Argumentative Essay Writing Tips

Every student meets various tasks on their learning path during life in college. One of the most common ones is writing an essay. Not only is this the most efficient way to check students’ writing skills, but a good way to develop other, not less important qualities. Among all the types of essays, perhaps the most challenging one to write is an argumentative one. Here, you have to provide the most detailed analyzes, make a deep research, conduct some interviews, experimentations and gather all the results into one piece of writing. Here you find some helpful recommendations to make your essay look decent and solid.

Understanding What an Argumentative Essay Is

An argumentative essay is an academic piece of writing, in which students have to take a stand on a specific topic or issue. To prove the view, the author has to gather relevant evidence and present it in a logical and coherent manner. The goal is to persuade the reader that the offered perspective is right.

As a high school and college student, you will write a good number of such papers. You will deal with different topics and disciplines. However, if you know the guiding principles of argumentative essay writing, you will cope with any requirements for your politics, science, literature, technology, history, or any other class.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step by Step

Doing different writing projects is one of the main tasks students need to fulfill while studying. That is why it is essential to be aware of the chief points of the writing process. We have compiled a list of the main points which you should bear in mind when preparing your papers.

• Conduct Research. The most important thing is to gather enough information about the analyzed issue. Until you do not have all the necessary data about argumentative essay topics you are exploring, do not start the writing process. When doing research, you are free to use books, articles, browse web pages or refer to any other sources. There are a great number of online resources presenting handy prompts on how to write an argumentative essay step by step. However, you have to choose the most reliable ones. In case you are confused about your subject or argumentative essay format, ask your professor to explain everything clearly. As soon as you collect material for your project and make a plan, you may begin every writing.

• Writing Stage. The first thing you need to do is compose an engaging introductory paragraph. Introduce your subject to readers and precisely state what aspects you are going to discuss. Keep in mind that is necessary to produce and follow a rough argumentative essay outline when writing your paper not to miss any of the points you intend to analyze. Once the opening paragraph is ready, start preparing the body. It should provide readers with relevant facts about the subject, wonderful examples, and illustrative material. The first body paragraph should present the most powerful argument. If you have any problems with preparing your piece of writing, follow the directions described in this article and you will understand how to write an argumentative essay well.

• Formal Style of Writing. An argumentative essay has to be written in formal language as well as the majority of academic papers.

Argumentative Essay Format

A standard structure for such papers allows the reader to follow the writer’s reasoning and understand the viewpoint. Your task is to make the most of each element and organize facts and assumptions effectively. If you are eager to create a strong paper, follow this argumentative essay format:

1. Introduction. The opening paragraph has to provide context. Give the background information necessary for the reader to understand your argumentation. Also, list the evidence you are going to use and present your thesis statement.
   The thesis. This element deserves special attention. A thesis is a summary of your argumentation. You will build the entire paper on this single sentence.
2. Body. As a rule, you will need a few key ideas for your essay. Do not try to cover too much ground. Otherwise, such shallow arguments will affect the quality of your paper. A typical essay focuses on three-five reasons. You have to develop a separate section to discuss each reason in detail. Pay attention to the structure of paragraphs. Each paragraph has to include a clear topic sentence. All body paragraphs have to refer to the thesis. Use different types of evidence to support your viewpoint, including facts, statistical data, and citations from the literature. Create logical transitions between different parts of the paper. Be sure to include an alternative view. You do not have to agree with it. Furthermore, at the end, you will have to disprove it. “Then what is the point?” – you might ask. Discussing an issue from different perspectives will add credibility to your paper. It is a certain way to gain the trust and attract the attention of the intended readers.
3. Conclusion. In the closing paragraph, restate your thesis in light of the arguments discussed in the body. Do not introduce any new information in this part. Instead, appeal to the emotions of your readers. You can also describe your personal experience with the topic and share your observations.

How To Write An Argumentative Essay In The Formal Style

We offer you to take a look at the set of instructions provided below to see how to write an argumentative essay step by step in the formal style.

Words not to use in an essay

Avoid using personal pronouns, as it can cause wordiness. You should remove such phrases as “To my mind…,” “I consider it…” if they are present in your sentences. Readers do know who the author of the work is. There is no need to remind them of it twice by using the mentioned structures.

Consider the formal tone examples given below:

• I find this hero brave.
• This hero is brave.

The second sentence is more formal and shows that the writer firmly states a fact.

Instead of personal pronouns, you may use the following formal tone examples: “reader,” “addresses,” “one,” “recipients,” “readers,” etc. Still, make sure you do not overuse the mentioned words.

