argument essay essay

Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay Examples

Best Argumentative Essay Examples for Your Help

Published on: Mar 10, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

Good Argumentative Essay Examples

Argumentative essays are an inevitable part of academic life. To write a good argumentative essay, you need to see a few good examples of this type of essay.

To analyze whether the example is good to take help from or not. You need to look for a few things in it.

Make sure it follows one specific model and has an introductory paragraph, organized body paragraphs, and a formal conclusion.

Can't formulate strong arguments? We have got you!

How to Start an Argumentative Essay Example

Learning how to start an argumentative essay example is a tricky thing for beginners. It is quite simple but can be challenging for newbies. To start an argumentative essay example, you need to write a brief and attractive introduction. It is written to convince the reader and make them understand your point of view .

Add body paragraphs after the introduction to support your thesis statement. Also, use body paragraphs to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your side of the argument.

Write a formal conclusion for your essay and summarize all the key elements of your essay. Look at the example mentioned below to understand the concept more clearly.

Check out this video for more information!

Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Example

Argumentative essays are assigned to university students more often than the students of schools and colleges.

It involves arguments over vast and sometimes bold topics as well.

For university students, usually, argumentative essay topics are not provided. They are required to search for the topic themselves and write accordingly.

The following examples will give an idea of how university students write argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay Example for University (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for College

For the college level, it is recommended to use simple language and avoid the use of complex words in essays.

Make sure that using simple language and valid evidence, you support your claim well and make it as convincing as possible

If you are a college student and want to write an argumentative essay, read the examples provided below. Focus on the formatting and the vocabulary used.

Argumentative Essay Example for College (PDF)

College Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for Middle School

Being a middle school student, you must be wondering how we write an argumentative essay. And how can you support your argument?

Go through the following examples and hopefully, you will be able to write an effective argumentative essay very easily.

Argumentative Essay Example for Middle School(PDF)

Middle School Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for High School

High school students are not very aware of all the skills that are needed to write research papers and essays.

Especially, when it comes to argumentative essays, it becomes quite a challenge for high schools to defend their argument

In this scenario, the best option is to look into some good examples. Here we have summed up two best examples of argumentative essays for high school students specifically.

Argumentative Essay Example for High School (PDF)

High School Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for O Level

The course outline for O levels is quite tough. O levels students need to have a good command of the English language and amazing writing skills.

If you are an O-level student, the following examples will guide you on how to write an argumentative essay.

Argumentative Essay Example for O Level (PDF)

Argumentative Essay for O Level Students (PDF)

Need a solid winning argument? Let us craft your essay!

5-Paragraph Argumentative Essay Examples

A 5-paragraph essay is basically a formatting style for essay writing. It has the following five parts:

Introduction

In the introduction, the writer introduces the topic and provides a glance at the collected data to support the main argument.

Body paragraph 1

The first body paragraph discusses the first and most important point related to the argument. It starts with a topic sentence and has all the factual data to make the argument convincing.

Body paragraph 2

The second body paragraph mentions the second most important element of the argument. A topic sentence is used to start these paragraphs. It gives the idea of the point that will discuss in the following paragraph.

Body paragraph 3

The third paragraph discusses all the miscellaneous points. Also, it uses a transitional sentence at the end to show a relation to the conclusion.

The conclusion of a five-paragraph essay reiterates all the major elements of an argumentative essay. It also restates the thesis statement using a more convincing choice of words.

Look at the example below to see how a well-written five-paragraph essay looks like

5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for 6th Grade

Students in 6th grade are at a point where they are learning new things every day.

Writing an argumentative essay is an interesting activity for them as they like to convince people of their point of view.

Argumentative essays written at such levels are very simple but well convincing.

The following example will give you more detail on how a 6th-grade student should write an argumentative essay.

6th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for 7th Grade

There is not much difference between a 6th-grade and a 7th-grade student. Both of them are enhancing their writing and academic skills.

Here is another example to help you with writing an effective argumentative essay.

7th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Short Argumentative Essay Examples

For an argumentative essay, there is no specific limit for the word count. It only has to convince the readers and pass on the knowledge of the writer to the intended audience.

It can be short or detailed. It would be considered valid as far as it has an argument involved in it.

Following is an example of a short argumentative essay example

Short Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Immigration Argumentative Essay Examples

Immigration is a hot topic for a very long time now. People have different opinions regarding this issue.

Where there is more than one opinion, an argumentative essay can be written on that topic. The following are examples of argumentative essays on immigration.

Read them and try to understand how an effective argumentative essay is written on such a topic.

Argumentative Essay Example on Immigration (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Sample on Immigration (PDF)

Writing essays is usually a tiring and time-consuming assignment to do. Students already have a bunch of assignments for other subjects to complete. In this situation, asking for help from professional writers is the best choice.

If you are still in need of assistance, our essay writer AI can help you create a compelling essay that presents your argument clearly and effectively.

With our argumentative essay writing service, you will enjoy perks like expert guidance, unlimited revisions, and helpful customer support. Let our essay writer help you make an impact with your essay on global warming today!

Place your order with our essay writing service today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 7 types of arguments.

The seven types of arguments are as follows:

Statistical

What is the structure of an argument?

The structure of an argument consists of a main point (thesis statement) that is supported by evidence.

This evidence can include facts, statistics, examples, and other forms of data that help to prove or disprove the thesis statement.

After providing the evidence, arguments also often include a conclusion that summarizes the main points made throughout the argument.

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Need Help With Your Essay?

Also get FREE title page, Turnitin report, unlimited revisions, and more!

Keep reading

OFF ON CUSTOM ESSAYS

Essay Services

Argumentative Essay Service
Descriptive Essay Service
Persuasive Essay Service
Narrative Essay Service
Analytical Essay Service
Expository Essay Service
Comparison Essay Service

Writing Help

Term Paper Writing Help
Research Writing Help
Thesis Help
Dissertation Help
Report Writing Help
Speech Writing Help
Assignment Help

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)

We define an argumentative essay as a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. The purpose is to convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or action. In an argumentative essay, the writer takes a stance on a controversial or debatable topic and supports their position with evidence, reasoning, and examples. The essay should also address counterarguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.

What is an argumentative essay?

Argumentative essay outline
Types of argument claims

How to write an argumentative essay?

Argumentative essay writing tips
Good argumentative essay example

How to write a good thesis

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?

Frequently Asked Questions

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a coherent and logical analysis of a specific topic. 1 The goal is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or opinion on a particular issue. Here are the key elements of an argumentative essay:

Thesis Statement : The central claim or argument that the essay aims to prove.
Introduction : Provides background information and introduces the thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph addresses a specific aspect of the argument, presents evidence, and may include counter arguments. Articulate your thesis statement better with Paperpal. Start writing now!
Evidence : Supports the main argument with relevant facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions.
Counterarguments : Anticipates and addresses opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall argument.
Conclusion : Summarizes the main points, reinforces the thesis, and may suggest implications or actions.

Argumentative essay structure

Aristotelian, Rogerian, and Toulmin are three distinct approaches to argumentative essay structures, each with its principles and methods. 2 The choice depends on the purpose and nature of the topic. Here’s an overview of each type of argumentative essay format.

Have a looming deadline for your argumentative essay? Write 2x faster with Paperpal – Start now!

Argumentative essay outline

An argumentative essay presents a specific claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning. Here’s an outline for an argumentative essay, along with examples for each section: 3

1. Introduction :

Hook : Start with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote to grab the reader’s attention.

Example: “Did you know that plastic pollution is threatening marine life at an alarming rate?”

Background information : Provide brief context about the issue.

Example: “Plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans yearly.”

Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position.

Example: “We must take immediate action to reduce plastic usage and implement more sustainable alternatives to protect our marine ecosystem.”

2. Body Paragraphs :

Topic sentence : Introduce the main idea of each paragraph.

Example: “The first step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis is reducing single-use plastic consumption.”

Evidence/Support : Provide evidence, facts, statistics, or examples that support your argument.

Example: “Research shows that plastic straws alone contribute to millions of tons of plastic waste annually, and many marine animals suffer from ingestion or entanglement.”

Counterargument/Refutation : Acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints.

Example: “Some argue that banning plastic straws is inconvenient for consumers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.”

Transition : Connect each paragraph to the next.

Example: “Having addressed the issue of single-use plastics, the focus must now shift to promoting sustainable alternatives.”

3. Counterargument Paragraph :

Acknowledgement of opposing views : Recognize alternative perspectives on the issue.

Example: “While some may argue that individual actions cannot significantly impact global plastic pollution, the cumulative effect of collective efforts must be considered.”

Counterargument and rebuttal : Present and refute the main counterargument.

Example: “However, individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can substantially reduce plastic waste. Small changes in behavior, such as using reusable bags and containers, can have a significant positive impact.”

4. Conclusion :

Restatement of thesis : Summarize your main argument.

Example: “In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices and reducing single-use plastic is crucial for preserving our oceans and marine life.”

Call to action : Encourage the reader to take specific steps or consider the argument’s implications.

Example: “It is our responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices and advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet. By collectively embracing sustainable alternatives, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.”

Types of argument claims

A claim is a statement or proposition a writer puts forward with evidence to persuade the reader. 4 Here are some common types of argument claims, along with examples:

Fact Claims : These claims assert that something is true or false and can often be verified through evidence. Example: “Water boils at 100°C at sea level.”
Value Claims : Value claims express judgments about the worth or morality of something, often based on personal beliefs or societal values. Example: “Organic farming is more ethical than conventional farming.”
Policy Claims : Policy claims propose a course of action or argue for a specific policy, law, or regulation change. Example: “Schools should adopt a year-round education system to improve student learning outcomes.”
Cause and Effect Claims : These claims argue that one event or condition leads to another, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. Example: “Excessive use of social media is a leading cause of increased feelings of loneliness among young adults.”
Definition Claims : Definition claims assert the meaning or classification of a concept or term. Example: “Artificial intelligence can be defined as machines exhibiting human-like cognitive functions.”
Comparative Claims : Comparative claims assert that one thing is better or worse than another in certain respects. Example: “Online education is more cost-effective than traditional classroom learning.”
Evaluation Claims : Evaluation claims assess the quality, significance, or effectiveness of something based on specific criteria. Example: “The new healthcare policy is more effective in providing affordable healthcare to all citizens.”

