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APA Sample Papers

APA example papers

Argumentative Essay From a Beginning Writing Class (traditional style)

Argumentative Essay From a Psychology Class

Aristotelian Argumentative Essay

Cause and Effect Essay From a Beginning Writing Class

Cause and Effect Essay From an Educational Psychology Class

Classification and Division Essay From an Education Class

Decision Making for Global Expatriates Essay From a Business Class

Definition Essay From a Beginning Writing Class

Description Essay From a Business Course (the assignment was not listed as a descriptive essay, but key descriptive elements are noted)

Illustration Essay From a Beginning Writing Class

Illustration Essay From a Health Professions Course

Investment Analysis From a Business Course

Literature Review From the Health Sciences Field

Organizational Culture Essay From a Business Class

Narrative Essay From a Criminal Justice Class

Process Essay From a Beginning Writing Class (traditional style)

Process Essay From a Biology Class (lab report)

Proposal Argumentative Essay

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Rogerian Argumentative Essay

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How to Write an Essay in APA Format

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

apa style argumentative essay

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

apa style argumentative essay

What Is APA Format?

Apa essay format basics.

  • Steps to Follow

Frequently Asked Questions

If your instructor has asked you to write an APA format essay, it might at first seem like a daunting task, especially if you are accustomed to using another style such as MLA or Chicago. But you can master the rules of APA essay format, too.

An essay is one type of paper that can be written in APA format; others include lab reports, experimental reports, and case studies. Before you begin, familiarize yourself with some of the basic guidelines for writing a paper in APA format. Of course, it will also be important to follow any other formatting instructions that are part of your assignment.

How do you write an essay in APA format? The basic elements you need to include are:

  • A title page
  • An abstract
  • An introduction, main body, and conclusion
  • A reference section
  • Proper APA formatting with regard to margins, layout, spacing, titles, and indentations

This article discusses how to write an essay in APA format, including the basic steps you should follow and tips for how to get started.

Whether you’re taking an introductory or graduate-level psychology class, chances are strong that you will have to write at least one paper during the course of the semester. In almost every case, you will need to write your paper in APA format, the official publication style of the American Psychological Association . It is also used for academic journals.

Such rules are generally the same whether you are writing a high school essay, college essay, or professional essay for publication.

APA format is used in a range of disciplines including psychology , education, and other social sciences. The format dictates presentation elements of your paper including spacing, margins, and how the content is structured.

Most instructors and publication editors have strict guidelines when it comes to how your format your writing. Not only does adhering to APA format allow readers to know what to expect from your paper, but it also means that your work will not lose critical points over minor formatting errors. 

While the formatting requirements for your paper might vary depending on your instructor's directions, writing APA essay format means you will most likely need to include a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference sections.

Your APA format essay should have a title page . This title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your school affiliation. In some instances, your teacher might require additional information such as the course title, instructor name, and the date.

  • The title of your paper should be concise and clearly describe what your paper is about.
  • Your title can extend to two lines, but it should be no longer than 12 words.

An abstract is a brief summary of your paper that immediately follows the title page. It is not required for student papers, according to APA style. However, your instructor may request one.

If you include an abstract , it should be no more than 100 to 200 words, although this may vary depending upon the instructor requirements.

Your essay should also include a reference list with all of the sources that were cited in your essay,

  • The reference section is located at the end of your paper.
  • References should be listed alphabetically by the last name of the author.
  • References should be double-spaced.
  • Any source that is cited in your paper should be included in your reference section.

When writing in APA essay format, the text will include the actual essay itself: The introduction, body, and conclusion.

  • There should be uniform margins of at least one inch at the top, bottom, left, and right sides of your essay.
  • The text should be in Times New Roman size 12 font or another serif typeface that is easily readable.
  • Your paper should be double-spaced.
  • Every page should include a page number in the top right corner.
  • The first word of each paragraph in your paper should be indented one-half inch.

For professional papers (usually not student papers), every page of the essay also includes a running head at the top left. The running head is a shortened form of the title, often the first few words, and should be no more than 50 characters (including spaces).

Steps to a Successful APA Format Essay

In addition to ensuring that you cite your sources properly and present information according to the rules of APA style, there are a number of things you can do to make the writing process a little bit easier.

Choose a Topic

Start by choosing a good topic to write about. Ideally, you want to select a subject that is specific enough to let you fully research and explore the topic, but not so specific that you have a hard time finding sources of information.

If you choose something too specific, you may find yourself with not enough to write about. If you choose something too general, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information.

Research Your Topic

Start doing research as early as possible. Begin by looking at some basic books and articles on your topic to help develop it further. What is the question you are going to answer with your essay? What approach will you take to the topic?

Once you are more familiar with the subject, create a preliminary source list of potential books, articles, essays, and studies that you may end up using in your essay.

Remember, any source used in your essay must be included in your reference section. Conversely, any source listed in your references must be cited somewhere in the body of your paper.

Write Your Rough Draft

With research in hand, you are ready to begin. Some people like to create an outline to organize their argument prior to drafting. You may want to start with a very rough outline, and then add details.

Once you have a detailed outline, the next step is to translate it from notes to complete sentences and paragraphs. Remember, this is a first draft. It doesn't have to be perfect.

As you write your paper in APA essay format, be sure to keep careful track of the sources that you cite.

How do you start an APA paper? Your paper should begin with an introduction that includes a thesis statement that presents your main ideas, points, or arguments. Your introduction should start on the third page of your paper (after the title page and abstract). The title of your paper should be centered, bolded, and typed in title case at the top of the page.

Review and Revise

After you have prepared a rough draft of your essay, it's time to revise, review, and prepare your final draft. In addition to making sure that your writing is cohesive and supported by your sources, you should also check carefully for typos, grammar errors, and possible formatting mistakes.

When citing information or quotations taken from an interview, APA format requires that you cite the source, how the information was collected, and the date of the interview. They should not be included in the reference section, however, because they are not something that can be located by a reader in any published source or searchable database.

Instead, the information should be cited parenthetically in the main body of the text. For example: “There was an increase in the number of college students who screened positive for depression/anxiety” (R. Heathfield, personal communication, May 9, 2021).

If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems , editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.

According to APA format, a two-part essay is formatted the same as an essay, however, you'll need to create two title pages.

If you're including a short direct quote in your APA-format essay, you will need to cite the author, year of publication, and page number (p.) or page number span (pp.). Quotations longer than 40 words should omit the quotation marks and be put in the text using block quotation formatting, on its own line and indented 1/2 inch from the left margin.

The cover page or "title page" in APA essay format should always include the title of your paper, your name, and school affiliation as well as the course title, instructor name, and date, if requested by your teacher.

Nagda S.  How to write a scientific abstract.   J Indian Prosthodont Soc.  2013;13(3):382-383. doi:10.1007/s13191-013-0299-x

American Psychological Association.  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Paper Types / How to Write an Argumentative Essay

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

Are you writing an argumentative essay for school and just don’t feel that it’s as good as it could be? This type of writing can be challenging, since it requires plenty of research, but it can also be quite rewarding.

Argumentative writing tends to be balanced in that it acknowledges all sides of the issue. Rather than only discuss your own point of view, you will be conducting research on all views of the subject, then presenting them in a way that will allow the reader to make their decision.

Guide Overview

  • Choose a topic
  • Draft an outline
  • Include quotes
  • Look at both sides of the issue

Choose a Topic

It’s far easier to write on a topic that interests you and that you feel passionate about. Selecting a topic with strong opposing views can be a great way to get your grades up, provided you do a good job of proving your point.

Great topics may include legal topics, moral topics and social topics, among others. Here are a few to get you started:

  • Should businesses be permitted to advertise in schools?
  • Should circumcision for infants be banned?
  • Is the death penalty the best option for murderers?
  • Should employers be permitted to refuse to hire pregnant women
  • Should tobacco products be banned?
  • Should firearms be restricted?Is abortion a legal right?

These topics have very strong views on either side and it is up to you to select which one to represent first in your essay. While both (or more, if you find others) perspectives should be represented, one will feature more strongly as your preferred opinion.

Hints for a Better Essay

Still need some extra tricks to make sure your essay is amazing? Here are a few ways you can boost the value of your writing.

Draft an Outline

Before you get too far into creating your essay, you’ll want an essay to keep things nice and neat. It’s easy to ramble if you don’t have a specific direction to follow. As you do your research, write the information you find on sticky notes. Then arrange these into a simple outline that flows. Work without a solid outline at your own risk. Consider using an argumentative essay template to understand key elements of the essay.

Include Quotes

Using quotes from experts on the topic will appeal to logic and help the reader understand why your thesis statement hold true. You can find these online, from reputable sources, or you can actually talk to some experts to get the quotes. Be sure to cite these sources to demonstrate credibility and allow the reader to see where the quotes came from. It doesn’t matter if it is in MLA format ( examples ), APA format ( examples ), or another style—be sure to include citations.

Look at Both Sides of the Issue

Balance is the key to argumentative writing. Ideally, you will present both the pros and cons of the various arguments, with a strong slant toward your preferred view. With the right research and arranging of facts, you should be able to present your perspective in a very persuasive way.

While your essay should be written to encourage people to see things from your point of view, it should also present all sides of issue. This will come across as balanced and fair and you allow the reader to ultimately choose which option they prefer.

Finally, if you’re ever facing writer’s block for your college paper, consider WriteWell Essay Templates  to help you get started.

