How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are research papers in which the writer takes a position on a controversial issue and provides evidence for it. They must be written in five paragraphs, include a thesis, and support that position with evidence. Fortunately, there are a few tricks that can help you write an argumentative essay. Below are some pointers. Regardless of your level of education, these papers can be daunting. But with a few tips, you can write a well-supported paper in no time.

Argumentative essays are research papers that take a position on a controversial issue

The first step in writing an argumentative essay is to decide what kind of topic you want to discuss. An argumentative essay is typically more engaging when it takes a stance on a controversial issue. It should contain both arguments and counterarguments, so that your audience can participate in the debate. The goal of an argumentative essay is not to convince your audience to agree with you, but to expand the reader’s thinking.

They should be supported by evidence

To make your argument convincing, it’s essential to have evidence to back up your claims. This evidence may come from credible outside sources, such as photographs, videos, or audio recordings. The sources may also be written by PhDs or prestigious press. A good rule of thumb is to present as much evidence as possible. You can also consider the reader’s perspective when choosing evidence. Here are some examples of good sources:

They should be written in five paragraphs

An argumentative essay is a complex piece of writing that should be at least five paragraphs long. The best argumentative essays are well-reasoned and arguable. It should not simply present your side of the argument but also address the other side’s points. The strongest arguments for both sides should be addressed and supported with evidence. Regardless of the topic of your argumentative essay, you should never ignore the opposing side’s points.

They should include a thesis

A good argumentative essay should start with a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should tell your reader what your point is, which will determine the overall structure and format of your paper. This statement will also guide how you gather evidence to support your claims. Be as specific as possible in your thesis statement, as a general argument can lead to a lengthy essay that lacks focus. To help you create a strong thesis statement, follow these steps:

They should be written in assertive language

Writing an argumentative essay requires the writer to present evidence from both sides, then reason out the most logical conclusion. This kind of writing requires assertive language, so the writer must avoid using overly neutral or tentative language. The use of tentative language is less effective, as the reader will never be able to verify the information presented and may not take the time to synthesize ideas and analyze evidence. Here are some tips on how to write an argumentative essay.

They should explain differing points of view

During the introduction of your argumentative essay, you must try to capture your reader’s interest. Choose a sentence that stands out and will get your audience’s attention from the start. This can be a meaningful quote or an intriguing idea. Your goal is to make the reader reach for the popcorn. Listed below are a few tips for an effective opening. Read these tips before you begin writing an argumentative essay.