Of the different types of essays that you find around is an argumentative essay. It’s a different category of academic paper, you have to present arguments based on logical facts while persuading your readers to agree with you. If you don’t know how to structure an argumentative essay, continue reading the post to learn more about it.
Table of Contents
What is argumentative writing?
In general, argumentative writing is all about proving a certain point. However, when doing so, the writer has to keep things in mind such as supporting evidence to the argument, persuasive debate, and effective rhetoric. The writing is well-structured and attempts are made to convince the readers that the writer is correct.
How to outline an argumentative essay in 5 easy steps:
Argumentative essays should be straightforward so that readers can follow the structure easily. So, how to write an argumentative essay? Follow this structure and you will write an impressive essay.
1. Introduction
To get started, make a good introductory paragraph. Make sure that the first paragraph of the essay should narrate the topic in easy language, and provide the necessary background information to understand the argument and the evidence that supports your beliefs.
2. Thesis statement
The thesis statement is a part of the first paragraph of your essay. However, it’s a one-sentence, precise summary that tells readers about the main point of the essay and what the writer claims.
3. Body texts
Typically, argumentative essays have three or more body texts or paragraphs. These paragraphs explain why you support the thesis. Each paragraph should cover an idea with necessary evidence supporting the claim. Additionally, it should contain a topic sentence that explains why readers should agree with what the writer says.
4. Research your ideas
Research your findings and organize the same in the thesis. The body paragraphs should contain evidence that backs up your claim. Therefore, ensure that the essay is filled with citations, case studies, intuitive statistics, examples, and other research. Disapprove points while explaining why you did so. When you present facts from different angles, it adds credibility and helps gain the reader’s trust.
5. Aim for a great conclusion
The conclusion is the last paragraph that summarizes and restates all the arguments made in the body paragraphs. There is no need to add new arguments and facts in this section. A great conclusion falls in line with the reader’s emotions.
Types of argument claims:
When you know the nature of your argument including the thesis statement, think of how you can present the argument. Below listed are the different types of argument claims that give a boost to your essay.
- Value – What convinced you to make the argument?
- Definition – It reflects what you are arguing for. Also, it includes your interpretation of the argument.
- Facts – These reflect whether or not the statement is true.
- Policy – What makes the reader care about the argument and how should they react?
- Cause & effect – What caused the problem and the effects that it carries?
The main argument types and how to use them:
Below mentioned are the three main argument types. You can either use any one of them or combine them.
1. Toulmin
This type of argument is suitable for polarizing topics. You have to present your claim, and evidence that supports your claim, and justify the evidence associated with your claim.
2. Rogerian
This type of argument is suitable for polarizing topics. Address the problem, support the opposite side, make yourself clear, and explain why your claim should benefit the readers.
3. Classical
This type of argument is the most common because the readers don’t have information about the topic. Writers should present their arguments and opinions while convincing the readers that they are right.
Argumentative essay examples:
Here are some examples of argumentative writing that help you structure your essays.
- Is Parental Involvement in Abortion a Must?
- Advertising: Informative or Manipulative
- Case Against Banning of Books
Conclusion:
An argumentative essay not only allows the writer to articulate and improve their position but helps certain readers to reconsider what they believed based on the topic of the argument. Argumentative essays are the most persuasive ones because they incorporate other aspects of the subject or provide counter-arguments. Hopefully, the steps mentioned above will help you write argumentative essays in the best possible way. If you are interested in how to write proposals or writing tips, read some of my other articles.