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Miscellaneous

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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"

body_juggle

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.]

body_fight

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.

body_plesiosaur

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!

body_prepared_rsz

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.

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.

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ESL 088WG Argument Essay (Jurkowitz): APA 7 Style (NEW!!)

  • Assignment Information
  • Accessing Points of View Database
  • Finding an Argument Article
  • Finding a Counter Argument Article
  • APA 7 Style (NEW!!)

APA Citation Format

  • PCC's Guide to APA Style 7th edition

Other Online Guides

APA Guide from OWL at Purdue University

Sample Papers

Sample APA paper from OWL Sample APA paper from APAStyle.org  

Annotated Bibliography

What is an APA Annotated Bibliography?

APA 7th edition Handbook

apa style argumentative essay

APA Citation Style 7th edition

This section provides information about writing a paper in APA style, and includes the following sections:

Writing your paper

  • Formatting your paper in APA 7 style
  • Headings, Figures and Tables
  • Quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing
  • In-text and parenthetical citations
  • Citing sources with missing information

Creating a Bibliography Page

  • Formatting a References page
  • Citing books and e-books
  • Citing journal articles, newspapers, and other documents
  • Citing websites, social media posts, emails, interviews , and AI Tools
  • Citing audio visual and other formats

More resources

  • Sample papers in APA format

Citing OERs in APA

Open Educational Resources ( OERs ) are learning, teaching and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain, or are under copyright but have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, adaptation and redistribution by others.

---definition provided by UNESCO

The official APA (American Psychological Association) Style Guide  says:

  • Create a reference to an OER only when the materials are available for download directly (i.e., the materials are on the page and/or can be downloaded as PDFs or other files). If you are directed to another website, create a reference to the specific webpage on that website where the materials can be retrieved. Use this format for material in any OER repository, such as OER Commons, OASIS, or MERLOT.  
  • Cite OERs with the same format as webpages, which are covered in Section 10.16 of the  APA Publication Manual, Seventh Edition .

For more information on citing OERs see APAStyle.apa.org .

Note that there are no current APA instructions for citing Creative Commons ( CC ) licensed works. Cite them the same way you would cite any work. Please check with your instructor for guidance.

APA and ChatGPT

If your instructor allows you to use ChatGPT, they may want you to cite it.

You can find out how to cite ChatGPT in APA Style on the:

APA Website

  • << Previous: Finding a Counter Argument Article
  • Last Updated: Mar 13, 2024 4:23 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.pima.edu/esl088wgLJ

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Dr. Karen Palmer

Sample Argument Essay in MLA Format

Note that the first page of the argument should have a heading on the left hand side (not in the header) with the student’s name, the instructor’s name, the course, and the date. The title should be centered on the page with no special formatting. On subsequent pages, the author’s last name and the page number should be in the header justified to the right. (ie Doe, 2). In-text citations should reference the author’s last name (or the first word of the Works Cited listing) and a page number, if applicable. If there is no page number, only include the author’s last name. Note that the entire paper should be double spaced.

An Innovative Approach to Eliminating Food Insecurity

Did you know that three in four college students will go hungry at some point of their college career? Even though there are campus food banks popping up around the country, the problem still exists. Campus gardens might be away to enhance what food banks are already doing. Wasatch Gardens provides an innovative solution for fighting hunger on college campuses through creating community gardens that can assist the efforts of food banks.

Wasatch Gardens was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1989. Their mission is “To empower people of all ages and incomes to grow and eat healthy, organic, local food” (Wasatch). In order to accomplish their mission, Wasatch Gardens helps people start and maintain community gardens. Whether these gardens are for a neighborhood, a local homeless shelter, or even a school, they are teaching others that “the quality of a community is directly related to the quality of its food” (Wasatch). With their five programs, Community Garden, Youth Garden, School Garden, Community Education, and Green Team Farm, they “offer garden space, educational programs, and community events to empower people to grow, harvest, preserve, and prepare fresh, healthy food” (Wasatch). This organization does its best to help people create a sustainable way to grow food that empowers members of the community.

Food insecurity is a growing problem in the US, and the issue is even more challenging for students who have additional costs related to funding their education. In the state of Arizona, food insecurity affects as much as 20% of the population: “One in five Arizonans lacked the

money to buy food at least once in 2012, according to Feeding America, a non-profit organization consisting of more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations across the U.S.” (Szabo). These numbers are even higher for students, who are often working part-time to enable them to handle the rigors of academic life. In Yavapai County alone, the number of people struggling with food insecurity, which means they are not able to purchase adequate food for themselves or their families, is estimated to be around 17%. Add to that the increased cost of education, tuition, books, and fees, and the need to spend more time working on classwork, and students are even more likely to fall into this category. Food insecurity among students leads to a decreased ability to learn effectively, but, even more significant, it decreases a student’s ability to successfully complete his/her education.

Especially in the community college setting, many students have families to care for and are trying to balance school, work, and family on a very limited budget. When the choice is between food and books, students often must choose food, which leaves them without the necessary tools they need to succeed in their courses. Surviving on affordable options like Ramen and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese can leave students without energy to give all their attention to their studies.

Wasatch Gardens provides an innovative solution to the problem of food insecurity by helping communities start community gardens. In one instance, they started a community garden down the street from a homeless shelter. Women from the shelter can work at the garden for a salary, and food from the garden is sold at a discount to a local Head Start program: “Each woman also gets a 6-foot stretch to plant whatever she likes. Lynette, whose Pomeranian-Chihuahua service dog, Ed, watches her patiently, chose melons, green beans, beets and snap peas so sweet they’d pass for candy in a blindfold test” (Piper). Not only does planting a garden empower these women to make positive choices, but it provides a living. “Team members earn  $9 an hour for a minimum of 20 hours per week and attend Friday classes on job skills. The land is leased by Salt Lake City’s Redevelopment Agency at a cost of $1 per year, and the produce is sold at a cut rate to the Head Start program for disadvantaged children.” (Piper). What is really innovative about this program is that it is helping the women at the homeless shelter, as well as giving back to the community in other ways. The Wasatch Gardens also serve “roughly 1800 to 2000 kids per year” in their youth education program, as well as “80 refugee families per year” in the garden (Modern). The gardens, then, are helping a vast number of people in many different circumstances. “Not only do these gardens support Salt Lake City’s dedication to increase local food production, they invigorate our neighborhoods by putting vacant lots to use in ways that support community engagement and biodiversity — all while limiting our communities’ carbon footprints,” notes the SLC Green Blog (Interested). Community gardens, then, not only help the community members who need it, they also make communities better.

Community gardens are working to combat hunger in other areas of the country, as well. Right here in Arizona, community gardens are providing another way to combat food insecurity. “Non-profit organizations nationwide have started teaching lower-income communities to create their own vegetable gardens. The non-profit group, which is funded by donations and grants, formed partnerships with nearby churches for the gardens” (Szabo). As in Salt Lake City, these community gardens are giving people a sense of pride, as well as providing for their basic needs. “Experts say urban gardening is a cheaper and more nutritious option than purchasing food.” (Szabo). In addition to providing more nutritious food at a lower price, working in the gardens also serves as therapy: ‘There‘s mountains of research that talks about the benefits of getting your hands dirty, as far as therapy goes,” he said’” (Piper).And it’s making a difference! “The garden produces enough food that Alvarez doesn’t need the food banks. In fact, he gives extra produce to church members or friends.” (Szabo). Ron Finley, known as the Guerilla Gardener of LA, notes something similar: “There’s another time when I put a garden in this homeless shelter in downtown Los Angeles. These are the guys, they helped me unload the truck. It was cool, and they just shared the stories about how this affected them and how they used to plant with their mother and their grandmother, and it was just cool to see how this changed them, if it was only for that one moment.” Participation in the garden projects provide a hand up, instead of a handout for people who need it most.

A similar solution is working on college campuses. College campus community gardens offer a way to expand on the offerings of campus food banks. One thriving example is the Montclair State University Community Garden. After doing a survey that found that “over 4 out of every 10 students who responded to the survey may be Food Insecure during the academic semester, and may not have access to enough food, or have only low quality foods, on a regular basis” (Montclair). In response, the campus decided to start a community garden.

Founded in 2018, the garden has “reclaimed and revitalized underutilized space on the campus, and has established 20 raised garden beds, totaling 1,000 square feet of growing space” (Montclair). Students must apply for space in the garden, which provides food for the school’s food pantry, as well as for community food banks. Not only do they provide fresh, healthier food, but since the food is grown right on campus, it is easily accessible and costs less money than stocking the shelves in a food pantry. In addition, working in the campus garden can provide money making opportunities for students, as well as additional operating funds for the food bank when extra produce is sold to the campus dining facility. The vision of the garden is to “strengthen the connections between members of the Montclair State University community and bring our community closer together, while sustainably providing fresh foods and educational resources to our community members in need” (Montclair). Like the Wasatch Gardens, the community garden at Montclair does more than just fee students. It also supports the community as a whole, improving relations with the community while it assists students in need. Following the model created by Wasatch Gardens can expand upon the offerings of a campus food bank and really help students.

While starting a community garden on campus might have some initial costs, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Colleges already pay for landscaping—why not plant edible landscaping and enlist students in the project? Not only would this help to round out a campus food bank, but it could even reduce costs for the college as students take on some of the work of landscapers. In addition, many colleges already have agricultural programs. Campus community gardens could be an innovative way to allow those students to get real experience running a community garden as they plan planting space, production, and coordinate getting produce to the campus food bank and to other community organizations, as well. Colleges can and should set an example for their communities by implementing this innovative and sustainable solution to food insecurity.