Understanding these argument claims can help writers construct more persuasive and well-supported arguments tailored to the specific nature of the claim.

If you’re wondering how to start an argumentative essay, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the argumentative essay format and writing process.

Choose a Topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. Ensure that the topic is debatable and has two or more sides.
Define Your Position: Clearly state your stance on the issue. Consider opposing viewpoints and be ready to counter them.
Conduct Research: Gather relevant information from credible sources, such as books, articles, and academic journals. Take notes on key points and supporting evidence.
Create a Thesis Statement: Develop a concise and clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument. Convey your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for the essay.
Outline Your Argumentative Essay: Organize your ideas logically by creating an outline. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis.
Write the Introduction: Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention (a quote, a question, a surprising fact). Provide background information on the topic. Present your thesis statement at the end of the introduction.
Develop Body Paragraphs: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Support your points with evidence and examples. Address counterarguments and refute them to strengthen your position. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.
Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints. Anticipate objections and provide evidence to counter them.
Write the Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your argumentative essay. Reinforce the significance of your argument. End with a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking statement.
Revise, Edit, and Share: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical and spelling errors. Share your essay with peers, friends, or instructors for constructive feedback.
Finalize Your Argumentative Essay: Make final edits based on feedback received. Ensure that your essay follows the required formatting and citation style.

Struggling to start your argumentative essay? Paperpal can help – try now!

Argumentative essay writing tips

Here are eight strategies to craft a compelling argumentative essay:

Choose a Clear and Controversial Topic : Select a topic that sparks debate and has opposing viewpoints. A clear and controversial issue provides a solid foundation for a strong argument.
Conduct Thorough Research : Gather relevant information from reputable sources to support your argument. Use a variety of sources, such as academic journals, books, reputable websites, and expert opinions, to strengthen your position.
Create a Strong Thesis Statement : Clearly articulate your main argument in a concise thesis statement. Your thesis should convey your stance on the issue and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow your argument.
Develop a Logical Structure : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point of evidence that contributes to your overall argument. Ensure a logical flow from one point to the next.
Provide Strong Evidence : Support your claims with solid evidence. Use facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Be sure to cite your sources appropriately to maintain credibility.
Address Counterarguments : Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counterarguments. Addressing and refuting alternative perspectives strengthens your essay and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue. Be mindful of maintaining a respectful tone even when discussing opposing views.
Use Persuasive Language : Employ persuasive language to make your points effectively. Avoid emotional appeals without supporting evidence and strive for a respectful and professional tone.
Craft a Compelling Conclusion : Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression in your conclusion. Encourage readers to consider the implications of your argument and potentially take action.

Good argumentative essay example

Let’s consider a sample of argumentative essay on how social media enhances connectivity:

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform for an array of voices to be heard. While critics argue that social media fosters division and amplifies negativity, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of this digital revolution and how it enhances connectivity by providing a platform for diverse voices to flourish. One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to facilitate instant communication and connection across the globe. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram break down geographical barriers, enabling people to establish and maintain relationships regardless of physical location and fostering a sense of global community. Furthermore, social media has transformed how people stay connected with friends and family. Whether separated by miles or time zones, social media ensures that relationships remain dynamic and relevant, contributing to a more interconnected world. Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in giving voice to social justice movements and marginalized communities. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike have gained momentum through social media, allowing individuals to share their stories and advocate for change on a global scale. This digital activism can shape public opinion and hold institutions accountable. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space for open dialogue and discourse. Users can engage in discussions, share information, and challenge each other’s perspectives, fostering a culture of critical thinking. This open exchange of ideas contributes to a more informed and enlightened society where individuals can broaden their horizons and develop a nuanced understanding of complex issues. While criticisms of social media abound, it is crucial to recognize its positive impact on connectivity and the amplification of diverse voices. Social media transcends physical and cultural barriers, connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By fostering open dialogue and facilitating the exchange of ideas, social media contributes to a more interconnected and empowered society. Embracing the positive aspects of social media allows us to harness its potential for positive change and collective growth.

Clearly Define Your Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is the core of your argumentative essay. Clearly articulate your main argument or position on the issue. Avoid vague or general statements.
Provide Strong Supporting Evidence: Back up your thesis with solid evidence from reliable sources and examples. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, anecdotes, or real-life examples. Make sure your evidence is relevant to your argument, as it impacts the overall persuasiveness of your thesis.
Anticipate Counterarguments and Address Them: Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen credibility. This also shows that you engage critically with the topic rather than presenting a one-sided argument.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?

Writing a winning argumentative essay not only showcases your ability to critically analyze a topic but also demonstrates your skill in persuasively presenting your stance backed by evidence. Achieving this level of writing excellence can be time-consuming. This is where Paperpal, your AI academic writing assistant, steps in to revolutionize the way you approach argumentative essays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Paperpal to write your essay:

Upgrade your essays with Paperpal

Sign Up or Log In: Begin by creating an account or logging into paperpal.com .
Navigate to Paperpal Copilot: Once logged in, proceed to the Templates section from the side navigation bar.
Generate an essay outline: Under Templates, click on the ‘Outline’ tab and choose ‘Essay’ from the options and provide your topic to generate an outline.
Develop your essay: Use this structured outline as a guide to flesh out your essay. If you encounter any roadblocks, click on Brainstorm and get subject-specific assistance, ensuring you stay on track.
Refine your writing: To elevate the academic tone of your essay, select a paragraph and use the ‘Make Academic’ feature under the ‘Rewrite’ tab, ensuring your argumentative essay resonates with an academic audience.
Final Touches: Make your argumentative essay submission ready with Paperpal’s language, grammar, consistency and plagiarism checks, and improve your chances of acceptance.

Paperpal not only simplifies the essay writing process but also ensures your argumentative essay is persuasive, well-structured, and academically rigorous. Sign up today and transform how you write argumentative essays.

The length of an argumentative essay can vary, but it typically falls within the range of 1,000 to 2,500 words. However, the specific requirements may depend on the guidelines provided.

You might write an argumentative essay when: 1. You want to convince others of the validity of your position. 2. There is a controversial or debatable issue that requires discussion. 3. You need to present evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims. 4. You want to explore and critically analyze different perspectives on a topic.

Argumentative Essay: Purpose : An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a specific point of view or argument. Structure : It follows a clear structure with an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, counterarguments and refutations, and a conclusion. Tone : The tone is formal and relies on logical reasoning, evidence, and critical analysis. Narrative/Descriptive Essay: Purpose : These aim to tell a story or describe an experience, while a descriptive essay focuses on creating a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. Structure : They may have a more flexible structure. They often include an engaging introduction, a well-developed body that builds the story or description, and a conclusion. Tone : The tone is more personal and expressive to evoke emotions or provide sensory details.

Gladd, J. (2020). Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays.  Write What Matters .
Nimehchisalem, V. (2018). Pyramid of argumentation: Towards an integrated model for teaching and assessing ESL writing.  Language & Communication ,  5 (2), 185-200.
Press, B. (2022).  Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide . Broadview Press.
Rieke, R. D., Sillars, M. O., & Peterson, T. R. (2005).  Argumentation and critical decision making . Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!

Make Your Research Paper Error-Free with Paperpal’s Online Spell Checker

The do’s & don’ts of using generative ai tools ethically in academia, you may also like, what is the purpose of an abstract why..., what are citation styles which citation style to..., what are the types of literature reviews , abstract vs introduction: what is the difference , mla format: guidelines, template and examples , machine translation vs human translation: which is reliable..., dissertation printing and binding | types & comparison , what is a dissertation preface definition and examples , how to write a research proposal: (with examples..., how to write your research paper in apa....

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Argumentative Essays

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

Argumentative Essay

Definition of argumentative essay.

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. It could be that both sides are presented equally balanced, or it could be that one side is presented more forcefully than the other. It all depends on the writer, and what side he supports the most. The general structure of an argumentative essay follows this format:

Introduction : Attention Grabber/ hook , Background Information , Thesis Statement
Body : Three body paragraphs (three major arguments)
Counterargument : An argument to refute earlier arguments and give weight to the actual position
Conclusion : Rephrasing the thesis statement , major points, call to attention, or concluding remarks .

Models for Argumentative Essays

There are two major models besides this structure given above, which is called a classical model. Two other models are the Toulmin and Rogerian models.

Toulmin model is comprised of an introduction with a claim or thesis, followed by the presentation of data to support the claim. Warrants are then listed for the reasons to support the claim with backing and rebuttals. However, the Rogerian model asks to weigh two options, lists the strengths and weaknesses of both options, and gives a recommendation after an analysis.

Five Types of Argument Claims in Essay Writing

There are five major types of argument claims as given below.

A claim of definition
A claim about values
A claim about the reason
A claim about comparison
A claim about policy or position

A writer makes a claim about these issues and answers the relevant questions about it with relevant data and evidence to support the claim.

Three Major Types of Argument and How to Apply Them

Classical argument.

This model of applying argument is also called the Aristotelian model developed by Aristotle. This type of essay introduces the claim, with the opinion of the writer about the claim, its both perspectives, supported by evidence, and provides a conclusion about the better perspective . This essay includes an introduction, a body having the argument and support, a counter-argument with support, and a conclusion.

Toulmin Argument

This model developed by Stephen Toulmin is based on the claim followed by grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal . Its structure comprises, an introduction having the main claim, a body with facts and evidence, while its rebuttal comprises counter-arguments and a conclusion.

Rogerian Argument

The third model by Carl Rogers has different perspectives having proof to support and a conclusion based on all the available perspectives. Its structure comprises an introduction with a thesis, the opposite point of view and claim, a middle-ground for both or more perspectives, and a conclusion.

Four Steps to Outline and Argumentative Essay

There are four major steps to outlining an argumentative essay.

