Outlines key steps for how to write an argumentative essay, from deciding on a topic to the essay structure and parts, style and tips.
In order to write an essay correctly, one basically needs to know the different essay forms.
Different types of essays can be distinguished depending on the topic and approach:
- The comparative essay deals with two different topics, which in a certain way are related and contrasted. In this way, differences and similarities between these two topics are worked out.
- The explanatory essay relates to a specific situation or process and has the task of explaining and explaining it. To do this, he cites the most important aspects of the respective topic.
- The analytical essay analyzes and interprets a literary work in terms of its motifs, characters and meanings.
- The argumentative essay (which is what this guide will teach you to write) is about convincing the reader of your own point of view. You discuss a specific topic and contrast pro and contra arguments .
Argumentative essays also require a critical analysis of the topic. It should be mentioned that argumentative essays require the objectivity of the writer. So if you are asked to write an argumentative essay, try to be as objective and flexible as possible.
The 4 key factors in how to write an argumentative essay
There are myriad ways to approach writing the essay, but the most important factors in how to write an argumentative essay are:
- Find a concrete and controversial argument as a basis.
- Structure your essay correctly. Structure and formatting can be of great help in formulating your thoughts and getting them down on paper.
- Do research as much as possible. Researching your own argument as well as any arguments that may be in direct opposition to the one you have chosen.
- The more you flesh out a good topic and back it up with research, the better your essay will inevitably be.
Choosing a topic
It has to be said that by choosing a topic that is too simple, you are doing yourself a disservice. You are more likely to steer towards a low grade.
Choose a topic that is very interesting to you. If there is no passion in an argumentative essay, then there is nothing to get the reader’s attention. In order to advance your argument, it is imperative for you to be passionate about whatever topic you pick. If you don’t believe in it then nobody else will either.
Choose your topic from the most topical and controversial topics. From abortion to human trafficking – the sky is the limit when it comes to bringing a heated topic up as an argument.
Think about your stance – are you going to be for or against the human trafficking?
Once you have a good topic in mind, the next step is to move on to the actual research and then come up with objective and well-balanced facts.
Look at all possible angles for the argument when researching
You have to look at the main task from all possible angles, and it takes time to find the necessary sources and to evaluate them.
You will need to be able to substantiate the facts and cleverly fuse them with your stance to achieve a solid argumentative essay. Think long and hard to be better able to perceive where you are trying to argumentatively take the subject.
Do your homework – there are undoubtedly others who have argued for or against the topic you have chosen. You will also need the time to research how your predecessors discussed their stance. This is not to say you should be reflecting this stance, but it could give you heads and / or better tips on which direction to approach when it comes to the ebb and flow of the argument.
Know your opposition – Every argumentative topic has one per side and an opposite side. The best possible strategy to use when writing the article is to know your opponent’s attitude towards the problem. If you know how your opponent is going to think, or what rebuttal he or she is trying to use, then you will have an upper hand in how to discuss him or her. Knowing your opponent is necessary.
Find the facts – What kind of argumentative essay is it when there are no facts? The bottom line is that you need facts to support your argument on your contentious issue. Nobody wants to look like a dilettante. To avoid such a situation you will need to have cognitive and verifiable facts that will fully support your argument.
While it is important to present all sides of the task, don’t forget to have a critical attitude. As such, argumentative essays should have a clear structure, they should be both logical and easy to read. Clear justifications make your essay rational.
Structuring a good argument
Good arguments are the most important thing for argumentative texts . A distinction is made between pros and cons. Therefore, when writing an argumentative essay, one speaks of a pro-con discussion.
Pro-arguments support an opinion, while cons disagree. Every good argument has three parts :
- Thesis / assertion / claim
- Reasoning
- example / evidence
The reasoning is always convincing if it presents the facts in detail and leaves no questions unanswered for the reader. Your argument will be more convincing with appropriate examples, because you can use them to support and clarify your statements.
Examples of the structure of an argument
- Thesis / claim: It is advantageous for students if they take a part-time job in the afternoon.
- Reason: Because this is how you earn your own money and learn to use it responsibly.
- Example/evidence: Cite the experience of students who have taken a job, earned money and used it responsibly.
How to write an argumentative essay: structure
Your critical assessment skills will be strengthened by writing argumentative essays correctly. You should not underestimate this, it is a desirable development for your further academic career.
How to write an essay outline
Before moving on to the write the essay, create a brief outline. This enables you to divide the information into groups under the respective paragraphs. Use the argument structure we outlined above, and start by fitting your arguments into it in dot-point form, and working out which order they should go in. Then convert the dot points to concise and clear sentences.
The essay outline can then be turned into the foundation for the essay introduction (which itself can include the brief outline). The essay outline also gives you a strong structure for subheadings throughout the essay, which helps you to format and write it faster and better.
How to write an essay Introduction
Start with an introduction in which you present your argument. In the introduction you state the topic on which you will present an argument or opinion. You should address the relevance and importance of the topic. The introduction serves to wake up the attention of the reader.
In addition, in the introduction you make it clear what your opinion is on the topic. Provide general background and describe your argument.
Body of the essay
In the main part, you will make at least two convincing arguments, each of which you will substantiate with evidence or examples. It is important that you carefully consider the order of your arguments. Sometimes it can be especially effective to start with the weakest argument to end with the most convincing argument.
To make your text more reflective, it can make sense to start the main part with a counter-argument. So mention the different opinion on the subject. Then you carry out your arguments and refute the counter-argument. Your opinion will be particularly convincing if you summarize the so-called pro + con points. After carefully studying all the arguments and counter arguments, support them with clear evidence from your research.
Assign a separate paragraph to each idea or argument. Your task as the author is to maintain objectivity; to do this, you have to work on every single point equally. In other words, don’t let subjectivity permeate your work that would destroy the meaning and structure of the essay.
How to write an essay conclusion
There is nothing extraordinary to consider when summarizing your argumentative essay; you should not include any new information, keep it brief but comprehensive. Start with a summary sentence and repeat your topic-related question. If you feel it necessary, give your personal opinion in a non-influencing manner. Summarize the pros and cons of your essay. Make sure that you always get straight to the point.
Style
Just like the structure, the style plays a decisive role in an argumentative essay. It is not very different from other academic essays: use formal vocabulary, stick to a neutral choice of words (avoid slang or slang), let the transition from one point to another flow smoothly.
