonomous machines highlight the importance of prioritizing human workers. Human workers are more adept at ensuring the well-being of the workforce and the economy as a whole. Therefore, they should be prioritized over machines.
We hope the above explanation and examples have clarified the basics of writing argumentative essays. As providers of essay editing services , we understand how writing good essays is not a piece of cake.
To help you write good essays, our team has created detailed resources. Continue reading to take your essay-writing skills to the next level!
What is the purpose of an argumentative essay, how does an effective argumentative essay address counterclaims, how to conclude an argumentative essay, what is an effective claim in an argumentative essay, how to start an argumentative essay, how to title an argumentative essay.
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A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.
The main goals of an introduction are to:
This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.
The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.
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Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.
Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.
Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.
The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly why the topic is important.
Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.
Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.
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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:
The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.
How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:
Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.
This is the most important part of your introduction. A good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.
The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.
Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.
Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:
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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.
For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.
When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.
It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.
To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .
You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.
My first sentence is engaging and relevant.
I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.
I have defined any important terms.
My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.
Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.
You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.
This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.
This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).
In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.
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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:
The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .
The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.
To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.
The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/introduction/
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Learn the most effective tips and tricks to craft a compelling and persuasive argumentative essay that will capture your readers’ attention and leave a lasting impact.
In the realm of academic writing, the art of constructing a persuasive argumentative essay holds a position of paramount importance. The ability to effectively convey one’s thoughts, defend a certain stance, and sway the reader’s perspective is a hallmark of exceptional composition. Through the strategic use of language and well-structured reasoning, writers can engage their audience and present compelling evidence to support their claims.
However, creating an argumentative essay that truly captivates and convinces requires more than just a strong opinion. It demands a deep understanding of the topic at hand, the ability to analyze multiple perspectives, and the skill to present a well-thought-out argument that stands up to scrutiny. Crafting such a composition can be a daunting task, but armed with the right tools and techniques, any writer can achieve persuasive excellence.
At its core, an effective argumentative essay is one that resonates with the reader on an emotional level while also appealing to their logic and reasoning. Successfully blending these elements requires the writer to strike a delicate balance between passion and objectivity. By presenting convincing evidence, anticipating counterarguments, and addressing potential doubts, a writer can build a strong case that is both emotionally compelling and intellectually convincing. It is through this fusion of emotions and rational thought that the true power of an argumentative essay can be harnessed.
One of the most crucial aspects of crafting a compelling argumentative essay lies in selecting a strong and engaging topic. The topic you choose serves as the foundation for your essay, setting the tone and direction of your arguments. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a topic that not only captivates your readers but also allows you to present a clear and well-supported argument.
When selecting a topic, it is important to consider its relevance and current significance. Choose a topic that sparks interest and debate in society, as this will make your essay more impactful and engaging. Additionally, selecting a topic that you are genuinely passionate about will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and rewarding.
Emphasize unique perspectives within the topic you choose. Seek to explore new angles and provide fresh insights that will captivate your readers. This can be achieved by conducting thorough research and gathering a range of credible sources that support your viewpoints.
Remember, a strong argumentative essay requires a clear thesis statement that presents your stance on the chosen topic. Your thesis statement should be concise and arguable, providing a solid foundation for your arguments. Furthermore, it is important to anticipate counterarguments and address them effectively within your essay to strengthen your position.
By carefully selecting a strong topic, you set the stage for an engaging and persuasive argumentative essay. Consider the relevance and significance of the topic, seek to provide unique perspectives, and ensure your thesis statement is clear and arguable. With these elements in place, you will be well on your way to writing an outstanding essay that will elicit thoughtful discussion and debate.
When crafting a solid and persuasive argumentative essay, it is crucial to gather reliable and credible sources to support your claims. As you develop your argument, it is important to consider the quality and credibility of the information you use, as this will greatly impact the strength of your essay.
Reliable sources can come in various forms, such as academic journals, reputable websites, books written by experts, and interviews with knowledgeable individuals. These sources provide you with a solid foundation of information that can be used to support your arguments and help you build a strong case. It is important to ensure that the information you gather is accurate and trustworthy, as using unreliable sources can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.
When selecting sources, look for those that have been written or produced by experts in the field or by reputable organizations. It is also helpful to choose sources that are recent, as this indicates that the information is up-to-date and reflects current knowledge and understanding. Additionally, analyze the author’s credentials and affiliations to determine their expertise and potential bias.
Remember to critically evaluate the information you find and consider multiple perspectives. Analyze the arguments presented in your sources and identify any potential weaknesses or biases. By carefully evaluating your sources, you can strengthen your own argument and provide a well-rounded analysis of the topic.
Overall, gathering reliable sources is a crucial step in writing an effective argumentative essay. By using credible information from experts and reputable sources, you can build a strong case and present a compelling argument to your readers.
When it comes to organizing your essay, it’s important to create a clear and logical structure that effectively presents your arguments and supports your main thesis. A well-structured essay not only helps your readers follow your line of thought, but it also demonstrates your ability to think critically and present your ideas in a coherent manner.
One common approach to structuring an essay is to use a cohesive and logical progression of ideas. Start by introducing your topic and providing some background information to set the context for your argument. This can be done in a brief paragraph or through the use of bullet points to outline key points.
Once you’ve introduced your topic and stated your thesis, it’s time to develop your argument. This is where you provide evidence and support for your claims. You can do this by presenting strong and persuasive arguments, citing relevant sources, and providing examples or anecdotes that illustrate your points.
Addressing counterarguments is another important aspect of a well-structured essay. Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and provide clear and logical rebuttals to strengthen your own argument. This shows that you’ve considered different perspectives and strengthens the overall persuasiveness of your essay.
Finally, conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. This helps reinforce the central message of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Remember to keep your conclusion concise and impactful.