Introduction with background, claim, and thesis.
Body with facts, definition, claim, cause and effect, or policy.
The opposing point of view with pieces of evidence.

Examples of Argumentative Essay in Literature

Example #1: put a little science in your life by brian greene.

“When we consider the ubiquity of cellphones, iPods, personal computers and the Internet, it’s easy to see how science (and the technology to which it leads) is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day activities . When we benefit from CT scanners, M.R.I. devices, pacemakers and arterial stents, we can immediately appreciate how science affects the quality of our lives. When we assess the state of the world, and identify looming challenges like climate change, global pandemics, security threats and diminishing resources, we don’t hesitate in turning to science to gauge the problems and find solutions. And when we look at the wealth of opportunities hovering on the horizon—stem cells, genomic sequencing, personalized medicine, longevity research, nanoscience, brain-machine interface, quantum computers, space technology—we realize how crucial it is to cultivate a general public that can engage with scientific issues; there’s simply no other way that as a society we will be prepared to make informed decisions on a range of issues that will shape the future.”

These two paragraphs present an argument about two scientific fields — digital products and biotechnology. It has also given full supporting details with names.

Example #2: Boys Here, Girls There: Sure, If Equality’s the Goal by Karen Stabiner

“The first objections last week came from the National Organization for Women and the New York Civil Liberties Union, both of which opposed the opening of TYWLS in the fall of 1996. The two groups continue to insist—as though it were 1896 and they were arguing Plessy v. Ferguson—that separate can never be equal. I appreciate NOW ’s wariness of the Bush administration’s endorsement of single-sex public schools, since I am of the generation that still considers the label “feminist” to be a compliment—and many feminists still fear that any public acknowledgment of differences between the sexes will hinder their fight for equality .”

This paragraph by Karen Stabiner presents an objection to the argument of separation between public schools. It has been fully supported with evidence of the court case.

Example #3: The Flight from Conversation by Sherry Turkle

“We’ve become accustomed to a new way of being “ alone together.” Technology-enabled, we are able to be with one another, and also elsewhere, connected to wherever we want to be. We want to customize our lives. We want to move in and out of where we are because the thing we value most is control over where we focus our attention. We have gotten used to the idea of being in a tribe of one, loyal to our own party.”

This is an argument by Sherry Turkle, who beautifully presented it in the first person plural dialogues . However, it is clear that this is part of a greater argument instead of the essay.

Function of Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay presents both sides of an issue. However, it presents one side more positively or meticulously than the other one, so that readers could be swayed to the one the author intends. The major function of this type of essay is to present a case before the readers in a convincing manner, showing them the complete picture.

Synonyms of Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay synonyms are as follows: persuasive essays, research essays, analytical essays, or even some personal essays.

Elements of an Essay
Narrative Essay
Definition Essay
Descriptive Essay
Types of Essay
Analytical Essay
Cause and Effect Essay
Critical Essay
Expository Essay
Persuasive Essay
Process Essay
Explicatory Essay
An Essay on Man: Epistle I
Comparison and Contrast Essay

Argumentative Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples

Icon Calendar 8 September 2024
Icon Page 5302 words
Icon Clock 24 min read

Writing a good argumentative essay is one of the activities that students in high schools and higher learning institutions undertake as a test of their knowledge acquisition. Basically, this is a paper where students focus on persuading readers to agree with the central argument (thesis). However, to make their argument legitimate, people need to highlight views from opposing points of view (counterarguments). In writing, there are 3 main types of argumentative essays: classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin. While these types of papers can follow a similar outline, each has a unique writing structure that distinguishes it from others. In turn, primary features of an argumentative essay a person should capture in writing are a thesis, body paragraphs that support a central claim, a counterargument, a response to a counterargument (refutation), and concluding remarks. Finally, these guidelines present a definition of an argumentative essay, its format, basic writing steps, defining features, types, structures, outlines, templates, prompts, some examples, what to include, and what to avoid, allowing students to present high-quality papers and get their A+ grades.

General Aspects

Academic writing is a broad discipline that covers various styles and types of writing. Among different types of essays , there is an argumentative or persuasive writing format. Basically, the main point of an argumentative essay is to convince a reader of a validity of an author’s position on a debatable issue through evidence, reasoning, and persuasive statements. As such, it is a writing genre where a person investigates a topic by collecting and evaluating evidence to strengthen a claim concerning specific themes, including a basic outline. In other words, an argumentative paper focuses on supporting a person’s stance on an issue. Moreover, writing an entire content aims to persuade readers to understand and support that point of view. To achieve this writing goal, students need to state a valid reasoning behind their stance and provide evidence that backs it up.

What Is an Argumentative Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, an argumentative essay is a type and form of academic writing where an author presents a clear stance on a specific issue, supporting their position with logical reasoning and evidence. For example, the main purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to convince an intended audience of a real validity of an author’s viewpoint by presenting points backed by facts, research, and examples while also addressing and refuting opposing perspectives (Rogers, 2024). Unlike simple opinion pieces, an argumentative essay requires critical thinking and a structured writing approach, often involving introduction, body, and conclusion components. Further on, such a composition encourages an entire debate and helps to develop skills in logical reasoning, analysis, and persuasive communication (Koons, 2021). In principle, readers are encouraged to consider multiple sides of a specific issue, fostering a deeper understanding and prompting further reflection on a chosen topic. Moreover, people can take a clear stance, support a main claim with evidence, and systematically address counterarguments to reinforce their positions (Crossley& Tian, 2022). In terms of pages and words, the length of an argumentative essay depends on academic levels, course requirements, and controversial topics, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

Length: 1-4 pages
Word Count: 250-1,000 words
Structure: Introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, conclusion.

College (Undergraduate)

Length: 2-6 pages
Word Count: 500-1,500 words
Structure: Introduction, 3-5 body paragraphs, conclusion, with more emphasis on research and evidence.

University (Bachelor’s Level)

Length: 4-10 pages
Word Count: 1,000-2,500 words
Structure: More in-depth research, multiple counterarguments, and extensive evidence supporting a central argument.

Master’s

Length: 6-20 pages
Word Count: 1,500-5,000 words
Structure: More advanced research, multiple viewpoints, detailed analysis, and integration of sources, and its focus is on original argumentation.
Length: 10-30+ pages
Word Count: 2,500-7,500+ words
Structure: Extensive research, complex arguments, multiple perspectives, and a highly detailed examination of sources, often contributing new insights to a chosen field.

Note: Some writing sections of an argumentative essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on specific assignments or fields of study. For example, a standard argumentative essay format is an organized framework that outlines how to structure and present a thesis, supporting claims, counterarguments, and evidence in a coherent, logical way to persuade readers (Rogers, 2024). Basically, argumentative writing is a style and form of writing where an author presents a clear position on a specific and debatable issue and supports a main claim with evidence and reasoning while also addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints to persuade readers. Further on, the 5 main parts of an argumentative essay are an introduction, thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, counterarguments with refutations, and a conclusion (Koons, 2021). In writing, a typical length of an argumentative essay ranges from 250 to 2,000 words long, depending on academic levels and course instructions. Moreover, students write an argumentative essay when they need to take a stance on a debatable issue and persuade their audience through evidence, reasoning, and addressing counterarguments (Kleemola et al., 2022). An example of a strong claim for an argumentative essay is: “Implementing renewable energy sources is crucial to reducing global carbon emissions and combating climate change.” Finally, people need to cite sources whenever they use information, ideas, or direct quotes from others to support their argument, ensuring proper credit and avoiding plagiarism (Ferretti & Graham, 2019). In turn, to start an argumentative essay, people introduce a specific controversial topic with a hook to grab attention, provide some background information, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines their main position.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

Choose a Debatable Topic for Writing: Select a good topic that has two or more sides and can be argued with evidence.
Conduct Research: Gather credible information, statistics, and expert opinions to support your position.
Develop a Clear Thesis: Write a concise statement that expresses your main argument or stance.
Create an Outline: Organize your writing points and structure your argumentative essay with an introduction, body, counterarguments, and conclusion.
Write an Engaging Introduction: Start writing your argumentative paper with a hook to capture attention, provide background information, and state your thesis.
Present Your Claims: In each body paragraph, introduce a point supporting your thesis and back it up with evidence.
Incorporate Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and address them to show balance in your argument.
Refute Counterarguments: Present evidence or reasoning to disprove or weaken counterarguments.
Write a Strong Conclusion: Restate your main thesis in another writing way, summarize key body points, and leave readers with a final thought or call to action.
Revise and Proofread: Review your argumentative essay for clarity, coherence, and any grammatical or logical errors in writing.

Defining Features

An argumentative essay is a common form of writing. Basically, all students encounter argumentative papers at some point in their academic studies. In writing, this type of paper is tailored for a presentation of an argument due to its unique format. For example, a basic structure of an argumentative essay includes a classical layout, covering an introduction with a thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs with supporting evidence from credible sources and counterarguments, refutations, and a conclusion that reinforces a main stance (Koons, 2021). In principle, an argumentative essay is founded on a claim that is supported by evidence and rebuttals, which lack logical fallacies to facilitate a scientific critique. Further on, at the core of writing an argumentative essay is an initial claim that an author intends to defend when considering some argumentative topics. For example, a thesis statement in an argumentative essay must establish a clear position (Hackett, 2021). In this case, an author’s collection of evidence must support a main claim. Moreover, an author needs to have an opinion on an issue at hand and systematically explain an underlying logic to justify that position. Essentially, writing a thesis statement of an argumentative text ties together individual pieces of evidence provided by an author to develop a compelling explanation for an intended audience (Rogers, 2024). In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning an argumentative essay are:

In today’s society, a hot issue of [topic] has sparked considerable debate over [themes].
A question of whether [topic] is critical because it affects [stakeholders or consequences].
There is no doubt that [topic] has become a highly controversial subject because [reasons].
Many people argue that [topic], but evidence suggests [synthesis of evidence].
One of the most pressing issues of a modern time is [topic], and it demands a careful consideration of [factors].
While some scholars believe that [counterargument], it is clear that [thesis statement].
An ongoing discussion about [topic] raises important questions about [related issue].
It is often assumed that [counterargument], but a closer examination reveals that [thesis statement].
To fully understand a real impact of [topic], people must first explore key reasons why [thesis statement].
A hot debate over [controversial topic] has intensified over last ten years, with compelling arguments on both sides, but [thesis statement].

