How to Write an Argumentative Essay (Guide)

An argumentative essay is a written piece that takes a particular stance on an issue and supports the same with hard facts. A good argumentative essay requires the author to gather and determine the facts/evidence generated and present it in a way that persuades the reader. 

Argumentative essays are very commonly given as assignments in universities. Look no further if you are a college student who needs to write an argumentative essay. This article will explore everything you need to remember while writing one. 

With that, let’s get into the details and help you exile in writing an effective argumentative essay! 

Tips to Write an Argumentative Essay! 

Every student is different, and so is their writing style. However, understanding the basics of writing an argumentative essay will help you write better. So, continue reading the tips below to start your essay-writing journey without hassle!

1. Choosing The Correct Topic 

While selecting a topic for an argumentative essay, one must ensure that the topic is neither too broad nor too limited. The topic should also preferably interest, intrigue, or appeal to the writer, that is you. Research the topic and then take a stance that has the maximum credible research available. 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay - Choose Correct Topic

2. Ensure Proper Format is Followed: 

The most important job while writing an essay is ensuring the correct format. In an argumentative essay, the goal is to keep a straightforward structure so that the reader can easily follow the argument being made by the writer. 

One must follow the general format, which is as follows: 

  • Introduction: every good essay should have an introductory paragraph that engages the reader and makes the reader curious about the issue. 
  • The hypothesis: A one-line statement of the main point being claimed. 
  • Main paragraphs: generally, an argumentative essay is divided into paragraphs based on the points being made to support the arguments. Every point should be supported with proper evidence. It’s also important to outline the views opposite the article’s argument and disprove them. Representing arguments from all viewpoints helps the reader trust the writer’s credibility. 
  • Conclusion: a reasonable conclusion is a summary of the argument. As all the points are already stated in detail, there is no need to introduce new evidence. Instead, connecting with the reader’s emotions may help. 

3. Research the Issue Thoroughly:

Assignments requiring argumentative essays frequently necessitate thorough research or previously published material study. 

Empirical research, in which the student gathers information through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments, may also be required for argumentative tasks. The student can choose a position and support it with the evidence gathered through detailed research. This allows the student to learn about the topic and different points of view regarding it. 

Research the Issue Thoroughly

Argumentative essays must develop a distinct thesis and adhere to logical reasoning regardless of the quantity or type of research used.

4. Support The Argument With Proper Evidence: 

In an argumentative essay, it is crucial to support the arguments with evidence. There are three main categories of evidence that helps in gaining the reader’s trust: Facts, judgment, and testimonials. 

Adding reliable facts, statistics, studies, and text citations will strongly impact your essay—the things which can’t be refuted. For example, while writing an article on how smoking kills, one can support the argument by stating that it causes cancer with factual evidence. This helps in establishing trust with the reader. 

On the other hand, judgments are assumptions a writer makes based on these facts. Based on the fact that smoking causes cancer and supporting the same with statistics can make the judgment that smoking is a leading cause of cancer. 

Finally, testimonials are statements by eyewitnesses and expert witnesses. Testimonials can be added from patients, their families, and doctors who specialize in such cases. 

Including all three kinds of evidence is vital in a good argumentative essay. 

5. Plagiarism-Free

One should ensure that every piece of information used is properly cited. The writer should ensure that she avoids using another’s argument without giving proper credit. Plagiarism is a severe offense and takes away the credibility of the writer. 

Further, there are specific additional points one should keep in mind while writing an argumentative essay: 

  • Make sure only to include evidence from credible sources. 
  • Only mention the most effective points to make the argument instead of listing all. 
  • Don’t just provide evidence after evidence. Instead, build up your argument and then use the evidence to support the same. 
  • Form an argument about specific texts concerning opposing views and then compare. 

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Concluding Thoughts: Writing Perfect Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays will become easy for you to write if you keep the details mentioned above in mind. Make sure your argument is clear and precise. The reader will enjoy your argumentative essay as long as you make it exciting and credible! 

We hope our tips helped you understand and write an argumentative essay better. 

Ryan Harris

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