In summary, structuring your essay is crucial for presenting your arguments effectively. By using a clear and logical progression of ideas, supporting your claims with strong evidence, addressing counterarguments, and providing a concise conclusion, you can ensure that your essay is well-organized and persuasive.
One of the most important elements of a well-written argumentative essay is a clear and concise thesis statement. The thesis statement acts as the main idea or argument of the essay, providing a roadmap for the reader to understand the purpose and direction of the writing. Crafting a strong thesis statement is crucial for effectively conveying your viewpoint and persuading the audience to agree with your stance. In this section, we will explore effective strategies and guidelines for presenting a clear thesis statement in your argumentative essay.
When presenting your thesis statement, it is important to be specific and focused. Avoid vague or broad statements that do not provide a clear direction for your argument. Instead, choose a specific and well-defined thesis that clearly states your position on the topic. This will help to ensure that your argument is cohesive and easy to follow. | |
The language you use in your thesis statement should be strong and defensible. Avoid weak or hesitant language that undermines the strength of your argument. Instead, use confident and assertive language to assert your viewpoint and make a compelling case for your position. | |
Your thesis statement should provide a roadmap for your essay, outlining the main points or arguments that you will address in your writing. This helps to give structure to your essay and allows the reader to anticipate the points you will make. Be clear and concise in your roadmap, ensuring that each point is relevant to your overall argument. | |
When presenting your thesis statement, it is important to consider potential counterarguments to your position. Acknowledge and address these counterarguments in your thesis statement to demonstrate that you have considered other viewpoints. This helps to strengthen your argument and show that you have thoroughly researched and thought about the topic. | |
Finally, it is important to revise and refine your thesis statement as you develop your argumentative essay. As you delve deeper into your research and analysis, you may find that your initial thesis statement needs to be modified or expanded. Be open to making revisions to ensure that your thesis statement accurately reflects your argument and provides a clear direction for your essay. |
By following these guidelines and strategies, you can present a clear and compelling thesis statement in your argumentative essay. Remember to be specific and focused, use strong and defensible language, provide a roadmap for your essay, consider counterarguments, and revise your thesis statement as needed. A well-crafted thesis statement will help to engage readers and effectively convey your argument, increasing the chances of persuading your audience to agree with your viewpoint.
Supporting your arguments with strong evidence and examples is essential for writing a compelling and persuasive essay. By presenting credible facts, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples, you can effectively strengthen your arguments and make them more convincing. Here are some tips on how to use strong evidence and examples in your argumentative essay.
1. Conduct thorough research: Before you start writing your essay, conduct thorough research to gather relevant and reliable evidence and examples that support your arguments. Look for reputable sources such as academic journals, books, and credible websites to ensure the accuracy of the information.
2. Use data and statistics: Incorporating data and statistics into your essay can add credibility and make your arguments more persuasive. Use well-researched and up-to-date data to support your claims and provide a solid foundation for your arguments.
3. Reference expert opinions: Including expert opinions in your essay can help strengthen your arguments and show that they are supported by knowledgeable individuals in the field. Cite reputable experts, scholars, and professionals who have expertise in the topic you are discussing.
4. Provide real-life examples: Using real-life examples can make your arguments more relatable and compelling. Draw examples from current events, historical events, personal experiences, or case studies to illustrate the practical application of your arguments and demonstrate their validity.
5. Anticipate and address counterarguments: To further strengthen your arguments, anticipate and address counterarguments. Show that you have considered alternative viewpoints and provide strong evidence and examples to refute those counterarguments. This demonstrates that you have thoroughly examined the issue and strengthens your overall argument.
By using strong evidence and examples in your argumentative essay, you can enhance the persuasiveness and effectiveness of your arguments. Remember to research thoroughly, use data and statistics, reference expert opinions, provide real-life examples, and address counterarguments to build a compelling case for your point of view.
Addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints is a crucial aspect of crafting a persuasive argument. By acknowledging and effectively responding to alternative perspectives, you strengthen your own position and demonstrate your understanding of the topic at hand.
When countering opposing views, it is important to approach the task with a respectful and open-minded attitude. Rather than dismissing opposing arguments outright, take the time to understand the reasoning behind them and identify any valid points they may contain. This demonstrates that you have considered multiple perspectives and strengthens the credibility of your own argument.
One effective strategy for counteracting opposing views is to preemptively address potential objections before they are even raised. By proactively identifying and addressing counterarguments, you show your audience that you have thoroughly considered different viewpoints. This helps to build trust and establishes you as a knowledgeable and thoughtful writer.
Another way to counteract opposing views is to carefully analyze and critique the evidence and sources used to support those viewpoints. Look for logical fallacies, factual inaccuracies, or biased information and highlight them in your argument. This helps to weaken the opposing perspective and strengthen your own position.
Furthermore, it is important to anticipate potential objections and provide strong rebuttals. Take the time to consider the most likely criticisms or counterarguments that may be raised against your viewpoint, and develop compelling responses to address them. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and enhances the persuasive power of your argument.
In conclusion, countering opposing views is an essential component of crafting a persuasive argument. By thoroughly analyzing and responding to alternative perspectives, preemptively addressing potential objections, critiquing evidence, and providing strong rebuttals, you can effectively establish the credibility and strength of your own argument.
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There are countless ways to start an essay effectively. A solid introductory paragraph both informs and motivates. It lets readers know what your piece is about and it encourages them to keep reading.
For folks new to learning how to start an essay, here are 13 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.
One straightforward way to begin is to get right to the point. But avoid making your thesis a bald announcement, such as "This essay is about...".