Body Section

Writing a body section of an argumentative essay consists of two distinct parts: supporting evidence and rebuttals. For example, the 5 writing characteristics of an argumentative essay are a clear thesis, logical reasoning, evidence-based support, acknowledgment of counterarguments, and a persuasive conclusion (Koons, 2021). Essentially, supporting evidence may be presented in either a deductive or inductive writing form, and it is dependent on a specific nature of an initial claim. In an argumentative text, the evidence provided to a target audience must build a convincing argument where a link between the evidence and the main claim is apparent (Hackett, 2021). Then, people need to provide rebuttals to main competing ideas to demonstrate some flaws in those lines of thought. Basically, students must provide unbiased reasoning and address alternative positions in a dispute (Rogers, 2024). In writing, there is no preferred order for presenting these sections. However, a target audience should be able to follow a person’s arguments easily. In turn, the principal difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay is the former explains a topic with facts and information, while the latter presents a stance on an issue and aims to persuade readers with evidence and reasoning.

Challenges in Writing

The main challenge authors face when writing an argumentative essay is avoiding logical fallacies. For example, the 5 steps of an argumentative essay are choosing a debatable topic, crafting a clear thesis, gathering and organizing evidence, addressing counterarguments, and concluding with a strong restatement of a central claim (Rogers, 2024). In writing, fallacies are defects in one’s reasoning, which undermine an argument’s logic. As such, fallacies can easily creep into one’s paper if authors do not carefully assess the supporting evidence. Moreover, logical errors may manifest in various forms, such as a slippery slope and hasty generalization (Koons, 2021). Hence, writing argumentative papers allows students to improve their awareness of weak arguments through critical analysis of their claims. Besides logical fallacies weaken any argument because they create platforms for a critic. In turn, the key difference between argumentative and narrative/descriptive essays is that the former aims to persuade with evidence and reasoning, while the latter focuses on storytelling or vividly describing a person, place, or event.

Argumentative essays are important because they provide a valid framework for a scientific critic. For example, the best definition of an argumentative text is a piece of writing that presents a clear position on a debatable issue, supported by evidence and reasoning, with a goal of persuading a reader (Hackett, 2021). In particular, a scientific disagreement may arise because of issues, such as a generality of an argument, questionable methodology, and a presence of alternative interpretations of findings. On the other hand, argumentative writing ensures students can adequately defend their reasoning when disagreeing with some conclusions of other studies (Koons, 2021). In writing a conclusion section of an argumentative essay, people should restate a thesis, summarize key points made in a body, and provide a final thought or call to action that reinforces their position. As a result, a crucial demand for objectivity and logic in an argument ensures any disagreement in a scientific community is handled in a civilized manner.

A principal basis of argumentative papers is a specific aim of authors to affect the minds of readers. Basically, argumentative essay examples are sample papers that present a clear thesis on a debatable topic supported by evidence and reasoning while addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints (Kleemola et al., 2022). In writing, 3 conventional approaches to an argument are classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin, with different types of structures. Firstly, a classical argument emphasizes evidence and refutation to convince an opponent, dating back to Socrates and Aristotle’s 400 BC ancient Greece (Koons, 2021). Basically, refutation means disapproving of a main argument that is likely to challenge a person’s claim. Secondly, a Rogerian argument aims for a “win-win” negotiation, where neither an author nor an opposing viewpoint is wrong (Hackett, 2021). In essence, this writing type of argument emphasizes some areas where an author and an opposing argument have something in common, such as values and beliefs. Finally, a Toulmin argument underscores an author’s evidence and its strength in proving his or her claim (Rogers, 2024). In turn, common writing types of argumentative essays include:

Standard Writing Structures of Argumentative Essays

2-Point Argument Essay Structure

I. Introduction

Here, a student introduces his or her topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.

II. Body Paragraph 1

Here, a student presents a first point and supporting evidence.

III. Body Paragraph 2

Here, a student presents a second point and supporting evidence.

IV. Body Paragraph 3

Here, a student refutes a first argument (counterargument 1) from an opposing viewpoint.

V. Body Paragraph 4

Here, a student refutes a second argument (counterargument 2) from an opposing viewpoint.

VI. Conclusion

Here, a student concludes an argumentative by restating a thesis.

2-Point Refutation Essay Structure

Here, an author introduces a topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.

Here, an author refutes a first argument (counterargument 1) from an opposing viewpoint.

Here, an author refutes a second argument (counterargument 2) from an opposing viewpoint.

Here, an author presents a first point and supporting evidence.

Here, an author presents a second point and supporting evidence

Here, an author concludes an argumentative essay by restating a thesis.

A Structure of a Combination of Arguments With Refutations

Here, a person introduces a topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.

Here, a person presents a first point and supporting evidence, which also refutes a first counterargument.

Here, a person presents a second point and supporting evidence, refuting a second counterargument.

Here, a person presents a third point and supporting evidence, which also refutes a third counterargument.

V. Conclusion

Here, a person concludes an argumentative essay by restating a thesis.

Outlines and Templates

Classical Argumentative Essay Outline and Template

Here, a student focuses on capturing a reader’s attention by using a hook to introduce a topic with a thesis claim.

II. Statement of Background

Here, a student provides readers with an explanation of a context of a theme, an aspect that fosters a reader’s understanding of a topic.

III. Proposition

In this section, a student states a claim (thesis) based on the information presented and provides key points that will be used to support a central claim.

In this section, a student presents key reasons, sub-claims, and evidence.

V. Refutation

Here, a student anticipates and refutes counterarguments, which indicates that an issue is considered thoroughly, while a conclusion part is the most reasonable.

Here, a student summarizes key points and makes a final appeal to values, motivations, and feelings to persuade readers to identify themselves with a paper’s main argument.

Rogerian Argumentative Essay Outline and Template

I. Introduction of Problem

Here, an author presents a topic as a problem and raises suggestions for influencing positive change by using a thesis statement.

II. Summary of Opposing Views

In this section, an author embraces an accurate and neutral stance in stating views that disagree with a thesis.

III. Statement of Understanding

Here, an author shows readers that they understand that there are situations in which opposing views are valid and lets readers understand under which conditions.

IV. Position Statement

Here, an author states his or her own position after persuading readers that they have given full consideration to opposing views.

V. Statement of Contexts

Here, an author describes situations that can persuade readers to agree with his or her position by outlining some merits of a central argument in specific contexts.

V. Statement of Benefits (Conclusion)

In this section, an author appeals to an opposing viewpoint by showing how it would benefit from accepting his or her position.

Toulmin Argument Essay Outline and Template

I. Data (Introduction)

Here, a person presents facts or evidence to prove a main argument.

Here, a person writes a statement that captures an argumentative thesis.

III. Warrants

This section indicates a person’s general, hypothetical logical statements that link a claim and a data.

IV. Qualifiers

This section presents a person’s statements that propose conditions that justify an argument.

V. Rebuttals

Here, a person highlights counterarguments.

VI. Backing (Conclusion)

Here, a person challenges rebuttals by presenting statements that support warrants. In turn, these statements do not necessarily prove a thesis when concluding an argumentative essay, but they prove an overall validity of warrants.

High School Level

Classical Argumentative Essay

Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: A Necessary Debate
Is a Wage Gap a Reality or an Illusion?
Is Gun Control Possible in the US?
Does Owning a Gun Constitute a Right or a Privilege?

Rogerian Essay

Does Marijuana Legalization Make a Medical or Economic Sense?
Should There Be a Separation of Religion and Government?
Is Single-Sex Education Necessary?

Toulmin Essay

Is Technology Useful or Harmful to Young Children’s Development?
Do Social Movements, Such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, Promote Iinclusiveness or Division?
What Is a Greatest Threat to an Integrity of a Natural Environment?

College Level

Pros and Cons of Self-Driving Vehicles: Evaluating Safety and Efficiency
Influence of Violence in Video Games
Roles of Technology in Enhancing Educational Outcomes
Is Technology a Distraction?
Is Facebook Still Relevant, or Has It Lost Its Edge?
Should Companies Surveil Employees’ Use of Social Media?
Should Companies Fire Employees for What They Post on Social Media Platforms?
Is There a Moral Justification for Obscuring One’s Identity Online?
What Are Key Dangers of Cyberbullying for Both Victims and Perpetrators?
Which Is More Useful to Student Academic Success Between Virtual and Classroom Learning?
Does Digitization of Class Content Encourage or Discourage Reading Among College Students?
Should Colleges Allow Instructors to Provide Course Content to Students via Cellphones and Tablets?

University Level

Impacts of Technology on Society
Roles of Parental Attachment in Child Development
Should Higher Learning Institutions Screen Students for Substance Use?
Are Standardized Tests Necessary or Outdated?
Do Standardized Tests Give an Accurate Assessment of One’s Abilities?
Influence of Technology on Modern Education
Should Schools Be Allowed to Offer Students Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores?
Do School Holidays Impact Students’ Academic Performance?
Does a School Environment Foster or Hamper Young People’s Creativity?
Is Arts Education Beneficial?
Is a Teacher-Student Relationship a Predictor of Students’ Academic Success?
Should Parents Contribute to Curriculum Development?

Master’s Level

The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing: A Paradigm Shift in Medicine
Balancing School Curriculum: Is Art Education as Important as Science?
Mandatory Vaccinations: A Public Health Necessity or Personal Liberty Infringement?
Does Inclusiveness in Schools Benefit “General Education” Students?
Do Standardized Tests Determine a Student’s Level of Knowledge?
Does Higher Education Promote or Kill Innovation in an Individual?
Do Gender Stereotypes Exist in Education?
How Does Parental Poverty Affect a Child’s Education?
Should One Refuse Medical Treatment Because of Religious Beliefs?
Is Parental Consent Necessary in Teenagers’ Decision to Have a Tattoo?
Is ‘Mercy Killing’ Moral?
Who Is to Blame for Childhood Obesity in America Between the Government and Parents?