Those who are interested in this idea can show their support by educating themselves about the benefits of community gardens, as well as food insecurity. Donating to organizations like Wasatch Gardens allows them to continue to grow and provide a model for the rest of the country for a way to give people dignity and self-respect as they learn how to feed themselves, even as their efforts help others.

Wasatch Gardens provides college campuses with a model for an innovative solution that can help to alleviate food insecurity on their campuses. Even for colleges that already have a campus food bank, adding a campus garden might be a way to enhance what food banks are already doing. Not only would campus gardens provide nutritious food for students, but it could provide job experience for agriculture students and provide a living wage, as well. College campuses would do well to consider the benefits of incorporating a community garden on their campuses.

Works Cited Page

Note that the Works Cited page should be on a NEW page. (Use the Insert Page function in Word!). Works Cited should be centered at the top of the page in regular font. Sources should be listed in alphabetical order. Sources should use a hanging indent. The student’s last name and page number are in the header and should be justified to the right margin. The entire Works Cited page should be double spaced, with no extra spaces.

Works Cited

Finley, Ron. “A guerrilla gardener in South Central LA.” TEDTalk, February 2013.https://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerrilla_gardener_in_south_central_la

“Interested in Joining a New Community Garden?” SlcGreen Blog, 23 May 2019, slcgreenblog.com/2019/05/23/support-community-gardens/.

Modern Gardener. “Wasatch Community Gardens| Modern Gardener.” YouTube, July 3, 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SDVgYAg0tg.

“The Montclair State University Campus Community Garden.” – PSEG Institute For Sustainability Studies – Montclair State University, www.montclair.edu/pseg-sustainability-institute/campus-community-garden/.

Piper, Matthew. “Two Blocks from the Rio Grande Homeless Shelter, These Women Found Peace and Purpose on a … Farm?” The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Aug. 2017, www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2017/08/08/two-blocks-from-the-rio-grande-homeless-shelter-these-women-found-peace-and-purpose-on-a-farm/

Szabo, Kendra. “Community Gardens Helping Fight Hunger.” Arizona Republic, Sep 17, 2013. ProQuest, https://proxy.yc.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1434422648?accountid=8141.

“Wasatch Community Gardens: Salt Lake City, Utah – Community Gardens.” Wasatch Community Gardens | Salt Lake City, Utah, wasatchgardens.org/community-gardens.

Sample Argument Paper in APA Format

This is an example of a student essay in APA format. For annotated examples, please visit the APA Style Blog or download a PDF file with a sample paper here .

Note that the content of the title page should be centered both vertically and horizontally on the page. The title should be in bold. The Title Page should include the title of the paper, the student’s name, the institution, the course, the instructor, and the date. Page numbers are in the Header of the page and justified to the right margin.

Yavapai College

February 26, 2020

Main Body of the Paper

Note that the title is centered on the first page of the body of the paper and in bold font. Page numbers go in the header and should be justified to the right margin. In text citations should include the author’s last name and the date of publication.

Did you know that three in four college students will go hungry at some point of their college career? Even though there are campus food banks popping up around the country, the problem still exists. Campus gardens might be a way to enhance what food banks are already doing. Wasatch Gardens provides an innovative solution for fighting hunger on college campuses through creating community gardens that can assist the efforts of food banks.

Food insecurity is a growing problem in the US, and the issue is even more challenging for students who have additional costs related to funding their education. In the state of Arizona, food insecurity affects as much as 20% of the population: “One in five Arizonans lacked the money to buy food at least once in 2012, according to Feeding America, a non-profit organization consisting of more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations across the U.S.” (Szabo, 2013). These numbers are even higher for students, who are often working part-time to enable them to handle the rigors of academic life. In Yavapai County alone, the number of people struggling with food insecurity, which means they are not able to purchase adequate food for themselves or their families, is estimated to be around 17%. Add to that the increased cost of education, tuition, books, and fees, and the need to spend more time working on classwork, and students are even more likely to fall into this category. Food insecurity among students leads to a decreased ability to learn effectively, but, even more significant, it decreases a student’s ability to successfully complete his/her education.

Wasatch Gardens provides an innovative solution to the problem of food insecurity by helping communities start community gardens. In one instance, they started a community garden down the street from a homeless shelter. Women from the shelter can work at the garden for a salary, and food from the garden is sold at a discount to a local Head Start program: “Each woman also gets a 6-foot stretch to plant whatever she likes. Lynette, whose Pomeranian-Chihuahua service dog, Ed, watches her patiently, chose melons, green beans, beets and snap peas so sweet they’d pass for candy in a blindfold test” (Piper, 2017). Not only does planting a garden empower these women to make positive choices, but it provides a living. “Team members earn  $9 an hour for a minimum of 20 hours per week and attend Friday classes on job skills. The land is leased by Salt Lake City’s Redevelopment Agency at a cost of $1 per year, and the produce is sold at a cut rate to the Head Start program for disadvantaged children.” (Piper, 2017). What is really innovative about this program is that it is helping the women at the homeless shelter, as well as giving back to the community in other ways. The Wasatch Gardens also serve “roughly 1800 to 2000 kids per year” in their youth education program, as well as “80 refugee families per year” in the garden (Modern, 2019). The gardens, then, are helping a vast number of people in many different circumstances.  “Not only do these gardens support Salt Lake City’s dedication to increase local food production, they invigorate our neighborhoods by putting vacant lots to use in ways that support community engagement and biodiversity — all while limiting our communities’ carbon footprints,” notes the SLC Green Blog (Interested, 2019). Community gardens, then, not only help the community members who need it, they also make communities better.

Community gardens are working to combat hunger in other areas of the country, as well. Right here in Arizona, community gardens are providing another way to combat food insecurity. “Non-profit organizations nationwide have started teaching lower-income communities to create their own vegetable gardens. The non-profit group, which is funded by donations and grants, formed partnerships with nearby churches for the gardens” (Szabo, 2013). As in Salt Lake City, these community gardens are giving people a sense of pride, as well as providing for their basic needs. “Experts say urban gardening is a cheaper and more nutritious option than purchasing food.” (Szabo, 2013). In addition to providing more nutritious food at a lower price, working in the gardens also serves as therapy: ‘There‘s mountains of research that talks about the benefits of getting your hands dirty, as far as therapy goes,” he said’” (Piper, 2017).And it’s making a difference! “The garden produces enough food that Alvarez doesn’t need the food banks. In fact, he gives extra produce to church members or friends.” (Szabo, 2013). Ron Finley (2013), known as the Guerilla Gardener in LA, notes a similar experience: “There’s another time when I put a garden in this homeless shelter in downtown Los Angeles. These are the guys, they helped me unload the truck. It was cool, and they just shared the stories about how this affected them and how they used to plant with their mother and their grandmother, and it was just cool to see how this changed them, if it was only for that one moment.” Participation in the garden projects provide a hand up, instead of a handout for people who need it most.

References Page

Note that the References page should be on a NEW page. (Use the Insert Page function in Word!). References should be centered at the top of the page in bold font. Sources should be listed in alphabetical order. Sources should use a hanging indent. Page numbers are in the header and should be justified to the right margin.

Finley, R. (February 2013).  A guerrilla gardener in South Central LA. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerrilla_gardener_ in_south_central_la

Interested in Joining a New Community Garden? (May 23, 2019). [Web Blog Post]. Retrieved from slcgreenblog.com/2019/05/23/support-community-gardens/.

Modern Gardener. (July 3, 2019). Wasatch Community Gardens| Modern Gardener. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SDVgYAg0tg.

The Montclair State University Campus Community Garden. (ND). Retrieved from www.montclair.edu/pseg-sustainability-institute/campus-community-garden/.

Piper, M. (August 7, 2017). Two Blocks from the Rio Grande Homeless Shelter, These Women Found Peace and Purpose on a … Farm? The Salt Lake Tribune . Retrieved from www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2017/08/08/two-blocks-from-the-rio-grande-homeless-shelter-these-women-found-peace-and-purpose-on-a-farm/.

Szabo, K. (September 17, 2013). Community Gardens Helping Fight Hunger. Arizona Republic. Retrieved from https://proxy.yc.edu/login?url=https://search.proquest.com/docview/1434422648?accountid=8141.

Wasatch Community Gardens: Salt Lake City, Utah – Community Gardens. (ND). Retrieved from wasatchgardens.org/community-gardens.

Attribution

  • Content created by Dr. Karen Palmer and licensed CC BY NC SA .

The RoughWriter's Guide Copyright © 2020 by Dr. Karen Palmer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Apr 18, 2023

How to Write an Essay in APA Format (With Examples)

Unlock Your Writing Potential: Mastering APA Format for Academic Essays. Tips and Examples for Writing an Essay in APA Format!

Welcome to our guide on how to write an essay in APA format, where we'll explore the ins and outs of APA style and provide some examples to guide you along the way. You're in the right place if you're new to APA style or just looking for a refresher!

But before diving into the blog post, let's look at the APA style. APA is a widely used citation style often used in social sciences. It has specific guidelines for formatting, citing sources, and referencing, which can overwhelm some students. That's why we've created this guide to help you understand the basics of APA style and how to apply it to your essay.

