Are you thinking of writing an argumentative essay and know nothing about it? Do not worry about that, this article got you covered.
Every student or professional has a point in life where they have to write an essay during their career or academic life. However , writing an argumentative essay is different from writing a regular essay.
Writing any kind of essay is putting your thoughts onto a piece of paper. There are many different types of writing styles, which would be discussed later, but what makes an argumentative essay different from other essays is that in an argumentative essay convincing a reader through facts, figures and analogies. It has logical facts to prove that the thesis statement is true. It’s not as complicated as some think it might be. With the right amount of research done in the right way, a proper outline, and a good set of debating points. you are good to go for writing a well written and well structured argumentative essay.
We all write something throughout our lives. Whether it’s a diary, or school notes, we all are a little familiar with it. But when it comes to an argumentative essay, one must be having a few questions in mind. For example, how to write one? What amount of research does it need? What would be the structure of the essay? How to research it? And the questions could go on.
This essay got you covered with all the questions you have in mind when it comes to writing an argumentative essay like, what is an essay, what are the kind of essays, types of argumentative essays, structure of an argumentative essay, what is a thesis statement and what rope does it play in an argumentative essay.
One just has to keep their mind clear, make sure you do not have a writer’s block, and with the write set of instructions and tricks mentioned here, you will be good to go. Just follow the detailed and right guidelines mentioned in this article.
How to write an argumentative essay? What to do to write a good one?
What is an essay?
What is an argumentative essay?
Types of argumentative essay
1. Classical argument
2. Toulmin argument
3. Rogerian argument
Structure/parts of an argumentative essay
Introductory paragraph
The thesis statement
Body paragraphs
Conclusion
How is an argumentative essay different from other essays: The entire process
Thesis statement and its role in an argumentative essay
How to think of a thesis statement for your essay
What does an improved thesis statement look like?
What makes a good thesis statement?
Tips and tricks of written a catchy argumentative essay
Concluding an argumentative essay
Conclusion
What is an essay?
Essays are long-form writing assignments that persuade or inform a reader about a particular topic. It’s important to know which type of essay to use to best deliver your message to readers. When you choose the type of essay most relevant for your topic, your essay can be more tailored to your readers and better organized. In some cases, such as school or job applications, the type of essay you’ll write is decided for you.
In other cases, you’ll need to choose what type of essay to write. Before writing, consider what your goal is. You may need to convince readers to take your side, explore an abstract topic or try to evoke an emotional response. Select an essay type based on what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, if you want to teach the reader how to do something, you’ll want to use a process essay that breaks up the directions into individual steps.
However, did you know the word ‘essay’ is derived from a Latin word ‘exagium’, which roughly translates to presenting one’s case? So essays are a short piece of writing representing one’s side of the argument or one’s experiences, stories, etc. Essays are very personalized. So let us learn about types of essays, format, and tips for essay-writing.
An essay is a piece of writing which could be an opinionated piece, a story or an analysis. There are two categories of essay, formal and informal. But in this article, we would be discussing the informal form of an essay.
What is an argumentative essay?
If you are someone who loves to write, then writing an argumentative essay is something you should definitely try. The argumentative essay is one which is used to present an argument surrounding two sides of any particular issue. The essay can be written as a way of presenting both sides of the argument as equal or it might be written with one side taking preference over the other. This would be done when the writer has a specific opinion on the topic. Argumentative essays avoid “I” and “you” statements. Rather, they support one side of an argument and may argue against other sides using objective information. You can use phrases like “Research suggests” or “According to the Centers for Disease Control” to present the facts that support your argument.
Types of argumentative essay
While writing an argumentative essay, the writer has to prove their point of view by stating facts and statements and build their arguments around those statements and facts. You have to back up your arguments by giving examples. The structure of the essay is what makes the essay a good one.
Before we get into how to write a good argumentative essay, we have to access the types of argumentative essays.
1. Classical argument
The classical or Aristotelian model of argument is the most common type of argument. It was developed by a Greek philosopher and rhetorician, Aristotle. The aim of this model is to convince the reader about some particular point of view. In a classical argumentative essay. You will have to argue for both points of views. But, in the end, one side of the argument wins. This model efficiently utilizes Ethos (authenticity) + Pathos (emotion) + Logos (logic) to persuade an audience to a side of an argument.
2. Toulmin argument
Unlike the classical argumentative essay, in a Toulmin argumentative essay, only one side of the argument is argued while writing one. We can write this argumentatively when there is no one solution or answer to the problem. It breaks the arguments into six parts: Claim, Grounds, Warrant, Backing, Qualifier and Rebuttal.
3. Rogerian argument
The Rogerian model of argument was developed by Carl R. Rogers. When writing this essay, there is no taking sides of any argument. Instead you as a writer have to find the middle ground. The argumentative can be sided from different standpoints with collaboration and cooperation. You are to find a solution which is acceptable by both sides.
Structure/parts of an argumentative essay
Whenever writing an argumentative essay you need more than just getting your opinion out there, it is about getting your voice heard. Even the strongest essay would not make an effect if it is not structured properly. The structure of an argumentative essay should not be complicated and should have a straightforward structure so that it is easy for the readers to follow.
A good argumentative essay should have the following structure.
1. Introductory paragraph
The introductory paragraph of an argumentative essay should give an overall idea of what your topic is about. It should have the necessary background information regarding your topic to make the reader understand your argument. Your thesis should be stated properly and the evidence to support your thesis statement should also be provided.