Ph.D. Level

Importance of Dream Analysis in Understanding Subconscious Thoughts
Did Mormons Have an Impact on America as a Society?
Was War Necessary for a separation of the Southern States from the Union?
What Was Slavery’s Contribution to the American Economy?
Was the Federal Reserve to Blame for the Great Depression?
What Is the Most Controversial Amendment of the US Constitution?
Does Immigration Promote or Undermine a National Economy?
Is There a Connection Between Concepts of Illegal Immigration and Runaway Crime in the US?
Should Children of Illegal Immigrants Benefit From a Public Education System?
What Is a Real Impact of Immigration Between Fostering Diversity and Threatening Indigenous Culture?

Practical Examples of Written Outlines

Classical Argumentative Essay Structure

I. Introduction: An importance of vocational training for inmates.

II. Background: Most inmates lack personal development skills, which explains a high number of inmates serving time for drug-related charges.

III. Proposition: Exposing inmates to vocational training reduces chances of reoffending (recidivism).

IV. Proof: Research shows that ex-offenders who get employed or those who engage in economic activities rarely get arrested for criminal involvement.

V. Refutation: There is no evidence that individuals with vocational training do not engage in criminal activities.

VI. Conclusion: Exposing inmates to vocational training is the best approach when it comes to reducing chances of reoffending (recidivism) after release from prison.

Rogerian Argumentative Essay Structure

I. Problem: A growing number of fast-food joints is to blame for increasing rates of teenage obesity in the United States (US).

II. Summary of Opposing Views: American teens eat more from home than at fast-food joints.

III. Statement of Understanding: There is a high probability that fast-food joints contribute to a culture of unhealthy eating in the US.

IV. Statement of a Student’s Position: A growing number of fast-food restaurants is to blame for the rising rates of obesity among American teenagers.

V. Statement of Contexts: Evidence shows that American teens see fast-food joints as places for social connection, an aspect that increases their exposure to unhealthy foods.

VI. Statement of Benefits: By regulating a general number of fast-food restaurants in a city, official authorities can reduce teenage exposure to unhealthy foods.

Toulmin Argumentative Essay Structure

I. Data: An excellent weather in Miami has seen a number of foreign tourists this year doubled from last year’s.

II. Claim: Weather is a significant factor in holiday-goers’ destination choice.

III. Warrants: There is a higher likelihood that a family would choose a place with warm weather as a holiday destination.

IV. Qualifiers: A primary reason for holidaymaking is to enjoy oneself, which includes engaging in outdoor activities. Good weather makes this happen.

V. Rebuttals: Weather is a natural phenomenon that is sometimes unpredictable.

VI. Backing: Despite a possibility that a weather can change abruptly, considering it is an essential activity for anyone planning on going for a holiday or even out of town.

Short Writing Example of a Toulmin Essay Format

There is emerging evidence that cruelty against animals is an accepted fact in a pursuit of specimens for use in animal research (data). In this case, a thought that a scientific community is indifferent to a cruelty involved in a search for specimens for use in experiments is enough to compel the United States (US) Congress to ban animal research (claim). Moreover, morality demands that society should place a higher premium on animals’ well-being than profits or scientific advancement (warrant). As things stand, it is only Congress that can bring about change through legislation (warrant). Then, a reason as to why Congress should intervene in this matter is because it is the only institution that corporations cannot influence through lobbying (backing). Moreover, a fact that there has been a public uproar makes it difficult for congressional members to be swayed by corporate lobbyists from enacting the law (backing). For clarity purposes, this ban should not apply to medical research (qualifier). In turn, a law that bans all research would be counterproductive since human civilization has relied on science to advance in many areas (rebuttal). As such, it would be incumbent upon congressional members to craft a law that specifies what kinds of research are illegalized (backing).

Complete Argumentative Essay Example

What to include.

Common Mistakes

Lack of a Clear Thesis Statement: Without a strong, specific thesis, an argumentative essay lacks focus and direction for writing.
Ignoring Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge opposing views weakens a central position by making it seem one-sided.
Insufficient Evidence: Arguments without proper evidence appear weak and unconvincing, relying too much on opinion.
Overusing Emotional Appeals: Excessive reliance on emotion instead of logic undermines credibility and fails to persuade rationally.
Poor Structure and Organization: A disorganized argumentative essay confuses readers and makes a central idea harder to follow.
Weak or Vague Topic Sentences: Without strong topic sentences, body paragraphs lack clear direction and focus.
Using Unreliable Sources: Citing unreliable or biased sources can damage an overall credibility of an entire argumentative paper.
Failing to Explain Evidence: Presenting evidence without explaining its relevance weakens a connection between a claim and support.
Overgeneralization: Making sweeping claims without considering exceptions or nuances diminishes a paper’s validity.
Inconsistent Tone or Style: Shifting tone or style can distract readers and break an overall flow of an argument, making it less persuasive.

To write an argumentative essay, people clearly state their thesis, support this stance with evidence and reasoning, address counterarguments, refute them, and conclude by reinforcing their main point. In writing, they must cover a presentation of an argument in a convincing manner by considering certain aspects. Firstly, a position or main claim of an author has to be stated at the beginning of a paper. Secondly, people must provide evidence that supports a chosen position and necessary rebuttals. Finally, an author ensures there are no logical fallacies. Unfortunately, they may undermine an underlying logic of a central argument. Moreover, mastering a critical skill of writing an argumentative essay ensures students can actively engage in scientific criticism. As such, some writing tips include:

Pick an interesting topic for writing an argumentative essay.
Research the topic widely.
Record all the facts.
Decide which type of argumentative paper to write.
Craft an argument.
Formulate a structure.
Start writing an argumentative composition.

Crossley, S., & Tian, Y. (2022). Argumentation features and essay quality: Exploring relationships and incidence counts. Journal of Writing Research , 14 (1), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.17239/jowr-2022.14.01.01

Ferretti, R. P., & Graham, S. (2019). Argumentative writing: Theory, assessment, and instruction. Reading and Writing , 32 (6), 1345–1357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-019-09950-x

Hackett, U. (2021). Brilliant essays . Red Globe Press.

Kleemola, K., Hyytinen, H., & Toom, A. (2022). The challenge of position-taking in novice higher education students’ argumentative writing. Frontiers in Education , 7 , 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.885987

Koons, M. (2021). Writing an argumentative essay: The complete introductory guide to writing an argumentative essay for beginner students . Write Illusion LLC.

Rogers, D. (2024). Writing better essays: A rhetorical guide to writing and revision . Equinox Publishing Ltd.

Essay Guides
Main Academic Essays

Argumentative Essay: Ultimate Writing Guide + Examples

Speech Topics
Basics of Essay Writing
Essay Topics
Other Essays
Research Paper Topics
Basics of Research Paper Writing
Miscellaneous
Chicago/ Turabian
Data & Statistics
Methodology
Admission Writing Tips
Admission Advice
Other Guides
Student Life
Studying Tips
Understanding Plagiarism
Academic Writing Tips
Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

Research Paper Guides
Formatting Guides
Basics of Research Process
Admission Guides
Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

An argumentative essay is a type of essay where you present a standpoint on a particular topic and support it with evidence. The primary aim is to convince your readers that your perspective is the most reasonable one. This is typically done by presenting facts, statistics, logical reasoning, and sometimes personal experiences. An argumentative essay often involves addressing counterarguments or opposing views to strengthen your own viewpoint.

Have you ever dreamt of crafting compelling points and convincing your audience in your argument essay? Then you need to brush up on your persuasive skills! With our in-depth guide, you will learn exactly how to write an argumentative essay and what critical components to include in your written assignment. On top of that, we will provide you with good argument essay examples to elevate your writing skills. So let’s dive deep into details!

What Is an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a style of academic writing which involves a writer researching a particular topic and forming a specific opinion. It then requires arguing for opinion by providing evidence. Unlike other fact-loaded types of writing, an argument paper tries to convince readers to accept only one side of any problem. Strong argumentative writing is characterized by a clear and concise opinion on any topic, supported by logical and well-structured arguments based on extensive research. It is crucial to choose one of argumentative essay topics you are really interested in.

Types of Argumentative Essay

Before you begin writing an argumentative essay, you need to decide on a particular type you will be writing. There are four different types of argumentative essays, they include:

Persuasive This type of writing focuses purely on convincing the reader that the author’s opinions are correct. It doesn’t have to look at the other side.
Research While research essays also take a side, they are much more balanced than persuasive essays . It presents academic sources which support both sides of your claim.
Analysis Analysis paper is where an author selects an already published argumentative essay, deconstructs it, and analyzes various points presented. An author typically will argue against different views expressed.
Personal This essay does not use external resources to make some point. Instead, it uses some feelings or personal experiences of the writer. For example, you could write an essay arguing why New York is the best city in the world and only refer to your life experiences in this city, ignoring data on crime, healthcare, education or affordability.

Approaches to Writing an Argument Essay

There are two main models that writers use to construct an argument essay, Toulmin and Rogerian. In Toulmin model , writers introduce their topic, form a thesis statement and then present arguments in favor of that thesis statement. While under Rogerian model, writers analyze a range of different points with differing conclusions. Next, they make a conclusion after determining which of them are the strongest. The Toulmin approach is most widely used in academic writing. It follows these steps:

Start with your claim.
Provide reasons for this claim.
Produce evidence backing up your reasons.
Explain your warrant, which is the underlying link between your claim and the reasons.
Acknowledge opposing articles and limitations of your reasons.

While the Rogerian approach is not as frequently used in academic circles, it still is an effective way to produce an argument in an essay. The Rogerian model follows these steps:

Present one side.
Discuss pros and cons.
Present an opposing side.
Wrap up your essay by taking bits and pieces of both sides, compromising and forming your new conclusion to any problem.

In case you need college essay help of any sort, feel free to ask StudyCrumb reps for hands-on solutions. Rest assured, we've got plenty!

