Guide On Argumentative Essay In 2023

Are you about to start writing an argumentative essay? Don’t know where to begin? There’s no need to worry. Even if you don’t know how to structure paragraphs in an argumentative essay, you’re in safe hands. Read on to become a pro at writing such essays. 

Here, you’ll cover the fundamentals. This includes understanding what sets such a paper apart from other types of essays. That’s not all! You’ll also understand how structuring works. Then, you can use evidence to prove your points and construct the perfect argumentative assignment. Scroll down for details. 

What is Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a form of evidence-based essay writing. Here, you prove that your opinion on a topic is correct. It’s quite simple. Just collect evidence and conduct extensive research. Then, arrange all the arguments in a concise and logical manner to establish your point. 

The structure for an argumentative essay is standard. It’s almost the same as a persuasive or expository paper. However, it’s different in this case. Here, you take a stance and prove your opinion holds more weight.

The Elements of Argumentative Essays

Whether you’re writing a thesis or an essay, you must understand the basic elements if you want to compose the perfect paper. Otherwise, it might be too late. You would complete your entire essay and realize you missed some fundamental characteristics. Then, you will wonder, "Can someone write an argumentative essay for me?” This will lead you to hiring professionals. So, if you want to avoid that, keep these elements in mind.

1. Arguable topics

First of all, your chosen topic should be arguable. This means that the correct answer isn’t obvious. Suppose you write a paper on “Should all children have access to education?” In this case, the answer is an obvious YES. How can you even argue against it? Even if reality isn’t as ideal, all children deserve to be educated and should have access to learning opportunities. 

Now, consider the topic – “Technology in education will be harmful in the long run.” This is a debatable topic. Several academic papers have already established the benefits of incorporating technology in education. But critics you can’t deny the negative effects. You can take either side when writing this argumentative essay. 

2. Organized structure

Argumentative essays have an organized structure. The essay begins with an introductory paragraph where you provide background information and end with a thesis statement. Next, proceed to the body paragraph for the argumentative essay. Tackle each argument in separate paragraphs. Include counterarguments, refute them, and provide evidence. Finally, state your concluding thoughts. 

3. Logical arguments

Any argument that you use in your essay should be logical. You cannot go against established laws or rules just to connect the dots and convince the reader. Think of the premise, the inference and the conclusion. They should all connect to each other in a logical manner. 

4. Strong evidence

The best way to increase the credibility of your arguments is to provide strong evidence. Use quotations from notable scholars. Cite research papers, dissertations, and studies from reliable academic sources. Otherwise, no one will spare your writing a glance. 

5. Smooth transitions

Finally, smooth transitions are the last element to take into account when coming up with your argumentative essay plan. Your arguments should flow naturally into the next one. There should be a string of logic connecting them. Otherwise, the writing will feel too disjointed. 

Revise these points multiple times. Your essay should cover all of them if you want it to stand out. Feeling a bit more confident? Then let’s check out the format.

Argumentative Essay Format

The argumentative essay format is quite similar to the standard essay formats you’re familiar with. However, there are some minor adjustments. You’ll find a basic format with all the vital argumentative essay parts below. But keep in mind that this is just a sample.

• Introduction
• Background paragraph (optional)
• Argument #1, #2, #3 and so on (each argument must be in a separate paragraph)

• Counterargument and its rebuttal 
• Conclusion

The introduction and conclusion will remain as they are. But you can adjust the argumentative essay body paragraph as you see fit. Add more arguments or counterarguments if needed. It’s your essay after all!

Argumentative Essay Outline

Since you’ve reviewed the format already, let’s step right into understanding the outline. Before composing any essay, always outline it. Think of how you can highlight an argument in the plan so that it can convince the reader. As long as you plan things out, you can easily create the perfect paper. Want to learn more about outlining? Let’s take an example – “Technology in education will be harmful in the long run.”

Part I: Introduction for an argumentative essay

• Use a hook to draw in the readers.
• Provide some background information.
• Establish the thesis statement.

For example, in this case, you can begin your essay with the following – 

“Did you know that incorporating technology in education results in increased student motivation? Well, that’s exactly what a research project funded by the US Department of Education found out.”

Next, provide some background information about the extent to which technology has affected education. Your thesis statement should be clear and concise. State your stance in one sentence. 

“The benefits of technology in education far outweigh potential future issues.”

Part II: Body for an argumentative essay

• Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence.
• Provide facts, statistics, quotations and data to prove your argument.
• Explain how readers can interpret the evidence.
• Assert how the point helps understand the paper.

Part III: Counterargument for an argumentative essay

• Anticipate objections and questions that readers might have.
• Counter these concerns by providing sufficient evidence.

For this essay example, readers might be worried about students becoming too addicted to technology. This addiction might hamper their concentration on academics. Allay these fears with evidence. Find articles that state that the long-term effects won’t be too severe.

Part IV: Conclusion for an argumentative essay

• Remind the readers of the main objective.
• Do not restate your introduction.
• Explain why readers should bother about your essay.
• Highlight what readers should understand from it.
• Use your strongest points to drive home the conclusion.

Don’t even think about skipping the outline. You’ll be surprised by how essential it is to create a cohesive paper.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay?

You want to write a paper that’s going to stand out. But knowing the parts of an argumentative essay won’t guarantee a high-quality paper. You need something more to write the perfect paper. Here’s the process that you should follow.

1. Brainstorm

Go through some argumentative topics if you’re out of ideas. Consult with friends. Seek help from professors. Remember, your topic has to be unique and arguable. 