Example:

• I can feel the hero’s embarrassment.
• One can feel the hero’s embarrassment.

Do not say “you” meaning readers

Your paper will sound informal if you address readers by using the personal pronouns “you, your.” These pronouns can be replaced with such words as “viewers,” “readers,” ‘the one,’ etc.

Do not use contractions

The words that use an apostrophe instead of a particular letter are called contractions. For instance, “don’t,” “they’re,” and others. Instead, use the following forms “do not,” “they are,” etc. Thus, your essay will sound formal.

Read the formal tone examples presented below:

• The hero doesn’t know he can’t rely on the people surrounding him.
• The hero does not know he cannot rely on the people surrounding him.

Slang and colloquial words not to use in an essay

Colloquial words refer to informal language and are inappropriate in academic writing. Here some examples of colloquialisms: “yea,” “buddy,” “OK,” etc. The words that are regarded as very informal are considered slang. For instance, “like crazy,” “mad,” and others.

Example:

• The buddy dropped his friend in it.
• The man caused problems for his friends.

You should be very attentive when replacing informal words with formal ones in order not to give your ideas the wrong sense. For example, if you write, “A lady robbed a bookstore” readers will not understand why a woman who robbed a bookstore is called a “lady.”

Refrain from using uncommon pronunciation

The words and word combinations that are pronounced and written against the established rules are not accepted in academic writing. You should avoid using such words as “himself,” “a lot,” “ain’t,” etc. The mentioned words are indicated in dictionaries as “ungrammatical,” as they are not formed according to the rules of English grammar.

Do not use abbreviations

No matter the argumentative essay topics you are covering, avoid using abbreviated forms of words. For instance, write “television,” “refrigerator” instead of “TV” and “fridge.”

Do not overload your paper with simple and short sentences

One more thing that can make your text informal is the excessive use of simple and short sentences. Certainly, such sentences are an absolutely common phenomenon in formal papers. Still, if you overburden the text with such phrases, it will lack a formal tone and readers may think that your vocabulary is poor.

Main Stages of Argumentative Essay Writing

You can divide the process of writing of argumentative essay into 3 main stages:

Planning

Start your writing process with an outline. Think hard about what you will include in the essay and what main points should be studied. Even though nobody requires you to show the finished outline, it will save you so much time that you will never regret getting a habit of writing one. Clarify the aim and proceed with writing.

Development

If you see a clear picture of how your essay will look like, it is time to dress it up and get some arguments to work. Think about the thesis statement and be sure you compose it with maximum attention as it is actually the most important sentence of your essay. In the main body provide the arguments and the supporting statements with some vivid examples. Add the results of your research, interview, and everything that you have prepared to your essay.

Wrap-up

By finishing your essay you are not done yet. It is advised to study some argumentative essay examples for high school to see how your own essay can benefit more. Also, prepare yourself to defend the essay if during the presentation you are asked some unexpected questions.

Concluding Remarks

Distinguish between the formal, presumptuous words (the ones primarily used to astonish readers) and jargon (the words used by people relating to a specific area, e.g. programming). Your work though written in formal style should not sound artificial. Mind that various cases require using various writing styles. A highly educated writer should know what language means to use to make one’s work academically sound regardless of argumentative essay topics. By using different literary devices (where applicable), and expressions, you will show readers your ability to properly analyze different subjects.

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Methods How to Write Argumentative Essay

Classical Method

Use this method if you are 100% sure you will manage to persuade readers to take your viewpoint on the matter. Readers may not be conversant with the explored issue. Thus, you have to convince them that your opinion about the subject is worth being shared. Below, there is a classical argumentative essay outline:

• Introductory section: presents the topic, catches readers’ attention.
• Narrative: provides basic data about the subject, highlights the key issue.
• Division: presents a thesis and illustrates main arguments.
• Argument: provides evidence supporting a thesis statement (this is the biggest part of your essay, i.e. its body).
• Rebuttal: proves that the contradicting viewpoint on the topic is invalid.
• Conclusion: sums up the key points, restates a thesis, and offers a solution to the central problem.

Rogerian Method

This technique is mostly used when the writer tries to arrive at a compromise because the debates about the subject are really fierce. You have to show readers that you are ready to change your opinion about the issue.

Key Features:

• Objectivity. Show that you understand there can be an opinion about the subject opposing yours. Readers will see that you are fair in your judgment.

E.g., there should not be cruel laboratory experiments on animals.

• Mutual agreement. Find the common point about the discussed phenomenon.

