How to Write an Argumentative Essay (With Features & Structure)
- Post author: Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC
- Post published: September 12, 2021
- Post category: Scholarly Articles
How To Write An Argumentative Essay : The Virtue’s English Dictionary (Encyclopaedic Edition) defines an Essay as a literary composition intended to prove some particular point or illustrate a particular subject. We all had at one time and the other written an essay. Did we ever consider the type and format of such writings? Of course there could be more than one type of essay writing incorporated or employed in a single writing.
Essays can be argumentative, expository, narrative and descriptive. These are the four main types of essay. There could be combination of two or more of these four types of essay employed in one essay. For instance, elements of descriptive essay can be found in an argumentative essay. This does not make it any less an argumentative essay.
Narrative Essay tells a story. There is usually a central point at which the writing is centered. The story could be from personal experience and of course can be figurative. Narrative essay gives an account of an event in a well-structured plot.
Descriptive Essay is a writing that attempts to describe an event, experience, object, person, place, idea or anything capable of being described. In other words, the essay attempts to characterize a given event, idea, person or place.
An expository essay attempts to explain, explicate, elucidate, illustrate, uncover and clarify a given concept or event.
This article is targeted at discussing how to write an argumentative essay.
Argumentative essay from the word “ Argument ”, according to Virtue’s English Dictionary (Encyclopaedia Edition) defines argument as a subject of a discourse or writing; a reason offered for or against something; a debate, controversy, discussion and a process of reasoning. Therefore argumentative essay can be defined as a debatable writing which upon choosing a stance, attempts to persuade and convince the mind of the readers into finding reasons with the points established by the writer.
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Table of Contents
How to write an argumentative essay step by step
The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the mind of the readers that your position is preferable and should be considered. In order to produce a logical and sound argumentative essay, it is important that the writer be well abreast with the features of an argumentative essay. This guides the writer not to derogate from the argumentative genre of essay intended, and also to render a logically structured and sound essay.
For a writing to be considered argumentative, it has to conform to a particular format and fulfil certain requirement, otherwise one may be writing any other type of essay in the thought of an argumentative one. This would lead us to discussing the features of an argumentative essay together with the structure.
Also see: How to introduce yourself in a debate
Features of Argumentative Essay
The main five features of an argumentative essay are:
a. Introduction and Thesis
b. Opposing and Qualifying Ideas
c. Evidence in Support of Claim
d. Style and Tone of Language
e. Compelling Conclusion
a. Introduction and Thesis: An argumentative essay must begin with introduction. This is simply to give the general introduction of the topic to be discussed. The introduction shall then include the thesis which is the writer’s point of view.
b. Opposing and Qualifying Ideas: While writing an argumentative essay, the writer has to state and acknowledge the possible points and ideas of the opposing side which are certainly not in his favour. Acknowledging those points and ideas enable lay a grounded foundation of his own points by juxtaposing the sides. This also has a way of arousing the interest of the readers to finding reasoning with your points.
c. Evidence in Support of Claim : A good argumentative essay should has a strong evidence to support the claims asserted. Evidence in the context of an argumentative essay is simply the information sourced for and logically analyzed for the purpose of justifying a stated claim. A writer is expected to source for articulated, logical and statistical points to support the claims asserted.
d. Style and Tone of Language : The language and tone of an argumentative essay must be persuasive and convincing. The tone must be confident enough to lure or compel the mind of the readers into finding reasons with the argument of the writer.
An argumentative essay should be well paragraphed. Paragraphing contributes to the logicality of the structure as well as suggest the appropriate intended tone of the writer.
Style is the manner of expression and choice of words employed by the writer, whereas tone is the attitude of the writer towards the topic and the audience.
e. Compelling Conclusion : An argumentative essay should have a compelling conclusion. Compelling here means that it has to be sound and convincing. The conclusive point should resolve the thriving issues implicated in the course of the argument.
There are basically four parts of an argument. They include:
b. Counterclaims
d. Evidence
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a. Claims: Claim is simply as assertion stated as a fact and backed up with evidence. It is also known as thesis. It fact includes the writer’s position in an argumentative essay. Assertion of claim directs the readers mind to the writer’s position, purpose and line of argument. Typical example of claim – “ Gold Values More That Silver”
b. Counterclaim: Counterclaim is also known as counterargument. It is the point of view of the opposing side of an argument which is capable of weakening the argument of the writer. The writer is however expected to raise these points and discredit them in his own favour by marshaling out points which is capable of rendering them wrong, inapplicable or invalid.