Argumentative Essay Outline

An argumentative essay structure generally stays the same and includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let's consider an argumentative essay template in detail. Your introduction has to captivate the audience’s attention within the first few lines as well as convince them to continue reading. This paragraph, then, should finish with author’s views and arguments summed up in 1 or 2 sentences. Following your introduction are 3 body paragraphs . A good body paragraph expands on the summary of all reader’s opinions by delving deeper into a chosen topic, crafting key points and supporting them with clear evidence. In any standard 5-paragraph essay, each body paragraph should be focused on a unique element. Our final stage is writing a conclusion . A good conclusion restates your thesis statement and sums up all claims presented throughout body paragraphs. When writing their conclusion, students should consider any impact they are trying to have on a reader. Next, writers should create an interesting summary of their work that leaves a reader with a new perspective on that topic.

How to Start an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay always begins with an introduction. An argumentative essay introduction has three goals: provide a little background information about the topic, explain to your reader why they should care about this subject, and finish with the writer’s opinion, also known as a thesis statement. Let’s look at some examples of these three intro elements.

Example of argumentative essay introduction

In the above example, at the beginning, our reader is given a brief background on this topic, namely the digital trends of learning and that libraries are potentially an outdated model. Then, our reader is presented with an interesting proposal that is sure to evoke a strong response. Some people are going to be thrilled about receiving a free tablet, while others will be horrified at the thought of closing public libraries. Finally, the writer presents their opinion on why public libraries should remain open.

How to Write a Good Body Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay

A good body paragraph introduces strong arguments that are logical and backed up by evidence. An argumentative essay body is a vital part of your essay as it plays major role in convincing the reader that your position is correct. It is like in a position paper , if you can’t make strong arguments, your point will be quickly dismissed. Here is an example of a good body paragraph.

Example of body paragraph in Argumentative Essay

In this body paragraph, the writer claims that libraries have numerous benefits that tablets can’t offer and then provides reasons by listing different advantages. Then, evidence of these benefits being positive is presented through results of their survey. Finally, this argument is summarized.

How to Conclude an Argumentative Essay

The last step is to write an argumentative essay conclusion. A conclusion should reiterate and expand on your thesis statement while summarizing all of your key arguments. A conclusion should tie everything together and leave a reader feeling like they understand your point and recognize your claims. Here is an example of a strong conclusion.

Example of a strong conclusion of an argumentative essay

In this conclusion, the topic of closing libraries and replacing them with tablets is concisely summarised. Then the two key arguments are restated, and finally, the thesis statement is reiterated.

Argumentative Essay Examples

In the above sections, you can see essay samples which depict strong introductions, bodies and conclusions. In this section, we are going to look at an in-depth argumentative essay example:

Title Is the NCAA Practicing Modern Day Slavery? – The best titles are catchy; they should invoke emotion or cause controversy.
Topic Sentence Topic sentence of a paragraph should be simple, concise but still give readers enough detail to understand the scope of your topic.

Example of topic sentence of Argumentative Essay

Convincing Statement Your main statement logical and compelling enough to get a reader to consider the presented perspective.

Example of convincing statement of an Argumentative Essay

These samples should help you elevate your writing to the next level and produce fantastic argumentative essays which can completely change any way your audience thinks about a particular topic.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, this guide was of great help. Make sure you follow our writing tips and you will surely compose a great argument paper. Add this tutorial to your bookmarks so you don't loose it. If you need more guidelines on the writing process, make sure to check our comprehensive guide on how to write an essay .

If you have any doubts or hesitations with essay writing, then, turning to a genuine academic professional will be a smart option. Luckily, we are backed by true experts in the field. Buy argumentative essay from our professional team of writers and we will deliver a great paper before your deadline is up.

1. What is the difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay?

While expository and argumentative essays both require you to argue for a particular thesis statement and have the same objective, an argumentative essay involves far more research and is often significantly longer. In an argumentative essay, the writer is expected to become an expert on a particular topic and use a range of academic literature and empirical evidence to support their points.

2. What are the parts of an argument?

An argument has five parts including:

Claim - At the beginning of an argument essay, you state an opinion, eg. I think healthcare should be free.
Reason - State why you believe your claim, e.g. because government has billions in tax revenue.
Evidence - Support for your reasoning, e.g. providing figures from the tax department on revenue.
Warrant - Links your claim and reason behind your claim. It can be explicit or implied, e.g. Healthcare is expensive, but the billions in tax revenue is enough to afford it.
Acknowledgement or Response - Replying to criticisms - e.g. While some universal healthcare critics say the government needs this money for other projects, many other countries are able to fund their healthcare solely through tax revenue.

3. What is the difference between an informative essay and a persuasive essay?

The goals of an informative and persuasive essay are different. An informative essay is seeking to present information about a specific topic in an impartial way to improve understanding of your reader. While like any good argumentative paper, a persuasive essay is focused on convincing your reader to accept the writer’s opinion and features compelling claims.

4. What are good topics for an argumentative essay?

The best ideas for an argumentative essay are based on topics that have a great deal of public interest, are unresolved, controversial and have evidence both for and against. Topics related to race, religion or politics are always going to captivate readers and evoke strong emotional responses. For example, a paper arguing why African Americans should receive reparations has the potential to go viral or even create a stir.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

Choose Your Test

Search Blogs By Category
College Admissions
AP and IB Exams
GPA and Coursework

How to Write an A+ Argumentative Essay

Miscellaneous

You'll no doubt have to write a number of argumentative essays in both high school and college, but what, exactly, is an argumentative essay and how do you write the best one possible? Let's take a look.

A great argumentative essay always combines the same basic elements: approaching an argument from a rational perspective, researching sources, supporting your claims using facts rather than opinion, and articulating your reasoning into the most cogent and reasoned points. Argumentative essays are great building blocks for all sorts of research and rhetoric, so your teachers will expect you to master the technique before long.

But if this sounds daunting, never fear! We'll show how an argumentative essay differs from other kinds of papers, how to research and write them, how to pick an argumentative essay topic, and where to find example essays. So let's get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?

There are two basic requirements for any and all essays: to state a claim (a thesis statement) and to support that claim with evidence.

Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement.

Essays can be roughly divided into four different types:

#1: Argumentative #2: Persuasive #3: Expository #4: Analytical

So let's look at each type and what the differences are between them before we focus the rest of our time to argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are what this article is all about, so let's talk about them first.

An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance.

An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the factually and logically correct one. This means that an argumentative essay must use only evidence-based support to back up a claim , rather than emotional or philosophical reasoning (which is often allowed in other types of essays). Thus, an argumentative essay has a burden of substantiated proof and sources , whereas some other types of essays (namely persuasive essays) do not.

You can write an argumentative essay on any topic, so long as there's room for argument. Generally, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one, so long as you support the argumentative essay with hard evidence.

Example topics of an argumentative essay:

"Should farmers be allowed to shoot wolves if those wolves injure or kill farm animals?"
"Should the drinking age be lowered in the United States?"
"Are alternatives to democracy effective and/or feasible to implement?"

The next three types of essays are not argumentative essays, but you may have written them in school. We're going to cover them so you know what not to do for your argumentative essay.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, so it can be easy to get them confused. But knowing what makes an argumentative essay different than a persuasive essay can often mean the difference between an excellent grade and an average one.

Persuasive essays seek to persuade a reader to agree with the point of view of the writer, whether that point of view is based on factual evidence or not. The writer has much more flexibility in the evidence they can use, with the ability to use moral, cultural, or opinion-based reasoning as well as factual reasoning to persuade the reader to agree the writer's side of a given issue.

Instead of being forced to use "pure" reason as one would in an argumentative essay, the writer of a persuasive essay can manipulate or appeal to the reader's emotions. So long as the writer attempts to steer the readers into agreeing with the thesis statement, the writer doesn't necessarily need hard evidence in favor of the argument.

Often, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one—the difference is all in the approach and the evidence you present.

Example topics of a persuasive essay:

"Should children be responsible for their parents' debts?"
"Should cheating on a test be automatic grounds for expulsion?"
"How much should sports leagues be held accountable for player injuries and the long-term consequences of those injuries?"

Expository Essay

An expository essay is typically a short essay in which the writer explains an idea, issue, or theme , or discusses the history of a person, place, or idea.

This is typically a fact-forward essay with little argument or opinion one way or the other.

Example topics of an expository essay:

"The History of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell"
"The Reasons I Always Wanted to be a Doctor"
"The Meaning Behind the Colloquialism ‘People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones'"

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay seeks to delve into the deeper meaning of a text or work of art, or unpack a complicated idea . These kinds of essays closely interpret a source and look into its meaning by analyzing it at both a macro and micro level.

This type of analysis can be augmented by historical context or other expert or widely-regarded opinions on the subject, but is mainly supported directly through the original source (the piece or art or text being analyzed) .

Example topics of an analytical essay:

"Victory Gin in Place of Water: The Symbolism Behind Gin as the Only Potable Substance in George Orwell's 1984"
"Amarna Period Art: The Meaning Behind the Shift from Rigid to Fluid Poses"
"Adultery During WWII, as Told Through a Series of Letters to and from Soldiers"

There are many different types of essay and, over time, you'll be able to master them all.

A Typical Argumentative Essay Assignment

The average argumentative essay is between three to five pages, and will require at least three or four separate sources with which to back your claims . As for the essay topic , you'll most often be asked to write an argumentative essay in an English class on a "general" topic of your choice, ranging the gamut from science, to history, to literature.

But while the topics of an argumentative essay can span several different fields, the structure of an argumentative essay is always the same: you must support a claim—a claim that can reasonably have multiple sides—using multiple sources and using a standard essay format (which we'll talk about later on).

This is why many argumentative essay topics begin with the word "should," as in:

"Should all students be required to learn chemistry in high school?"
"Should children be required to learn a second language?"
"Should schools or governments be allowed to ban books?"

These topics all have at least two sides of the argument: Yes or no. And you must support the side you choose with evidence as to why your side is the correct one.