In this guide, we'll focus on different types of essays in APA format, including narrative essays, argumentative essays, and research papers. We'll provide you with APA style essay examples, APA format essay examples, APA essay examples, and APA style essay examples to show you how to apply APA style to different types of essays.

At Jenni.ai, writing an essay in APA format is easy. Jenni's AI essay writing tool can help you quickly and confidently write your essay in APA format. So, let's begin your journey to becoming an APA-style pro!

How to Use APA Style Formatting in Your Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to use APA style formatting in your essay. Writing an essay in APA format can be challenging for students, especially if they're new to the style. APA ( American Psychological Association ) style is widely used in social sciences and has specific guidelines for formatting, citing sources, and referencing. Getting these elements right ensures your essay is well-received and reflects your academic capabilities.

In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on using APA style formatting in your essay. We'll cover everything from page layout and font size to in-text citations and reference lists. Whether you're a student working on an essay or a researcher publishing a paper, our guide will help you apply APA style formatting correctly.

By the end of this article, you'll have a solid understanding of how to use APA style formatting in your essay, from page layouts to reference lists. So, let's get started with our step-by-step guide!

Setting Up Your Document in APA Style: Margins, Font, and Spacing

Setting up your document in APA style is an essential step in writing an essay that adheres to the formatting guidelines set out by the American Psychological Association. Proper margins, font, and spacing ensure that your essay looks professional and make it easier to read and understand. This section will walk you through setting up your document according to APA style guidelines.

Margins: 

The margins of your document should be set at 1 inch on all sides. This provides a clear and consistent visual structure for your essay and makes it easier to read and understand.

Font: 

APA style requires that your essay be written in a 12-point font, such as Times New Roman. This font size is easy to read and provides a consistent look and feel throughout your document.

Spacing: 

APA style requires that your essay be double-spaced throughout. This means that there should be one blank line between each line of text. Double-spacing makes your essay easier to read and understand and provides plenty of room for your instructor or professor to make comments and suggestions.

Headers and Running Heads: 

Besides margins, font, and spacing, APA style also mandates the use of headers and running heads to improve the organization and navigation of your essay. Headings are used to indicate the main sections and subsections of your essay, and they include the title of your essay and the page number. On the other hand, running heads are placed at the top of each page and indicate the title of your essay. In the following section, we will share some tips on creating headers and running heads that conform to APA style guidelines.

Creating Headers: 

To create a header in APA style, you should use the "Insert" tab in your word processing software. Select "Header," then choose "Blank." Type your title in all capital letters, and then insert the page number using the "Page Number" feature.

Headers and Running Heads: How to Make Your Essay Look Professional

Headers and running heads are essential parts of an essay written in APA style. They not only help to make your essay look professional, but they also make it easier for readers to navigate through your work. In this section, we'll provide tips on creating headers and running heads that adhere to APA style guidelines.

Headers: 

Headers are used to indicate the title of your essay, as well as the page number. To create a header in APA style, you should use the "Insert" tab in your word processing software. Select "Header," then choose "Blank." Type your title in all capital letters, and then insert the page number using the "Page Number" feature.

Running Heads: 

Running heads are used on each page of your essay to indicate the title of your essay. To create a running head in APA style, type the title of your essay in all capital letters, followed by a colon and a shortened version of your title. The running head should be placed in the top left-hand corner of each page and no more than 50 characters long.

In-Text Citations: Guidelines for Citing Sources within Your Essay

In-text citations are an essential component of any essay written in APA style. They allow the reader to verify the information presented and give credit to the original author. In this section, we will provide you with guidelines for citing sources within your essay.

APA Style In-Text Citation Format: 

The APA style uses the author-date citation format. This means you should include the author's last name and the year of publication in parentheses immediately after the quoted or paraphrased text. If you cite a source with multiple authors, list all of them in the citation, up to five authors, and for sources with more than six authors, use "et al." after the first author's name.

Citing a Direct Quote: 

When you include a direct quote in your essay, you should enclose the text in quotation marks and include the page where the quote can be found. The citation should appear before the period at the end of the sentence.

Citing a Paraphrase: 

When you include a paraphrase in your essay, you should also include the author's last name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the paraphrase. The citation should appear before the period at the end of the sentence.

Different Types of Sources: Books, Journal Articles, and Online Sources

When writing an essay in APA style, it is essential to understand the different types of sources you may use. This section will discuss the three most common sources: books, journal articles, and online sources.

Books: 

When citing a book in APA style, include the author's name, year of publication, book title, and publisher. If you cite a chapter or section from a book, include the chapter or section title, the editor's name, and the page numbers.

Journal Articles: 

When citing a journal article in APA style, include the author's name, year of publication, article title, journal title, volume number, issue number, and page numbers. If you accessed the article online, include the DOI (digital object identifier) if available.

Online Sources: 

When citing an online source in APA style, include the author's name (if available), year of publication (if available), the title of the web page or article, website name, URL, and the date you accessed the source. If you cite an online journal article, follow the same format as a print journal article but include the DOI if available.

Reference Lists: How to Create a Properly Formatted List of Sources

In APA style, a reference list is a list of sources you cited or paraphrased in your essay. This section will discuss creating a properly formatted reference list in APA style.

Formatting: 

The reference list should be double-spaced and have a hanging indent. This means that the first line of each citation is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented. Double space should separate each citation.

Ordering: 

The references should be listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name. If the source does not have an author, alphabetize it by the first word in the title.

In conclusion, writing an essay in APA style requires attention to detail and adherence to strict guidelines. From formatting your document to citing your sources, there are many rules to follow. However, with the help of this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to use the APA style in your writing.

Writing an Argumentative Essay in APA Style: Tips and Tricks

Argumentative essays are a common type of academic writing that require students to present an argument or claim on a particular topic and support it with evidence and reasoning. Writing an argumentative essay in APA style can be challenging, but it's an essential skill for students to master.

APA style is a set of guidelines the American Psychological Association established for formatting academic papers, particularly in the social sciences. It provides specific rules for citing sources, formatting documents, and organizing ideas.

This article will provide tips and tricks for writing an argumentative essay in APA style. We'll cover everything from choosing a topic to structuring your essay and citing sources properly. Whether a beginner or an experienced writer, this guide will help you master the art of argumentative essay writing in APA style.

Choosing a Topic and Developing a Thesis Statement:

Choosing a topic and developing a thesis statement are critical steps in the process of writing an argumentative essay in APA style. The topic you choose should be one that you are passionate about, has plenty of evidence to support your argument, and aligns with APA style guidelines. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic and develop a thesis statement for your argumentative essay:

Brainstorming and Research: 

Start by brainstorming a list of potential topics that interest you and align with APA style guidelines. Research each topic to determine which ones have sufficient evidence to support your argument.

Narrowing Your Focus: 

Once you've identified potential topics, narrow your focus to a specific aspect of the topic. This will help you develop a more focused thesis statement and provide a more straightforward path for creating your argument.

Aligning with APA Style: 

Consider APA style guidelines when choosing a topic and developing a thesis statement. Topics should be relevant to the social sciences, and thesis statements should be written in clear, concise language and avoid using first-person pronouns.

Organizing Your Essay:

Once you have your thesis statement and your arguments planned out, the next step is to organize your essay clearly and logically. This will help your reader follow your argument and stay engaged with your writing. Here are some tips for organizing your argumentative essay in APA style:

Create an outline: 

Before you start writing your essay, create an outline that includes your thesis statement and the main arguments that support it. This will help you stay focused and on track as you write.

Use clear headings: 

In APA style, headings break up long text sections and help the reader navigate your essay. Use clear, descriptive titles that summarize the main point of each section.

Use transitional phrases: 

To help your reader follow your argument, use transitional phrases to connect your ideas and show how they relate. Examples of transitional phrases include "in addition," "however," "therefore," and "on the other hand."

Follow the introduction-body-conclusion structure: 

Your essay should have an introduction that presents your thesis statement, a body that presents your arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis.

Supporting Your Argument with Evidence:

In an argumentative essay, the main objective is to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. To accomplish this, supporting your argument with credible evidence is essential. Here are some tips for keeping your argument with evidence in an APA-style argumentative essay.

Use reliable sources: 

When supporting your argument with evidence, it's important to use credible sources that provide accurate information. Examples of reliable sources include peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, and government publications.

Incorporate statistics and data:

Incorporating statistics and data in your argumentative essay can strengthen your argument. When using statistics, it's essential to ensure they come from reputable sources and are relevant to your argument.

Use direct quotes and paraphrasing: 

When using evidence to support your argument, it's essential to use both direct quotes and paraphrasing. Direct quotes can be used to support a specific point, while paraphrasing can be used to summarize information and keep your argument.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in APA Style:

When writing an argumentative essay in APA style, it is essential to follow the guidelines to ensure a polished and professional final product. However, even when following the guidelines, mistakes can still be made. This article will discuss common mistakes to avoid when writing an argumentative essay in APA style.

Incorrect In-text Citations: 

One common mistake is not properly citing sources within the essay's text. It is essential to include the author's name and the year of publication when citing sources within the text.

In conclusion, writing an argumentative essay in APA style requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Choosing a clear and relevant topic, developing a solid thesis statement, organizing your ideas, using reliable evidence to support your argument, and crafting effective introductions and conclusions are all essential components of a successful essay. 

