Argumentative Essay Definition
An argumentative essay is a powerful tool for presenting your perspective on an issue. It can be used to highlight both sides of the argument equally, or one side might take preference over another.
You can do this when you are very knowledgeable about topics involved in writing this type paper beforehand. It shows that you've thought through your opinions more deeply than others who don't have as much expertise or knowledge within those fields.
The argumentative essay is a type of writing that persuasive writers use to convince the reader and win over opposing views. They're based on logic and need evidence to support your claim for readers.
One of the most important things in an argumentative essay is to engage your reader from start to finish with strong critical thinking skills. This will make sure that they're engaged and not bored by what you have written, which would lead them to persuade.
Argumentative Essay Structure
The three major models for an argumentative essay are as follows:
1. Classical Model
The classical model of argumentation is a great way for writers to follow when making their arguments. It is an outline that writers follow to convince their readers.
This process includes making arguments on both sides, then following up with strong evidence in support.
2. Toulmin Model
The Toulmin model of argumentation is a much-debated system that proposes eliminating emotion from discussions by only presenting one side.
According to its creator, Stephen E.Toulmin, it eliminates the need for any bias or personal opinion when engaging in an argument.
3. Rogerian Model
Rogers' theory seeks to understand both sides of an issue and find common ground. The name comes from Carl Rogers, who founded this approach with patients during therapy sessions.
He believed that considering both sides of perspective can help readers better comprehend.
How to Start an Argumentative Essay?
The first step to writing an argumentative essay is knowing your goal for the paper.
1. Carefully Read the Instructions
It's important to follow the instructions when writing an essay, especially since there is specific guidance for each assignment. This will help you avoid any problems and ensure your process goes smoothly without issue.
2. Come up with an Interesting Topic
It's always best to choose a topic that is interesting and unique. You can browse the internet, read articles or books for inspiration.
3. Conduct an Analysis
The best way to come up with an interesting opinion on a topic is by conducting research. This will allow you to figure out what your point-of-view should be and why it's better than other viewpoints.
4. Use Authentic Sources
To defend your argument, you need strong facts and logical data. You need to use authentic sources for your argumentative essay so as not to sound like it's just made up facts.
Authentic sources will help you back up anything being argued about or against without fail!
5. Create an Argumentative Essay Outline
An outline is a powerful tool for organizing your thoughts and keeping readers engaged. The argumentative essay has three main parts containing all the information needed, which helps you stay on track while writing it!
- Introduction
- Body Paragraph 1
- Body Paragraph 2
- Body Paragraph 3
- Conclusion
6. Make a Schedule
The process of writing an argumentative essay can take up a lot of your time and require extensive research. If you don't manage yourself well, it will be impossible for you to complete the work on schedule!
So, you must learn how best to keep yourselves organized, so there are no complications when a deadline is near.
Pre-writing is a great way to stay organized and on track with your essay. It will help you follow the instructions and guidelines before writing each part of it!
How to Write an Argumentative Essay?
The idea of an argumentative essay is to convince your reader that they should take up a particular side in any debate or discussion.
The process can be tricky, but once you get the hang, there are many ways to capture readers’ attention and make them believe what we want.
You should never be aggressive or offensive when writing an argumentative essay. Instead, use positive words to defend your point of view, and don't use any negative phrases that would upset anyone reading it!
Here is a standard structure for writing an argumentative essay:
Argumentative Essay Introduction
You should argue against the opponents’ view and give brief background information in your introduction. You can state what you plan on arguing by providing evidence from an authoritative source.
In addition to this, the introductory paragraph of an argumentative essay should have the following key elements.
- Hook Sentence
The hook sentence is a catchy phrase designed to seek attention from the reader. A good hook sentence should not only be eye-catching but also explain your position on the topic and introduce it interestingly for readers.
- Background Information
You can never underestimate the power of background information. It's what supports your purpose and reason for arguments, so make sure it stands out with why exactly you choose the particular topic.
- Connect
Connecting sentences is a great way to clearly show the connection between historical background and thesis statement.
- Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is an important part of any type of essay. They can help you make your thoughts clear, which in turn makes it easier for readers to understand what you're trying to say.
This is what makes up your entire essay. It defines the core, and without it, you won't have any substance or meaning to your work!
Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs
The body of an essay is where you should put all the evidence that supports your argument. This helps defend against any opposing arguments, but make sure that you also leave room for another point-of-view!
All three body paragraphs should start with a topic sentence that explains its paragraph’s key points.
Counter Argument
When discussing an argument, it is important to address any counterarguments that may arise. A counterargument opposes your original viewpoint and expresses the opposite view on what you just discussed. In this way, there’s no room left for confusion or misconception among readers.
It is essential to back up your argument with research and examination. A counter-argument shows that you have cared enough to take both sides to understand the situation from all perspectives better.
‘The strength of an opinion lies not only on what we say but also how well it proves.’
Conclusion
Summarizing your argument in the conclusion is important to remind readers about what they are reading. Include a summary of the thesis statement that should pique their interest and keep them engaged till the end.
At this point, you need to summarize other major points that have been covered. Your summary should not exceed four sentences, and it must be concise enough for the reader's attention span with information specifically relevant to their needs.
Proofreading
Proofreading your essay is an essential part of the process that ensures you receive high grades. Simply read through it, look out for any mistakes in grammar or spelling and correct them before submitting!
This is the most important step in writing an effective essay. Small grammatical mistakes can turn your work into something illogical, making it difficult for readers to understand what you're trying to say.
The importance of this step cannot be overstated; make sure you repeat it as many times necessary until your writing is error-free.
Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
The following graphic is an organizational tool that will help you plan and write your essay. It has all the parts in order; take a look at it:
Argumentative Essay Examples
Have you ever wondered what makes a good essay? Here are some perfect examples of arguably written pieces:
Argumentative Essay Topics
The following list of argumentative essay topics is sure to inspire you to write your own great paper!
- Social media in the United States
- Issues surrounding organ donation.
- Is the cost of college too high?
- Should cigarette smoking be banned?
- Is America ready for a female president?
- Is feminism still important?
- Is it worth exploring space?
- Should high school students work during the school year?
- Are beauty pageants exploitative?
- Should voter registration be automatic?
Argumentative Essay Writing Tips
If you're looking to get an A+, here are five main claims that make up an argument.
- Fact: Whether the argument is true or false?
- Definition: What does the argument actually mean?
- Value: How significant is the argument?
- Cause and effect: What causes the problem, and what are its implications?
- Policy: What should the reader do about it?
Make sure that you add and discuss all these claims in your essay.
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