The writer is advised not to avoid those points which seem to be against his line of argument as this can leave doubts in the mind of the readers or audience. The writer is expected to acknowledge them and criticize them to his or her own advantage.
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c. Reasons: An argumentative essay should incorporate points and facts which are the suggested reasons why the writer’s line of argument should be considered. Therefore, a reason is a kind of justification for the writer’s claims.
d. Evidence: Evidence includes objectively verifiable facts which demonstrates and strengthens the writer’s claim. They are those verifiable facts which the writer can show in order to establish his point of view for the purpose of tilting the mind of the audience into affirming the claims asserted, and finding reasons with the writer’s line of argument.
Evidence can be factual, logistical and or statistical but in all, it has to be verifiable.
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Writing a Compelling Argument
On writing a compelling argument, the writer must be meticulous in considering the points on which his or her argument should base, otherwise one may end up antagonizing his or her own point of view. Employment of fallacies should be avoided as much as possible. The writer should be careful not to make hasty generalization. Understanding the opposing point of view is a key element because this goes a long way guiding the writer in preparing the evidence and defence. For an argument to be compelling, the writer must clarify and resolve every point raised in order that questions would not be created in the minds of the audience. The writer’s point must be realistic, practicable and obtainable.
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It is advised that the conclusion be as explicit as possible and at the same time, concise and precise. In other words, conclusion should be straight to the point and exhume confidence.
In all, an argumentative essay must be suggestive and convincing, otherwise the purpose of the essay would be entirely defeated.
Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.
Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips
The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident than in academia. From the quick scribbles of eager students to the inquisitive thoughts of renowned scholars, academic essays depict the power of the written word. These well-crafted writings propel ideas forward and expand the existing boundaries of human intellect.
What is an Academic Essay
An academic essay is a nonfictional piece of writing that analyzes and evaluates an argument around a specific topic or research question. It serves as a medium to share the author’s views and is also used by institutions to assess the critical thinking, research skills, and writing abilities of a students and researchers.
Importance of Academic Essays
4 main types of academic essays.
While academic essays may vary in length, style, and purpose, they generally fall into four main categories. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.
1. Expository Essay
2. Descriptive Essay
3. Narrative Essay
4. Argumentative Essay
Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.
Expository Essays: Illuminating ideas
An expository essay is a type of academic writing that explains, illustrates, or clarifies a particular subject or idea. Its primary purpose is to inform the reader by presenting a comprehensive and objective analysis of a topic.
By breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces and providing relevant examples and explanations, expository essays allow writers to share their knowledge.
What are the Key Features of an Expository Essay
Provides factual information without bias
Presents multiple viewpoints while maintaining objectivity
Uses direct and concise language to ensure clarity for the reader
Composed of a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion
When is an expository essay written.
1. For academic assignments to evaluate the understanding of research skills.
2. As instructional content to provide step-by-step guidance for tasks or problem-solving.
3. In journalism for objective reporting in news or investigative pieces.
4. As a form of communication in the professional field to convey factual information in business or healthcare.
How to Write an Expository Essay
Expository essays are typically structured in a logical and organized manner.
1. Topic Selection and Research
- Choose a topic that can be explored objectively
- Gather relevant facts and information from credible sources
- Develop a clear thesis statement
2. Outline and Structure
- Create an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction
- Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific point supporting the thesis
- Use transitions to maintain a logical flow
3. Objective and Informative Writing
- Maintain an impartial and informative tone
- Avoid personal opinions or biases
- Support points with factual evidence, examples, and explanations
4. Conclusion
- Summarize the key points
- Reinforce the significance of the thesis
Descriptive Essays: Painting with words
Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer ‘s lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience . Its primary purpose is to engage readers’ senses and imagination.
It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to observe and describe subjects with precision and creativity.
What are the Key Features of Descriptive Essay
Employs figurative language and imagery to paint a vivid picture for the reader
Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness in narration
Includes close attention to detail, engaging the reader’s senses
Engages the reader’s imagination and emotions through immersive storytelling using analogies, metaphors, similes, etc.
When is a descriptive essay written.
1. Personal narratives or memoirs that describe significant events, people, or places.
2. Travel writing to capture the essence of a destination or experience.
3. Character sketches in fiction writing to introduce and describe characters.
4. Poetry or literary analyses to explore the use of descriptive language and imagery.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
The descriptive essay lacks a defined structural requirement but typically includes: an introduction introducing the subject, a thorough description, and a concluding summary with insightful reflection.