The Importance of Proper APA Citations in Academic Writing"

In academic writing, proper citation is essential to credit the sources used to develop an argument or support an idea. It is also necessary to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the existing literature on a particular subject and to show that a wide range has informed one's research of sources. 

This article will explore the importance of proper APA citations in academic writing. We will discuss why it is crucial to cite sources accurately and how to do so by APA guidelines. 

Understanding APA Style and Citations

APA style is the most commonly used format for academic writing, particularly in psychology, education, and social sciences. It is essential to understand and apply the APA style guidelines correctly to ensure that your academic work is professional, consistent and meets the high standards of academic writing. One of the most crucial components of the APA style is citation.

The Importance of Accurate Citations in Academic Writing

Academic writing is an essential aspect of education, and one of the key elements of academic writing is accurate citations. Citations are used to credit the sources of information used in an academic paper and allow readers to locate and verify the information. 

One of the primary reasons for accurate citations is to credit the original authors of the information. Give them proper credit when using someone else's ideas or research in your paper. This acknowledges their work and demonstrates that you have conducted thorough research and are knowledgeable about the topic. 

In addition to giving credit to the original authors, accurate citations also help to strengthen the credibility of your work. 

Common Types of Sources and How to Cite Them in APA Style

When writing academic papers, it is essential to properly cite all sources used in research to give credit to the authors and to avoid plagiarism. The APA style has specific guidelines for citing different sources, including books, journal articles, and online sources. This article will provide an overview of the most common types of sources and how to cite them in APA style.

Avoiding Plagiarism: The Consequences of Inaccurate Citations

Plagiarism is a serious issue in academic writing that can result in severe consequences. Inaccurate citations can lead to plagiarism accusations, damaging a student's academic and professional reputation. It is crucial for students to understand the importance of accurate sources and to know how to avoid plagiarism.

The first step in avoiding plagiarism is to understand what it is. Plagiarism is using someone else's words, ideas, or work without proper attribution. This can include copying and pasting text from a source without citation, paraphrasing without giving credit, or submitting someone else's work as your own.

One of the best ways to avoid plagiarism is to ensure that all sources are correctly cited using APA style. The APA citation style provides a clear and consistent format for citing sources, including books, journal articles, websites, and other sources.

In conclusion, accurate and proper citations are essential in academic writing. It helps the writer avoid plagiarism and provides credibility and validity to their research. APA citation style is widely used in social sciences, and understanding the rules and guidelines is necessary for students and researchers. By understanding the different types of sources and how to cite them properly, writers can ensure their work is trustworthy and reliable. Furthermore, avoiding plagiarism is crucial, and knowing the consequences of inaccurate citations can help writers stay on the right track. By following APA style guidelines and accurately citing sources, writers can demonstrate their knowledge, credibility, and professionalism in academic writing.

Final Words:

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Jenni AI's advanced features, such as AI autocomplete and a citation feature, help you create high-quality content efficiently. Our platform also offers personalized writing suggestions to help you improve your writing skills and make your essays more engaging and effective.

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apa style argumentative essay

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Impact

apa style argumentative essay

When it comes to persuading others, legal professionals are masters. They use persuasive skills, like crafting compelling stories, to win cases in court. This shows how important it is to argue effectively, especially when the stakes are high. In our journey into argumentative essays, we'll learn how to structure our writing well, predict counterarguments, and tell a convincing story.

With help of our argumentative essay writer , you'll learn how to organize your ideas, support your arguments, and see examples that make it all clearer. Whether you're new to writing an argumentative essay or have some experience, come along to become better at arguing your point.

What Is an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays deal with topics that spark different opinions. Here, writers take a stand on an issue and back it up with evidence and reasons. The topic should be something people can have different views on. The goal isn't just to share an opinion but to persuade others to agree with the writer.

In these essays, writers use strong and convincing language, similar to when learning how to write persuasive essay . They try to make readers see their point of view. For example, in an essay about online education, the writer might say:

'Online education offers more flexibility and access compared to traditional classrooms.'

This statement sets up the essay to discuss reasons, evidence, and examples supporting this view. These essays rely on facts, stats, research, and examples to prove the writer's points.

If you find writing such essays daunting, don't worry. There are skilled writers who can help. If you feel like saying, ' Write essay for me !' let experienced writers handle it with their expertise.

Argumentative Essay Examples

Let's check out some example essays where convincing arguments, backed by facts and clear language, have made a big difference. These stories not only inspire us but also teach us valuable lessons on how to effectively sway opinions and create compelling narratives that resonate with others.

Argumentative Essay Example ‍

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Argumentative Essay Outline

Understanding how to structure an argumentative essay goes beyond having strong opinions. It involves creating a clear framework that helps both the writer and the reader follow a logical flow of ideas. In this part, we'll look closely at three different ways to outline an argumentative essay: the Aristotelian (Classic) method, the Toulmin model, and the Rogerian strategy. Each method has its own structure, giving writers various tools to craft convincing and well-organized arguments.

argumentative essay outline

Aristotelian (Classic)

The Aristotelian approach, also known as the Classic method, pays homage to the ancient wisdom of Aristotle's rhetorical principles. This argumentative essay structure is composed of three distinct movements: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction :

  • Initiate with a captivating hook to captivate the reader's attention.
  • Offer background context to illuminate the significance of the topic at hand.
  • Articulate a clear and concise thesis statement that unequivocally states your position.
  • Deploy the power of logos (logical appeal) by presenting concrete evidence, factual information, and cogent reasoning.
  • Establish ethos (ethical appeal) by integrating reputable sources to bolster your credibility and authority.
  • Evoke pathos (emotional appeal) to resonate with the reader's emotions and forge a deeper connection.

Conclusion :

  • Synthesize the main arguments and insights discussed throughout the essay.
  • Reiterate the thesis to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
  • Conclude with a poignant and thought-provoking closing statement that lingers in the reader's mind.

Crafted by philosopher Stephen Toulmin, this model zooms in on the pieces of an argument puzzle and how they fit together. Here's the breakdown, tailor-made by our team at dissertation writing services :

Claim : Clearly state your main argument or point.

Grounds : Back up your claim with evidence and support.

Warrant : Connect the dots between your claim and the evidence provided.

Backing : Give more backup for your reasoning.

Qualifier : Recognize any limitations or boundaries to your argument.

Rebuttal : Take on opposing views and arguments head-on.

Inspired by psychologist Carl Rogers, the Rogerian method for writing an argumentative essay prioritizes building bridges and fostering empathy.

  • Set a neutral tone to encourage open-mindedness.
  • Acknowledge the complexity of the topic to show understanding.
  • Introduce the issue from various viewpoints to provide a broader understanding.
  • Clearly state your stance while acknowledging opposing viewpoints to demonstrate fairness.
  • Explore common ground and areas of agreement to foster understanding.
  • Present your perspective with empathy, respecting differing opinions.
  • Highlight shared objectives and potential areas for compromise to promote cooperation.
  • Encourage ongoing dialogue to continue exploring solutions.

Argumentative Essay Structure

Understanding how to write an argumentative essay requires a structured approach that leads both writer and reader through a compelling narrative. Let's break it down into key parts: introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

  • Capture attention with a striking opener. 'In a world driven by environmental concerns, the debate over renewable energy sources becomes increasingly critical.'
  • Offer a brief context to the topic. 'With the looming threat of climate change, society grapples with the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.'
  • Clearly state your stance. 'This essay argues that investing in solar energy is imperative for combating climate change and securing a greener future.'

Thesis Statement:

  • Example: 'Investing in solar energy infrastructure is not only environmentally responsible but also economically advantageous.'

Body Paragraphs:

  • Introduce the main idea. 'Solar energy presents a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.'
  • Provide supporting facts or examples. 'Research shows that solar power installations have steadily increased over the past decade, demonstrating growing global interest in renewable energy.'
  • Explain the significance of the evidence. 'This trend indicates a shifting mindset towards clean energy, driven by concerns over climate change and dwindling fossil fuel reserves.'
  • Recap key arguments. 'In summary, investing in solar energy offers a viable solution to mitigate climate change and reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.'
  • Restate your thesis. 'Embracing solar energy not only addresses environmental challenges but also promotes sustainable economic development.'
  • End with a compelling thought. 'By harnessing the power of the sun, we can pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future for generations to come.'

Building a Compelling Argumentative Essay Thesis

Crafting a strong thesis statement is essential for a persuasive argumentative essay. Let's dive into a guide that will help you create a thesis statement that grabs attention and sets the stage for your essay.

Ask a Provocative Question and Answer It

Start by igniting curiosity with a thought-provoking question that directly connects to your topic. Then, provide a clear and insightful response that not only sets the stage for your argument but also hints at the complexities and nuances surrounding the issue.

Example: 'Is the use of smartphones beneficial for children's development? This essay argues that while smartphones offer educational opportunities, excessive screen time may hinder social skills.'

Introduce Your Argument and Address Contrary Views

A good argumentative essay should begin with a bold assertion of your main claim. However, to truly enrich your position, it's important to delve deeper by acknowledging and addressing opposing perspectives. This not only showcases a nuanced understanding of the topic but also reinforces the validity of your argument.

Example: 'While many believe that technology improves productivity, it's crucial to consider its potential drawbacks. This essay asserts that while technology enhances efficiency, it can also lead to information overload and burnout.'

Outline Your Main Points for Clarity

Provide a brief overview of the key points you'll explore in your essay. This helps clarify your direction and prepares your reader for the arguments ahead.