But there are also plenty of other ways to frame an argumentative essay as well:

"Does using social media do more to benefit or harm people?"
"Does the legal status of artwork or its creators—graffiti and vandalism, pirated media, a creator who's in jail—have an impact on the art itself?"
"Is or should anyone ever be ‘above the law?'"

Though these are worded differently than the first three, you're still essentially forced to pick between two sides of an issue: yes or no, for or against, benefit or detriment. Though your argument might not fall entirely into one side of the divide or another—for instance, you could claim that social media has positively impacted some aspects of modern life while being a detriment to others—your essay should still support one side of the argument above all. Your final stance would be that overall , social media is beneficial or overall , social media is harmful.

If your argument is one that is mostly text-based or backed by a single source (e.g., "How does Salinger show that Holden Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?" or "Does Gatsby personify the American Dream?"), then it's an analytical essay, rather than an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay will always be focused on more general topics so that you can use multiple sources to back up your claims.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

So you know the basic idea behind an argumentative essay, but what topic should you write about?

Again, almost always, you'll be asked to write an argumentative essay on a free topic of your choice, or you'll be asked to select between a few given topics . If you're given complete free reign of topics, then it'll be up to you to find an essay topic that no only appeals to you, but that you can turn into an A+ argumentative essay.

What makes a "good" argumentative essay topic depends on both the subject matter and your personal interest —it can be hard to give your best effort on something that bores you to tears! But it can also be near impossible to write an argumentative essay on a topic that has no room for debate.

As we said earlier, a good argumentative essay topic will be one that has the potential to reasonably go in at least two directions—for or against, yes or no, and why . For example, it's pretty hard to write an argumentative essay on whether or not people should be allowed to murder one another—not a whole lot of debate there for most people!—but writing an essay for or against the death penalty has a lot more wiggle room for evidence and argument.

A good topic is also one that can be substantiated through hard evidence and relevant sources . So be sure to pick a topic that other people have studied (or at least studied elements of) so that you can use their data in your argument. For example, if you're arguing that it should be mandatory for all middle school children to play a sport, you might have to apply smaller scientific data points to the larger picture you're trying to justify. There are probably several studies you could cite on the benefits of physical activity and the positive effect structure and teamwork has on young minds, but there's probably no study you could use where a group of scientists put all middle-schoolers in one jurisdiction into a mandatory sports program (since that's probably never happened). So long as your evidence is relevant to your point and you can extrapolate from it to form a larger whole, you can use it as a part of your resource material.

And if you need ideas on where to get started, or just want to see sample argumentative essay topics, then check out these links for hundreds of potential argumentative essay topics.

101 Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay and Speech Topics

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Top 50 Ideas for Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Writing

[Note: some of these say "persuasive essay topics," but just remember that the same topic can often be used for both a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay; the difference is in your writing style and the evidence you use to support your claims.]

KO! Find that one argumentative essay topic you can absolutely conquer.

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essays are composed of four main elements:

A position (your argument)
Your reasons
Supporting evidence for those reasons (from reliable sources)
Counterargument(s) (possible opposing arguments and reasons why those arguments are incorrect)

If you're familiar with essay writing in general, then you're also probably familiar with the five paragraph essay structure . This structure is a simple tool to show how one outlines an essay and breaks it down into its component parts, although it can be expanded into as many paragraphs as you want beyond the core five.

The standard argumentative essay is often 3-5 pages, which will usually mean a lot more than five paragraphs, but your overall structure will look the same as a much shorter essay.

An argumentative essay at its simplest structure will look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro

Set up the story/problem/issue
Thesis/claim

Paragraph 2: Support

Reason #1 claim is correct
Supporting evidence with sources

Paragraph 3: Support

Reason #2 claim is correct

Paragraph 4: Counterargument

Explanation of argument for the other side
Refutation of opposing argument with supporting evidence

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

Re-state claim
Sum up reasons and support of claim from the essay to prove claim is correct

Now let's unpack each of these paragraph types to see how they work (with examples!), what goes into them, and why.

Paragraph 1—Set Up and Claim

Your first task is to introduce the reader to the topic at hand so they'll be prepared for your claim. Give a little background information, set the scene, and give the reader some stakes so that they care about the issue you're going to discuss.

Next, you absolutely must have a position on an argument and make that position clear to the readers. It's not an argumentative essay unless you're arguing for a specific claim, and this claim will be your thesis statement.

Your thesis CANNOT be a mere statement of fact (e.g., "Washington DC is the capital of the United States"). Your thesis must instead be an opinion which can be backed up with evidence and has the potential to be argued against (e.g., "New York should be the capital of the United States").

Paragraphs 2 and 3—Your Evidence

These are your body paragraphs in which you give the reasons why your argument is the best one and back up this reasoning with concrete evidence .

The argument supporting the thesis of an argumentative essay should be one that can be supported by facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or cultural or religious mores.

For example, if you're arguing that New York should be the new capital of the US, you would have to back up that fact by discussing the factual contrasts between New York and DC in terms of location, population, revenue, and laws. You would then have to talk about the precedents for what makes for a good capital city and why New York fits the bill more than DC does.

Your argument can't simply be that a lot of people think New York is the best city ever and that you agree.

In addition to using concrete evidence, you always want to keep the tone of your essay passionate, but impersonal . Even though you're writing your argument from a single opinion, don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.

For example,

"I think that Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

"Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

The second statement sounds far stronger and more analytical.

Paragraph 4—Argument for the Other Side and Refutation

Even without a counter argument, you can make a pretty persuasive claim, but a counterargument will round out your essay into one that is much more persuasive and substantial.

By anticipating an argument against your claim and taking the initiative to counter it, you're allowing yourself to get ahead of the game. This way, you show that you've given great thought to all sides of the issue before choosing your position, and you demonstrate in multiple ways how yours is the more reasoned and supported side.

Paragraph 5—Conclusion

This paragraph is where you re-state your argument and summarize why it's the best claim.

Briefly touch on your supporting evidence and voila! A finished argumentative essay.

Your essay should have just as awesome a skeleton as this plesiosaur does. (In other words: a ridiculously awesome skeleton)

Argumentative Essay Example: 5-Paragraph Style

It always helps to have an example to learn from. I've written a full 5-paragraph argumentative essay here. Look at how I state my thesis in paragraph 1, give supporting evidence in paragraphs 2 and 3, address a counterargument in paragraph 4, and conclude in paragraph 5.

Topic: Is it possible to maintain conflicting loyalties?

Paragraph 1

It is almost impossible to go through life without encountering a situation where your loyalties to different people or causes come into conflict with each other. Maybe you have a loving relationship with your sister, but she disagrees with your decision to join the army, or you find yourself torn between your cultural beliefs and your scientific ones. These conflicting loyalties can often be maintained for a time, but as examples from both history and psychological theory illustrate, sooner or later, people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever.

The first two sentences set the scene and give some hypothetical examples and stakes for the reader to care about.

The third sentence finishes off the intro with the thesis statement, making very clear how the author stands on the issue ("people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever." )

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Psychological theory states that human beings are not equipped to maintain conflicting loyalties indefinitely and that attempting to do so leads to a state called "cognitive dissonance." Cognitive dissonance theory is the psychological idea that people undergo tremendous mental stress or anxiety when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or loyalties (Festinger, 1957). Even if human beings initially hold a conflicting loyalty, they will do their best to find a mental equilibrium by making a choice between those loyalties—stay stalwart to a belief system or change their beliefs. One of the earliest formal examples of cognitive dissonance theory comes from Leon Festinger's When Prophesy Fails . Members of an apocalyptic cult are told that the end of the world will occur on a specific date and that they alone will be spared the Earth's destruction. When that day comes and goes with no apocalypse, the cult members face a cognitive dissonance between what they see and what they've been led to believe (Festinger, 1956). Some choose to believe that the cult's beliefs are still correct, but that the Earth was simply spared from destruction by mercy, while others choose to believe that they were lied to and that the cult was fraudulent all along. Both beliefs cannot be correct at the same time, and so the cult members are forced to make their choice.

But even when conflicting loyalties can lead to potentially physical, rather than just mental, consequences, people will always make a choice to fall on one side or other of a dividing line. Take, for instance, Nicolaus Copernicus, a man born and raised in Catholic Poland (and educated in Catholic Italy). Though the Catholic church dictated specific scientific teachings, Copernicus' loyalty to his own observations and scientific evidence won out over his loyalty to his country's government and belief system. When he published his heliocentric model of the solar system--in opposition to the geocentric model that had been widely accepted for hundreds of years (Hannam, 2011)-- Copernicus was making a choice between his loyalties. In an attempt t o maintain his fealty both to the established system and to what he believed, h e sat on his findings for a number of years (Fantoli, 1994). But, ultimately, Copernicus made the choice to side with his beliefs and observations above all and published his work for the world to see (even though, in doing so, he risked both his reputation and personal freedoms).

These two paragraphs provide the reasons why the author supports the main argument and uses substantiated sources to back those reasons.

The paragraph on cognitive dissonance theory gives both broad supporting evidence and more narrow, detailed supporting evidence to show why the thesis statement is correct not just anecdotally but also scientifically and psychologically. First, we see why people in general have a difficult time accepting conflicting loyalties and desires and then how this applies to individuals through the example of the cult members from the Dr. Festinger's research.

The next paragraph continues to use more detailed examples from history to provide further evidence of why the thesis that people cannot indefinitely maintain conflicting loyalties is true.

Paragraph 4

Some will claim that it is possible to maintain conflicting beliefs or loyalties permanently, but this is often more a matter of people deluding themselves and still making a choice for one side or the other, rather than truly maintaining loyalty to both sides equally. For example, Lancelot du Lac typifies a person who claims to maintain a balanced loyalty between to two parties, but his attempt to do so fails (as all attempts to permanently maintain conflicting loyalties must). Lancelot tells himself and others that he is equally devoted to both King Arthur and his court and to being Queen Guinevere's knight (Malory, 2008). But he can neither be in two places at once to protect both the king and queen, nor can he help but let his romantic feelings for the queen to interfere with his duties to the king and the kingdom. Ultimately, he and Queen Guinevere give into their feelings for one another and Lancelot—though he denies it—chooses his loyalty to her over his loyalty to Arthur. This decision plunges the kingdom into a civil war, ages Lancelot prematurely, and ultimately leads to Camelot's ruin (Raabe, 1987). Though Lancelot claimed to have been loyal to both the king and the queen, this loyalty was ultimately in conflict, and he could not maintain it.