"It is time, at last, to speak the truth about Thanksgiving, and the truth is this. Thanksgiving is really not such a terrific holiday...." (Michael J. Arlen, "Ode to Thanksgiving." The Camera Age: Essays on Television . Penguin, 1982)
A thought-provoking way to start an essay is by asking a relevant question that needs to be unpacked. Follow up the question with an answer, or an invitation for your readers to answer the question.
"What is the charm of necklaces? Why would anyone put something extra around their neck and then invest it with special significance? A necklace doesn't afford warmth in cold weather, like a scarf, or protection in combat, like chain mail; it only decorates. We might say, it borrows meaning from what it surrounds and sets off, the head with its supremely important material contents, and the face, that register of the soul. When photographers discuss the way in which a photograph reduces the reality it represents, they mention not only the passage from three dimensions to two, but also the selection of a point de vue that favors the top of the body rather than the bottom, and the front rather than the back. The face is the jewel in the crown of the body, and so we give it a setting." (Emily R. Grosholz, "On Necklaces." Prairie Schooner , Summer 2007)
Leading with a fact that draws readers in immediately can grab their attention effectively.
" The peregrine falcon was brought back from the brink of extinction by a ban on DDT, but also by a peregrine falcon mating hat invented by an ornithologist at Cornell University. If you cannot buy this, Google it. Female falcons had grown dangerously scarce. A few wistful males nevertheless maintained a sort of sexual loitering ground. The hat was imagined, constructed, and then forthrightly worn by the ornithologist as he patrolled this loitering ground, singing, Chee-up! Chee-up! and bowing like an overpolite Japanese Buddhist trying to tell somebody goodbye...." (David James Duncan, "Cherish This Ecstasy." The Sun , July 2008)
"I've finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people." (Suzanne Britt Jordan, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Show and Tell . Morning Owl Press, 1983)
"It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard. We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages. Each cell measured about ten feet by ten and was quite bare within except for a plank bed and a pot of drinking water. In some of them brown silent men were squatting at the inner bars, with their blankets draped round them. These were the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two." (George Orwell, "A Hanging," 1931)
Sharing an incident from your life or history in general is an impactful way to start an essay.
"One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father’s first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked." (Katy Butler, "What Broke My Father's Heart." The New York Times Magazine , June 18, 2010)
The narrative strategy of delay allows you to put off identifying your subject just long enough to pique your readers' interest without frustrating them.
"They woof. Though I have photographed them before, I have never heard them speak, for they are mostly silent birds. Lacking a syrinx, the avian equivalent of the human larynx, they are incapable of song. According to field guides the only sounds they make are grunts and hisses, though the Hawk Conservancy in the United Kingdom reports that adults may utter a croaking coo and that young black vultures, when annoyed, emit a kind of immature snarl...." (Lee Zacharias, "Buzzards." Southern Humanities Review , 2007)
An effective way to start an essay is to use historical present tense to relate an incident from the past as if it were happening now.
"Ben and I are sitting side by side in the very back of his mother’s station wagon. We face glowing white headlights of cars following us, our sneakers pressed against the back hatch door. This is our joy—his and mine—to sit turned away from our moms and dads in this place that feels like a secret, as though they are not even in the car with us. They have just taken us out to dinner, and now we are driving home. Years from this evening, I won’t actually be sure that this boy sitting beside me is named Ben. But that doesn’t matter tonight. What I know for certain right now is that I love him, and I need to tell him this fact before we return to our separate houses, next door to each other. We are both five." (Ryan Van Meter, "First." The Gettysburg Review , Winter 2008)
"I like to take my time when I pronounce someone dead. The bare-minimum requirement is one minute with a stethoscope pressed to someone’s chest, listening for a sound that is not there; with my fingers bearing down on the side of someone’s neck, feeling for an absent pulse; with a flashlight beamed into someone’s fixed and dilated pupils, waiting for the constriction that will not come. If I’m in a hurry, I can do all of these in sixty seconds, but when I have the time, I like to take a minute with each task." (Jane Churchon, "The Dead Book." The Sun , February 2009)
"I spy on my patients. Ought not a doctor to observe his patients by any means and from any stance, that he might the more fully assemble evidence? So I stand in doorways of hospital rooms and gaze. Oh, it is not all that furtive an act. Those in bed need only look up to discover me. But they never do." ( Richard Selzer , "The Discus Thrower." Confessions of a Knife . Simon & Schuster, 1979)
A fun way to start an essay is to use a riddle , joke, or humorous quotation that reveals something about your subject.
" Q: What did Eve say to Adam on being expelled from the Garden of Eden? A: 'I think we're in a time of transition.' The irony of this joke is not lost as we begin a new century and anxieties about social change seem rife. The implication of this message, covering the first of many periods of transition, is that change is normal; there is, in fact, no era or society in which change is not a permanent feature of the social landscape...." (Betty G. Farrell, Family: The Making of an Idea, an Institution, and a Controversy in American Culture . Westview Press, 1999)
"As a child, I was made to look out the window of a moving car and appreciate the beautiful scenery, with the result that now I don't care much for nature. I prefer parks, ones with radios going chuckawaka chuckawaka and the delicious whiff of bratwurst and cigarette smoke." (Garrison Keillor, "Walking Down The Canyon." Time , July 31, 2000)
A compelling way to start an essay is with a contrast between a common misconception and the opposing truth.
"They aren’t what most people think they are. Human eyes, touted as ethereal objects by poets and novelists throughout history, are nothing more than white spheres, somewhat larger than your average marble, covered by a leather-like tissue known as sclera and filled with nature’s facsimile of Jell-O. Your beloved’s eyes may pierce your heart, but in all likelihood they closely resemble the eyes of every other person on the planet. At least I hope they do, for otherwise he or she suffers from severe myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or worse...." (John Gamel, "The Elegant Eye." Alaska Quarterly Review , 2009)
Ever tried getting into a heated debate with a friend over the best movie of the year? Or arguing with your sibling about who deserved the last slice of pizza? If yes, you’ve already dabbled in the art of argumentation. In academic writing , though, this skill gets taken up a notch. And it all starts with picking good argumentative essay topics.