Example: 'In examining the impact of technology on work-life balance, we'll explore the benefits of remote work, the challenges of constant connectivity, and strategies for achieving harmony between work and personal life.'

By adding these steps from our experts in research paper help to your thesis-building process, you establish a base that not only clearly expresses your standpoint but also captivates readers with interesting questions, challenges, and key points that will unfold in your essay.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Quick Steps

Let's break down each part of your writing process step by step. By embracing these steps, you'll sail through the challenges of argumentative writing, crafting a piece that not only shares your thoughts clearly but also grabs the attention and persuades your readers along the way.

how to write argumentative essay

Generating Ideas

Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm ideas. Research different viewpoints and gather information about your topic. Try techniques like freewriting or mind mapping to explore various angles and gather a range of perspectives. This phase is all about gathering a pool of ideas so that you can choose the strongest arguments to support your essay later on.

Getting Ready

Preparation is key before diving into the writing process. Organize your thoughts and argumentative essay topics into a coherent structure. Develop a focused thesis statement that not only communicates your main point but also sets the tone for your entire essay. This stage is crucial for refining your focus and ensuring that each part of your essay supports your central argument effectively.

Putting Pen to Paper

Now it's time to start writing! Maintain a logical progression in your essay as you draft your ideas. Begin with an engaging introduction that introduces your topic and presents your thesis statement. In the body paragraphs, explore each argument thoroughly, providing supporting evidence and examples. Don't forget to address potential counterarguments to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic. This step is all about fleshing out your ideas and constructing a compelling narrative.

Perfecting Your Work

Once you've finished drafting, it's time to refine your essay. Review your arguments to ensure they flow logically and contribute effectively to your thesis. Pay attention to the clarity of your language and the strength of your evidence. This stage allows you to fine-tune the persuasiveness of your essay, transforming it from a draft into a polished piece of writing.

Polishing the Final Product

Now it's time for the finishing touches! Meticulously proofread your essay to ensure it's polished and impactful. Check for grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure errors. Make sure your writing style remains consistent throughout and clarify any parts that may be unclear. In the conclusion, revisit your thesis statement and leave your reader with a thought-provoking statement that lingers in their mind. This attention to detail ensures that your argumentative essay not only captivates but also showcases your writing skills effectively.

Essential Argumentative Essay Tips

Our tips on writing an argumentative essay work just as effectively as they do for any other type of essay. So, if you're in need of additional guidance, here are some specific tips that can help you craft persuasive arguments:

Strengthen Your Case with Solid Facts

Ensure your argument is supported by reliable facts and evidence. Utilize research, data, and examples to reinforce your points. You can also use our essay writing help helping you ground your argument in verifiable information, demonstrate credibility and strengthen your position.

Example: Drawing from recent studies by leading environmental organizations, it's clear that deforestation has reached alarming levels, with devastating consequences for ecosystems worldwide. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Science found that deforestation contributes to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and disruptions in the water cycle, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Take Charge with Language

While learning how to write an argumentative essay, remember to choose your words carefully to convey your argument persuasively. Adopt a tone that is confident yet respectful, and craft your sentences to engage and convince your audience. The language you use can influence how your argument is perceived, so wield it skillfully to make a compelling case.

Example: Without a doubt, the urgency of addressing climate change demands immediate action and concerted efforts from policymakers and individuals alike. As evidenced by recent climate reports, the consequences of inaction are dire, with rising global temperatures leading to more frequent and severe weather events, loss of biodiversity, and threats to food security.

Employ Tools for Effective Writing

Similar to learning how to write an explanatory essay , structure your arguments logically, with a clear introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Use transition words to guide your reader smoothly through your argument. Incorporate rhetorical devices to add depth and resonance to your writing, making your arguments more impactful and memorable.

Example: Transitioning from the causes of environmental degradation to potential solutions, the essay navigates a range of approaches, each offering a unique perspective on balancing ecological preservation with human needs. For instance, implementing reforestation projects and promoting sustainable land management practices are crucial steps in mitigating the effects of deforestation and preserving natural habitats for future generations.

In this guide, we've covered the basics of crafting great argumentative essays. We've looked at everything from coming up with ideas to refining your final draft, sharing helpful strategies and tips along the way. With these insights into language, facts, and writing techniques, you're all set to create essays that really grab attention and persuade your readers. Consider this your starting point for smooth and confident argumentative writing.

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What’s a Good Starter for an Argumentative Essay?

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

apa style argumentative essay

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

  • An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
  • An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
  • An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

  • Explain the analysis of the college admission process
  • Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

  • Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

  • Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

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Argumentative Essays: How to cite sources

  • Choosing a topic
  • Evaluating Sources
  • Writing Arumentative Essays
  • How to cite sources
  • Annotated Bibliographies
  • MLA Sample Argumentative Papers

Why Cite Sources

Once you have located and read an adequate number of sources, incorporated ideas from your reading with your own understanding of the topic, and presented your analysis of your topic in a research paper, it is essential to cite the sources and you must use the proper bibliographic format to do so.

The main reason for citing your sources is to give credit to those authors whose ideas you used in your research. Even when you do not quote directly from another work, if reading that source contributed to the ideas presented in your paper, you must give the authors proper credit by including their work in your bibliography. Citing your sources allows readers of your work to easily find the sources to which you've referred.

If you do not cite the sources upon which your research is based, you will be guilty of plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the ideas and writings of others and representing them as your own. Even if you do not copy another source word-for-word, but rather rephrase the source without attributing it to the original author by including a citation, you are guilty of plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious violation of academic standards and is punishable with a failing grade, possible expulsion from the institution, and may subject you to ostracism by your peers. The increasing availability of electronic information has unfortunately made it easy to copy another author's works.

(The text in this box was created by Eric Brenner)

"Works Cited" or "References" vs. "Bibliography"

The most common way to cite sources is to use a "Works Cited" or "References" list at the end of your research paper. "Works Cited" is the title of your list of citations when using the MLA (Modern Language Association) format ; the title "References" is used when citing sources using APA (American Psychological Association) style. The list includes a citation for each of the sources you used to write your paper. The citations are formatted in a consistent style according to whichever citation format is used. Many instructors specify which format they prefer; some leave it up to the students as long as they maintain one consistent format.

A "Bibliography" is not the same as a "Works Cited" or "References" list. In your "Works Cited" or "References" you only list items you have actually cited in your paper. In a "Bibliography" you list all of the material you may have consulted in preparing your essay, whether or not you have actually cited the work. A "Bibliography" may include any sources related to the topic of the research paper.

The list of all citations is commonly organized in a single alphabetical list. Each different type of source--book, magazine article, journal article, newspaper article, article from a reference book, World Wide Web page--has a precise format that is specified by the given format (MLA, APA or other).

Which type of format do you need?

  • MLA Citation 9th ed. Guide from Skyline College Library
  • MLA 9th ed. Short Handout from Skyline College Library
  • MLA FORMAT (commonly used for English and other humanities papers) From Purdue University's Online Writing Lab.
  • APA Citation Guide from Skyline College Library
  • APA format from the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) website
  • APA Sample Paper
  • Chicago Style (commonly used for history papers)
  • CSE Style (commonly used for science papers)

Legal Citation Formats: MLA, APA, Turabian Style Hints (from LexisNexis)

Cases MLA Case title, U.S. Reports citation, page numbers, docket number, name of the court, year of decision, Internet address, and date of accessing the site. Example: Fullilove v. Klutznick. 448 U.S. 448. 448-554. No. 78-1007. US Supreme Court. 1980. Online. LexisNexis® Academic. (11 Feb. 2010).

APA Case title, U.S. Reports citation, year of decision, and Internet address. Example: Fullilove v. Klutznick, 448 U.S. 448 (1980) [Online] Retrieved from http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic.

Turabian Case Name, Reports Citation (Year of Decision) LexisNexis main URL (accessed date for Turabian). Example: Fullilove v. Klutznick, 448 U.S. 448 (1980). Accessed 13 February 2010; available from LexisNexis Academic http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic

Codes MLA Title number, statute book of the U.S. Code. section. year. publication medium, name of computer service, and date of access. Example: 42 US Code. Sec. 405. 1998. Online. LexisNexis® Academic. 13 February 2010.

APA Act or Section Name, Abbreviated Citation et seq. (Edition year of the Code) Retrieved date from LexisNexis Academic database. Example: Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §2301 et seq. (2006). Retrieved 13 February 2010 from LexisNexis Academic database.

Turabian Act or Section Name. U.S. Code. Year. Vol(Which is really title number, but Turabian style forces you to use Volume), section number. Accessed date; available from LexisNexis Academic Example: Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act. U.S. code. 1998. Vol 20, sec. 2301. Accessed 24 March 2005; available from LexisNexis Academic

In-text Citation

  • MLA In-text Citation Guide from Skyline College Library
  • MLA in-text documentation: How to Cite a Work within the Text of Your Paper (Parenthetical Citations)
  • APA Style In-text Citation Guide from Skyline College Library
  • APA in-text documentation: How to Cite a Work within the Text of Your Paper (Parenthetical Citations)

Annotated Bibliography

  • How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography
  • Questions for Evaluating and Annotating Any Source
  • Annotation examples Examples for Informative/Descriptive Annotation and Critical Annotation.
  • Annotated Bibliography Samples from OWL (Online Writing Lab) Samples for APA, MLA and Chicago Manual Style.
  • MLA Style Annotated Bibliography (links to PDF document) MLA formatting with explanations.

