Argumentative Essay Writing - A Complete Guide

You're in school and your teacher assigns you the task of crafting an argumentative essay. As soon as they give this assignment, it's like a whirlwind of thoughts starts running through your head. 

You start questioning "What should I write about? How am I going to make my point?". You feel stuck at your desk, not knowing where to begin.

Well, don't stress - we've all been in the same boat before! Fortunately, our team is here to help you.

In this guide, we will show you how to easily write the best argumentative essay. By the time you're done reading this post, you'll be an expert in crafting a strong argumentative essay. 

So let's start with the blog!

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is written for making a claim about a specific topic with evidence to support that claim. 

It presents both sides of the issue in equal measure and then offers evidence to support one side. The goal is to show the reader why your point of view is more valid than the other.  To do this, you must present a strong argument with clear and convincing evidence.

It is important to remember that an argumentative essay should not be confused with a persuasive essay. A persuasive essay attempts to convince the reader to accept one point of view over another. 

On contrary, an argumentative essay attempts to show why one side of the issue is more valid than the other.

Now that we understand the concept of an argumentative essay, let's discuss various types of argument claims.

5 Types of Argument Claims 

There are five different types of claims which can be made in an argumentative essay. 

1. Factual Claim: A factual claim is a statement that can be proven true or false based on evidence. For example, “The earth is round” is a factual claim that can be backed up by scientific evidence.  

2. Definition Claim: A definition claim is a statement that defines a term or concept. For example, “A democracy is a type of government in which power is held by the people” is an example of a definition claim. 

3. Cause/Effect Claim: A cause/effect claim is a statement that explains the relationship between two events. For example, “The rise in air pollution has led to an increase in respiratory illnesses” is a cause/effect claim. 

4. Value Claim: A value claim is a statement that asserts something has either positive or negative worth. For example, “Child labor is immoral” is a value claim. 

5. Policy Claim: A policy claim is a statement that proposes a solution to a problem. For example, “Schools should provide free breakfast for all students” is an example of a policy claim. 

Let's progress to exploring three main kinds of arguments and how they are utilized.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Order Now

3 Main Types of Arguments and How to Use Them

To write an argumentative essay there are three standard types of arguments. One of them is selected according to the circumstances and an argumentative essay is composed. 

Let’s take a look at each.

1- Classical Argument Strategy

In the classical argument strategy, the writer states the problem and proposes a solution. The aim is to convince the reader that the solution you have proposed is the best. 
The basic outline we use in a classical argument paper is

• Introduction: state the problem in the introduction and explain your position on the topic and why you chose this topic. 
  
• Background: Provide historical background and key facts about the problem.
  
• Thesis: Create a strong thesis statement to explain the whole idea.
  
• Argument: Put forward your main argument and provide evidence to support it.
  
• Refutation: Convince your audience that opposing arguments are not valid.
  
• Conclusion: reiterate the key points and provide a solid reason to support your point of view. 

2- Rogerian Argument Strategy

The Rogerian argument strategy aims to convince the readers by finding points of agreement. Basically, in this strategy, the writer tells the reader that opposing arguments are also considerable. The aim is to argue for the middle ground.
Here's the basic outline of a Rogerian argument:

• Present the issue: State the problem statement and the reason why you are addressing it specifically.
  
• Summarize the opposing arguments: State the opposing points so that the reader understands that those points are also under your consideration. 
  
• State your points: explain your point of view. 
  
• State the brighter side of your points: convince the readers that your point of view is valid and beneficial for all.

3- Toulmin Model of Argument

The Toulmin model is yet another model we use to present our augment. This strategy provides the reader with logical qualifiers to compose the argument to the extent agreed upon. 
It uses the following format:

• Claim: The writer’s point of view, which they aim to prove.
  
• Evidence: logical facts and figures to support the claim.
  
• Warrant: This shows how the data supports the claim. 
  
• Backing: Additional logic and reasoning were used to support the warrant. 
  
• Rebuttal: Arguments against the claim.
  
• Qualifier: They are short phrases, which help in limiting the scope of the claim. For Example: typically, usually, etc.  
  
• Exceptions: It further comprehends the claim by explaining the situations the writer might exclude.  
  

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Order Now

How To Outline an Argumentative Essay

An outline is one of the core elements of essay writing. It guides the reader throughout an essay. 

An argumentative essay outline has three main parts, and all of the information is divided into these sections. This arrangement makes an essay organized and meaningful. 