E.g., being adults, we have to fulfill some duties.

• Readiness to alter one’s personal opinion. Express willingness to change your viewpoint.

E.g., it is the right decision to find other ways of testing medicine than conducting experiments on animals.

• Concession. Try to work out a solution to the problem.

Example: It is essential to find other methods for testing medicine. Until that time, we are likely to continue doing experiments on animals.

Toulmin Strategy

The strategy is aimed at referring to reliable data and concrete facts to resolve the dispute. By using this method, your work will have the following argumentative essay format:

• Material: Provide arguments. E.g., thrillers have a negative influence on child psychology.
• Assertion: Produce a statement which you are going to prove. E.g., the authorities should control television broadcasts.
• Guarantee: Interpret the data supporting your statement. E.g., administrative laws also govern other areas.
• Supporting evidence: Put forward more powerful arguments. Example: There are many other laws concerning TV broadcasting.
• Modifier: A word or expression such as “usually,” that restricts the statement. E.g., in the majority of cases, the authorities are required to monitor TV programs.
• Exceptions: Identify the issues which do not refer to the discussed situation, e.g., laws may not be obligatory if parents control the programs their children watch.

The discussed type of academic work can be of the following kinds:

• Argumentative: imparts facts to prove one’s opinion about the subject. Pay attention to these instructions on how to write an argumentative essay and you will succeed in creating such a paper.
• Personal: explains how the writer’s life has changed after facing some situations.
• Biographical/autobiographical: presents information about the writer or any other person.
• Informative: broadens readers’ knowledge about the matter.
• Expository: makes an assessment of the subject and provides a conclusion based on the obtained results.
• Narrative: tells a story about one’s experience.
• Discursive: examines the subject by illustrating two contradicting viewpoints.
• Analytical: performs a critical analysis of the issue.
• Critical: examines strong and weak points of the subject.
• Persuasive: convinces readers to accept the writer’s opinion.
• Response/reaction: gives a response to a movie, book, article, etc.

Using Argument Claims Effectively

Always start with the thesis. Once you have the main idea, you can easily develop claims to drive your essay. In most general terms, there are five types of claims:

• Fact: use a statement that is known to be true;
• Cause and effect: explain the connection between the reason and the result;
• Definition: provide a dictionary explanation and complement it with your interpretation;
• Value: explicate the significance of your argument in a larger context;
• Policy: urge the reader to take specific actions after reading your essay.

Now that you are well aware how to write argumentative essay claims, we can move forward.

Working with Different Types of Arguments

Aristotelian (classical), Rogerian, and Toulmin argumentations are the main methods used in such papers. Unless otherwise specified in the instructions, you can choose any argument. Just ensure you structure the essay according to the chosen type. Also, you can combine them and come up with your own approach.

In order to help you understand how to write an argumentative essay based on the specific method, let us discuss each type in greater detail.

1. Aristotelian Classical. It is the simplest and most popular method of argumentative reasoning. It traces its history back to Ancient Greece where it emerged a few centuries ago. In this type, you will introduce the problem, present your opinion, and provide evidence to prove it. Such an approach might be effective in discussing simple matters or when communicating with an audience that does not have a firm stance with regard to your topic.
2. Rogerian. In this type, you have to give the context of the issue, describe both sides of the argument, take a side, and justify your choice. This method is used with highly polarized readers in order to achieve a middle ground on the topic.
3. Toulmin. This method is based on three fundamental elements: the grounds, the claim, and the warrant. You make a claim, explain the grounds you used, and justify how the two are connected. This approach focuses on objective facts and requires a logical and gradual presentation of evidence. As a result, you ought to come up with a claim difficult to argue with.

If you need to create a solid essay, you have to be able to arrange your evidence and present your ideas in a clear and understandable manner.

If looking at the argumentative essay examples does not give you a hint on how to cope with your essay writing, do not get upset. You can contact us and ask us to help you choose a topic for your writing project. Many students do not know how to start writing and put all their ideas on paper, but everyone wants to become the best student in the class. We understand that students can be very busy and overloaded with home assignments, which deprive them of good sleep and proper rest. Our online writers will do everything possible to resolve your writing struggles.

Now, we are going to discuss how to write an argumentative essay that can make a difference. When preparing a persuasive essay, you need to help the reader see the issue from your perspective. To convince anyone of the rightness of your vision, choose a trending topic, conduct holistic and comprehensive research, find good evidence, and use persuasive language.