Here we have the acknowledgement of a potential counter-argument and the evidence as to why it isn't true.

The argument is that some people (or literary characters) have asserted that they give equal weight to their conflicting loyalties. The refutation is that, though some may claim to be able to maintain conflicting loyalties, they're either lying to others or deceiving themselves. The paragraph shows why this is true by providing an example of this in action.

Paragraph 5

Whether it be through literature or history, time and time again, people demonstrate the challenges of trying to manage conflicting loyalties and the inevitable consequences of doing so. Though belief systems are malleable and will often change over time, it is not possible to maintain two mutually exclusive loyalties or beliefs at once. In the end, people always make a choice, and loyalty for one party or one side of an issue will always trump loyalty to the other.

The concluding paragraph summarizes the essay, touches on the evidence presented, and re-states the thesis statement.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: 8 Steps

Writing the best argumentative essay is all about the preparation, so let's talk steps:

#1: Preliminary Research

If you have the option to pick your own argumentative essay topic (which you most likely will), then choose one or two topics you find the most intriguing or that you have a vested interest in and do some preliminary research on both sides of the debate.

Do an open internet search just to see what the general chatter is on the topic and what the research trends are.

Did your preliminary reading influence you to pick a side or change your side? Without diving into all the scholarly articles at length, do you believe there's enough evidence to support your claim? Have there been scientific studies? Experiments? Does a noted scholar in the field agree with you? If not, you may need to pick another topic or side of the argument to support.

#2: Pick Your Side and Form Your Thesis

Now's the time to pick the side of the argument you feel you can support the best and summarize your main point into your thesis statement.

Your thesis will be the basis of your entire essay, so make sure you know which side you're on, that you've stated it clearly, and that you stick by your argument throughout the entire essay .

#3: Heavy-Duty Research Time

You've taken a gander at what the internet at large has to say on your argument, but now's the time to actually read those sources and take notes.

Check scholarly journals online at Google Scholar , the Directory of Open Access Journals , or JStor . You can also search individual university or school libraries and websites to see what kinds of academic articles you can access for free. Keep track of your important quotes and page numbers and put them somewhere that's easy to find later.

And don't forget to check your school or local libraries as well!

#4: Outline

Follow the five-paragraph outline structure from the previous section.

Fill in your topic, your reasons, and your supporting evidence into each of the categories.

Before you begin to flesh out the essay, take a look at what you've got. Is your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Is it clear? Is your argument logical? Does your supporting evidence support your reasoning?

By outlining your essay, you streamline your process and take care of any logic gaps before you dive headfirst into the writing. This will save you a lot of grief later on if you need to change your sources or your structure, so don't get too trigger-happy and skip this step.

Now that you've laid out exactly what you'll need for your essay and where, it's time to fill in all the gaps by writing it out.

Take it one step at a time and expand your ideas into complete sentences and substantiated claims. It may feel daunting to turn an outline into a complete draft, but just remember that you've already laid out all the groundwork; now you're just filling in the gaps.

If you have the time before deadline, give yourself a day or two (or even just an hour!) away from your essay . Looking it over with fresh eyes will allow you to see errors, both minor and major, that you likely would have missed had you tried to edit when it was still raw.

Take a first pass over the entire essay and try your best to ignore any minor spelling or grammar mistakes—you're just looking at the big picture right now. Does it make sense as a whole? Did the essay succeed in making an argument and backing that argument up logically? (Do you feel persuaded?)

If not, go back and make notes so that you can fix it for your final draft.

Once you've made your revisions to the overall structure, mark all your small errors and grammar problems so you can fix them in the next draft.

#7: Final Draft

Use the notes you made on the rough draft and go in and hack and smooth away until you're satisfied with the final result.

A checklist for your final draft:

Formatting is correct according to your teacher's standards
No errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Essay is the right length and size for the assignment
The argument is present, consistent, and concise
Each reason is supported by relevant evidence
The essay makes sense overall

#8: Celebrate!

Once you've brought that final draft to a perfect polish and turned in your assignment, you're done! Go you!

Be prepared and ♪ you'll never go hungry again ♪, *cough*, or struggle with your argumentative essay-writing again. (Walt Disney Studios)

Good Examples of Argumentative Essays Online

Theory is all well and good, but examples are key. Just to get you started on what a fully-fleshed out argumentative essay looks like, let's see some examples in action.

Check out these two argumentative essay examples on the use of landmines and freons (and note the excellent use of concrete sources to back up their arguments!).

The Use of Landmines

A Shattered Sky

The Take-Aways: Keys to Writing an Argumentative Essay

At first, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a monstrous hurdle to overcome, but with the proper preparation and understanding, you'll be able to knock yours out of the park.

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced . Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative essay there, my friend.

What's Next?

Now you know the ins and outs of an argumentative essay, but how comfortable are you writing in other styles? Learn more about the four writing styles and when it makes sense to use each .

Understand how to make an argument, but still having trouble organizing your thoughts? Check out our guide to three popular essay formats and choose which one is right for you.

Ready to make your case, but not sure what to write about? We've created a list of 50 potential argumentative essay topics to spark your imagination.

Looking for help with high school? Our one-on-one online tutoring services can help you study for important exams, review challenging material, or plan out big projects. Get matched with a top tutor who is an expert in the subject you're studying!

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT in high school and went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She is passionate about bringing education and the tools to succeed to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as she believes open education is one of the great societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring experience and writes creative works in her free time.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

COMMENTS

20 Easy and Free Argumentative Essay Examples for Students
Follow the steps of the chosen model and start writing the essay. The models for writing an argumentative essay are the classical model, the Rogerian model, and the Toulmin model. To make sure that you write a good argumentative essay, read the different types of examples mentioned in this blog. 1.
3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed
Argumentative Essay Example 2. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through female Anopheles mosquitoes. Each year, over half a billion people will become infected with malaria, with roughly 80% of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)
An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a coherent and logical analysis of a specific topic. 1 The goal is to convince the reader to accept the writer's point of view or opinion on a particular issue. Here are the key elements of an argumentative essay: Thesis Statement: The central claim or argument that the essay aims to ...
Argumentative Essays
The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence.
Argumentative Essay
Five Types of Argument Claims in Essay Writing. There are five major types of argument claims as given below. A claim of definition. A claim about values. A claim about the reason. A claim about comparison. A claim about policy or position. A writer makes a claim about these issues and answers the relevant questions about it with relevant data ...
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
When you're writing a persuasive essay, you need more than just an opinion to make your voice heard. Even the strongest stance won't be compelling if it's not structured properly and reinforced with solid reasoning and evidence. Learn what elements every argumentative essay should include and how to structure it depending on your audience ...
Argumentative Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples
Note: Some writing sections of an argumentative essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on specific assignments or fields of study. For example, a standard argumentative essay format is an organized framework that outlines how to structure and present a thesis, supporting claims, counterarguments, and evidence in a coherent, logical way to persuade readers (Rogers ...
How to Write an Argumentative Essay: Steps & Examples
An argumentative essay is a style of academic writing which involves a writer researching a particular topic and forming a specific opinion. It then requires arguing for opinion by providing evidence. Unlike other fact-loaded types of writing, an argument paper tries to convince readers to accept only one side of any problem. ...
How to Write an A+ Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance. An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the ...

Best Argumentative Essay Examples for Your Help

Good Argumentative Essay Examples

How to Start an Argumentative Essay Example

Argumentative Essay Example

Argumentative Essay Examples for College

Argumentative Essay Examples for Middle School

Argumentative Essay Examples for High School

Argumentative Essay Examples for O Level

5-Paragraph Argumentative Essay Examples

Argumentative Essay Examples for 6th Grade

Argumentative Essay Examples for 7th Grade

Short Argumentative Essay Examples

Immigration Argumentative Essay Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of an argument?

Keep reading

What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)

Table of Contents

What is an argumentative essay?

How to write an argumentative essay?

How to write a good thesis

Frequently Asked Questions

Argumentative essay structure

Argumentative essay outline

Types of argument claims

Argumentative essay writing tips

Good argumentative essay example

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?

Upgrade your essays with Paperpal

Related Reads:

Make Your Research Paper Error-Free with Paperpal’s Online Spell Checker

Argumentative Essays

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

What is an argumentative essay?

A complete argument

The five-paragraph essay

Longer argumentative essays

Argumentative Essay

Models for Argumentative Essays

Five Types of Argument Claims in Essay Writing

Three Major Types of Argument and How to Apply Them

Toulmin Argument

Rogerian Argument

Four Steps to Outline and Argumentative Essay

Examples of Argumentative Essay in Literature

Example #2: Boys Here, Girls There: Sure, If Equality’s the Goal by Karen Stabiner

Example #3: The Flight from Conversation by Sherry Turkle

Function of Argumentative Essay

Synonyms of Argumentative Essay

Related posts:

Post navigation

Argumentative Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples

General Aspects

What Is an Argumentative Essay and Its Purpose

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

Defining Features

Standard Writing Structures of Argumentative Essays

Outlines and Templates

Practical Examples of Written Outlines

Short Writing Example of a Toulmin Essay Format

Complete Argumentative Essay Example

Common Mistakes

Argumentative Essay: Ultimate Writing Guide + Examples

What Is an Argumentative Essay

Types of Argumentative Essay

Approaches to Writing an Argument Essay

Argumentative Essay Outline

How to Start an Argumentative Essay

How to Write a Good Body Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay

How to Conclude an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay Examples

Bottom Line

1. What is the difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay?

2. What are the parts of an argument?

3. What is the difference between an informative essay and a persuasive essay?

4. What are good topics for an argumentative essay?

You may also like

Choose Your Test

How to Write an A+ Argumentative Essay

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?