2. Prepare

Take your time collecting evidence, conducting research and preparing reference materials. Organize everything properly. Otherwise, you might have trouble finding them later on. Academic archives, research journals and published papers are good places to start.

3. Draft

First drafts of essays are never perfect. Well, the good thing is that perfection isn’t your goal. All you have to focus on is writing the paper. Arrange your arguments logically, note down the evidence for each and tinker around a bit. You’ll be surprised by how different your first draft looks compared to your final one. 

4. Revise

Read your paper multiple times. Do the arguments flow smoothly? Is there any scope where readers can question your claims? Double-check all the points you have explored. Make sure your language is clear and easy to understand. 

Do you have a better idea of how to write your paper now? These five steps are just the basics. Don’t skip any just because you’re in a hurry. If you face any problem, consult an expert. 

How to Plan an Argumentative Essay?

The thought of planning an argumentative essay seems pretty intimidating, doesn’t it? Here’s a secret. It’s actually not as challenging as you think it is. Read on to learn more.

Choose a topic you’re passionate about

When you're not even interested in the topic you've chosen, how can you convince others to agree with your stance? Your conviction should come from within. Readers can identify insincere writers. If you rely only on others' claims to assert your point, you won’t do justice to your paper.

Select an arguable topic

Ensure that the prompts that you consider are all arguable. Otherwise, there's no meaning in spending hours on argumentative essay planning. There should be credible counterarguments. Otherwise, your paper won’t be debatable. Losing that feature can cost you.

That’s all for your planning. The pre-writing stage is as important as the writing part. So make sure you focus on every step thoroughly.

How to Write the Introduction of an Argumentative Essay?

There are many good ways to start argumentative essays. Here are a few options that might interest you!

• Present an unknown detail.
• Provide data.
• Ask the readers a question.
• Use a quotation.
• Make a strong and assertive claim.

These are usually used to hook the readers. Other important parts of an introduction paragraph in an argumentative essay are – 

• Background information on the topic
• Thesis statement

A strong introduction is the key to a strong essay. You want to inform your readers and capture their attention. So don’t stuff it with too much jargon.

How to Build an Argumentative Essay?

The body paragraphs of an argumentative essay are essential to constructing properly. This isn’t persuasive writing where you can focus on emotion. Here, you have to rely on logic. Check out these three types of arguments you can use to build your essay.

The Rogerian argument

• Recognize existing opinions before starting your own.
• Provide balanced opinions on controversial issues.

The Toulmin argument

• Base your argument on strong factual evidence.
• Use rebuttals for counterarguments. 

The Aristotelian argument

• Take a stance after introducing an issue.
• Use evidence to prove opposing opinions wrong.

Pick an argument type that does justice to your essay. If needed, explore more essays that apply these kinds of arguments. You’re so close to the finish line! There’s just one section left.

How to End an Argumentative Essay?

Once the body of an argumentative essay is done, proceed to the conclusion. Recap the thesis statement and remind the readers why they should care. This is the final section that ties all loose strings. Here’s what you should include – 

• A summary of all the main points of your essay
• A recount of the thesis statement
• A reminder of the paper’s importance

Remember that the conclusion is not a recap of the introduction to an argumentative essay. It should stand out on its own. Explain what the readers should take away from your paper. 

Congratulations! You’re finally done writing your argumentative essay. But wait! It’s not over just yet. The final step is to organize your paper. Check out the next section for more details.

How to Organize an Argumentative Essay?

The organization of an argumentative essay isn’t only about maintaining the correct format. There’s more to it than that. When you write any paper that involves presenting an argument, you need to arrange them carefully. Maintain a logical flow. Let’s check out some steps to help you in this regard.

• Make your main claim.
• Provide data that back it up.
• Explain how the data supports it.
• Add some extra reasoning or data.
• State a counter argument.
• Provide your rebuttal.

Don’t confuse organizing a persuasive with that of an argumentative essay. The former relies heavily on emotions. Meanwhile, the latter depends on data, facts, and hard evidence. 

That’s all! You’re finally done with your essay. It was tough, but you’ve managed to cover every point successfully. Now, all that’s left is to choose topic. The next section will help you with that.

Argumentative Essay Topics

I. English 

1. Is Shakespeare the greatest Elizabethan play wright?
2. Are fictional stories harmful to kids?
3. Should English grammar rules evolve with time?
4. Should schools worldwide compel students to learn English?
5. Would you consider Snow White a racist tale?

Need more inspiration? Perhaps an English essay writing service can help you out!

II. Law

1. Should all countries legalize the death penalty?
2. Can minors get off scot-free after committing a crime?
3. Is it legal for immigrants to get equal opportunities as citizens?
4. Can companies be forced to adhere to environmental laws?
5. Do schools have a right to deny some students education?

Consult a reliable law essay writing service if you need research materials for these topics. 

III. Nursing

1. Are nurses at more risk of contracting diseases?
2. Should nurses be provided better benefits?
3. Are nurses indispensable?
4. Do increased working hours affect nurses’ judgment?
5. Are women better nurses than men?

Want outstanding guidance from actual nurses? Then hiring a nursing essay writing service is your best bet!

IV. MBA

1. Should dress codes be mandatory in companies?
2. Is an authoritative leader the best choice?
3. Is it unethical to not pay slow workers for overtime?
4. Can leadership be learned?
5. Should companies provide commute fares?

For more MBA essays, writing services can provide inspiration. Check out the sample papers when brainstorming unique ideas.