Your topic sets the tone for your whole paper. To hit the mark, your topic needs to be relevant, debatable, and backed by solid research. Miss these, and your essay might struggle to keep your audience engaged or convincingly argue your side. In this blog, we’ll provide a list of good argumentative essay topics, show you how to spot the best ones, and share tips on writing a strong argumentative essay.
How to choose a good argumentative essay topic, how to write a good argumentative essay, frequently asked questions.
A solid argumentative essay starts with choosing the right topic. Below, you’ll find a 100 good argumentative essay topics, organized by category. These are not only relevant and debatable, but they also offer plenty of research opportunities.
1. Should we prioritize privacy over security in our digital age?
2. Is universal basic income a real solution to economic inequality?
3. Do governments need to step in and regulate freedom of speech on social media?
4. Is affirmative action still necessary, or has its time passed?
5. Should hate speech be protected under free speech laws , or is that a step too far?
6. Is the wealth gap at the heart of social unrest?
7. Would lowering the voting age to 16 make a difference?
8. Is social media addiction something we should treat as a public health crisis?
9. Should there be tougher laws against online bullying?
10. Could mandatory national service be the key to building a stronger society?
1. Do we need stricter rules around the ethical development of artificial intelligence?
2. Is social media more harmful than helpful when it comes to shaping public opinion?
3. Are autonomous vehicles ready for public roads, or should we pump the brakes?
4. Is automation really eating up job opportunities, or is that just the future we’re headed towards?
5. Should we allow genetic engineering to create “designer babies,” or is that a line we shouldn’t cross?
6. Is the collection of personal data by tech companies a blatant violation of privacy?
7. Should the government step in and regulate cryptocurrencies?
8. Is virtual reality poised to become the future of education and training?
9. Do we need global regulations to keep drone use in check?
10. Is facial recognition technology a threat to our personal freedom?
1. Should we ditch standardized testing and find better ways to assess students?
2. Can remote learning ever be as effective as traditional classroom education?
3. Would free college tuition for all be the game-changer we need?
4. Is homeschooling really a better alternative to the traditional school system?
5. Should schools put more focus on teaching life skills instead of just academics?
6. Is our current education system preparing students for the jobs of the future?
7. Should every student be required to learn a second language in school?
8. Is the focus on STEM education drowning out the importance of the arts?
9. Do we need stricter dress codes in schools , or are they already too rigid?
10. Is the grading system a true reflection of a student’s abilities?
1. Should vaccine mandates be enforced for the greater good of public health?
2. Are we doing enough to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues?
3. Is it time to legalize euthanasia across the globe?
4. Is the anti-vaccine movement a genuine threat to global health?
5. Should the government step in to regulate the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs?
6. Can alternative medicine really stand up as a treatment option for chronic illnesses?
7. Do we need to cap how much healthcare providers can charge for their services?
8. Is the current healthcare system in the United States something we can sustain in the long run?
9. Should medical research focus more on extending life or improving its quality?
10. Is it ethical to use animals in medical research, or should we find another way?
1. Should governments really crack down on carbon emissions to tackle climate change head-on?
2. Is nuclear energy the sustainable answer we’ve been looking for in the global energy crisis?
3. Would banning single-use plastics worldwide actually make a dent in environmental pollution?
4. Is it ethical to push for economic development at the expense of environmental conservation in developing countries?
5. Should we rally together globally to save endangered species from extinction?
6. Is climate change truly the biggest threat humanity faces in the 21st century?
7. Should countries be held legally responsible if they fail to meet international climate agreements?
8. Is promoting electric vehicles the best way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions?
9. Should water use be more tightly regulated in areas facing severe droughts?
10. Can we justify exploiting natural resources in the Arctic, knowing the potential environmental damage?
1. Should the electoral college in the U.S. be scrapped in favor of a popular vote system?
2. Is proportional representation a fairer way to govern compared to first-past-the-post?
3. Would imposing term limits on all elected officials help prevent power from getting too concentrated?
4. Is globalization a boon or a bane for national sovereignty?
5. Should governments have the power to censor online information in the name of national security?
6. Is the rise of populism a serious threat to democracy worldwide?
7. Would making voting mandatory in democratic elections really boost voter turnout?
8. Is the United Nations actually effective in keeping global peace and security?
9. Should we ban political donations from corporations to lessen money’s influence in politics?
10. Is it justified for governments to impose austerity measures during economic downturns?
1. Should assisted suicide be legalized for those suffering from terminal illnesses?
2. Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research and experiments?
3. Would a universal basic income be a moral move to ensure everyone has a minimum standard of living?
4. Is it morally acceptable to genetically modify embryos to prevent certain genetic disorders?
5. Should businesses be required to put ethical practices above chasing profits?
6. Is it right to enforce mandatory vaccinations for the greater public good?
7. Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide because it violates human rights?
8. Is it ethical to let parents choose their child’s gender through genetic selection?
9. Should whistleblowers be legally protected, even if they expose national security secrets?
10. Is it ever morally justifiable to use torture in extreme cases to get information from terrorists?
1. Should we bump up the minimum wage to keep pace with today’s cost of living?
2. Is capitalism really the best system for driving innovation and economic growth?
3. Should governments step in to bail out struggling industries during recessions?
4. Is corporate social responsibility a real commitment or just a clever marketing ploy?
5. Should multinational corporations be held accountable for the labor practices within their supply chains?
6. Could universal basic income be the answer to unemployment caused by automation?
7. Should insider trading come with harsher penalties to crack down on financial crimes?
8. Is the gig economy more of a blessing or a curse when it comes to workers’ rights and job security?
9. Do financial institutions need stricter regulations to prevent another economic meltdown?
10. Is the wealth gap just a natural result of free-market capitalism, or should we tackle it through government intervention?
