How to write an argumentative essay
An argumentative essay is a genre of writing that uses concrete empirical data to persuade the reader to believe a specific view on a given topic. This kind of writing requires the author to research a topic, gather, assess evidence, and establish a stand on the topic. Delivering a compelling argumentative essay involves proper planning, extensive research, and a well laid out essay structure. Though the primary view of this essay is to persuade, the author must focus more on proving their argument is the best by relying deeply on solid evidence. This is what distinguishes persuasive essays which appeal more to the reader’s emotions from argumentative essays. Don’t let the name mislead you, argumentative essays don’t have to be antagonistic and confrontational; they get their name from the style of arguing whereby the writer presents appropriate research to both support their claim, and invalidate contrasting perspectives. In this guide, we seek to take you through the techniques and skills you require to write a creditable argumentative essay basing on an established argumentative essay structure.
Starting an Argumentative Essay
The first step in writing an argumentative essay is choosing a good argumentative essay topic. The topic should have two clear conflicting sides. Choosing a topic, you are passionate about will make the writing more convincing and also prompt you to conduct thorough research. After choosing a topic, brainstorming, research, and gathering of evidence should follow. Look for credible sources that provide facts, statistics analysis, and expert opinions. This evidence will be the pillar of your argument. Create an argumentative essay outline to help you organize your ideas and arguments.
How to write an argumentative essay outline?
Writing an effective argumentative essay hinges on how strongly you present your opinion. Therefore, the outline is critical. An argumentative essay requires a structured layout to guide the writer and the reader on an eloquent flow of ideas progressively. In our guide we will delve extensively into three different argumentative essay outlines namely; the Aristotelian approach also known as classic, the Toulmin model, and the Rogerian strategy. These distinctive outlines will equip the writer with diverse skills to construct a compelling argumentative essay.
How to write an argumentative essay outline
1.Aristotelian (Classic) Approach
Aristotelian is used when crafting upfront arguments. It offers a significant structure for a clear and persuasive argument. This approach follows a theory inspired by Aristotle’s Rhetorical theory. This approach requires the writer to incorporate elements of credibility(ethos), emotion (pathos), and reasoning (logos) to support their position on the topic, thus making it easy to use in a wide range of topics. Its outline follows a direct path consisting of an introduction, body, and conclusion;
- Introduction
Commence with a compelling introduction of the issue at hand.
Give background information on the topic.
Write your thesis: Express your main viewpoint on the matter.
- Body
Present the evidence backing up your stance
Give credible sources of your evidence
Use evidence to further persuade the reader
- Conclusion
Give a summary of your main supporting points
Articulate your thesis
Provide a persuasive concluding argument
2.The Toulmin model
The Toulmin model is normally used when you are handling a topic with complex issues that don’t have clear facts. It is also endorsed where the objective is to challenge or dispute an opposing point. The Toulmin model is designed to analyze arguments making it suitable for argumentative essays which emphasize the evaluation of the components of an argument, including the underlying assumptions and evidence. An argumentative essay structure in the Toulmin model follows the below outline;
- Claim
Plainly state your thesis or main argument.
- Reasons
Present your factual data to support your claim.
- Warrant
Create a connection between your claims and reasons clearly stating any assumptions for clarity.
- Backing
Present more evidence to reinforce and support your main claim.
- Qualifier
State any limits, constraints, or exceptions to your claim.
- Rebuttal
Address conflicting viewpoints and censures of your claim.
How to structure an argumentative essay
3.The Rogerian strategy
The Rogerian Strategy is an approach that stresses finding common ground and understanding between two opposing points. It was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers who aimed to encourage constructive exchange of ideas and reduce conflict. Argumentative essay structure in this strategy includes;
- Introduction
Create a common ground: identify shared beliefs and concerns between your views and the opposing views
- Context
Describe the issue from different perspectives
- State your Thesis
Present your stance on the issue and acknowledge the different viewpoints
- Body
Present your argument, and support your perspective. Refrain from using confrontational language
Demonstrate compassion and understanding while presenting your stance.
