Argumentative essays are kind of like superpowers: they allow you to get what
you want using the superpower of persuasion. View this lesson and learn how
to channel persuasion to write a good essay.
What is an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay is a writing piece meant to persuade someone to think
the way you do. Though it's usually organized as an essay.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay uses reasoning and evidence—not emotion—to take a
definitive stand on a controversial or debatable issue. The essay explores two
sides of a topic and proves why one side or position is the best.
The First Steps
Choose a specific issue to discuss. Some debatable issues cover a wide range
of topics. For example, “legalizing drugs” is too broad a subject because topics
within that issue include legalizing marijuana, the effectiveness of the FDA, or
whether a painkiller made in Europe should be allowed into the US. Any of these
could be the sole focus of an argumentative paper.
Research both sides of the topic thoroughly. Even if you know which side you
want to argue, research can give you ideas for counterarguments and help your
paper show balance rather than bias.
Develop a working thesis. State your position on the issue and summarize your
argument’s main reasons in one sentence.
Your body paragraphs should explain your reasons fully.
Body Paragraphs Option #1: Present both sides of the issue, then state your
opinion and explain why you chose that side. This option is useful if you did not
have an opinion on the issue prior to research, or your audience is not very
familiar with your topic.
One half to two-thirds of your paper explains the issue, shows the two opposing
sides, and gives an assessment of each. This demonstrates that you have
indeed conducted research and are an expert on the subject.
Next, when you state your position, readers might be more inclined to agree with
you.
Last, explain your reasons for choosing that side without repeating ideas from
previous paragraphs.
Option #2: State your opinion at the beginning.
List and explain the reasons for your choice. Acknowledge the other side’s
arguments; then, disprove/refute those arguments.
This option is useful when your audience already has some knowledge of the
issue. It allows you to be more assertive, thus making a stronger argument.
, Select the strongest evidence from your research and present your points—
usually one point per body paragraph.
o Next, explain one or two of the opposing side’s points to show how readers
might object to your argument. Then, show how these arguments are not
reasonable, not logical, or not effective. Be sure to reassert your own viewpoint
and why it is the best choice.
Final Steps: Revise and Edit
o Pretend that your readers are a sceptical panel or jurors. You can best
convince them of your arguments by avoiding emotional or aggressive
language and by using a mix of evidence types—facts, statistics, examples,
expert opinions, or even personal experience.
o Cite your sources!
o To increase the chances that your audience will agree with you, start body
paragraphs with ideas that both sides agree upon before arguing your point.
o Know the other side’s strongest arguments to defend against challenges from
other students or your instructor. o In your conclusion, emphasize why your
topic is important, summarize your arguments, and re-state your position as the
most sensible choice. Do not include new evidence or arguments
To refresh your memory, these are rhetorical devices:
Here are examples of rhetorical devices with a definition and an example:
• Alliteration - the recurrence of initial consonant sounds - rubber baby buggy
bumpers
• Allusion - a reference to an event, literary work or person - I can’t do that
because I am not Superman.
• Amplification - repeats a word or expression for emphasis - Love, real love,
takes time.
• Analogy - compares two different things that have some similar characteristics
- He is flaky as a snowstorm.
• Anaphora - repeats a word or phrase in successive phrases - "If you prick us,
do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?” (Merchant of Venice,
Shakespeare)
• Antanagoge - places a criticism and compliment together to lessen the impact -
The car is not pretty but it runs great.
• Antimetabole - repeats words or phrases in reverse order - “ask not what your
country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” (J F Kennedy)
• Antiphrasis - uses a word with an opposite meaning - The Chihuahua was named
Goliath.
• Antithesis - makes a connection between two things - “That's one small step for
a man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong)
• Appositive - places a noun or phrase next to another noun for descriptive
purposes - Mary, queen of the land, hosted the ball.
