The DNA of Argumentative Essays

Arguing is, arguably, one of the only human desires that are absolutely essential to the furthering of civilization. Given this, it is important for those who wish to argue to know how the argumentative essay works. Like many things, essay writing requires a certain set of rules. These rules push the piece into a brilliant shape so that anyone who reads it can see its beauty, poise, and grace. The same is true for the argumentative essay, though these essays are designed to argue a point and win the reader over to it.

Write what you know. This phrase has been the mantra of many writers both present and past. For the argumentative essay, it is necessary for the writer to increase what they know through research. Research is an important ingredient in the writing process for this essay. Once adequate research has been done, it is time to form a thesis. The thesis is placed directly in the first paragraph. This tells the reader exactly what you’re talking about right from the start. This tool is effective in gaining your reader’s attention. In the first paragraph, the writer explains the topic broadly, tells the reader why they should be interested in the topic, and then transitions to the next phase of the essay.

In the body paragraph the writer gives supporting details that support his or her point. Finally, in the conclusion the writer wraps everything up, concluding without restating the thesis; the conclusion should merely be a statement drawing on the evidence provided in the essay. These elements, the thesis, supporting facts, research, and the conclusion, all make argumentative essays effective.