1. Should social media platforms take responsibility for the spread of misinformation?
2. Is censorship in media ever justified in the name of protecting public morals and security?
3. Should we ban violent video games for minors to curb aggressive behavior?
4. Is Hollywood really lacking in diversity, and should the industry make a serious effort to fix it?
5. Should reality TV shows be held to the same ethical standards as news programs?
6. Is the way media portrays mental illness doing more harm by spreading stigma or helping by raising awareness?
7. Should music with explicit content face stricter age restrictions?
8. Is binge-watching TV shows hurting our mental health and productivity?
9. Should celebrities use their influence to speak out on political and social issues ?
10. Is the impact of media on body image doing more harm than good?
1. Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised based on recent studies?
2. Is the current prison system really effective at rehabilitating criminals, or is it falling short?
3. Should we decriminalize the use of recreational drugs to cut down on incarceration rates?
4. Does the “three strikes” law actually deter repeat offenders, or is it just overcrowding our prisons?
5. When it comes to anti-terrorism laws, should the right to privacy take priority over national security?
6. Is plea bargaining an ethical practice in the criminal justice system, or is it time for reform?
7. Should juvenile offenders face adult sentences for serious crimes, or is that too harsh?
8. Is the current bail system unjustly favoring the wealthy?
9. Should hate crimes come with harsher penalties than other crimes?
10. Is the death penalty a true deterrent to crime, or should we abolish it on moral grounds?
Good argumentative essay topics have the following qualities: relevance, debatability, and research availability. Nail these three elements, and you’re on your way to crafting an engaging and persuasive essay.
When you pick current argumentative essay topics, you’re tapping into issues that people are already thinking and talking about. That’s key to grabbing your reader’s attention. For example, with technology advancing at breakneck speed, the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) are more relevant than ever.
Another hot topic? Climate change policies. With countries striving to meet international climate goals, this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Sticking to current topics keeps your essay engaging because readers are naturally more interested in things that affect their lives right now.
Good argumentative essay topics contain multiple viewpoints and can spark a real debate. Take the death penalty, for instance—people have strong, reasonable arguments on both sides. Or think about the controversy over whether social media platforms should tighten their content regulations. This debate has everyone from free speech advocates to those worried about misinformation weighing in.
When your topic has multiple perspectives, it gives you the room to explore different angles and build a well-rounded, nuanced argument.
No matter how good your topic is, if you can’t back it up with solid research, your argument won’t hold water. That’s why it’s crucial to pick argumentative essay topics with plenty of available data and credible sources. Vaccine mandates, for example, are a well-researched topic, with data from institutions like the CDC and WHO readily accessible.
To ensure your argumentative essay topics are well-supported by research, dig into journal articles, books, and reliable online sources that give you comprehensive information. Here are some go-to sources for gathering reliable research to support your essay:
Aside from picking the right topics, writing a good argumentative essay means building a case that’s hard to refute. You need a clear structure, a strong thesis, logical arguments, and the ability to address opposing views thoughtfully. Mastering these elements will help you craft an essay that’s not just persuasive but also well-rounded.
An argumentative essay usually sticks to a familiar format: introduction, body, and conclusion.
Let’s say you’re writing about the ethics of AI. Your introduction might start with something like, “As artificial intelligence keeps advancing, the ethical questions surrounding it are becoming harder to ignore.” In the body of your argumentative essay, you’d dive into topics like privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and job loss, backing each one up with studies or expert opinions. Your conclusion would then tie everything together, reinforcing why AI developers must consider these ethical responsibilities.
Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It needs to be clear, concise, and specific so your reader knows exactly where you stand. A strong thesis statement takes a debatable stance. Don’t merely state a fact.
For instance, instead of saying, “ Social media affects our lives,” you could go with something stronger like, “Social media’s role in spreading misinformation poses a serious threat to democratic processes and should be more strictly regulated.” This version is specific, makes a clear argument, and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.
When you’re crafting your thesis, ask yourself if someone could reasonably disagree with it. If the answer is yes, then you’ve got a solid foundation for a strong argumentative essay.
Here’s where you really get to make your case. Building a strong argument means using credible sources and logical reasoning to back up your claims. Let’s say you’re arguing that remote learning isn’t as effective as in-person classes. You could cite studies that show lower engagement or retention rates among online students.
But don’t just drop the evidence and move on. Explain how it supports your thesis. You might write, “A 2022 study by Smith found that students in remote learning environments scored 15% lower on exams compared to their in-class peers, highlighting the challenges of staying focused and motivated in a virtual setting.”
Your argument should also flow logically from one point to the next, guiding your reader through your reasoning step by step. Using transitional phrases like “Furthermore,” “In contrast,” or “Therefore” helps connect your ideas and keeps the essay moving smoothly.
No good argumentative essay is complete without tackling counterarguments. Addressing opposing views shows you’ve thought about the issue from all angles, which boosts your credibility. You need to understand these counterarguments and then present evidence that challenges or disproves them.
Let’s say you’re arguing for stricter social media regulations. You’d probably come across the counterargument that these regulations could infringe on free speech. To refute this, you could point to real-world cases where unchecked misinformation has caused harm, like how false information about COVID-19 vaccines led to widespread hesitancy and public health risks.
You might phrase it like this: “While some argue that regulating social media could limit free speech, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that unchecked misinformation can lead to serious public health crises, which makes a strong case for more oversight.”