Automated Bibliography Formatting

There are quite a number of free automated citation generators available on the Web; for examp

easybib  -- free only for MLA citation

bibme   -- limited free APA, MLA and Chicago citation

KnightCite  -- free APA, MLA and Chicago citation

mybib.com -- free  APA, MLA, Chicago , AMA and many other citations

zoterobib -- free  APA, MLA, Chicago , AMA, CSE and many other citations; good tool to create,  verify, or convert your citation style.

Note: always check for accuracy.

Tutorials on Citing Sources

  • MLA Tutorial (from Hunter College, City University of New York)
  • MLA Interactive Tutorial (from Tallahassee Community College)
  • APA Interactive Tutorial (from Tallahassee Community College)
  • APA Tutorial (from University of Southern Mississippi)
  • << Previous: Writing Arumentative Essays
  • Next: Annotated Bibliographies >>
  • Last Updated: May 2, 2022 2:17 PM
  • URL: https://guides.skylinecollege.edu/c.php?g=279231

How to Write an Explanatory Essay

How to Write an Explanatory Essay

  • Smodin Editorial Team
  • Published: May 24, 2024

A study from the English Language Teaching Educational Journal found that students encounter difficulty in organizing thoughts, generating ideas, and understanding writing processes when writing essays [1]. These are all key components of putting together a good explanatory essay. If this sounds like you, then don’t worry.

With the right approach, you can seamlessly combine all these components. This guide will give you a simple step-by-step strategy for writing an explanatory essay. It’ll also give you handy writing tips and tool suggestions, like utilizing artificial intelligence.

With this guide, you’ll be able to write an explanatory essay with confidence.

1. Develop a strong thesis statement

Crafting a strong thesis statement is the cornerstone of any well-written explanatory essay. It sets the stage for what your essay will cover and clarifies the main point you’re going to explain. Here’s how to create a thesis:

  • Find the main idea : Start by pinpointing the key concept or question you want to explain. Develop a clear purpose for the essay. This will guide your research and writing process for your explanatory paper. Use other reputable explanatory essay examples to guide your ideas. This may involve exploring other explanatory essay topics within the same field.
  • Be specific : A vague thesis can confuse readers. So, make sure your statement is clear. If you’re explaining a complex process, break it down to its key points. After that, break it into a clear, concise statement that’s easy to understand.
  • Reflect objectivity : Explanatory essays educate and inform. They do not argue a point. So, your thesis should take an unbiased stance on the topic. It should present the facts as they are, not as you interpret them.
  • Use tools like the Smodin Writer : Smodin Writer does all the heavy lifting by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. With it, you can generate an essay with a thesis statement. How, you ask? Through its dedicated thesis generator . It can create a statement that’s both strong and relevant. Plus, it can pull in all the most interesting information based on your topic to further enrich your thesis statement.

Make your thesis clear, informative, and neutral. This sets a strong foundation for an effective explanatory essay. Next, let’s look at how to gather the information you’ll need to support this thesis effectively.

2. Research and gather information

You need to conduct thorough research that will back your thesis with credible sources and relevant evidence. This will make your explanatory essay both informative and persuasive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting effective research:

  • Start with a plan: Put together an explanatory essay outline that includes the information you need to support your thesis. The plan should list the best sources, like academic journals, books, reputable websites, or scholarly articles.
  • Use credible sources: They ensure the accuracy of your essay. Libraries, academic databases, and certified websites are excellent places to find trustworthy information.
  • Seek detailed information: Look for the most current sources that explain your topic well and provide unique insights related to or opposing your thesis statement. This depth is crucial for explaining complex ideas clearly and thoroughly in your explanatory papers. Pay attention to the explanatory essay structure to guide your topic of choice (more on this later).
  • Gather relevant evidence: Collect data, stats, and examples. They should directly support your main points. Make sure this evidence is directly related to your topic and enhances your narrative.
  • Employ digital tools: Tools like Smodin’s Research Assistant can accelerate your research process. Smodin’s tools can help you find detailed information quickly, ensuring that the data you use is up-to-date and relevant.
  • Document your sources: As you conduct research, keep a meticulous record of where your information comes from. This practice will help you make an accurate bibliography. It can save you time when you need to refer back to details or verify facts. Again, this is something that’s covered thanks to Smodin’s Citation Machine.
  • Evaluate your findings: Critically assess the information you collect. Ensure it provides a balanced view and covers the necessary aspects of your topic to give a comprehensive overview of your essay.

By following these steps, you can gather a rich pool of information that provides a strong backbone for your explanatory essay. Now, you can start structuring your findings into well-organized body paragraphs.

3. Structure body paragraphs

Once you’ve gathered relevant evidence through thorough research, it’s time to organize it. You should put it into well-structured body paragraphs that follow a logical flow. Here’s how to structure each body paragraph for a strong explanatory essay:

  • Decide how many paragraphs to use : It will depend on your topic’s complexity and the needed detail. Typically, three to five paragraphs are suitable, but longer essays may require more. An explanatory essay example on your topic of choice will be helpful.
  • Start with a topic sentence : Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This sentence will act as a roadmap for the paragraph, giving the reader a sense of what to expect.
  • Provide supporting evidence : After the topic sentence, share the evidence from your research. Ensure the evidence is relevant and directly supports the paragraph’s topic sentence.
  • Give a detailed explanation : Follow the evidence with an analysis or explanation that ties it back to the thesis statement. This step is crucial for maintaining logical flow throughout your body paragraphs.
  • Use linking words : They connect body paragraphs smoothly, ensuring the reader can follow your argument.
  • End each body paragraph with a closing sentence : It should sum up the point and move to the next idea.

Following this structure will help your body paragraphs support your thesis. These paragraphs will also offer a clear, detailed explanation of your essay topic. Strong body paragraphs are essential to maintain objectivity in your writing.

4. Maintain objectivity

An explanatory essay aims to inform and educate, which makes maintaining objectivity crucial. Staying neutral lets readers form their own opinions based on facts. This ensures the writing is both reliable and informative. Here’s how to maintain objectivity:

  • Avoid personal opinions: Your goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Refrain from injecting your personal opinion or biases. Instead, stick to presenting factual information that supports the thesis.
  • Use relevant evidence: As mentioned, ground your arguments with relevant evidence from credible sources. Back up your main points with data and use research findings and verified details. This will make the explanatory article trustworthy.
  • Provide a balanced view: In cases with multiple perspectives, offer a balanced view. Cover each side fairly. Even if one view prevails in consensus, acknowledging others gives readers a broader understanding.
  • Adopt neutral language: Be careful with word choice and tone. Neutral language implies words that don’t encourage or illustrate bias. This helps avoid emotionally charged phrases and keeps the writing objective.
  • Cite sources accurately: Proper citation of sources provides accountability for the evidence presented. This transparency builds credibility and shows you’ve conducted research thoroughly. It’s also worth noting that different intuitions have different citation styles like APA and Chicago, which is important to note before starting your essay.
  • Review for biases: After drafting your essay, review it with an eye for biases. Ensure no part leans too much on one viewpoint. And, don’t dismiss an opposing perspective without cause.

Maintaining objectivity enhances the clarity and reliability of explanatory writing. Let’s now focus on crafting an introduction and conclusion that bookend your work effectively.

5. Craft an effective introduction and conclusion

A good introduction and a strong conclusion frame your explanatory essay. They give context at the start and reinforce the main points at the end. Here’s how to craft an effective introduction and conclusion.

In the introduction:

  • Hook your reader in the introduction : Use an interesting fact, a compelling quote, or a surprising statistic.
  • Provide background information : Be brief and offer only the essential context the reader needs to fully understand the topic. This should give the audience a foundational understanding before diving deeper into your main points.
  • Include the thesis statement : Clearly state your thesis near the end of the introduction. This statement will outline the essay’s direction and give readers a preview of the body paragraphs.

In the conclusion:

  • Summarize the key points : Start your explanatory essay conclusion with a summary. It should cover the main points from the body paragraphs. This summary should help readers recall and reinforce the information they’ve just read.
  • Restate the thesis : Repeat your thesis again but in a new way. Explain how the evidence from the body paragraphs supported or clarified it.
  • Provide a conclusion : End the essay with a statement that wraps up the argument. This statement should resonate with the reader. It should leave them with an impression that stresses the topic’s importance.

An effective introduction and conclusion give the essay structure and coherence. They guide readers from start to finish. The next step is revising and editing your entire essay for clarity and precision.

6. Revise and check clarity

Revising and editing are key in writing. They make sure your essay is clear, joined, and polished. Here’s how to refine your writing using an explanatory essay checklist and proven academic writing techniques:

  • Take a break: Before diving into revisions, step away from your essay for a few hours or even a day. This break will help you return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot errors or inconsistencies.
  • Follow an essay checklist: Create or use a checklist to ensure your essay has all the needed parts. It needs a strong intro with a clear thesis, well-structured body paragraphs, good sources, and a short conclusion. Check that your arguments follow a logical flow and that all relevant evidence is directly linked to your thesis statement.
  • Check for clarity and conciseness: Academic writing needs clarity. So, make sure each paragraph and sentence conveys your point. Don’t use unnecessary jargon or overly complex language. Keep sentences concise while maintaining detailed explanations of your main points.
  • Verify facts and citations: Make sure all facts, data, and quotes in the essay are accurate. Also, check that they are cited in the required academic style (e.g. MLA, APA). Improper citations can undermine the credibility of your writing.
  • Review the grammar and style: Look for common grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, and awkward phrasing. Reading the essay aloud can help catch odd sentence structures or confusing wording.
  • Seek feedback: Share your essay with a peer or use online tools to get constructive criticism. A second perspective can highlight issues you might have missed.

