To get your point over in a persuasive essay, you'll need
more than simply a viewpoint. Even the most forceful position will fall flat if
it isn't well-structured and supported by sound logic and facts. In this simple
step-by-step tutorial, learn what aspects an argumentative essay should have
and how to format it based on your audience.
What Is an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay is a piece of writing in which you
take a position on a topic. A strong argumentative essay seeks to persuade
readers to comprehend and accept a writer's point of view on a topic by
articulating their reasoning and giving evidence to support it.
Writing an argumentative essay is a popular task for high
school and college students. Argumentative essay themes are typically connected
to science, technology, politics, and health care.
In addition, for a well-written essay you should know how to correctly gather and organize information related to your topic.
How To Outline an Argumentative Essay in 4 Steps
Argumentative essays should have a simple framework so that
readers can follow them. An argumentative essay's purpose is to clearly lay out
a point of view, logic, and evidence. This is the framework of an excellent
argumentative essay:
The first paragraph. The first paragraph of your essay
should declare your thesis, explain the issue, offer background information
needed to comprehend your argument, and outline the evidence you will present.
The thesis statement - This is the first sentence of your
paragraph. Your primary idea and assertion are summarised in one phrase.
Body paragraphs - The reasons why you defend your thesis are
explained in three or more paragraphs in a typical argumentative essay. Each
body paragraph should address a new concept or piece of evidence and include a
subject sentence that explains why the reader should agree with your
perspective in a clear and simple manner. In the body paragraphs, you'll support
your ideas using examples, research, statistics, studies, and text citations.
Address opposing viewpoints and either debunk or explain why you differ.
Presenting facts and evaluating a matter from all sides can help you build
credibility and win a reader's confidence.
Conclusion - Single paragraph that reiterates your thesis
and summarises all of your body paragraphs' arguments. A good ending will
appeal to the reader's emotions rather than adding fresh facts or arguments. In
certain circumstances, authors will utilise a personal tale to demonstrate how
the issue impacts them personally.
How to Write a Thesis Statement in 3 Steps
The most significant aspect of your argumentative essay is
your thesis statement, which is simply one phrase long. The thesis, which
occurs in the first paragraph of your argumentative essay, summarises the topic
and prepares the reader for what's to come. These steps will assist you in
conveying your message clearly and concisely:
Make the issue into a question and respond to it. In the
headline of your essay or inside the first few phrases, pose a huge question.
Then, in your thesis statement, work your way up to addressing that question.
For instance, in your title or introduction, you may ask, "What is the
finest sort of sandwich?" Then respond with your thesis statement:
"Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the finest." This strategy is
effective because interesting questions entice readers to keep reading to find
out the solution.
State an argument” after that, contradict it. Introduce a
concept that contradicts your beliefs and explain why you disagree with it
right away. "While some people think peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
are too basic, they're adaptable sandwiches that can easily be transformed into
a gourmet supper," for example. This strategy is powerful since it relies
on evidence and establishes your credibility right away.
Outline your primary ideas briefly - Introduce your primary
point and explain how you intend to support it. "You can make a peanut
butter and jelly sandwich into a gourmet lunch by using artisanal bread,
toasting it, and adding other toppings," for example. This strategy is
helpful since it provides readers with a clear picture of everything you'll be
discussing throughout your essay. It also acts as a road map to help you stay
organised and on schedule.
5 Types of Argument Claims
Consider how you'll deliver your argument once you've
decided what you're debating and have a thesis statement. There are five
different forms of argument claims that may be used to propel your essay:
The truth or falsity of the assertion.
Meaning: both the dictionary definition and your own
personal understanding of what you're talking about.
The significance of what you're arguing.
Cause and effect: explain what causes the problem in your
essay and the consequences.
Policy: Why should the reader care and what should they do
after reading?
3 Main Types of Arguments and How to Use Them
An argumentative essay may be structured in three ways. To
create your persuasive paper, pick one or combine the following ideas:
Classical - Establish the major argument, express your
perspective, and try your utmost to persuade the reader that your stance is
correct. This is the most common approach for forming an argument since it is the
simplest path of thought to follow. It is also known as Aristotelian. It works
well when your audience does not have a lot of information or a strong opinion
about your issue since it lays out the facts plainly and concisely.
Rogerian - Introduce the problem, accept the opposing
viewpoint, establish your position, and explain why yours is the most
advantageous to the reader. Because it respects all viewpoints and provides the
centre ground, this form of argument is excellent for divisive issues.
Toulmin - Offer your claim, then present grounds to support
it, and finally demonstrate why the grounds are related to the claim. This form
of argument is similarly useful for contentious issues, but instead of
presenting both sides, it provides one, relying heavily on data given in such a
way that the assertion is difficult to refute.