An argumentative essay structure has the following basic elements. 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay - Steps

In this section, we will take a look at some tried-and-true steps on how to write an argumentative essay. 

Step 1: Brainstorming

This is arguably the most important step as it sets the foundation for the rest of your work. Before diving in, come up with several different ideas related to your topic. 
Your topic should be arguable from both sides and choose one that you find interesting. This will keep you motivated and ensure that you don’t get bored halfway through writing the paper. 

Step 2: Know Your Audience 

When writing an argumentative essay, it’s important to know who your audience is. If you are writing for a general audience, then provide enough background information on key terms. 
If the people you are talking to know about the topic, then you can talk about more difficult concepts. You don't need to explain everything because they already understand.

Step 3: Research Thoroughly 

It does not matter how good your ideas are if they are not based on facts and evidence. Before you start writing, make sure that you have done enough research on your topic. 
This will help you make sure that all of your points are supported by evidence from reliable sources. 

Step 4: Outline Your Argument 

Now that you have everything you need, it is time to start organizing it. Make a list of all the important points. Write down what each section is about. Then write down what each point is about. 
This will help you when you start writing the draft.

Step 5: Write Your Drafts  

Now comes the fun part – actually writing out all those arguments! Start by drafting out two separate versions of each argument. One in support of your overall thesis statement and one against it.

That way when it comes time for revisions you can easily see which version works better. Also, ensure each side is given equal opportunity to present their strengths and weaknesses.

Step 6: Revise Your Work

Finally, after all these steps are complete, it's time for revision! Go back through each point again and tweak whichever ones need further clarification. Also, look out for any typos or grammatical errors that may have slipped through during earlier drafts. 

Want to learn how to compose an effective argumentative essay? Don't miss out on this video!

Argumentative Essay Examples

To help you better understand the structure of an argumentative essay, it may be helpful to look at some examples.

Here are a few examples that provide insight into writing an effective argumentative essay: 

Argumentative Essay Topics

Here are some interesting topics to help you get started on your argumentative essay:

• Should the death penalty be abolished?
  
• Is free college tuition a viable solution for reducing student debt?
  
• Are video games beneficial or harmful to society?
  
• Should pharmaceutical companies be allowed to advertise directly to consumers? 
  
• Is censorship of the internet necessary in certain countries? 
  
• Do animals have the same rights as humans? 
  
• Should countries develop nuclear energy for power? 
  
• Is foreign aid an effective tool for helping developing nations? 
  
• Are genetically modified foods safe to eat? 
  
• Should the current electoral college system be changed?
  

Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

Looking for an edge in crafting a great argumentative essay? Here are some helpful tips that can make all the difference:

1. Start with an intriguing hook: Use something that will draw the reader in and make them want to read more. Ask a question, or find some other creative way to start your essay and get readers interested. 

2. Research your topic thoroughly: It's important to have reliable evidence to back up your argument. Make sure you are using quality sources from reputable websites and academic journals.

3. Develop a clear thesis statement: Your argumentative essay should have one main point that summarizes the main idea of the paper. This will serve as the foundation for your essay and should be concisely stated in your introduction paragraph. 

4. Structure your essay properly: Argumentative essays have a specific structure that differs from other types of essays. Make sure you follow the correct format and make your points in a logical order.

5. Use strong evidence to support your arguments: Cite sources where appropriate, and include quotes from experts on the subject. This will give your essay more credibility and make it easier for readers to understand your argument. 

6. Address opposing viewpoints: It's important to consider other perspectives on the issue to create a balanced argument. Make sure you explain why their views may be valid and how they differ from yours. 

7. End with a strong conclusion: Summarize your arguments and emphasize why you believe your viewpoint is correct. Remind readers of the main point and provide a call to action if appropriate. 

To sum it up, an argumentative essay is a great way to express your opinion and make an impact. This blog has covered everything from outlining and writing, to tips for success. We hope this advice helps you create an unrivaled paper that stands out from the crowd.

Still, facing difficulty with your argumentative essay? Look no further - WriteMyEssay.help is here to help!

Our professional essay writer online team is equipped with the knowledge and experience to craft essays of the highest quality. Our essay writing service"can help you stand out with extensive researched well-written arguments. 

Explore our services and gain access to the best argumentative essay writer today. So, don’t wait any longer. Hire our argumentative essay writing service now, and watch as your work rises to new heights!