These editing steps will help you produce a polished essay that clearly explains your main points and holds up to academic scrutiny.

Explanatory Essay Format

Understanding the explanatory essay format is key to a well-structured and logical paper. Here’s a basic breakdown of the format for an explanatory essay:

Introduction paragraph

  • Begin with an interesting sentence to capture the reader’s attention.
  • Give a short intro. It should set the topic and outline the essay’s purpose.
  • Present a clear thesis statement summarizing the main idea of the entire essay.

Body paragraphs

  • Organize the body paragraphs around logical subtopics related to the essay topic.
  • Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that aligns with the thesis.
  • Show evidence from good sources. Also, give key details for each main point.
  • Incorporate a robust concluding statement per paragraph that drives home your point and links to the ideas in the next paragraph/section.
  • Summarize the key points.
  • Provide a final statement that reinforces the main idea without introducing new information.
  • Craft a concluding statement that leaves your teacher or professor with a lasting impression.

Following this essay outline ensures that your paper has a clear flow. This makes it easy for readers to understand and follow your argument.

Write Better Explanatory Essays With Smodin

Explanatory essays can be overwhelming. Presenting a solid argument, keeping your professor or teacher interested, and remembering conventions like citations can be a real headache.

But, a strong thesis and thorough research make them easier. Well-structured body paragraphs also help deliver a clear, insightful essay that maintains objectivity. Just remember to revise and check for accuracy!

AI-powered platforms like Smodin simplify and enhance the process of writing explanatory essays.

Smodin’s tools help craft clear and well-structured essays that meet any of your academic standards. With Smodin’s advanced research capabilities, you can gather detailed and relevant information quickly. This will save you time and improve your work.

  • Plagiarism Checker : Ensure your essay maintains originality with Smodin’s plagiarism detection tool. This feature helps maintain academic integrity by checking your work against vast databases.
  • Auto Citation : Cite your sources accurately without the hassle. Smodin’s auto-citation tool ensures your references are in the right format and meet your academic institution’s rules.
  • Text Shortener : If your explanatory essay is too long, use Smodin’s AI writer as an essay shortener. It will help you cut your content without losing key details. This helps keep your essay clear and relevant.
  • Text Rewriter : Helps paraphrase existing content, ensuring uniqueness and a fresh perspective.
  • Summarizer : The Summarizer boils down long articles into short summaries. They are perfect for making an efficient outline or conclusion.

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Introducing our Essaymate: AI Essay Writer & Chatbot application, bringing together a range of features that enhance your writing experience. Features: AI Essay: Seamlessly craft compelling essays in the format of your choice, be it APA, MLA, Chicago, AMA, IEEE, and more, while effortlessly citing web sources with website URLs. Additionally, tailor your writing style to match your preference, whether it's professional, friendly, conversational, or any tone in between. Whether you're working on an argumentative, formal, informal, or any other essay type, our app enhances your research and referencing capabilities, ensuring a personalized and polished writing experience tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Plagiarism Check: Ensure the authenticity of your work with our plagiarism checker, guaranteeing your content is original and plagiarism-free. Essay Outline: Streamline your writing process with our essay outline tool, organizing your thoughts and creating a structured framework for your essays. Grammar Check: Perfect your writing with our grammar checker, eliminating errors and enhancing the clarity and coherence of your content. Summarize Web Page and PDF File: Save time by summarizing lengthy web pages and PDF files, extracting key information efficiently and effectively. Social Media Content Generator: Generate engaging and shareable social media content effortlessly, boosting your online presence and captivating your audience. AI Email Writer: Craft professional and impactful emails using AI assistance, ensuring your correspondence is polished and effective in every communication. AI Song Writer: Unleash your creativity with our AI songwriting tool, assisting you in composing unique and melodious tunes tailored to your preferences. Download EssayMate today ! Talk to the chatbot, produce the content you want and write an essay quickly!

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COMMENTS

  1. APA Style

    When writing an APA-style paper, sometimes a sample paper is the best reference! OWL has a collection of sample papers to help guide you. ... Argumentative Essay From a Beginning Writing Class (traditional style) Argumentative Essay From a Psychology Class. Aristotelian Argumentative Essay.

  2. 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.

  3. APA Essay Format: How to Write a Successful APA Essay

    If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems, editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.

  4. PDF Student Paper Setup Guide, APA Style 7th Edition

    Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5 in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. Page numbers: Put a page number in the top right corner of every page, including the title page or cover page, which is page 1. Student papers do not require a running head on any page.

  5. APA Style

    The authority on APA Style and the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual. Find tutorials, the APA Style Blog, how to format papers in APA Style, and other resources to help you improve your writing, master APA Style, and learn the conventions of scholarly publishing.

  6. How to Format an APA Paper. APA Format Example Inside

    History of APA. APA referencing style was first developed in…. Latest Edition of APA. Currently, the most up-to-date edition of the APA style guide is… Headings 2 are bold, capitalized, and aligned to the left. The main body of the text begins in a new paragraph. Heading level 1. How to Format Citations in APA

  7. How to Write an Argumentative Essay

    Balance is the key to argumentative writing. Ideally, you will present both the pros and cons of the various arguments, with a strong slant toward your preferred view. With the right research and arranging of facts, you should be able to present your perspective in a very persuasive way. While your essay should be written to encourage people to ...

  8. How to Write an A+ Argumentative Essay

    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 ...

  9. Organizing Your Argument

    Three argumentative methods —the Toulmin Method, Classical Method, and Rogerian Method— give guidance for how to organize the points in an argument. Note that these are only three of the most popular models for organizing an argument. Alternatives exist. Be sure to consult your instructor and/or defer to your assignment's directions if ...

  10. APA Sample Paper

    Cite your source automatically in MLA or APA format. Cite. Using citation machines responsibly. Powered by. Media File: APA Sample Paper. This resource is enhanced by an Acrobat PDF file. Download the free Acrobat Reader. Click this link to download the PDF handout of the APA Sample Paper.

  11. ESL 088WG Argument Essay (Jurkowitz): APA 7 Style (NEW!!)

    This section provides information about writing a paper in APA style, and includes the following sections: Writing your paper. Formatting your paper in APA 7 style; Headings, Figures and Tables; Quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing; In-text and parenthetical citations; Citing sources with missing information; Creating a Bibliography Page

  12. Student Essay Example 1 (Argument) in MLA and APA Format

    Sample Argument Essay in MLA Format. Note that the first page of the argument should have a heading on the left hand side (not in the header) with the student's name, the instructor's name, the course, and the date. The title should be centered on the page with no special formatting. On subsequent pages, the author's last name and the ...

  13. How to Write an Essay in APA Format (With Examples)

    Writing an argumentative essay in APA style can be challenging, but it's an essential skill for students to master. APA style is a set of guidelines the American Psychological Association established for formatting academic papers, particularly in the social sciences. It provides specific rules for citing sources, formatting documents, and ...

  14. Argument Papers

    The following sections outline the generally accepted structure for an academic argument paper. Keep in mind that these are guidelines and that your structure needs to be flexible enough to meet the requirements of your purpose and audience. You may also use the following Purdue OWL resources to help you with your argument paper:

  15. PDF 7th Edition Transitions Quick Guide

    Transitions Quick Guide. There are two kinds of transitions: (a) transitional words and phrases that are used at the start of a sentence to show how the sentence connects with the previous sentence and (b) transitional sentences that are used at the start of a paragraph to show how the paragraph logically connects with the previous paragraph.

  16. Help with Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

    What Is an Argumentative Essay. Argumentative essays deal with topics that spark different opinions. Here, writers take a stand on an issue and back it up with evidence and reasons. The topic should be something people can have different views on. The goal isn't just to share an opinion but to persuade others to agree with the writer.

  17. APA Format (6th ed.) for Academic Papers and Essays [Template]

    Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr. The most important APA format guidelines in the 6th edition are: Use 12 pt Times New Roman. Set 1 inch page margins. Apply double line spacing. Insert a running head on every page. Indent every new paragraph ½ inch.

  18. Creating a Thesis Statement, Thesis Statement Tips

    Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement. 1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing: An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.; An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.; An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies ...

  19. Argumentative Essays: How to cite sources

    The most common way to cite sources is to use a "Works Cited" or "References" list at the end of your research paper. "Works Cited" is the title of your list of citations when using the MLA (Modern Language Association) format; the title "References" is used when citing sources using APA (American Psychological Association) style.

  20. How to Write an Explanatory Essay

    With this guide, you'll be able to write an explanatory essay with confidence. 1. Develop a strong thesis statement. Crafting a strong thesis statement is the cornerstone of any well-written explanatory essay. It sets the stage for what your essay will cover and clarifies the main point you're going to explain.

  21. Ai essay writer 4o: Essaymate 17+

    ‎Introducing our Essaymate: AI Essay Writer & Chatbot application, bringing together a range of features that enhance your writing experience. Features: AI Essay: Seamlessly craft compelling essays in the format of your choice, be it APA, MLA, Chicago, AMA, IEEE, and more, while effortlessly citing…