• Enumeratio - makes a point with details - Renovation included a spa, tennis
court, pool and lounge.
you want using the superpower of persuasion. View this lesson and learn how
to channel persuasion to write a good essay.
What is an Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay is a writing piece meant to persuade someone to think
the way you do. Though it's usually organized as an essay.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay uses reasoning and evidence—not emotion—to take a
definitive stand on a controversial or debatable issue. The essay explores two
sides of a topic and proves why one side or position is the best.
The First Steps
Choose a specific issue to discuss. Some debatable issues cover a wide range
of topics. For example, “legalizing drugs” is too broad a subject because topics
within that issue include legalizing marijuana, the effectiveness of the FDA, or
whether a painkiller made in Europe should be allowed into the US. Any of these
could be the sole focus of an argumentative paper.
Research both sides of the topic thoroughly. Even if you know which side you
want to argue, research can give you ideas for counterarguments and help your
paper show balance rather than bias.
Develop a working thesis. State your position on the issue and summarize your
argument’s main reasons in one sentence.
Your body paragraphs should explain your reasons fully.
Body Paragraphs Option #1: Present both sides of the issue, then state your
opinion and explain why you chose that side. This option is useful if you did not
have an opinion on the issue prior to research, or your audience is not very
familiar with your topic.
One half to two-thirds of your paper explains the issue, shows the two opposing
sides, and gives an assessment of each. This demonstrates that you have
indeed conducted research and are an expert on the subject.
Next, when you state your position, readers might be more inclined to agree with
you.
Last, explain your reasons for choosing that side without repeating ideas from
previous paragraphs.
Option #2: State your opinion at the beginning.
List and explain the reasons for your choice. Acknowledge the other side’s
arguments; then, disprove/refute those arguments.
This option is useful when your audience already has some knowledge of the
issue. It allows you to be more assertive, thus making a stronger argument.
, Select the strongest evidence from your research and present your points—
usually one point per body paragraph.
o Next, explain one or two of the opposing side’s points to show how readers
might object to your argument. Then, show how these arguments are not
reasonable, not logical, or not effective. Be sure to reassert your own viewpoint
and why it is the best choice.
Final Steps: Revise and Edit
o Pretend that your readers are a sceptical panel or jurors. You can best
convince them of your arguments by avoiding emotional or aggressive
language and by using a mix of evidence types—facts, statistics, examples,
expert opinions, or even personal experience.
o Cite your sources!
o To increase the chances that your audience will agree with you, start body
paragraphs with ideas that both sides agree upon before arguing your point.
o Know the other side’s strongest arguments to defend against challenges from
other students or your instructor. o In your conclusion, emphasize why your
topic is important, summarize your arguments, and re-state your position as the
most sensible choice. Do not include new evidence or arguments
To refresh your memory, these are rhetorical devices:
Here are examples of rhetorical devices with a definition and an example:
• Alliteration - the recurrence of initial consonant sounds - rubber baby buggy
bumpers
• Allusion - a reference to an event, literary work or person - I can’t do that
because I am not Superman.
• Amplification - repeats a word or expression for emphasis - Love, real love,
takes time.
• Analogy - compares two different things that have some similar characteristics
- He is flaky as a snowstorm.
• Anaphora - repeats a word or phrase in successive phrases - "If you prick us,
do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh?” (Merchant of Venice,
Shakespeare)
• Antanagoge - places a criticism and compliment together to lessen the impact -
The car is not pretty but it runs great.
• Antimetabole - repeats words or phrases in reverse order - “ask not what your
country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” (J F Kennedy)
• Antiphrasis - uses a word with an opposite meaning - The Chihuahua was named
Goliath.
• Antithesis - makes a connection between two things - “That's one small step for
a man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Neil Armstrong)
• Appositive - places a noun or phrase next to another noun for descriptive
purposes - Mary, queen of the land, hosted the ball.
• Enumeratio - makes a point with details - Renovation included a spa, tennis
court, pool and lounge.