Choosing Argumentative Essay Topics

As you look through a list of possible topics, choose the one that is interesting to you. It has to be widely discussed in society and have at least two conflicting viewpoints. Both proponents and opponents have to possess strong evidence and logical reasoning.

Once you have a fit topic, create a list of evidence for all parties to the dispute. Try to be objective and unbiased. When picking a side do not go along with the majority just because it is an easy and low-risk option. Find an interesting perspective that you believe in. Take the stand. You will use points from this list to explain the rightness of your choice and build your argument.

If you desire to create an appealing paper grabbing readers’ attention, follow the tips described below to pick a great topic:

• Avoid insignificant topics.
• Choose the issue which people consider acute today. The selected subject should be disputable.
• You may concentrate on the question that has been discussed for decades.
• It is always thrilling to examine political issues.
• You can investigate the subjects relating to studies that irritate the majority of students.
• Do not choose the questions that people have no doubts about.
• Avoid discussing religious subjects or those relating to race and gender.
• Stick to the MLA or APA argumentative essay format (you will find a lot of examples on the Internet).
• Take into account people’s viewpoint on the picked topic.

Topic Ideas:

1. Is there any connection between human activity and global warming?
2. Does violence on TV impact children?
3. Do actors, SEO workers and athletes receive too high salaries?
4. Can use cell phones and other gadgets damage one’s health?
5. Is it moral to impose the death penalty?
6. Is the election procedure transparent?
7. Is it effective to make students wear a school uniform?
8. Is the tax system workable?
9. Is it ethical to conduct experiments on animals?
10. Can cheating be controlled?

EDUCATION

1. Possible political improvement that would benefit your local education.
2. Arguments against discrimination inside the educational system.
3. The efficiency of the current educational system.
4. Resources for maintaining proper studying capabilities.

TECHNOLOGIES

1. Now and Then. Comparing the life before and after the advent of modern technology.
2. Social media and its influence on children.
3. Application development and its impact on industrial systems.
4. Media expansion – reaction of the society.

MOVIES

1. Comedy in nowadays films.
2. Analyzing current movie plots.
3. Pop culture of modern cinema.

SPORT

1. Sports involvement to reduce juvenile delinquency.
2. Modern technologies in sport. How they changed the industry.
3. Using GMO-free products and their impact on athlete’s health.
4. Alternative mainstream games of the current world state.

Gather Enough Evidence

When looking for evidence, ensure you use only reliable and reputable sources. Study the topic holistically. To refute someone’s viewpoint, you have to understand it. Use reasonable ideas and facts and do not dramatize. Of course, you can appeal to emotions as a part of your argument but you have to operate on facts and examples. And remember, you are not acting but persuading. Therefore, stay calm and professional.

Consider different types and levels of evidence. For instance, think about how your topic influences you, your community, country, and even the entire world. Use proven facts, statistics, and expert opinions.

Craft an Essay

Once you gather enough information on the topic, you can finally start writing your paper. Persuasive essays follow a standard three-part structure: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. You can decide on the length of the paper and each section on your own. Introduce your topic in the introduction. Explain your reasoning in the body. And summarize the entire discussion in the conclusion.

Present Both Sides of the Argument

It is crucially important to acknowledge the opposing view. Without it, it is not even an argument but an assumption or assertion. First, determine the strongest aspect of the opposition and explain it in your paper. Be objective and provide the facts without speculation. Second, assume this perspective is wrong. Third, present your viewpoint. Fourth, prove your thesis in reasonable detail. Work to refute the opposing argument using the evidence you have gathered in your research.

Just Wrapping It Up

The conclusion not only summarizes your considerations but also draws the line in reason. After reading the closing sentence, the audience ought to have no doubts about the topic. You might use the last shocking fact or statistics that will leave no room for hesitation in the reader’s mind.

Final Argumentative Essay Writing Tips

It is high time to summarize our discussion, as well. These final recommendations will help you write a rational argument to persuade your reader:

• Use argumentative language to make your reasoning rational.
• Remember about the difference between logical reasoning and emotional appeal.
• Use real evidence from trustworthy sources.
• Cite all the borrowed ideas.

Here are a few tips to improve your writing:

• Develop an outline with the main ideas before writing the essay.
• Since you present your personal statement, write in the 1st person.
• Create a list of references while researching the topic.
• Always proofread your paper before submitting it to your professor.

We hope that after reading this article, you have a better understanding of how to write an argumentative essay. Now, you are ready to start your own project. With a little time and effort, you will definitely succeed. But if you cannot work on your paper for any reason, consider ordering it from our academic writing company.

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