1. Subject Selection and Observation
- Choose a subject (person, place, object, or experience) to describe
- Gather sensory details and observations
2. Engaging Introduction
- Set the scene and provide the context
- Use of descriptive language and figurative techniques
3. Descriptive Body Paragraphs
- Focus on specific aspects or details of the subject
- Engage the reader ’s senses with vivid imagery and descriptions
- Maintain a consistent tone and viewpoint
4. Impactful Conclusion
- Provide a final impression or insight
- Leave a lasting impact on the reader
Narrative Essays: Storytelling in Action
Narrative essays are personal accounts that tell a story, often drawing from the writer’s own experiences or observations. These essays rely on a well-structured plot, character development, and vivid descriptions to engage readers and convey a deeper meaning or lesson.
What are the Key features of Narrative Essays
Written from a first-person perspective and hence subjective
Based on real personal experiences
Uses an informal and expressive tone
Presents events and characters in sequential order
When is a narrative essay written.
It is commonly assigned in high school and college writing courses to assess a student’s ability to convey a meaningful message or lesson through a personal narrative. They are written in situations where a personal experience or story needs to be recounted, such as:
1. Reflective essays on significant life events or personal growth.
2. Autobiographical writing to share one’s life story or experiences.
3. Creative writing exercises to practice narrative techniques and character development.
4. College application essays to showcase personal qualities and experiences.
How to Write a Narrative Essay
Narrative essays typically follow a chronological structure, with an introduction that sets the scene, a body that develops the plot and characters, and a conclusion that provides a sense of resolution or lesson learned.
1. Experience Selection and Reflection
- Choose a significant personal experience or event
- Reflect on the impact and deeper meaning
2. Immersive Introduction
- Introduce characters and establish the tone and point of view
3. Plotline and Character Development
- Advance the plot and character development through body paragraphs
- Incorporate dialog , conflict, and resolution
- Maintain a logical and chronological flow
4. Insightful Conclusion
- Reflect on lessons learned or insights gained
- Leave the reader with a lasting impression
Argumentative Essays: Persuasion and Critical Thinking
Argumentative essays are the quintessential form of academic writing in which writers present a clear thesis and support it with well-researched evidence and logical reasoning. These essays require a deep understanding of the topic, critical analysis of multiple perspectives, and the ability to construct a compelling argument.
What are the Key Features of an Argumentative Essay?
Logical and well-structured arguments
Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources
Consideration and refutation of counterarguments
Critical analysis and evaluation of the issue
When is an argumentative essay written.
Argumentative essays are written to present a clear argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. In academic settings they are used to develop critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. However, argumentative essays can also be written in various other contexts, such as:
1. Opinion pieces or editorials in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.
2. Policy proposals or position papers in government, nonprofit, or advocacy settings.
3. Persuasive speeches or debates in academic, professional, or competitive environments.
4. Marketing or advertising materials to promote a product, service, or idea.
How to write an Argumentative Essay
Argumentative essays begin with an introduction that states the thesis and provides context. The body paragraphs develop the argument with evidence, address counterarguments, and use logical reasoning. The conclusion restates the main argument and makes a final persuasive appeal.
- Choose a debatable and controversial issue
- Conduct thorough research and gather evidence and counterarguments
2. Thesis and Introduction
- Craft a clear and concise thesis statement
- Provide background information and establish importance
3. Structured Body Paragraphs
- Focus each paragraph on a specific aspect of the argument
- Support with logical reasoning, factual evidence, and refutation
4. Persuasive Techniques
- Adopt a formal and objective tone
- Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, analogies, appeals)
5. Impactful Conclusion
- Summarize the main points
- Leave the reader with a strong final impression and call to action
To learn more about argumentative essay, check out this article .
5 Quick Tips for Researchers to Improve Academic Essay Writing Skills
Use clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively without unnecessary words
Use well-researched, credible sources to substantiate your arguments with data, expert opinions, and scholarly references
Ensure a coherent structure with effective transitions, clear topic sentences, and a logical flow to enhance readability
To elevate your academic essay, consider submitting your draft to a community-based platform like Open Platform for editorial review
Review your work multiple times for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic guidelines to ensure a polished final product
By mastering the art of academic essay writing, researchers and scholars can effectively communicate their ideas, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse.
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Essay Structure Students often ask if their essay has "a good structure". One way of assessing this for yourself is to list the question(s) each paragraph answers and asking yourself if that list is: a) in a logical order (e.g. problem identification → solutions for the identified problems; terms are defined before you
When an argumentative essay is assigned by your teacher , it is important to distinguish whether the assignment asks you to : a) Present both sides of the issue equally and objectively OR b) Present your position on the issue as stronger than the opposing position Your thesis statement must reflect clearly the purpose of your essay assignment. ...