- Conclusion
Propose a compromise or a solution that takes into account the concerns and values of both sides.
Encourage further open communication.
You can also read How To Write Reflective Journals For Nursing. if your a nurse this article will assist you to understand how to write a reflective journal as a nurse
Mastering the art of an effective Argumentative Essay structure
Crafting an argumentative essay includes presenting a clear and constructive argument on a specific issue. An argumentative essay structure is essential for effectively communicating your view and for persuading the reader. The structure of an argumentative essay is critical and unique since you have to address the opposing point of view. Join us in this guide as we take you step by step on how to structure and format your argumentative essay;
- Introduction
Hook: The introduction of your argumentative essay should aim at grabbing your reader’s attention. Make your opening statement interesting to the reader. For example, is paying down the national deficit the most important issue of our time?
Background Information: Provide some background data on the topic to give the reader a better understanding. Briefly explain the dispute or issue at hand.
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument. This should reflect your stance on the issue.
- How to write a thesis statement?
The thesis statement in an argumentative essay is the argument or the position of the writer. It should be clearly stated. It should be backed up with sufficient evidence and facts. For example, “decreasing national deficits encourages a smaller accrued debt and therefore less risk to long-term economic growth and stability” or ‘The use of social media negatively impacts the mental wellbeing of adolescents in high school’. Such statements should be backed by numerous facts and evidences that should argue both for or against, depending on the position you may wish to take as a writer. However, these evidences should come in in the paragraphs succeeding the thesis statement. They should not be included as part of the statement as this may impact its precision.
- Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentences: begin each paragraph with a rich topic sentence that presents the main point of that paragraph
Supporting Evidence: Offer evidence to back up your thesis. This could include statistics, factual findings, illustrations, or expert views. Ensure your evidence is credible and significant.
Counterarguments: Address opposing perspectives to show that you have explored different perspectives. counter argue these opposing viewpoints with strong evidence and reasoning.
Use effective Transition Sentences: Use transition sentences to efficiently guide your reader from one point to the next.
- Conclusion:
Reaffirm the Thesis: Summarize your main argument by reaffirming your thesis in a slightly different way.
Give a Summary of your Main Points: Provide a brief review of the main points made in the body paragraphs. Remind the reader of the supporting data.
Closing Thoughts and Remarks: Conclude with some final thoughts or implications connected to your argument. Encourage the reader to contemplate the broader repercussions of your thesis. Finally, end with a thought-provoking statement or an unforgettable closing statement that leaves a long-lasting imprint on the reader.
- Consistent Tone
Uphold a consistent tone throughout your essay. Whether formal or informal, your tone should align with your reader and purpose. State your points clearly, use words effectively to reinforce your viewpoint. It should also remain reasonable and logical throughout the essay.
- Citations
An argumentative essay is supported by hard evidence, facts, and expert opinions. Credit the external sources backing up your evidence on the last page of your essay where applicable. Follow the citation format required depending on the writing style used.
- Revising, Proofreading and Editing
Before remitting your argumentative essay, carefully go through your essay, streamline your arguments where necessary. Assess your language and arguments. Ascertain that every paragraph seeks to support your thesis. Proofread it for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. This step of an argumentative essay structure ensures the essay is captivating and also highlights your writing proficiency.
You can also check How To Write An Informative Essay as you have familiarized yourself with how to write argumentative essay.
Conclusion
Understanding the art of writing an argumentative essay involves understanding what is an argumentative essay, choosing a topic, brainstorming on unique ideas, constructing an effective argumentative essay outline, and building a solid structure. By following this comprehensive guide, you can develop the expertise needed to create convincing and swaying essays that leave a lasting impact on your readers. In conclusion, writing an argumentative essay is a process that involves careful planning, research, and attention to detail. As you integrate these argumentative essay structure tips into your writing, you’ll find yourself not only being able to meet academic expectations but also contributing meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue in your chosen field. You can hire us for your essay writing assignments that you might have.