2. The thesis statement
This is part of your first paragraph. It is a concise, one-sentence summary of your main point and claim. Your essay is based on the foundation of your thesis statement.
3. Body paragraphs
An argumentative essay can have upto three paragraphs, maybe more, depending on your word limit and thesis topic. The paragraphs should give reasons and evidence to support your arguments. Body paragraphs are where you back up your claims with examples, research, statistics, studies, and text citations. You can address the opposing side as well but explain why you disagree or disapprove. If you present arguments from all angles, it will help you build the reader’s interest even more.
4. Conclusion
In the concluding paragraph, rather than introducing new facts or more arguments, a good conclusion will appeal to a reader’s emotions. In some cases, writers will use a personal anecdote explaining how the topic personally affects them.
How is an argumentative essay different from other essays: The entire process
While writing an argumentative essay, keep the following process in mind so that it turns out to be a good one. To begin with firstly, turn the topic into a question and then answer it.Think of a major question in the title of your essay or within the first few sentences of your essay. Then, build up to answering that question in your thesis statement.
For example, in your title or introduction, you could pose the question, “What is the best type of pasta?” And then answer with your thesis statement: “The best type of pasta is the bolognese pasta.” This method is effective because intriguing questions draw readers in and encourage them to keep reading to find the answer.
Afterwards, state an argument—and then refute it. Introduce an idea that contrasts with your belief, and immediately explain why you disagree with it. And then briefly outline your main points. Introduce your main point and explain how you’ll back it up. This method is effective because it gives readers a clear idea of everything you’ll discuss in your essay. It also serves as a roadmap to help keep you organized and on track.
Thesis statement and its role in an argumentative essay
A thesis statement is the central point and idea of an argumentative essay and is usually placed at the end of the introduction paragraph. Everything that you write in your essay should revolve around the thesis statement adn should relate to it as well.
How to think of a thesis statement for your essay
The initial thesis statement is the working thesis statement of the essay. The thesis statement starts with your question. And that question will be depending on your side of the debate.
After that, work on your initial research, during that answer the question that you have asked inthe thesis statement. At this stage, it is an easy process, and it will guide your process of researching and writing. If you are writing an argumentative essay, the question should be answered depending on which side of the debate you are siding with. And lastly, you will answer the why and the how part of the question. You need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you start writing your essay, you need to be detailed and give more information to the reader.
What does an improved thesis statement look like?
In an argumentative essay, since your thesis statement is what the essay revolves around, it should be a strong one. When the reader is reading your essay, he should be convinced that your thesis statement makes sense and is answered through logic and reasoning and valid evidence. In this improved thesis statement, you also state your reasoning and summarize the main points that you will use to convince your reader of your position. The rest of your essay will expand and argue for these points.
What makes a good thesis statement?
The best thesis statements are concise, contentious and coherent. Your thesis statement should be short and crisp. Do not use more words than necessary. Complete your point in a thesis statement within one or two lines. Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
Particularly in an argumentative essay, your thesis statement should be something that others might question or disagree with. Your thesis statement might revolve around several aspects that your topic covers, but at the end, do not forget it is all about what matters, expressing one idea. Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.
Tips and tricks of written a catchy argumentative essay
Following are some ground rules, oitfuaals, and tricks of writing an argumentative essay
- A thesis expressed as a fragment.
- A thesis which is too broad.
- A thesis worded as a question. (Usually the answer to the question yields the thesis)
- A thesis which includes extraneous information.
- A thesis which begins with I think or in my opinion.
- A thesis which deals with a stale or trite issue.
- A thesis which contains words which lead to faulty generalizations (all, none, always, only, everyone, etc.)
Thesis writing tips:
- A thesis evolves as you work with your topic. Brainstorm, research, talk, and think about your topic before settling on a thesis. If you are having trouble formulating a thesis, begin freewriting about your topic. Your freewrite may suggest a workable thesis.
- During the writing process, consider your thesis a working thesis and be willing to modify and re-focus it as you draft and revise your paper.
- Copy your working thesis on an index card and keep it in front of you as you research and write. Having your thesis in plain view may help focus your writing.
Concluding an argumentative essay
A conclusion is the wrapping up part of what you have been writing in your essay. Your essay transitions from general information to the specific and important information. When concluding the essay, the essay transitions back to general information that restates the basic but main points of the essay. This also includes the future prospects of your topic. And it can also call for action for other people reading your paper. After you have restated your topic and your thesis/claim, addressed opposing viewpoints and explained why readers should align with your position, call for action or overview future research possibilities. After that review it, proofread it
Here are a few aspects to pay attention to while you proofread:
- Look out for any spelling errors or grammatical mistakes regardless of how minor they are! They can derail the focus of the reader and undermine the intellectual integrity of your essay.
- Keep your audience in mind. In most cases, it will be your teacher or professor. Make sure your language reflects this, keep it formal and academic, no colloquialisms!
- Have you got enough evidence and explained it well? If not, you can always do a little more to strengthen any weaker arguments.
Conclusion
Effective written communication is a necessary skill for nearly every job. Often, writers learn how to convey a message by practicing the different ways to explain or describe their ideas. There are several common types of essays that help guide writers to streamline their work into a piece that is clear, focused and well-organized. In this article, we discussed what types of essays there are. But focused on the argumentative essay, what an argumentative essay is, how to write one, the pros and cons, the dos and don’ts, and literally everything you need to know about argumentative essays and how to write one.