How to Write an Argumentative Essay 1 Alexander College Writing & Learning Centres ARGUMENT OR POSITION ESSAYS ARE DIFFERENT An argumentative essay is not: A research-only presentation of facts An exercise in literary self-expression. A report of what various scholars have had to say on a particular topic.
The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement, while also considering other points of view. Factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. Often times your instructor may provide you with the
argumentative essay guide Think Outline & & research intro Whether it is an introductory English course or a graduate level class, many courses require the ability to write an argumentative paper. The types of argumentative papers may vary, but there are some important questions to ask before beginning to write any of these types of papers.
4. Write a rough draft. Now at last you are ready to start writing your paper. Start with a short introduction paragraph and then use your outline to draft the body and conclusion. Don't forget to begin each paragraph in the body with a topic sentence that conveys the main argument of that paragraph.
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.
Argumentative Writing and Using Evidence, Spring 2022. 4 of 5. Evidence: A study of New York middle schools found that by extending school lunches to all students, regardless of family income, test scores increased by 0.083 standard deviations in math and 0.059 in English Language Arts for non-poor students, and, though smaller, statistically ...
Argumentative Essays writingcentre.stu.ca Argumentative essays are also known as "persuasive essays," "opinion essays," or "position papers." In an argumentative essay, the author adopts a position on a debatable issue and uses reason and evidence to convince the reader of his/her opinion. Argumentative essays generally follow this
378 CHAPTER 13 Writing Argumentative Essays W RITING A SUCCESSFUL ARGUMENT Writing takes place in three very broad stages: • what you do before you begin writing • what you do when writing the fi rst draft • what you do after you've completed your draft This chapter shows you how to prepare and write an argument, but you should keep one important point in mind as you read: Although ...
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect, generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research and/or intensive interpretation
Module 6: Writing an Argument. Aims of this module: • To understand the features of argument and evaluation types of essays. • To explain how to develop and write a thesis statement. Argument and evaluation essays. In many cases, an essay question which requires a persuasive analytical response could be answered by an evaluative or an ...
Argumentative Essays: Getting Started According to The Holt Handbook (HH), an argumentative essay takes a position on an issue using logic and evidence to convince readers. Choosing a Debatable Topic Since an argumentative essay is an attempt to change the way people think, it should
inconsistency in your essay. • suggests an answer complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of discussion. If the question is too vague, it won't suggest a line of argument. The question should elicit reflection and argument rather than summary or description. • can be explored using the sources you have available for the assignment,
- The Writing Process: These features show all the steps taken to write a paper, allowing you to follow it from initial idea to published article. - Into the Essay: Excerpts from actual papers show the ideas from the chapters in action because you learn to write best by getting examples rather than instructions.
This handout takes you through all six steps in the process of writing a Persuasive Essay. Step 1. Step 2. Step 3. Step 4. Step 5. Step 6. Organizing your Thoughts (Brainstorming) Researching your Topic Developing a Thesis Statement Writing the Introduction Writing the Body of the Essay Writing the Conclusion.
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response to instruction (Chapelle, Cotos, & Lee, 2015 ). Argumentative essays are difficult to scor e in vivo when the assessment goal is to. guide timely instructional decisions and support ...
Matthew Barbee, 2015 1 Name_____ Class_____ In an argumentative essay, your job is make the reader agree with your opinion about a controversial topic. You have to (1) state your opinion, (2) give reasons to support your opinion, and (3) argue against the opposite opinion. Overall, you must convince the audience that your side of the
e. Compelling Conclusion: An argumentative essay should have a compelling conclusion. Compelling here means that it has to be sound and convincing. The conclusive point should resolve the thriving issues implicated in the course of the argument. features of an argumentative essay. There are basically four parts of an argument. They include: a ...
essays. Argumentative essays, which require research sources and empirical research data, usually exceed five paragraphs to present a comprehensive view on the issue. The argumentative essay begins with the first paragraph which is the introductory paragraph; it is followed by three-five evidentiary paragraphs forming the body of the essay.
Narrative Essay. 4. Argumentative Essay. Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.
Characteristics of an Argumentative Essay.docx - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. An argumentative essay attempts to logically and persuasively argue a position. It acknowledges that the reader may initially disagree but should be convinced through objective reasoning. An argumentative essay presents the issue, gives reasons ...
An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that attempts to convince the readers that the author's idea is true. This is a genre of writing that is used to ... English 10-q2-mod2-features-and-parts-of-an-argumentative-essay-v2 compress. Course: Education (ED EC 4) 946 Documents. Students shared 946 documents in this course.