The conclusion of your argumentative essays is your last shot to reinforce your stance on the chosen topics and ensure they resonate with your readers. Start by summarizing your main points—without just repeating them word for word. This helps drive home your argument in a clear and concise way.
Then, restate your thesis, but tweak it to reflect the discussion you’ve had throughout your essay. If you started out arguing for stricter social media regulations, you might conclude with something like, “Given the powerful role misinformation plays in shaping public opinion, it’s crucial that social media platforms implement more stringent regulations to protect the integrity of democratic processes.”
Finally, leave your reader with a strong closing statement. This could be a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking question that sticks with them. For instance, “As technology keeps evolving, how we balance freedom with regulation will shape the future of our digital society. The decisions we make today will echo for generations to come.”
A well-crafted conclusion does more than just wrap things up—it reinforces your argument, ensuring your reader walks away with a clear sense of where you stand.
Extra tip: Once you’ve got your essay polished, consider entering it in prestigious writing contests like the John Locke Institute Essay Competition , The Emerson Prize , or the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards . These platforms give your work a chance to shine.
A great topic for an argumentative essay hits three key points: it’s relevant, debatable, and lets you dig deep into the issue. Instead of going for something too subjective like “Is pizza delicious?”—which doesn’t really leave much room for argument—try something more specific and impactful, like “Should schools replace traditional lunch options like pizza with healthier alternatives?”
Unique argumentative essay topics take you off the beaten path and get you thinking in new directions. These topics might explore less common areas or bring fresh perspectives to current issues. For example:
These questions stand out because they push you to challenge conventional thinking and dive into modern debates that are still evolving.
Fun argumentative essay topics are all about keeping things light and engaging, with a dash of humor or an unconventional twist. Think of topics like:
These topics are meant to be enjoyable, sparking lively debates while still offering some substance.
Cause and effect essay topics focus on the “why” and “what happens next” of a situation, and explores the relationship between events or phenomena. Examples include:
These topics require you to break down why something happens and explore its consequences, giving you plenty of material for a detailed discussion.
Good argumentative essay topics for college students tackle issues that are relevant to their lives, both academically and personally. Consider topics like:
These topics resonate with the college experience, making them both relatable and significant for in-depth exploration.
When it comes to writing good argumentative essay topics, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
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Being a student and writing essays is not something everybody enjoys, but in my personal opinion as a writer, anyone can find contentment and pleasure in writing, especially when it comes to argumentative essays. While they may seem tricky to navigate, they offer this unique opportunity to express your opinions and make your voice heard. Consider this a growing process—once you overcome the challenges of writing argumentative essays, you will learn the art of agreeing or disagreeing with popular opinions and defending your stance. As far as the essay is concerned, I will show you how to master this process on how to write an argumentative essay.
You will likely be required to write argumentative essays throughout your academic life, from high school to university. These assignments will present opportunities to develop and showcase your critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. Here are some scenarios where you might encounter the need to write argumentative essays:
Academic Assignments
Often assigned in school or college courses to help students develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. These assignments encourage students to research thoroughly, form coherent arguments, and present their viewpoints convincingly.
Debates and Discussions
Serve as the basis for presenting and defending viewpoints in academic or competitive settings. Argumentative essays provide a structured way to organize thoughts and evidence, helping participants articulate their arguments effectively during debates.
Opinion Pieces
Commonly used in newspapers, magazines, and online publications to influence public opinion on current issues. These essays allow writers to present their stance on controversial topics, backed by evidence and reasoning, to sway readers' views.
Policy Proposals
Utilized in government and policy-related fields to propose and defend specific policy changes or solutions to societal problems. Argumentative essays in this context present well-researched arguments to persuade policymakers and stakeholders of the necessity and viability of the proposed changes.
Persuasive Speeches
Prepared as a foundation for delivering persuasive speeches. Writing an argumentative essay helps speakers organize their thoughts and evidence logically, providing a solid framework for their oral presentations.
An argumentative essay uses factual evidence and logical support to convince the reader of a particular point of view. Here's a breakdown of the structure and what goes into each part of an argumentative essay:
Basic Argumentative Essay Structure
1.Introduction
Purpose: Introduce the topic, present the thesis, and set up the argument.
Hook: A sentence to grab the reader’s attention.
Background Information: Brief context about the topic.
Thesis Statement: The main argument or claim.
2.Body Paragraphs
Purpose: Present arguments and evidence to support the thesis and refute opposing arguments.
Topic Sentence: Introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
Evidence and Analysis: Present facts, statistics, quotes, or examples to support the argument.
Counterarguments and Rebuttals: Address opposing views and explain why they are invalid or less significant.
3.Conclusion
Purpose: Summarize the arguments, restate the thesis in light of the evidence presented, and offer final thoughts.
Restate Thesis: Reiterate the main argument.
Summarize Key Points: Highlight the main points made in the body paragraphs.
Final Thought: A closing statement that underscores the importance of the topic
As an experienced writer, I've come to understand the structure of argumentative essays quite well. But what I found truly challenging when I first started was nailing the right approach. Many beginners, myself included at one point, fall into traps like letting personal biases creep in or thinking that being argumentative means being aggressive. Trust me, that's not the case at all!
In this section, I'm going to lay out an effective approach on how to write an argumentative essay step by step for beginners. I'll break it down in a way that I wish someone had done for me when I was starting out. Plus, I'll share some insider tips on tools like WPS Office that I've come to rely on to streamline my writing process. So let's learn how to write an argumentative essay with a few examples.
When I sit down to craft an argumentative essay, my first step is to engage in a comprehensive brainstorming session. This is your opportunity to let your creativity run wild and explore every angle of your topic. Write down every idea that comes to you, whether it supports or opposes your topic. Remember, at this stage, there are no bad ideas.
Now, while there's nothing wrong with the classic pen and paper approach, I've found that using WPS Office takes my brainstorming to a whole new level. It's not just about having a digital notepad; the AI features often toss out ideas that I might never have thought of on my own. It's like having a creative partner who never gets tired! Let me show you how I use it:
Let's say our topic is "Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?"
Step 1: Open WPS Office and type "@AI" on a blank document to activate WPS AI.
Step 2: Click on the "Brainstorm" option and enter your prompt. Make sure it's detailed and clearly explains what you want. Here's an example of an effective prompt:
"Generate a list of arguments both for and against the idea that electric cars are better for the environment. Consider factors like emissions, manufacturing processes, battery disposal, and energy sources"
Step 3: WPS AI will generate several arguments on both sides. If you want more, simply click "Rewrite”.
Jot down any valuable arguments before hitting "Rewrite", as you might not see the same ones again.
With these arguments in hand, you'll likely find yourself leaning towards one side of the debate. Armed with a variety of points and counterpoints, you'll be well-equipped to write an effective argumentative essay. Remember, a strong argumentative essay is built on a foundation of thorough preparation and diverse ideas.
Now that we've generated our initial arguments and counterarguments, it's time to dive deeper into research to strengthen our position. Let's continue with our example topic: "Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?"
Let's continue with our example topic: "Are Electric Cars Better for the Environment?" Our next step is to select the most impactful supporting arguments and conduct in-depth research to substantiate them with solid evidence. Simultaneously, we'll identify the strongest counterarguments and explore ways to address or neutralize them through our research.
All of this might seem a little overwhelming, but with the help of WPS AI, the research phase becomes significantly more manageable. As we gather research papers, we can upload them to WPS Office and quickly gain insights using the AI features.
Here's how to leverage WPS AI for efficient research:
Step 1: Open your research paper PDFs in WPS Office, then click on the WPS AI widget in the top right corner.
Step 2: In the WPS AI panel that appears on the right side of your screen, click "Upload" to add your PDF.
Step 3: Once processed, WPS AI will provide you with key insights from the PDF at a glance.
Step 4: For more specific information, click on the "Inquiry" tab and use the WPS AI chatbot to ask further questions about the PDF contents.
As you conduct your research, begin organizing your findings into an outline. Remember to structure your outline according to the elements we discussed in previous sections. This will ensure your outline contains all the necessary components for an effective argumentative essay.
Now that we have our research and outline ready, it's time to start writing our first draft. This is where your essay really starts to take shape. Don't worry about perfection at this stage—the goal is to get your ideas down coherently.
Using the outline we prepared during our research, you'll find it easier to organize your thoughts for your essay. To make things simpler, use WPS Office editing tools. When I write my essay, I always ensure it is properly formatted, giving it a cleaner look and helping me focus better.
Now, simply start your draft on WPS Office with an introduction, followed by a body paragraph, and conclude with a strong summary that reviews your main points and leaves the reader with something to think about.
Once you have your draft ready, make use of WPS Office's AI features, which can help you improve writing, shorten or elongate your paragraphs, and much more. Let's say you've written your first body paragraph, and it's a bit too long. So, let's shorten it with WPS AI:
Step 1: Select the paragraph you want to shorten, then click on the WPS AI icon in the hover menu.
Step 2: From the list of options, simply click on "Make shorter" to shorten your paragraph.
Step 3: WPS AI will display the shorter version on a small screen. Click on "Replace" to replace the original text with the shorter version.
Congratulations on completing your first draft! However, there is one crucial step remaining: revising and proofreading. Revising and proofreading are where good essays become great essays.
A method I find most effective for revising my essay is reading it aloud. This technique helps in identifying awkward phrasing and run-on sentences that may go unnoticed when reading silently. As you read, ask yourself:
Does my introduction effectively grab the reader's attention and clearly state my thesis?
Do my body paragraphs each focus on a single main idea that supports my thesis?
Have I provided enough evidence to support each of my arguments?
Have I addressed potential counterarguments?
Does my conclusion effectively summarize my main points and leave a lasting impression?
You might find that you need to make some structural changes. For instance, you might realize that your second body paragraph would be more effective if it came first. Don't be afraid to move things around!
Once you have made the necessary changes to your essay, the next step is to ensure it does not have any grammatical errors. For this, I use WPS AI's spell check feature. With just a single click, WPS AI spell check ensures that my essay is complete and ready to be submitted!
WPS Office is already a premium choice among students, offering all the features needed to write a perfect essay. With WPS Office, students can write better without payment issues, annoying ads, or difficulty navigating the tools. It's a free tool with advanced features, including WPS AI, which supports the entire writing process.
WPS AI carefully scans your essay for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes, ensuring that your writing is polished and professional. This feature not only helps you avoid common errors but also enhances the readability and credibility of your work.
WPS AI offers suggestions to improve the style and tone of your writing, making it more engaging and suitable for your target audience. Whether your essay requires a formal academic tone or a more conversational approach, WPS AI tailors its recommendations to fit your needs, ensuring your writing is coherent and compelling.
Here's an example of WPS AI's 'Improve Writing' feature in action, enhancing the formality and persuasiveness of my body paragraph for the reader.
From the initial brainstorming phase to the final touches, WPS AI provides comprehensive writing assistance. It helps you structure your arguments logically, develop clear and concise thesis statements, and refine your conclusions. WPS AI also offers suggestions for enhancing clarity and coherence, making the writing process smoother and more efficient.
With the assistance of WPS AI's 'Continue Writing' feature, we can extend our essays by seamlessly incorporating additional sections that complement the existing content's flow and tone.
1. what’s the difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay.
An argumentative essay is typically more extensive and requires independent research to establish a unique claim regarding a specific topic. It includes a thesis statement that presents a debatable assertion, which must be supported by objective evidence. In contrast, an expository essay strives for objectivity but does not propose an original argument. Instead, it aims to clarify and explain a topic straightforwardly, such as a process or concept. Generally, expository essays are shorter and do not rely as heavily on research.
In a college environment, accurately citing sources is vital for essays, research papers, and other academic assignments, but this requirement does not extend to exams or in-class tasks. Proper citations are needed for direct quotes, paraphrased material, and summaries, and it is necessary to provide complete source information in a bibliography or reference list. Following the specified citation style, such as APA or MLA, is essential for maintaining academic integrity. Whenever you utilize information or ideas from another work in college-level writing, proper citation is required to acknowledge the original source.
An argumentative essay is a type of writing that asserts a specific stance on a debatable issue, backing it up with reasoning and evidence. The main objective is to convince the reader to accept or seriously consider the author's viewpoint. This essay usually contains a clear thesis statement and develops arguments while addressing opposing views to reinforce its position. Ultimately, it seeks to encourage critical engagement with the topic at hand.
Argumentative essays are possibly the most thought-provoking when it comes to writing, presenting a higher difficulty level. Despite the challenge on how to write an argumentative essay, they are also the most fun to write, as they allow you to express your opinions in a highly opinionated form. WPS Office strives to enhance your writing experience, and as a writer, I can vouch for this. WPS Office not only offers advanced tools like WPS AI to help refine and improve your writing skills but also provides options to make your work as presentable as you want it to be. Download WPS Office today to experience the difference.
15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.
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When you're writing a persuasive essay, you need more than just an opinion to make your voice heard. Even the strongest stance won't be compelling if it's not structured properly and reinforced with solid reasoning and evidence. Learn what elements every argumentative essay should include and how to structure it depending on your audience in this easy step-by-step guide.
An argumentative essay presents a complete argument backed up by evidence and analysis. It is the most common essay type at university.
An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that uses logical evidence and empirical data to convince readers of a particular position on a topic. Because of its reliance on structure and planning, the first step in writing one is often drafting a solid argumentative essay outline.
There are three main areas where you want to focus your energy as you develop a strategy for how to write an argumentative essay: supporting your claim—your thesis statement—in your essay, addressing other viewpoints on your topic, and writing a solid conclusion.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write an argumentative essay: 1. Introduction. Begin with a compelling sentence or question to grab the reader's attention. Provide context for the issue, including relevant facts, statistics, or historical background.
An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that uses factual evidence and logical support to convince the reader of a certain way of thinking. Although many types of essays aim at persuading the reader to believe a specific point of view, argumentative essays rely heavily on hard evidence, drawing on other studies and sources to prove their argument is best.
The argumentative essay is a staple in university courses, and writing this style of essay is a key skill for students across multiple disciplines. Here's what you need to know to write an effective and compelling argumentative essay.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay An argumentative essay is a structured, compelling piece of writing where an author clearly defines their stance on a specific topic. This is a very popular style of writing assigned to students at schools, colleges, and universities. Learn the steps to researching, structuring, and writing an effective argumentative essay below.
Time-tested methods for writing an effective argumentative essay can help you present solid and convincing evidence to support your stance.
An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance. An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the ...
6 Steps to Write an Argumentative Essay (Persuasion Formula) Use this checklist to tackle your essay one step at a time: 1. Research an issue with an arguable question. To start, you need to identify an issue that well-informed people have varying opinions on.
An argumentative essay in academic writing is where one takes a stance on a particular topic, presents arguments to support that stance, and aims to persuade readers to accept the point of view presented. Read this to learn how to write an argumentative essay with examples, create an argumentative essay outline, and gain expert tips for authors.
Learn how to write an argumentative essay with this guide and get an understanding of crafting compelling arguments with helpful AI tools.
Instructions on how to write an argumentative essay, including how to craft an enticing introduction, write a thesis statement, and outline your essay.
Here's our 12-step recipe for writing a great argumentative essay: Pick a topic. Choose your research sources. Read your sources and take notes. Create a thesis statement. Choose three main arguments to support your thesis statement —now you have a skeleton outline.
Understanding how to structure and write an argumentative essay is a useful skill. Strong argumentative essays present relevant evidence that supports an argument and convinces the audience of a particular stance. This type of essay provides the reader with a thorough overview of a topic, covering all facets, but also attempts to persuade the reader into agreeing with the author's point of ...
Learn how to write an argumentative essay with the help of argumentative essay examples. Use our argumentative essay outlines as a guide to essay writing.
A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay. It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.
Learn the essential steps and tips on how to write a compelling and persuasive argumentative essay that effectively presents your viewpoint and supports it with solid evidence and reasoning.
Learn how to start an argumentative essay in five steps and discover what to include in your document to ensure it's professional, concise, and persuasive.
Discover what an argumentative essay is, how you can use one to persuade others and steps and tips for writing an essay with a persuasive argument.
Some argumentative essays are impassioned, filled with emotion because you strongly believe in what you are writing about. Other argumentative essays rely more strictly on research or evidence. All argumentative essays are designed to help you state your case in a clear and convincing way. This article will help you write an argumentative essay.
Engaging ways to start an essay include stating a surprising fact, asking a thought-provoking question, or even using humor to reel readers in.
Nail these three elements, and you're on your way to crafting an engaging and persuasive essay. 1. Relevance. When you pick current argumentative essay topics, you're tapping into issues that people are already thinking and talking about. That's key to grabbing your reader's attention.
An argumentative essay uses factual evidence and logical support to convince the reader of a particular point of view. Here's a breakdown of the structure and what goes into each part of an argumentative essay: Basic Argumentative Essay Structure. 1.Introduction. Purpose: Introduce the topic, present the thesis, and set up the argument. Contents: