basic outline for argumentative essay

Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Outline

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How to Create a Strong Argumentative Essay Outline?

By: Jared P.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Oct 29, 2019

Don’t know how to create a strong outline for a convincing argumentative essay?

The outline for an argumentative essay is similar to other types of essays. These include informative essays, persuasive essays, compare and contrast essays, etc.

The outline for almost all types of essays includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. To start writing an impactful argumentative essay , you need a topic broad enough to create a strong argument.

In this article, you will learn how to develop a 5 paragraph argumentative essay outline.

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How to Create an Argumentative Essay Outline?

The standard argumentative essay outline includes the following elements.

Argumentative Essay Introduction

The introduction of your essay is the first thing your reader will see. This is where you provide the reader with the proper background information, educating them about your topic. The reader will decide from the very first sentence if he wants to continue reading your essay further or not.

The opening line of an essay is a hook that sticks the reader to the essay. If the introduction is not interesting, the reader might not continue with the essay.

Here are the key points you should keep in mind while writing the introduction of your argumentative essay.

• Start With a Hook

Start your introduction with an interesting hook that engages your readers and wants them to stick to your essay. It is not necessary that you have to write an entire paragraph as the hook of your essay.

A single interesting sentence also counts as a hook. You can start your essay with an interesting fact, anecdote, funny story, statistics, or a controversial statement.

The hook you choose depends on the nature of the paper that you’re writing and your audience. Whatever you choose to write, make sure it is catchy to grab the attention of readers.

Check out this article to learn some interesting hook examples and their different types.

• Explain Your Point of View

Now you have to develop your thoughts related to the topic and explain the significance of the topic to the readers. Explain this part of your essay according to your personal knowledge in a couple of lines in the introductory paragraph.

You can also present the background information on your topic. Making sure that the reader knows what will be discussed throughout the paper. Be careful when sharing information at this stage, as you don’t want to bombard the reader with too much data.

• Write Down Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the crux of your entire essay written at the end of the introductory paragraph. Write down a strong and clear thesis statement that can be backed by a supportive argument and evidence.

The thesis statement of your essay should explain the main point and purpose of writing your essay.

Your entire essay revolves around the thesis; the body paragraphs present information and evidence to defend your thesis.

Follow the tips mentioned above to write an interesting introduction for your argumentative essay.

It is no surprise that the introduction of any essay holds the most importance. If you start on the wrong foot, the entire essay, along with your hard work, goes in vain.

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Argumentative Essay Introduction Examples

To know more about writing a catchy introduction, review the following argumentative essay introduction examples.

• After the terrorist attack on World Trade Towers on September 11, 2001, racial profiling was increased. According to the authorities, profiling is the only way to identify terrorists. Some airports started targeting people from a Middle-Eastern background, creating concern about the violation of civil rights. This tactic of screening didn’t seem to work, which made the authorities recommend the use of the National ID card. If every citizen carries his ID card along, it will make the screening process easier. And it will not target individuals based on their looks.
• Nowadays, students wake up, check their phones, get ready and leave instantly for school or college without any breakfast. Some might believe that having breakfast is not essential to start their day with a healthy meal. Studies have shown that breakfast is the essential meal of your day, especially for students.
• Most of the public workers around the globe are not given the right to freedom of expression. Not even when they are made to work day and night, violating their working rights. Lack of freedom of expression decreases their morale to perform well at work. Enforcing their right to strike and to speak against such violations will encourage them. Countries all over the world should encourage their workers to go on strike and speak out.

Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an argumentative essay hold the following significant components.

• Counter-argument

Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence that should then be explained in the paragraph with supporting details.

To present a strong argument, you can separate paragraphs to support or negate the thesis statement.

Present your arguments with supporting evidence to support your claim in one paragraph. Remember that you can’t just state your opinions about a particular issue or subject. To make a strong argument and change people's points of view, you must convince them using strong, authentic facts.

Present the opposing argument in the other paragraph by researching both points of view. Presenting both stances will strengthen the argument created in the essay. Refuting the counterargument will make yours seem more valid.

Another approach can be that first, you can use all the evidence to support your argument. After presenting your side of the argument, you can write a paragraph to refute the opposing side.

There is not a rule that should be applied when it comes to presenting an argument. The choice is yours. Make a decision and go for the method that would be easier for you while presenting your case to the readers.

Just be mindful when collecting the evidence. Only look for credible sources. Let’s look at this example of a claim and its supporting evidence.

Claim:   Closing down fast-food chains can control the number of obese kids in the United States.

Evidence: “A ccording to the analysis of several studies in 2017, it is shown that the percentage of obese kids has increased 11 times from the year 1975. ”

Argumentative Essay Conclusion

The last component of a simple argumentative essay outline in the concluding paragraph. Your conclusion needs to be strong to provide closure to the entire argument presented in your essay.

The goal of a conclusion is to make the readers realize why you picked this topic and how significant it is. Restate your thesis statement and your stance on the topic in conclusion.

A strong conclusion leaves a strong impact on readers. This is the part that your reader will remember once he finishes reading the essay. End your essay with an impactful conclusion so that the audience understands and agrees with your point of view.

Argumentative Essay Conclusion Examples

Here are some argumentative essay conclusion examples to further clarify how to write the conclusion.

• Physical punishment might be an effective way to discipline kids. However, parents should avoid using this method to a maximum extent. We live in a world where there is already enough violence around us. We don’t need any more of it, and that should start from home. Teach your children to be responsible without using violence.
• Hence, we cannot say that adults are better learners than children. This quality may vary depending on the enthusiasm and motivational level. The learning capability of an individual cannot be generalized according to their age.
• Sports play an important role in maintaining health. We will have a healthier society if people involve themselves in sports. However, we need to make sure that the sports we are playing are not threatening our lives. They should be challenging yet exciting.

Now you know everything there is about an argumentative essay outline. To make it easier for you, we have an argumentative essay outline sample to guide you through your essay.

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Argumentative Essay Outline Examples

Here, you can find a sample argumentative essay outline pdf that you can follow to craft a perfect argumentative essay. You can also find numerous argumentative essay examples online for help.

To make writing an outline of an argumentative essay easier, we have also attached a worksheet below. Complete it carefully, and you will master the art of argumentative writing.

Argumentative Essay Outline Worksheet

Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Argumentative Essay Outline Ap Lang

Argumentative Essay Outline Middle School

Argumentative Essay Outline High School

Argumentative Essay Outline College

Gun Control Argumentative Essay Outline

Abortion Argumentative Essay Outline

Vaccine Argumentative Essay Outline

Euthanasia Argumentative Essay Outline

MLA Argumentative Essay Outline

If you follow this guideline and the argumentative essay outline sample provided above, the writing process will become simpler. You can easily find some interesting and attention-grabbing argumentative essay topics online for a great start. Regardless of the essay topic, you will end up with a high-quality essay if you follow a proper guide.

While following an outline is important for writing argumentative essays, other essential steps must also be followed.

If you still need help, you can always contact a professional essay writer who will help you write a great essay.

At 5StarEssays.com, we can provide you with the best and on-time ‘ write essay for me? ’ help. Reach out to us and get the best essay writing help from experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of an argumentative essay.

The key purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to establish your position and support it with evidence and reasons.

Can you start an argumentative essay with a question?

Yes, you can either start your essay with a thesis statement or a rhetorical question.

How does evidence help an argumentative essay?

In an argumentative essay, evidence could be a fact, documentation, or testimony. It helps in strengthening the claims presented in the essay.

Masters Essay, Literature

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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8 Effective Strategies to Write Argumentative Essays

In a bustling university town, there lived a student named Alex. Popular for creativity and wit, one challenge seemed insurmountable for Alex– the dreaded argumentative essay!

One gloomy afternoon, as the rain tapped against the window pane, Alex sat at his cluttered desk, staring at a blank document on the computer screen. The assignment loomed large: a 350-600-word argumentative essay on a topic of their choice . With a sigh, he decided to seek help of mentor, Professor Mitchell, who was known for his passion for writing.

Entering Professor Mitchell’s office was like stepping into a treasure of knowledge. Bookshelves lined every wall, faint aroma of old manuscripts in the air and sticky notes over the wall. Alex took a deep breath and knocked on his door.

“Ah, Alex,” Professor Mitchell greeted with a warm smile. “What brings you here today?”

Alex confessed his struggles with the argumentative essay. After hearing his concerns, Professor Mitchell said, “Ah, the argumentative essay! Don’t worry, Let’s take a look at it together.” As he guided Alex to the corner shelf, Alex asked,

Table of Contents

“What is an Argumentative Essay?”

The professor replied, “An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that presents a clear argument or a firm position on a contentious issue. Unlike other forms of essays, such as descriptive or narrative essays, these essays require you to take a stance, present evidence, and convince your audience of the validity of your viewpoint with supporting evidence. A well-crafted argumentative essay relies on concrete facts and supporting evidence rather than merely expressing the author’s personal opinions . Furthermore, these essays demand comprehensive research on the chosen topic and typically follows a structured format consisting of three primary sections: an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.”

He continued, “Argumentative essays are written in a wide range of subject areas, reflecting their applicability across disciplines. They are written in different subject areas like literature and philosophy, history, science and technology, political science, psychology, economics and so on.

Alex asked,

“When is an Argumentative Essay Written?”

The professor answered, “Argumentative essays are often assigned in academic settings, but they can also be written for various other purposes, such as editorials, opinion pieces, or blog posts. Some situations to write argumentative essays include:

1. Academic assignments

In school or college, teachers may assign argumentative essays as part of coursework. It help students to develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills .

2. Debates and discussions

Argumentative essays can serve as the basis for debates or discussions in academic or competitive settings. Moreover, they provide a structured way to present and defend your viewpoint.

3. Opinion pieces

Newspapers, magazines, and online publications often feature opinion pieces that present an argument on a current issue or topic to influence public opinion.

4. Policy proposals

In government and policy-related fields, argumentative essays are used to propose and defend specific policy changes or solutions to societal problems.

5. Persuasive speeches

Before delivering a persuasive speech, it’s common to prepare an argumentative essay as a foundation for your presentation.

Regardless of the context, an argumentative essay should present a clear thesis statement , provide evidence and reasoning to support your position, address counterarguments, and conclude with a compelling summary of your main points. The goal is to persuade readers or listeners to accept your viewpoint or at least consider it seriously.”

Handing over a book, the professor continued, “Take a look on the elements or structure of an argumentative essay.”

Elements of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay comprises five essential components:

Claim in argumentative writing is the central argument or viewpoint that the writer aims to establish and defend throughout the essay. A claim must assert your position on an issue and must be arguable. It can guide the entire argument.

2. Evidence

Evidence must consist of factual information, data, examples, or expert opinions that support the claim. Also, it lends credibility by strengthening the writer’s position.

3. Counterarguments

Presenting a counterclaim demonstrates fairness and awareness of alternative perspectives.

4. Rebuttal

After presenting the counterclaim, the writer refutes it by offering counterarguments or providing evidence that weakens the opposing viewpoint. It shows that the writer has considered multiple perspectives and is prepared to defend their position.

The format of an argumentative essay typically follows the structure to ensure clarity and effectiveness in presenting an argument.

How to Write An Argumentative Essay

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an argumentative essay:

1. Introduction

• Begin with a compelling sentence or question to grab the reader’s attention.
• Provide context for the issue, including relevant facts, statistics, or historical background.
• Provide a concise thesis statement to present your position on the topic.

2. Body Paragraphs (usually three or more)

• Start each paragraph with a clear and focused topic sentence that relates to your thesis statement.
• Furthermore, provide evidence and explain the facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, and quotations from credible sources that supports your thesis.
• Use transition sentences to smoothly move from one point to the next.

3. Counterargument and Rebuttal

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints or potential objections to your argument.
• Also, address these counterarguments with evidence and explain why they do not weaken your position.

4. Conclusion

• Restate your thesis statement and summarize the key points you’ve made in the body of the essay.
• Leave the reader with a final thought, call to action, or broader implication related to the topic.

5. Citations and References

• Properly cite all the sources you use in your essay using a consistent citation style.
• Also, include a bibliography or works cited at the end of your essay.

6. Formatting and Style

• Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.
• Use a professional and academic tone in your writing and edit your essay to avoid content, spelling and grammar mistakes .

Remember that the specific requirements for formatting an argumentative essay may vary depending on your instructor’s guidelines or the citation style you’re using (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Always check the assignment instructions or style guide for any additional requirements or variations in formatting.

Did you understand what Prof. Mitchell explained Alex? Check it now!

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Prof. Mitchell continued, “An argumentative essay can adopt various approaches when dealing with opposing perspectives. It may offer a balanced presentation of both sides, providing equal weight to each, or it may advocate more strongly for one side while still acknowledging the existence of opposing views.” As Alex listened carefully to the Professor’s thoughts, his eyes fell on a page with examples of argumentative essay.

Example of an Argumentative Essay

Alex picked the book and read the example. It helped him to understand the concept. Furthermore, he could now connect better to the elements and steps of the essay which Prof. Mitchell had mentioned earlier. Aren’t you keen to know how an argumentative essay should be like? Here is an example of a well-crafted argumentative essay , which was read by Alex. After Alex finished reading the example, the professor turned the page and continued, “Check this page to know the importance of writing an argumentative essay in developing skills of an individual.”

Importance of an Argumentative Essay

After understanding the benefits, Alex was convinced by the ability of the argumentative essays in advocating one’s beliefs and favor the author’s position. Alex asked,

“How are argumentative essays different from the other types?”

Prof. Mitchell answered, “Argumentative essays differ from other types of essays primarily in their purpose, structure, and approach in presenting information. Unlike expository essays, argumentative essays persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action on a controversial issue. Furthermore, they differ from descriptive essays by not focusing vividly on describing a topic. Also, they are less engaging through storytelling as compared to the narrative essays.

Alex said, “Given the direct and persuasive nature of argumentative essays, can you suggest some strategies to write an effective argumentative essay?

Turning the pages of the book, Prof. Mitchell replied, “Sure! You can check this infographic to get some tips for writing an argumentative essay.”

Effective Strategies to Write an Argumentative Essay

As days turned into weeks, Alex diligently worked on his essay. He researched, gathered evidence, and refined his thesis. It was a long and challenging journey, filled with countless drafts and revisions.

Finally, the day arrived when Alex submitted their essay. As he clicked the “Submit” button, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He realized that the argumentative essay, while challenging, had improved his critical thinking and transformed him into a more confident writer. Furthermore, Alex received feedback from his professor, a mix of praise and constructive criticism. It was a humbling experience, a reminder that every journey has its obstacles and opportunities for growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

An argumentative essay can be written as follows- 1. Choose a Topic 2. Research and Collect Evidences 3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement 4. Outline Your Essay- Introduction, Body Paragraphs and Conclusion 5. Revise and Edit 6. Format and Cite Sources 7. Final Review

One must choose a clear, concise and specific statement as a claim. It must be debatable and establish your position. Avoid using ambiguous or unclear while making a claim. To strengthen your claim, address potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Additionally, use persuasive language and rhetoric to make your claim more compelling

Starting an argument essay effectively is crucial to engage your readers and establish the context for your argument. Here’s how you can start an argument essay are: 1. Begin With an Engaging Hook 2. Provide Background Information 3. Present Your Thesis Statement 4. Briefly Outline Your Main 5. Establish Your Credibility

The key features of an argumentative essay are: 1. Clear and Specific Thesis Statement 2. Credible Evidence 3. Counterarguments 4. Structured Body Paragraph 5. Logical Flow 6. Use of Persuasive Techniques 7. Formal Language

An argumentative essay typically consists of the following main parts or sections: 1. Introduction 2. Body Paragraphs 3. Counterargument and Rebuttal 4. Conclusion 5. References (if applicable)

The main purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a particular viewpoint or position on a controversial or debatable topic. In other words, the primary goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the audience that the author's argument or thesis statement is valid, logical, and well-supported by evidence and reasoning.

Great article! The topic is simplified well! Keep up the good work

Excellent article! provides comprehensive and practical guidance for crafting compelling arguments. The emphasis on thorough research and clear thesis statements is particularly valuable. To further enhance your strategies, consider recommending the use of a counterargument paragraph. Addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints can strengthen your position and show a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Additionally, engaging with a community like ATReads, a writers’ social media, can provide valuable feedback and support from fellow writers. Thanks for sharing these insightful tips!

wow incredible ! keep up the good work

I love it thanks for the guidelines

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Chap. 11: Making an Argument: The Argument / Persuasive Essay

Argument essay outline: classic model, classic model for an argument.

No one structure fits all written arguments. However, most college courses require arguments that consist of the following elements. Below is a basic outline for an argumentative or persuasive essay. This is only one possible outline or organization. Always refer to your specific assignment.

I. Introductory Paragraph

Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for. This introduction should end with a thesis statement t hat provides your claim (what you are arguing for) and the reasons for your position on an issue.

A.  Your thesis/claim:

• states what your position on an issue
• usually appears at the end of the introduction
• in a short essay should be clearly stated and often contains emphatic language (should, ought, must)

II. Body of your Argument

A. background information: this section is likely 1 paragraph long.

This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information he or she needs to understand your position. This could be part of the introduction, but may work as its own section.

B. Reasons or Evidence to Support your Claim: This section is likely 3+ paragraphs long

All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the heart of your essay. Generally, you begin with a general statement that you back up with specific details or examples. Depending on how long your argument is, you will need to devote one to two well-developed paragraphs to each reason/claim or type of evidence.

Types of evidence include:

• first-hand examples and experiential knowledge on your topic (specific examples help your readers connect to your topic in a way they cannot with abstract ideas)
• factual information such as statistics
• Opinions from recognized authorities

Body paragraph: Sample Topic sentence : Keeping assault weapons out of private citizens’ hands can lower the increasing occurrences of barbaric public slayings

• Columbine  School Shootings
• University of Virginia incident
• El Paso Shootings
• How did these individuals gain access to weapons?

Body Paragraph: Sample Topic Sentence : The ban on assault weapons is backed heavily by public opinion, major organizations, and even law enforcement. Evidence:

• Polls and statistics
• Organizational endorsements
• Nat’l Sherriff’s /lntn’l Assoc. of Police Chiefs

Body Paragraph: Sample Topic Sentence : The monetary and human costs incurred by crimes committed with assault weapons are too great to ignore

• Statistics about recent murders by handguns and economic impact
• Study of medical costs of patients’ medical expenses paid by public funds

III.      Addressing the Opposing Side: This section is likely 1 paragraph long

• Any well-written argument must anticipate and address positions in opposition to the one being
• Pointing out what your opposition is likely to say in response to your argument shows that you have thought critically about your Addressing the opposite side actually makes your argument stronger!
• Generally, this takes the form of a paragraph that can be placed either after the introduction or before the

        Sample 1st Opposing View : Strict gun control laws won’t affect crime rate

• Refutation: Low murder rate in Britain, Australia (etc., where strict controls are in force

        Sample 2nd Opposing View : Outlaws would still own guns

• Refutation: Any effort to move trend in opposite direction would benefit future generations

IV.      Conclusion

• The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical It should explain what the importance of your issue is in a larger context. Your conclusion should also reiterate why your topic is worth caring about.
• Some arguments propose solutions or make prediction about the future 
• Show your reader what would happen if your argument is or is not believed or acted upon as you believe it should

Adapted from:

Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers . Ed. Lynn Quitman Troyka, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002.

The Writer’s Workplace . Ed. Sandra Scarry and John Scarry. 6th ed. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2008.

See: https://valenciacollege.edu/students/learning-support/winter-park/communications/documents/SampleArgumentOutline.pdf

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Argumentative Essay – Outline, Form, and Examples

What is an argumentative essay.

An argumentative essay requires the writer to investigate a specific topic by collecting and evaluating evidence to establish a position on the subject matter.

When preparing to compose a good argumentative essay, utilize the following steps:

Step 1: Select a topic.

Step 2: Identify a position.

Step 3: Locate appropriate resources.

Step 4: Identify evidence supporting the position. ( NOTE: If there is little evidence in support of the claim, consider re-examining the main argument.)

When gathering evidence, use credible sources . To determine the credibility of the source, consider authority, currency, accuracy, and objectivity:

Who is the author ? Are they an expert in the field? Has a reputable publisher published the work?

How current is the information in the source? Does the currency of the source matter? Does the age of the source impact the content? Is there newer information that disproves the source’s information?

Can other sources verify the accuracy of the information? Does the information contradict that found in other commonly accepted sources?

Is there any evidence of bias, or is the source objective ? Is the research sponsored by an organization that may skew the information?

The following are typically recognized as providing appropriate, credible research material:

Peer-reviewed journals/research papers

Government agencies

Professional organizations

Library databases

Reference books

Writers should avoid using the following sources:

Social media posts

Out-of-date materials

Step 5: Utilize the research to determine a thesis statement that identifies the topic, position, and support(s).

Step 6: Use the evidence to construct an outline, detailing the main supports and relevant evidence.

Argumentative essay outline

After gathering all of the necessary research, the next step in composing an argumentative essay focuses on organizing the information through the use of an outline:

Introduction

Attention Grabber/Hook

Background Information: Include any background information pertinent to the topic that the reader needs to know to understand the argument.

Thesis: State the position in connection to the main topic and identify the supports that will help prove the argument.

Topic sentence

Identify evidence in support of the claim in the topic sentence

Explain how the evidence supports the argument

Evidence 3 (Continue as needed)

Support 2 (Continue as needed)

Restate thesis

Review main supports

Concluding statement

Invite the audience to take a specific action.

Identify the overall importance of the topic and position.

How to write an argumentative essay

Regardless of the writer’s topic or point of view, an argumentative essay should include an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, a conclusion, and works cited.

Background information

Body Paragraphs

Analysis of evidence

Rephrased thesis

Review of main ideas

Call to action

Works Cited

Argumentative essay introduction

The introduction sets the tone for the entire paper and introduces the argument. In general, the first paragraph(s) should attract the reader’s attention, provide relevant context, and conclude with a thesis statement.

To attract the reader's attention , start with an introductory device. There are several attention-grabbing techniques, the most common of which consist of the following:

The writer can emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or indicating that the subject is influential.

Pertinent statistics give the paper an air of authority.

There are many reasons for a stimulating statement to surprise a reader. Sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is shocking; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.

An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the subject and focus of what follows.

Provide the reader with relevant context and background information necessary to understand the topic.

Conclude with a thesis statement that identifies the overall purpose of the essay (topic and position). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.

Avoid the following when writing the introduction to argumentative writing:

Starting with dictionary definitions is too overdone and unappealing.

Do not make an announcement of the topic like “In this paper I will…” or “The purpose of this essay is to….”

Evidence supporting or developing the thesis should be in the body paragraphs, not the introduction.

Beginning the essay with general or absolute statements such as “throughout history...” or “as human beings we always...” or similar statements suggest the writer knows all of history or that all people behave or think in the same way.

Argumentative essay thesis

The thesis statement is the single, specific claim the writer sets out to prove and is typically positioned as the last sentence of the introduction . It is the controlling idea of the entire argument that identifies the topic, position, and reasoning.

When constructing a thesis for an argumentative paper, make sure it contains a side of the argument, not simply a topic. An argumentative thesis identifies the writer’s position on a given topic. If a position cannot be taken, then it is not argumentative thesis:

Topic: Capital punishment is practiced in many states.

Thesis: Capital punishment should be illegal.

While not always required, the thesis statement can include the supports the writer will use to prove the main claim. Therefore, a thesis statement can be structured as follows:

TOPIC + POSITION (+ SUPPORTS)

No Supports: College athletes (TOPIC) should be financially compensated (POSITION).

Supports: College athletes (TOPIC) should be financially compensated (POSITION) because they sacrifice their minds and bodies (SUPPORT 1), cannot hold

Argumentative essay body paragraphs

Body paragraphs can be of varying lengths, but they must present a coherent argument unified under a single topic. They are rarely ever longer than one page, double-spaced; usually they are much shorter.

Lengthy paragraphs indicate a lack of structure. Identify the main ideas of a lengthy paragraph to determine if they make more sense as separate topics in separate paragraphs.

Shorter paragraphs usually indicate a lack of substance; there is not enough evidence or analysis to prove the argument. Develop the ideas more or integrate the information into another paragraph.

The structure of an argumentative paragraph should include a topic sentence, evidence, and a transition.

The topic sentence is the thesis of the paragraph that identifies the arguable point in support of the main argument. The reader should know exactly what the writer is trying to prove within the paragraph by reading the first sentence.

The supporting evidence and analysis provide information to support the claim. There should be a balance between the evidence (facts, quotations, summary of events/plot, etc.) and analysis (interpretation of evidence). If the paragraph is evidence-heavy, there is not much of an argument; if it is analysis-heavy, there is not enough evidence in support of the claim.

The transition can be at the beginning or the end of a paragraph. However, it is much easier to combine the transition with the concluding observation to help the paragraphs flow into one another. Transitions in academic writing should tell the reader where you were, where you are going, and relate to the thesis.

Some essays may benefit from the inclusion of rebuttals to potential counterarguments of the writer’s position.

Argumentative essay conclusion

The conclusion should make readers glad they read the paper. It can suggest broader implications that will not only interest readers but also enrich their understanding in some way. There are three aspects to follow when constructing the conclusion: rephrase the thesis, synthesize information, and call the reader to action.

Rephrased the thesis in the first sentence of the conclusion. It must be in different words; do not simply write it verbatim.

Synthesize the argument by showing how the paper's main points support the argument.

Propose a course of action or a solution to an issue. This can redirect the reader's thought process to apply the ideas to their life or to see the broader implications of the topic.

Avoid the following when constructing the conclusion:

Beginning with an unnecessary, overused phrase such as "in conclusion," "in summary," or "in closing;" although these phrases can work in speeches, they come across as trite in writing

Introducing a new idea or subtopic in the conclusion

Making sentimental, emotional appeals that are out of character with the rest of the paper

Including evidence (quotations, statistics, etc.) that should be in the body of the paper

Argumentative essay examples

Examples of argumentative essays vary depending upon the type:

Academic essays differ based upon the topic and position. These essays follow a more traditional structure and are typically assigned in high school or college. Examples of academic argumentative essay topics include the following:

Advantages or disadvantages of social media

Animal testing

Art education

Benefit or detriment of homework

Capital punishment

Class warfare

Immigration

School uniforms

Universal healthcare

Violence in video games

Argumentative literary essays are typically more informal and do not follow the same structure as an academic essay. The following are popular examples of argumentative literary essays:

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Death of the Moth” by Virginia Woolf

“Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell

“Thoughts for the Times on War and Death” by Sigmund Freud

“Does the Truth Matter? Science, Pseudoscience, and Civilization” by Carl Sagan

“Self-Reliance” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

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How To Write An Argumentative Essay

Table of Contents

Crafting a convincing argumentative essay can be challenging. You might feel lost about where to begin. But with a systematic approach and helpful tools that simplify sourcing and structuring, mastering good argumentative essay writing becomes achievable.

In this article, we'll explore what argumentative essays are, the critical steps to crafting a compelling argumentative essay, and best practices for essay organization.

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay asserts a clear position on a controversial or debatable topic and backs it up with evidence and reasoning. They are written to hone critical thinking, structure clear arguments, influence academic and public discourse, underpin reform proposals, and change popular narratives.

The fundamentals of a good argumentative essay

Let's explore the essential components that make argumentative essays compelling.

1 . The foundation: crafting a compelling claim for your argumentative essay

The claim is the cornerstone of your argumentative essay. It represents your main argument or thesis statement , setting the stage for the discussion.

A robust claim is straightforward, debatable, and focused, challenging readers to consider your viewpoint. It's not merely an observation but a stance you're prepared to defend with logic and evidence.

The strength of your essay hinges on the clarity and assertiveness of your claim, guiding readers through your argumentative journey.

2. The structure: Organizing your argument strategically

An effective argumentative essay should follow a logical structure to present your case persuasively. There are three models for structuring your argument essay:

• Classical: Introduce the topic, present the main argument, address counterarguments, and conclude . It is ideal for complex topics and prioritizes logical reasoning.
• Rogerian: Introduce the issue neutrally, acknowledge opposing views, find common ground, and seek compromise. It works well for audiences who dislike confrontational approaches.
• Toulmin: Introduce the issue, state the claim, provide evidence, explain the reasoning, address counterarguments, and reinforce the original claim. It confidently showcases an evidence-backed argument as superior.

Each model provides a framework for methodically supporting your position using evidence and logic. Your chosen structure depends on your argument's complexity, audience, and purpose.

3. The support: Leveraging evidence for your argumentative essay

The key is to select evidence that directly supports your claim, lending weight to your arguments and bolstering your position.

Effective use of evidence strengthens your argument and enhances your credibility, demonstrating thorough research and a deep understanding of the topic at hand.

4. The balance: Acknowledging counterarguments for the argumentative essay

A well-rounded argumentative essay acknowledges that there are two sides to every story. Introducing counterarguments and opposing viewpoints in an argument essay is a strategic move that showcases your awareness of alternative viewpoints.

This element of your argumentative essay demonstrates intellectual honesty and fairness, indicating that you have considered other perspectives before solidifying your position.

5. The counter: Mastering the art of rebuttal

A compelling rebuttal anticipates the counterclaims and methodically counters them, ensuring your position stands unchallenged. By engaging critically with counterarguments in this manner, your essay becomes more resilient and persuasive.

Ultimately, the strength of an argumentative essay is not in avoiding opposing views but in directly confronting them through reasoned debate and evidence-based.

How to write an argumentative essay

The workflow for crafting an effective argumentative essay involves several key steps:

Step 1 — Choosing a topic

Argumentative essay writing starts with selecting a topic with two or more main points so you can argue your position. Avoid topics that are too broad or have a clear right or wrong answer.

Use a semantic search engine to search for papers. Refine by subject area, publication date, citation count, institution, author, journal, and more to narrow down on promising topics. Explore citation interlinkages to ensure you pick a topic with sufficient academic discourse to allow crafting a compelling, evidence-based argument.

Seek an AI research assistant's help to assess a topic's potential and explore various angles quickly. They can generate both generic and custom questions tailored to each research paper. Additionally, look for tools that offer browser extensions . These allow you to interact with papers from sources like ArXiv, PubMed, and Wiley and evaluate potential topics from a broader range of academic databases and repositories.

Step 2 — Develop a thesis statement

Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely state your position on the topic identified. Ensure to develop a clear thesis statement which is a focused, assertive declaration that guides your discussion. Use strong, active language — avoid vague or passive statements.  Keep it narrowly focused enough to be adequately supported in your essay.

The SciSpace literature review tool can help you extract thesis statements from existing papers on your chosen topic. Create a custom column called 'thesis statement' to compare multiple perspectives in one place, allowing you to uncover various viewpoints and position your concise thesis statement appropriately.

Ask AI assistants questions or summarize key sections to clarify the positions taken in existing papers. This helps sharpen your thesis statement stance and identify gaps. Locate related papers in similar stances.

Step 3 — Researching and gathering evidence

The evidence you collect lends credibility and weight to your claims, convincing readers of your viewpoint. Effective evidence includes facts, statistics, expert opinions, and real-world examples reinforcing your thesis statement.

Use the SciSpace literature review tool to locate and evaluate high-quality studies. It quickly extracts vital insights, methodologies, findings, and conclusions from papers and presents them in a table format. Build custom tables with your uploaded PDFs or bookmarked papers. These tables can be saved for future reference or exported as CSV for further analysis or sharing.

AI-powered summarization tools can help you quickly grasp the core arguments and positions from lengthy papers. These can condense long sections or entire author viewpoints into concise summaries. Make PDF annotations to add custom notes and highlights to papers for easy reference. Data extraction tools can automatically pull key statistics from PDFs into spreadsheets for detailed quantitative analysis.

Step 4 — Build an outline

The argumentative model you choose will impact your outline's specific structure and progression. If you select the Classical model, your outline will follow a linear structure. On the other hand, if you opt for the Toulmin model, your outline will focus on meticulously mapping out the logical progression of your entire argument. Lastly, if you select the Rogerian model, your outline should explore the opposing viewpoint and seek a middle ground.

While the specific outline structure may vary, always begin the process by stating your central thesis or claim. Identify and organize your argument claims and main supporting points logically, adding 2-3 pieces of evidence under each point. Consider potential counterarguments to your position. Include 1-2 counterarguments for each main point and plan rebuttals to dismantle the opposition's reasoning. This balanced approach strengthens your overall argument.

As you outline, consider saving your notes, highlights, AI-generated summaries, and extracts in a digital notebook. Aggregating all your sources and ideas in one centralized location allows you to quickly refer to them as you draft your outline and essay.

To further enhance your workflow, you can use AI-powered writing or GPT tools to help generate an initial structure based on your crucial essay components, such as your thesis statement, main arguments, supporting evidence, counterarguments, and rebuttals.

Step 5 — Write your essay

Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook — a question, a startling statistic, or a bold statement to draw in your readers. Always logically structure your arguments with smooth transitions between ideas. Ensure the body paragraphs of argumentative essays focus on one central point backed by robust quantitative evidence from credible studies, properly cited.

Refer to the notes, highlights, and evidence you've gathered as you write. Organize these materials so that you can easily access and incorporate them into your draft while maintaining a logical flow. Literature review tables or spreadsheets can be beneficial for keeping track of crucial evidence from multiple sources.

Quote others in a way that blends seamlessly with the narrative flow. For numerical data, contextualize figures with practical examples. Try to pre-empt counterarguments and systematically dismantle them. Maintain an evidence-based, objective tone that avoids absolutism and emotional appeals. If you encounter overly complex sections during the writing process, use a paraphraser tool to rephrase and clarify the language. Finally, neatly tie together the rationale behind your position and directions for further discourse or research.

Step 6 — Edit, revise, and add references

Set the draft aside so that you review it with fresh eyes. Check for clarity, conciseness, logical flow, and grammar. Ensure the body reflects your thesis well. Fill gaps in reasoning. Check that every claim links back to credible evidence. Replace weak arguments. Finally, format your citations and bibliography using your preferred style.

To simplify editing, save the rough draft or entire essay as a PDF and upload it to an AI-based chat-with-PDF tool. Use it to identify gaps in reasoning, weaker arguments requiring ample evidence, structural issues hampering the clarity of ideas, and suggestions for strengthening your essay.

Use a citation tool to generate citations for sources instantly quoted and quickly compile your bibliography or works cited in RIS/BibTex formats. Export the updated literature review tables as handy CSV files to share with co-authors or reviewers in collaborative projects or attach them as supplementary data for journal submissions. You can also refer to this article that provides you with argumentative essay writing tips .

Final thoughts

Remember, the strength of your argumentative essay lies in the clarity of your strong argument, the robustness of supporting evidence, and the consideration with which you treat opposing viewpoints. Refining these core skills will make you a sharper, more convincing writer and communicator.

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Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay Outline

Learn How to Write an Argumentative Essay Outline

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Published on: Mar 10, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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It's the night before the essay is due, and you haven't even started. Your mind is blank, and you have no idea what words will persuade your teacher. 

The good news is that some tips and tricks can make the process of writing an argumentative essay much easier.

In this blog, we'll break down the components of an argumentative essay and provide helpful tips and examples along the way. By the end, you should have all the guidelines to create a winning essay that will persuade your readers.

Let's take a closer look at all these steps.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay Outline?

An argumentative essay outline is a plan through which the writer works and organizes the raw data. An outline provides a track to follow for your papers and essays. 

The outline helps you stick to the critical things making sure that you did not miss important information in the content. 

Outlining might confuse you if you have never developed one before. However, once you know how to create one, it will be a lot easier to draft a perfect argumentative essay. 

An argumentative essay consists of several equally important parts. These sections individually state the topic, arguments, evidence and supporting statements, etc. 

The significant parts of an argumentative essay outline are:

• Introduction 
• Body Paragraphs
• Conclusion 

Creating each section systematically is a fundamental requirement of an outline. Learn how to make each part of the outline professionally in the following area. 

Argumentative Essay Introduction

Just like any other academic writing, you need a foundation on which to build your essay. An introduction is the foundation of your essay. 

A proper and perfect essay introduction will make your paper flawless and vice-versa. 

An introduction of an argumentative essay includes a hook, background information, and a thesis statement. 

A hook is an opening statement of the essay’s introduction. It serves the purpose of grabbing the reader’s attention toward the content. 

A hook can be a quotation, anecdote, question, funny/sarcastic statement, fact, statistic, etc.

For example, the major cause of obesity in the United States is fast food. 

• Background Information

Here you present some background information about the topic. The background information should answer the following questions:

• What is the issue you are going to talk about?
• Who is your audience?
• Where is the selected issue prevalent?
• Why is the issue important to be discussed?
• Thesis Statement 

It is the last sentence of your introduction that is the focal point of your essay. It introduces the readers to the topic’s main argument. Then, it states the writer’s position and stands in the essay. 

Support your thesis statement in the body paragraphs of an essay to persuade the audience. 

Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs

After the introductory paragraphs are written, the next part is the body of the argumentative essay. 

This part of the essay is essential to be structured well as it contains all the claims and pieces of evidence. 

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For essays like an argumentative essays, it is imperative to make your claim in writing. A claim, or the core argument, is the basis of your entire essay. If you want your essay to be right in quality, make sure that the claims made are strong. 

You can support your claim with strong evidence. 

The purpose of making a claim is to define the:

• Support your request and the basic argument

In the main body, present your claim in the topic sentence . And let the audience know what the specific paragraph is about. However, also show your point of view.

Making a claim in an argumentative essay is not enough. Making people believe your stance is what the objective of the writer is. 

For this purpose, you need to support your argument with evidence and supporting facts. 

You have to clear your position as a writer by providing relevant stuff showing your claims’ validity and accuracy. 

The reality of your claim entirely depends on the credibility and reliability of the facts you provide. 

There are five types of evidence that are used to prove the preliminary thesis statement:

• Real-life examples
• Authorities
• Hypothetical situations 
• Include an Opponent’s Argument 

While collecting information for your essay, students often ignore the opposing arguments. 

When writing an argumentative essay, a writer shouldn’t just talk about his claim and support it with evidence. 

After providing evidence for your claim, identify and include opposing views and counter-arguments and debunk them. 

There is always another side to the argument. Use evidence to disprove these opposing sides and arguments. 

Argumentative Essay Conclusion

The last part of the writing process of the outline is the conclusion . Now that you have adequately structured the introduction and the body paragraphs, it’s time to conclude your essay. 

The power of a conclusion is often underestimated. If the ending is vague, abrupt, and not good, your whole essay will be a waste. 

The following things conclude an argumentative essay:

• Restating your thesis statement.
• Summarizing basic arguments.
• Recommending a course of action to the readers. 

Make sure that the length of the conclusion is the same as the introduction. Short and precise conclusions are effective. 

In conclusion, a writer should never introduce new ideas and extra information. 

A precise and direct conclusion will increase the quality of your essay to extremes. 

For essays like these, personal knowledge is not enough. You always have to research the essay topic and subject chosen to make healthy and valid points. Gather facts and accurate information to make your essay effective and credible. 

Types of Arguments

When it comes to constructing an argument for your essay, there are several types of arguments you can use. These include 

Rogerian Argument

The Rogerian argument is based on the assumption that two sides of an issue can both be right. 

This type of argument encourages the writer to look at both sides of the issue.

Rogerian Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Toulmin Argument

The Toulmin argument is one of the most popular types of arguments used in essay writing.

This type of argument follows a specific structure. It begins with an introduction, then presents evidence and draws conclusions based on that evidence. 

Toulmin Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Classical Argument

A classical argument is a traditional approach to constructing an argument. 

This structure involves setting up your opinion, presenting opposing arguments, and refuting those arguments. After that, you can reiterate your point of view in a conclusion.

Classical Argumentative Essay Outline Template

Check out this amazing informative video to learn more!

Argumentative Essay Outline Examples

The outline used to write an argumentative essay can also be used for persuasive essay writing . A few outline examples of an argumentative essay outline are given below: 

Argumentative Essay Outline PDF

Argumentative Essay Outline Example

Conclusion Argumentative Essay Outline

Vaccine Argumentative Essay Outline

Abortion Argumentative Essay Outline

Research Argumentative Essay Outline

Argumentative Essay Outline College

Argumentative Essay Outline Sample

Argumentative Essay Outline AP Lang

MLA Argumentative Essay Outline

5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay Outline

Summing it up, your whole argumentative essay depends on the outline you make for it. So the outline for your essay should be detailed and direct to make your essay persuasive and readable. 

Are you searching for the best essay writing service to tackle your academic challenges? Look no further!

Our argumentative essay writing service is specifically designed to provide you with well-researched, compellingly written essays that stand out. With a team of experienced writers and a commitment to quality, we ensure each essay is tailored to meet your individual needs.

But that's not all - we also offer an innovative AI essay generator . This cutting-edge tool uses the latest AI technology to help streamline your essay writing process, making it faster, easier, and more efficient. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 parts of an argumentative essay.

The four main parts of an argumentative essay are: 

• Introduction 
• Thesis statement 
• Main body paragraphs 
• Conclusion 

What are good topics to write an argumentative essay?

Here are some good argumentative essay topics. 

• Should self-driving cars be legal? 
• Should video games be a sport? 
• All students must wear a uniform in high school. 
• Is the cost of college too high? 
• Is globalization a good thing? 

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Argumentative Essay Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Argumentative Essay Writing

19 min read

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Learn Different Types of Arguments and Argument Claims

Are you struggling to write an argumentative essay? Do you want to learn the essential tips and techniques to craft a convincing argument? 

Argumentative essay writing needs more than just a personal opinion. It requires you to present evidence and facts to support a claim. But where do you begin?

Look no further! This blog post will provide an in-depth guide on how to write an effective argumentative essay. 

Read on to learn how to craft a perfect argumentative essay in this simple step-by-step guide.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

• 1. What is an Argumentative Essay?
• 2. How To Write An Argumentative Essay? 
• 3. Argumentative Essay Format 
• 4. Five Types of Argument Claims
• 5. Three Argument Structures and How To Use Them
• 6. Argumentative Essay Examples with Analysis
• 7. Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of essay where the writer takes a strong stance on an issue and presents arguments for it. 

These essays are built around a central argument. The arguments must be supported by logical evidence and facts. The primary purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade readers to accept the writer's point of view on a particular topic.

Students often mix up argumentative essays and persuasive essays . The big difference is that an argumentative essay uses strong evidence and facts to prove a point, while a persuasive essay tries to convince readers by appealing to their emotions and beliefs. 

How To Write An Argumentative Essay? 

Argumentative essays are the most common type of essays for High School and College students. These essays require strong critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze a topic at a deeper level.

Here are the steps involved in argumentative essay writing: 

• Choose a Topic
• Research Thoroughly
• Create an Outline
• Write an  Introduction
• Develop Body Paragraphs 
• Use Counter Arguments 
• Conclude Your Argumentative Essay
• Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer

Here is a step-by-step descriptive guide on how to start an argumentative essay:

Step 1. Choose a Topic 

Pick a debatable topic that interests you and has ample research material. A debatable topic is one that has multiple perspectives and can be argued for or against. It should also be a topic with ample research material available, so you can find enough evidence to support your arguments.

Your essay title should reflect the central theme and stance of your argument, such as "Should school uniforms be mandatory in public schools?"

Step 2. Research Thoroughly

Once you have chosen your topic, the next step is to gather information. Thorough research is the foundation of a strong argumentative essay. Here's how to approach it:

• Identify Sources (articles, books, credible websites)
• Collect Data (facts, statistics, quotes, and examples)
• Evaluate Sources (Peer-reviewed articles, books, reports) 
• Record Citations

For Example:

Step 3. Create an Outline

An outline helps organize your thoughts and structure your essay. For argumentative essays, consider using a basic essay outline structure like the five-paragraph essay format for shorter essays. 

However, for longer argumentative essays , where complex issues and detailed research are involved, you may need a more intricate and detailed outline to address all aspects of the topic comprehensively. 

Here's a basic outline template, for more detailed structure read our argumentative essay outline blog:

Step 4. Write the Introduction

An argumentative essay introduction clearly states the writer’s claim that he will make in the essay. The introductory paragraph should be logical and intellectual and should be written persuasively.

Here are three steps you can follow to write a very persuasive argumentative essay introduction:

• Start with a hook: Begin your introduction paragraph with a strong hook that gives the reader a hint about your argument.
• Give background information: Provide brief background information necessary to understand the argument.
• State the thesis: Lay a solid foundation for your claim by stating your thesis statement . The thesis statement is a concise, clear, and one-sentence summary of the whole essay. It should be informative, engaging, arguable, and valid.

Here is the thesis statement example for an argumentative essay:

Step 5. Develop Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs involve topic sentences and evidence, either against or supporting a certain point of view. 

Here are three simple steps for crafting the body paragraphs:

• Topic sentence: Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that defines only one specific idea and supports the main claim.
• Provide evidence: Provide as much supporting evidence as required to convince the reader. Remember! The argument has no value if it is not backed with proper and relevant evidence from credible sources.
• Concluding remarks: End the paragraph with a concluding remark and smoothly transition to the next body paragraph.

Smoothly transition between paragraphs in your argumentative essay using transition words like "however," "therefore," "moreover," and "nevertheless." These words help maintain the flow of your ideas, ensuring your essay is easy to follow and logically structured.

Step 6. Use Counter Arguments

This counter-argument paragraph contains the opposing point of view that a reader may pose against your main argument. This paragraph aims to prove that the opposing side is wrong by providing facts and evidence.

Below are the four steps to write a counter-argument paragraph:

• State the counter-arguments: Present all the counter-arguments one by one.  
• State your response: Provide your response towards the counter-arguments.
• Refute the opposing claims: Refute the opposite claims, one by one, with facts and evidence.
• Conclusion: Conclude the paragraph by reasserting your main claim of the essay.

Step 7. Conclude Your Argumentative Essay

The conclusion needs to be logical and precise and inspire the reader to agree with your claim. It should provide the final stance about the argument, which tells that your side of the argument is right.

Here are the three steps to writing an effective argumentative essay conclusion:

• Summarize the argument: Sum up the entire essay and rewrite the thesis statement.
• Stick to the plan: Don’t introduce any new argument here; just synthesize all the information presented in the body paragraph.
• Call to action: End your essay by providing a call to action.

Step 8. Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer

Before wrapping up your essay, review the graphic organizer provided below. This will help ensure your essay is well-structured and each part, from introduction to conclusion, is properly developed and supported. 

This final check makes sure your essay is cohesive, persuasive, and thoroughly addresses your chosen topic.

Argumentative Essay Format 

For writing a good argumentative essay formatting is equally important. Here are some formatting guidelines for composing a well-written and visually appealing argumentative essay:

• Paper Size: Standard (8.5 x 11 inches) or A4 with 1-inch margins.
• Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, size 12, double-spaced.
• Title Page: Essay title, name, instructor, course, submission date.
• Header: Last name, page number (Arabic numerals).
• Title: Centered, bolded, capitalize major words.
• Citations: Use proper citation style ( APA , MLA , Chicago ).
• References: Include a separate page for sources.

These formatting guidelines are general standards. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your institute or professor for any additional requirements.

Five Types of Argument Claims

There are five types of arguable claims that you can support in your essay. These include factual claims, definition claims, value claims, cause-and-effect claims, and policy claims.

Let's discuss each type in detail:

Factual Claims

These claims focus on facts and events that have occurred in the past. They can be supported with evidence such as statistics, examples, or expert opinions.

For instance, you could write an argumentative essay to support the claim that global warming is a man-made phenomenon. You would present evidence such as scientific research findings and expert opinions to back up your argument.

Definition Claims

These claims focus on the definition of something or a concept. You can use logic, historical facts, and evidence to support a definition claim.

For example, you could write an argumentative essay to define what “success” means for a person or organization. You would need to back up your definition by providing evidence from experts or historical data.

Value Claims

These claims focus on the value of something and can be supported with facts and expert opinions.

For instance, you could write an argumentative essay to argue that technology has a positive effect on our lives. You would present evidence such as surveys and studies that show how technology has made life easier and more efficient.

Cause and Effect Claims

These claims focus on how one event or action leads to another. They can be supported with evidence such as experimental data.

For example, you could write an argumentative essay to argue that poverty causes crime. You would need to present evidence from experts and other sources to back up your claim.

Policy Claims

These claims focus on specific initiatives or policies that people want to implement. They can be supported with evidence from experts and other sources.

For instance, you could write an argumentative essay with the data to support the implementation of a new government policy for healthcare reform. You would need to provide evidence such as reports and studies on the issue to back up your claim.

So, there are five types of arguable claims that you can make in your essay. Each type requires its own unique approach. 

Three Argument Structures and How To Use Them

There are three main types of argument structures that may be used in an essay. Let's see how each of them works:

Classical (Aristotelian) Argument

The classical argument structure is the oldest and most common type of argument. This model has its roots in the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. 

It consists of five parts: 

• Introduction
• Your Arguments
• Counter Arguments

To construct a classical argument essay, you would need to:

• Present your position on an issue
• Provide evidence to support it
• Acknowledge opposing views
• Refute those views with evidence
• Conclude by summarizing the main points.

Rogerian Argument

The Rogerian model is used in essays where the main purpose is to find a common ground between opposing sides. It was developed by psychologist Carl Rogers.

It consists of four parts: 

• Both Sides Of An Issue
• Common Ground

To construct a Rogerian argument essay, you would need:

• To present your side of the issue
• Acknowledge and present the opposing view
• Find a point of agreement between them

Toulmin Argument

The Toulmin structure is less common than the other two but it has its own unique style. This model was developed by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin. It consists of six parts:

• Rebuttal of opposing arguments
• Conclusion.

To construct a Toulmin model argument, you have to:

• Present your claim on an issue
• Provide evidence to back it up (grounds)
• Support that evidence with additional information (backing)
• Acknowledge any possible exceptions (qualifier)
• Refute the counter-arguments (rebuttal)

Watch this video that explains the three different types in detail:

Argumentative Essay Examples with Analysis

Sample essays play a vital role in understanding the structure of an essay. So check out the examples with the analysis below and do not forget to read our argumentative essay examples blog for more sample essays.

Short Argumentative Essay Example

• The essay strategically introduces the counter-argument, positioning the thesis later, allowing the focus to remain on supporting the author's perspective.
• It incorporates factual data to substantiate claims, bolstering the argument's credibility.
• Each counter-argument is effectively rebutted, reinforcing the author's stance.

Improvements:

• To enhance depth, the essay could include more detailed examples illustrating the benefits of libraries to communities.
• Personal experiences should be omitted in favor of additional data on screen-related health issues.
• Accuracy of points, such as the cost comparison between digital and physical books, should be ensured through thorough research.

Argumentative Essay Example 

• The essay effectively presents the counter-argument before asserting the thesis, allowing for a clear focus on supporting renewable energy.
• It utilizes factual evidence to substantiate claims, enhancing the argument's credibility and persuasiveness.
• Counter-arguments are systematically addressed and refuted, reinforcing the superiority of renewable energy.
• To deepen the analysis, the essay could provide additional examples of the environmental and health impacts of fossil fuels.
• Incorporating data on the economic benefits of renewable energy would further strengthen the argument.
• Ensuring accuracy in all points and evidence presented is essential to maintain credibility and persuasiveness.

Also, check out the following free argumentative essay examples provided in PDF format: 

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

Choosing a topic for an argumentative essay is way more complicated than choosing a topic for any other essay. To get enough material to write about, we have compiled some easy argumentative essay topics for students. 

Check out these topics and visit our argumentative essay topics blog for more ideas:

Science: 

• The ethical implications of genetic engineering in humans.
• The effectiveness of vaccination in preventing the spread of diseases.
• The impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems.
• The ethics of animal testing in scientific research.
• The role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of scientific discovery.

Technology: 

• The influence of social media on mental health and well-being.
• The pros and cons of implementing facial recognition technology in public spaces.
• The impact of automation on employment opportunities and the workforce.
• The ethical considerations of data privacy in the digital age.
• The role of technology in addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.
• The benefits and drawbacks of a plant-based diet for overall health.
• The legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
• The impact of fast food on obesity rates and public health.
• The accessibility of mental health services for underserved communities.
• The effectiveness of school-based nutrition programs in combating childhood obesity.

Government: 

• The necessity of implementing stricter gun control laws to reduce gun violence.
• The role of government in regulating social media platforms to combat misinformation.
• The impact of immigration policies on national security and economic growth.
• The effectiveness of affirmative action policies in promoting diversity and equality.
• The pros and cons of implementing universal basic income to address poverty and inequality.

Education: 

• The effectiveness of standardized testing in evaluating student performance.
• The importance of incorporating financial literacy education into school curricula.
• The impact of technology on traditional classroom learning.
• The benefits of bilingual education in promoting cultural diversity and language acquisition.
• The role of arts education in fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.

To finish it off,

Argumentative essay writing requires strong research and analysis skills to develop a sound argument. With the right planning and structure, anyone can write an effective argumentative essay. 

Now that you have learned about the basics of writing an argumentative essay, it is time to start putting your ideas into practice. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and start writing! 

However, we understand that students face many difficulties while writing an essay. If you are one of them, don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for you!

Our argumentative essay writing service is here to help you out. We've got qualified and professional writers who provide excellent writing assistance at affordable prices. We write all the papers from scratch to meet your custom requirements and ensure zero plagiarism.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 5 main parts of an argumentative essay.

The five main parts of an argumentative essay are:

• Counter-claim

What Are Some Transition Words For Argumentative Essays?

Here are some essential transition words and phrases to strengthen your argumentative essays:

• Additionally
• On the contrary
• For instance
• Consequently
• Nonetheless
• In conclusion

Argumentative Essay Vs Expository Essay, What's The Difference?

In an argumentative essay, the writer presents a claim or argument and supports it with evidence, aiming to persuade the reader to adopt their viewpoint. In contrast, an expository essay aims to inform or explain a topic, presenting facts, analysis, and evidence without necessarily taking a stance or trying to persuade the reader.

What Are 3 Best Tips For Writing A Good Argumentative Essay?

The 3 best tips for writing a good argumentative essay are: 

• Support arguments with credible evidence like statistics or expert opinions to bolster validity.
• Enhance clarity by using analogies and metaphors for vivid illustration.
• Make arguments more engaging and persuasive by infusing your unique perspective and voice.

When Is An Argumentative Essay Written?

An argumentative essay is written in various contexts, including:

• Academic assignments
• Debates and discussions
• Opinion pieces
• Policy proposals
• Persuasive speeches

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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3 Key Tips for How to Write an Argumentative Essay

General Education

If there’s one writing skill you need to have in your toolkit for standardized tests, AP exams, and college-level writing, it’s the ability to make a persuasive argument. Effectively arguing for a position on a topic or issue isn’t just for the debate team— it’s for anyone who wants to ace the essay portion of an exam or make As in college courses.

To give you everything you need to know about how to write an argumentative essay , we’re going to answer the following questions for you:

• What is an argumentative essay?
• How should an argumentative essay be structured?
• How do I write a strong argument?
• What’s an example of a strong argumentative essay?
• What are the top takeaways for writing argumentative papers?

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepped and ready to write a great argumentative essay yourself!

Now, let’s break this down.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents the writer’s position or stance on a specific topic and uses evidence to support that position. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince your reader that your position is logical, ethical, and, ultimately, right . In argumentative essays, writers accomplish this by writing:

• A clear, persuasive thesis statement in the introduction paragraph
• Body paragraphs that use evidence and explanations to support the thesis statement
• A paragraph addressing opposing positions on the topic—when appropriate
• A conclusion that gives the audience something meaningful to think about.

Introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion: these are the main sections of an argumentative essay. Those probably sound familiar. Where does arguing come into all of this, though? It’s not like you’re having a shouting match with your little brother across the dinner table. You’re just writing words down on a page!

...or are you? Even though writing papers can feel like a lonely process, one of the most important things you can do to be successful in argumentative writing is to think about your argument as participating in a larger conversation . For one thing, you’re going to be responding to the ideas of others as you write your argument. And when you’re done writing, someone—a teacher, a professor, or exam scorer—is going to be reading and evaluating your argument.

If you want to make a strong argument on any topic, you have to get informed about what’s already been said on that topic . That includes researching the different views and positions, figuring out what evidence has been produced, and learning the history of the topic. That means—you guessed it!—argumentative essays almost always require you to incorporate outside sources into your writing.  

What Makes Argumentative Essays Unique?

Argumentative essays are different from other types of essays for one main reason: in an argumentative essay, you decide what the argument will be . Some types of essays, like summaries or syntheses, don’t want you to show your stance on the topic—they want you to remain unbiased and neutral.

In argumentative essays, you’re presenting your point of view as the writer and, sometimes, choosing the topic you’ll be arguing about. You just want to make sure that that point of view comes across as informed, well-reasoned, and persuasive.

Another thing about argumentative essays: they’re often longer than other types of essays. Why, you ask? Because it takes time to develop an effective argument. If your argument is going to be persuasive to readers, you have to address multiple points that support your argument, acknowledge counterpoints, and provide enough evidence and explanations to convince your reader that your points are valid.

Our 3 Best Tips for Picking a Great Argumentative Topic

The first step to writing an argumentative essay deciding what to write about! Choosing a topic for your argumentative essay might seem daunting, though. It can feel like you could make an argument about anything under the sun. For example, you could write an argumentative essay about how cats are way cooler than dogs, right?

It’s not quite that simple . Here are some strategies for choosing a topic that serves as a solid foundation for a strong argument.

Choose a Topic That Can Be Supported With Evidence

First, you want to make sure the topic you choose allows you to make a claim that can be supported by evidence that’s considered credible and appropriate for the subject matter ...and, unfortunately, your personal opinions or that Buzzfeed quiz you took last week don’t quite make the cut.

Some topics—like whether cats or dogs are cooler—can generate heated arguments, but at the end of the day, any argument you make on that topic is just going to be a matter of opinion. You have to pick a topic that allows you to take a position that can be supported by actual, researched evidence.

(Quick note: you could write an argumentative paper over the general idea that dogs are better than cats—or visa versa!—if you’re a) more specific and b) choose an idea that has some scientific research behind it. For example, a strong argumentative topic could be proving that dogs make better assistance animals than cats do.)

You also don’t want to make an argument about a topic that’s already a proven fact, like that drinking water is good for you. While some people might dislike the taste of water, there is an overwhelming body of evidence that proves—beyond the shadow of a doubt—that drinking water is a key part of good health.  

To avoid choosing a topic that’s either unprovable or already proven, try brainstorming some issues that have recently been discussed in the news, that you’ve seen people debating on social media, or that affect your local community. If you explore those outlets for potential topics, you’ll likely stumble upon something that piques your audience’s interest as well.  

Choose a Topic That You Find Interesting

Topics that have local, national, or global relevance often also resonate with us on a personal level. Consider choosing a topic that holds a connection between something you know or care about and something that is relevant to the rest of society. These don’t have to be super serious issues, but they should be topics that are timely and significant.

For example, if you are a huge football fan, a great argumentative topic for you might be arguing whether football leagues need to do more to prevent concussions . Is this as “important” an issue as climate change? No, but it’s still a timely topic that affects many people. And not only is this a great argumentative topic: you also get to write about one of your passions! Ultimately, if you’re working with a topic you enjoy, you’ll have more to say—and probably write a better essay .

Choose a Topic That Doesn’t Get You Too Heated

Another word of caution on choosing a topic for an argumentative paper: while it can be effective to choose a topic that matters to you personally, you also want to make sure you’re choosing a topic that you can keep your cool over. You’ve got to be able to stay unemotional, interpret the evidence persuasively, and, when appropriate, discuss opposing points of view without getting too salty.

In some situations, choosing a topic for your argumentative paper won’t be an issue at all: the test or exam will choose it for you . In that case, you’ve got to do the best you can with what you’re given.

In the next sections, we’re going to break down how to write any argumentative essay —regardless of whether you get to choose your own topic or have one assigned to you! Our expert tips and tricks will make sure that you’re knocking your paper out of the park.

The Thesis: The Argumentative Essay’s Backbone

You’ve chosen a topic or, more likely, read the exam question telling you to defend, challenge, or qualify a claim on an assigned topic. What do you do now?

You establish your position on the topic by writing a killer thesis statement ! The thesis statement, sometimes just called “the thesis,” is the backbone of your argument, the north star that keeps you oriented as you develop your main points, the—well, you get the idea.

In more concrete terms, a thesis statement conveys your point of view on your topic, usually in one sentence toward the end of your introduction paragraph . It’s very important that you state your point of view in your thesis statement in an argumentative way—in other words, it should state a point of view that is debatable.

And since your thesis statement is going to present your argument on the topic, it’s the thing that you’ll spend the rest of your argumentative paper defending. That’s where persuasion comes in. Your thesis statement tells your reader what your argument is, then the rest of your essay shows and explains why your argument is logical.

Why does an argumentative essay need a thesis, though? Well, the thesis statement—the sentence with your main claim—is actually the entire point of an argumentative essay. If you don’t clearly state an arguable claim at the beginning of your paper, then it’s not an argumentative essay. No thesis statement = no argumentative essay. Got it?

Other types of essays that you’re familiar with might simply use a thesis statement to forecast what the rest of the essay is going to discuss or to communicate what the topic is. That’s not the case here. If your thesis statement doesn’t make a claim or establish your position, you’ll need to go back to the drawing board.

Example Thesis Statements

Here are a couple of examples of thesis statements that aren’t argumentative and thesis statements that are argumentative

The sky is blue.

The thesis statement above conveys a fact, not a claim, so it’s not argumentative.

To keep the sky blue, governments must pass clean air legislation and regulate emissions.

The second example states a position on a topic. What’s the topic in that second sentence? The best way to keep the sky blue. And what position is being conveyed? That the best way to keep the sky blue is by passing clean air legislation and regulating emissions.

Some people would probably respond to that thesis statement with gusto: “No! Governments should not pass clean air legislation and regulate emissions! That infringes on my right to pollute the earth!” And there you have it: a thesis statement that presents a clear, debatable position on a topic.

Here’s one more set of thesis statement examples, just to throw in a little variety:

Spirituality and otherworldliness characterize A$AP Rocky’s portrayals of urban life and the American Dream in his rap songs and music videos.

The statement above is another example that isn’t argumentative, but you could write a really interesting analytical essay with that thesis statement. Long live A$AP! Now here’s another one that is argumentative:

To give students an understanding of the role of the American Dream in contemporary life, teachers should incorporate pop culture, like the music of A$AP Rocky, into their lessons and curriculum.

The argument in this one? Teachers should incorporate more relevant pop culture texts into their curriculum.

This thesis statement also gives a specific reason for making the argument above: To give students an understanding of the role of the American Dream in contemporary life. If you can let your reader know why you’re making your argument in your thesis statement, it will help them understand your argument better.

An actual image of you killing your argumentative essay prompts after reading this article! 

Breaking Down the Sections of An Argumentative Essay

Now that you know how to pick a topic for an argumentative essay and how to make a strong claim on your topic in a thesis statement, you’re ready to think about writing the other sections of an argumentative essay. These are the parts that will flesh out your argument and support the claim you made in your thesis statement.  

Like other types of essays, argumentative essays typically have three main sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Within those sections, there are some key elements that a reader—and especially an exam scorer or professor—is always going to expect you to include.

Let’s look at a quick outline of those three sections with their essential pieces here:

• Introduction paragraph with a thesis statement (which we just talked about)
• Support Point #1 with evidence
• Explain/interpret the evidence with your own, original commentary (AKA, the fun part!)
• Support Point #2 with evidence
• Explain/interpret the evidence with your own, original commentary
• Support Point #3 with evidence
• New paragraph addressing opposing viewpoints (more on this later!)
• Concluding paragraph

 Now, there are some key concepts in those sections that you’ve got to understand if you’re going to master how to write an argumentative essay. To make the most of the body section, you have to know how to support your claim (your thesis statement), what evidence and explanations are and when you should use them, and how and when to address opposing viewpoints. To finish strong, you’ve got to have a strategy for writing a stellar conclusion.

This probably feels like a big deal! The body and conclusion make up most of the essay, right? Let’s get down to it, then.

How to Write a Strong Argument

Once you have your topic and thesis, you’re ready for the hard part: actually writing your argument. If you make strategic choices—like the ones we’re about to talk about—writing a strong argumentative essay won’t feel so difficult.

There are three main areas where you want to focus your energy as you develop a strategy for how to write an argumentative essay: supporting your claim—your thesis statement—in your essay, addressing other viewpoints on your topic, and writing a solid conclusion. If you put thought and effort into these three things, you’re much more likely to write an argumentative essay that’s engaging, persuasive, and memorable...aka A+ material.

Focus Area 1: Supporting Your Claim With Evidence and Explanations

So you’ve chosen your topic, decided what your position will be, and written a thesis statement. But like we see in comment threads across the Internet, if you make a claim and don’t back it up with evidence, what do people say? “Where’s your proof?” “Show me the facts!” “Do you have any evidence to support that claim?”

Of course you’ve done your research like we talked about. Supporting your claim in your thesis statement is where that research comes in handy.

You can’t just use your research to state the facts, though. Remember your reader? They’re going to expect you to do some of the dirty work of interpreting the evidence for them. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between evidence and explanations, and how and when to use both in your argumentative essay.

What Evidence Is and When You Should Use It

Evidence can be material from any authoritative and credible outside source that supports your position on your topic. In some cases, evidence can come in the form of photos, video footage, or audio recordings. In other cases, you might be pulling reasons, facts, or statistics from news media articles, public policy, or scholarly books or journals.

There are some clues you can look for that indicate whether or not a source is credible , such as whether:

• The website where you found the source ends in .edu, .gov, or .org
• The source was published by a university press
• The source was published in a peer-reviewed journal
• The authors did extensive research to support the claims they make in the source

This is just a short list of some of the clues that a source is likely a credible one, but just because a source was published by a prestigious press or the authors all have PhDs doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best piece of evidence for you to use to support your argument.

In addition to evaluating the source’s credibility, you’ve got to consider what types of evidence might come across as most persuasive in the context of the argument you’re making and who your readers are. In other words, stepping back and getting a bird’s eye view of the entire context of your argumentative paper is key to choosing evidence that will strengthen your argument.

On some exams, like the AP exams , you may be given pretty strict parameters for what evidence to use and how to use it. You might be given six short readings that all address the same topic, have 15 minutes to read them, then be required to pull material from a minimum of three of the short readings to support your claim in an argumentative essay.

When the sources are handed to you like that, be sure to take notes that will help you pick out evidence as you read. Highlight, underline, put checkmarks in the margins of your exam . . . do whatever you need to do to begin identifying the material that you find most helpful or relevant. Those highlights and check marks might just turn into your quotes, paraphrases, or summaries of evidence in your completed exam essay.

What Explanations Are and When You Should Use Them

Now you know that taking a strategic mindset toward evidence and explanations is critical to grasping how to write an argumentative essay. Unfortunately, evidence doesn’t speak for itself. While it may be obvious to you, the researcher and writer, how the pieces of evidence you’ve included are relevant to your audience, it might not be as obvious to your reader.

That’s where explanations—or analysis, or interpretations—come in. You never want to just stick some quotes from an article into your paragraph and call it a day. You do want to interpret the evidence you’ve included to show your reader how that evidence supports your claim.

Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be saying, “This piece of evidence supports my argument because...”. Instead, you want to comment on the evidence in a way that helps your reader see how it supports the position you stated in your thesis. We’ll talk more about how to do this when we show you an example of a strong body paragraph from an argumentative essay here in a bit.

Understanding how to incorporate evidence and explanations to your advantage is really important. Here’s why: when you’re writing an argumentative essay, particularly on standardized tests or the AP exam, the exam scorers can’t penalize you for the position you take. Instead, their evaluation is going to focus on the way you incorporated evidence and explained it in your essay.

Focus Area 2: How—and When—to Address Other Viewpoints

Why would we be making arguments at all if there weren’t multiple views out there on a given topic? As you do research and consider the background surrounding your topic, you’ll probably come across arguments that stand in direct opposition to your position.

Oftentimes, teachers will ask you to “address the opposition” in your argumentative essay. What does that mean, though, to “ address the opposition ?”

Opposing viewpoints function kind of like an elephant in the room. Your audience knows they’re there. In fact, your audience might even buy into an opposing viewpoint and be waiting for you to show them why your viewpoint is better. If you don’t, it means that you’ll have a hard time convincing your audience to buy your argument.

Addressing the opposition is a balancing act: you don’t want to undermine your own argument, but you don’t want to dismiss the validity of opposing viewpoints out-of-hand or ignore them altogether, which can also undermine your argument.

This isn’t the only acceptable approach, but it’s common practice to wait to address the opposition until close to the end of an argumentative essay. But why?

Well, waiting to present an opposing viewpoint until after you’ve thoroughly supported your own argument is strategic. You aren’t going to go into great detail discussing the opposing viewpoint: you’re going to explain what that viewpoint is fairly, but you’re also going to point out what’s wrong with it.

It can also be effective to read the opposition through the lens of your own argument and the evidence you’ve used to support it. If the evidence you’ve already included supports your argument, it probably doesn’t support the opposing viewpoint. Without being too obvious, it might be worth pointing this out when you address the opposition.

Focus Area #3: Writing the Conclusion

It’s common to conclude an argumentative essay by reiterating the thesis statement in some way, either by reminding the reader what the overarching argument was in the first place or by reviewing the main points and evidence that you covered.

You don’t just want to restate your thesis statement and review your main points and call it a day, though. So much has happened since you stated your thesis in the introduction! And why waste a whole paragraph—the very last thing your audience is going to read—on just repeating yourself?

Here’s an approach to the conclusion that can give your audience a fresh perspective on your argument: reinterpret your thesis statement for them in light of all the evidence and explanations you’ve provided. Think about how your readers might read your thesis statement in a new light now that they’ve heard your whole argument out.

That’s what you want to leave your audience with as you conclude your argumentative paper: a brief explanation of why all that arguing mattered in the first place. If you can give your audience something to continue pondering after they’ve read your argument, that’s even better.

One thing you want to avoid in your conclusion, though: presenting new supporting points or new evidence. That can just be confusing for your reader. Stick to telling your reader why the argument you’ve already made matters, and your argument will stick with your reader.

A Strong Argumentative Essay: Examples

For some aspiring argumentative essay writers, showing is better than telling. To show rather than tell you what makes a strong argumentative essay, we’ve provided three examples of possible body paragraphs for an argumentative essay below.

Think of these example paragraphs as taking on the form of the “Argumentative Point #1 → Evidence —> Explanation —> Repeat” process we talked through earlier. It’s always nice to be able to compare examples, so we’ve included three paragraphs from an argumentative paper ranging from poor (or needs a lot of improvement, if you’re feeling generous), to better, to best.

All of the example paragraphs are for an essay with this thesis statement: 

Thesis Statement: In order to most effectively protect user data and combat the spread of disinformation, the U.S. government should implement more stringent regulations of Facebook and other social media outlets.

As you read the examples, think about what makes them different, and what makes the “best” paragraph more effective than the “better” and “poor” paragraphs. Here we go:

A Poor Argument

Example Body Paragraph: Data mining has affected a lot of people in recent years. Facebook has 2.23 billion users from around the world, and though it would take a huge amount of time and effort to make sure a company as big as Facebook was complying with privacy regulations in countries across the globe, adopting a common framework for privacy regulation in more countries would be the first step. In fact, Mark Zuckerberg himself supports adopting a global framework for privacy and data protection, which would protect more users than before.

What’s Wrong With This Example?

First, let’s look at the thesis statement. Ask yourself: does this make a claim that some people might agree with, but others might disagree with?

The answer is yes. Some people probably think that Facebook should be regulated, while others might believe that’s too much government intervention. Also, there are definitely good, reliable sources out there that will help this writer prove their argument. So this paper is off to a strong start!  

Unfortunately, this writer doesn’t do a great job proving their thesis in their body paragraph. First, the topic sentence—aka the first sentence of the paragraph—doesn’t make a point that directly supports the position stated in the thesis. We’re trying to argue that government regulation will help protect user data and combat the spread of misinformation, remember? The topic sentence should make a point that gets right at that, instead of throwing out a random fact about data mining.

Second, because the topic sentence isn’t focused on making a clear point, the rest of the paragraph doesn’t have much relevant information, and it fails to provide credible evidence that supports the claim made in the thesis statement. For example, it would be a great idea to include exactly what Mark Zuckerberg said ! So while there’s definitely some relevant information in this paragraph, it needs to be presented with more evidence.

A Better Argument  

This paragraph is a bit better than the first one, but it still needs some work. The topic sentence is a bit too long, and it doesn’t make a point that clearly supports the position laid out in the thesis statement. The reader already knows that mining user data is a big issue, so the topic sentence would be a great place to make a point about why more stringent government regulations would most effectively protect user data.

There’s also a problem with how the evidence is incorporated in this example. While there is some relevant, persuasive evidence included in this paragraph, there’s no explanation of why or how it is relevant . Remember, you can’t assume that your evidence speaks for itself: you have to interpret its relevance for your reader. That means including at least a sentence that tells your reader why the evidence you’ve chosen proves your argument.

A Best—But Not Perfect!—Argument  

Example Body Paragraph: Though Facebook claims to be implementing company policies that will protect user data and stop the spread of misinformation , its attempts have been unsuccessful compared to those made by the federal government. When PricewaterhouseCoopers conducted a Federal Trade Commission-mandated assessment of Facebook’s partnerships with Microsoft and the makers of the Blackberry handset in 2013, the team found limited evidence that Facebook had monitored or even checked that its partners had complied with Facebook’s existing data use policies. In fact, Facebook’s own auditors confirmed the PricewaterhouseCoopers findings, despite the fact that Facebook claimed that the company was making greater attempts to safeguard users’ personal information. In contrast, bills written by Congress have been more successful in changing Facebook’s practices than Facebook’s own company policies have. According to The Washington Post, The Honest Ads Act of 2017 “created public demand for transparency and changed how social media companies disclose online political advertising.” These policy efforts, though thus far unsuccessful in passing legislation, have nevertheless pushed social media companies to change some of their practices by sparking public outrage and negative media attention.

Why This Example Is The Best

This paragraph isn’t perfect, but it is the most effective at doing some of the things that you want to do when you write an argumentative essay.

First, the topic sentences get to the point . . . and it’s a point that supports and explains the claim made in the thesis statement! It gives a clear reason why our claim in favor of more stringent government regulations is a good claim : because Facebook has failed to self-regulate its practices.

This paragraph also provides strong evidence and specific examples that support the point made in the topic sentence. The evidence presented shows specific instances in which Facebook has failed to self-regulate, and other examples where the federal government has successfully influenced regulation of Facebook’s practices for the better.

Perhaps most importantly, though, this writer explains why the evidence is important. The bold sentence in the example is where the writer links the evidence back to their opinion. In this case, they explain that the pressure from Federal Trade Commission and Congress—and the threat of regulation—have helped change Facebook for the better.

Why point out that this isn’t a perfect paragraph, though? Because you won’t be writing perfect paragraphs when you’re taking timed exams either. But get this: you don’t have to write perfect paragraphs to make a good score on AP exams or even on an essay you write for class. Like in this example paragraph, you just have to effectively develop your position by appropriately and convincingly relying on evidence from good sources.

Top 3 Takeaways For Writing Argumentative Essays

This is all great information, right? If (when) you have to write an argumentative essay, you’ll be ready. But when in doubt, remember these three things about how to write an argumentative essay, and you’ll emerge victorious:

Takeaway #1: Read Closely and Carefully

This tip applies to every aspect of writing an argumentative essay. From making sure you’re addressing your prompt, to really digging into your sources, to proofreading your final paper...you’ll need to actively and pay attention! This is especially true if you’re writing on the clock, like during an AP exam.

Takeaway #2: Make Your Argument the Focus of the Essay

Define your position clearly in your thesis statement and stick to that position! The thesis is the backbone of your paper, and every paragraph should help prove your thesis in one way or another. But sometimes you get to the end of your essay and realize that you’ve gotten off topic, or that your thesis doesn’t quite fit. Don’t worry—if that happens, you can always rewrite your thesis to fit your paper!

Takeaway #3: Use Sources to Develop Your Argument—and Explain Them

Nothing is as powerful as good, strong evidence. First, make sure you’re finding credible sources that support your argument. Then you can paraphrase, briefly summarize, or quote from your sources as you incorporate them into your paragraphs. But remember the most important part: you have to explain why you’ve chosen that evidence and why it proves your thesis.

What's Next?

Once you’re comfortable with how to write an argumentative essay, it’s time to learn some more advanced tips and tricks for putting together a killer argument.

Keep in mind that argumentative essays are just one type of essay you might encounter. That’s why we’ve put together more specific guides on how to tackle IB essays , SAT essays , and ACT essays .

But what about admissions essays? We’ve got you covered. Not only do we have comprehensive guides to the Coalition App and Common App essays, we also have tons of individual college application guides, too . You can search through all of our college-specific posts by clicking here.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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• How to structure an essay: Templates and tips

How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates

Published on September 18, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction , a body , and a conclusion . But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body.

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Table of contents

The basics of essay structure, chronological structure, compare-and-contrast structure, problems-methods-solutions structure, signposting to clarify your structure, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay structure.

There are two main things to keep in mind when working on your essay structure: making sure to include the right information in each part, and deciding how you’ll organize the information within the body.

Parts of an essay

The three parts that make up all essays are described in the table below.

Order of information

You’ll also have to consider how to present information within the body. There are a few general principles that can guide you here.

The first is that your argument should move from the simplest claim to the most complex . The body of a good argumentative essay often begins with simple and widely accepted claims, and then moves towards more complex and contentious ones.

For example, you might begin by describing a generally accepted philosophical concept, and then apply it to a new topic. The grounding in the general concept will allow the reader to understand your unique application of it.

The second principle is that background information should appear towards the beginning of your essay . General background is presented in the introduction. If you have additional background to present, this information will usually come at the start of the body.

The third principle is that everything in your essay should be relevant to the thesis . Ask yourself whether each piece of information advances your argument or provides necessary background. And make sure that the text clearly expresses each piece of information’s relevance.

The sections below present several organizational templates for essays: the chronological approach, the compare-and-contrast approach, and the problems-methods-solutions approach.

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The chronological approach (sometimes called the cause-and-effect approach) is probably the simplest way to structure an essay. It just means discussing events in the order in which they occurred, discussing how they are related (i.e. the cause and effect involved) as you go.

A chronological approach can be useful when your essay is about a series of events. Don’t rule out other approaches, though—even when the chronological approach is the obvious one, you might be able to bring out more with a different structure.

Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press.

• Thesis statement
• Discussion of event/period
• Consequences
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement
• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages
• Background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press
• Thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation
• High levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe
• Literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites
• Consequence: this discouraged political and religious change
• Invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg
• Implications of the new technology for book production
• Consequence: Rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible
• Trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention
• Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation
• Consequence: The large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics
• Summarize the history described
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period

Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting . For example, a literary analysis essay might compare two different texts, and an argumentative essay might compare the strengths of different arguments.

There are two main ways of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay: the alternating method, and the block method.

Alternating

In the alternating method, each paragraph compares your subjects in terms of a specific point of comparison. These points of comparison are therefore what defines each paragraph.

The tabs below show a general template for this structure, and a specific example for an essay comparing and contrasting distance learning with traditional classroom learning.

• Synthesis of arguments
• Topical relevance of distance learning in lockdown
• Increasing prevalence of distance learning over the last decade
• Thesis statement: While distance learning has certain advantages, it introduces multiple new accessibility issues that must be addressed for it to be as effective as classroom learning
• Classroom learning: Ease of identifying difficulties and privately discussing them
• Distance learning: Difficulty of noticing and unobtrusively helping
• Classroom learning: Difficulties accessing the classroom (disability, distance travelled from home)
• Distance learning: Difficulties with online work (lack of tech literacy, unreliable connection, distractions)
• Classroom learning: Tends to encourage personal engagement among students and with teacher, more relaxed social environment
• Distance learning: Greater ability to reach out to teacher privately
• Sum up, emphasize that distance learning introduces more difficulties than it solves
• Stress the importance of addressing issues with distance learning as it becomes increasingly common
• Distance learning may prove to be the future, but it still has a long way to go

In the block method, each subject is covered all in one go, potentially across multiple paragraphs. For example, you might write two paragraphs about your first subject and then two about your second subject, making comparisons back to the first.

The tabs again show a general template, followed by another essay on distance learning, this time with the body structured in blocks.

• Point 1 (compare)
• Point 2 (compare)
• Point 3 (compare)
• Point 4 (compare)
• Advantages: Flexibility, accessibility
• Disadvantages: Discomfort, challenges for those with poor internet or tech literacy
• Advantages: Potential for teacher to discuss issues with a student in a separate private call
• Disadvantages: Difficulty of identifying struggling students and aiding them unobtrusively, lack of personal interaction among students
• Advantages: More accessible to those with low tech literacy, equality of all sharing one learning environment
• Disadvantages: Students must live close enough to attend, commutes may vary, classrooms not always accessible for disabled students
• Advantages: Ease of picking up on signs a student is struggling, more personal interaction among students
• Disadvantages: May be harder for students to approach teacher privately in person to raise issues

An essay that concerns a specific problem (practical or theoretical) may be structured according to the problems-methods-solutions approach.

This is just what it sounds like: You define the problem, characterize a method or theory that may solve it, and finally analyze the problem, using this method or theory to arrive at a solution. If the problem is theoretical, the solution might be the analysis you present in the essay itself; otherwise, you might just present a proposed solution.

The tabs below show a template for this structure and an example outline for an essay about the problem of fake news.

• Introduce the problem
• Provide background
• Describe your approach to solving it
• Define the problem precisely
• Describe why it’s important
• Indicate previous approaches to the problem
• Present your new approach, and why it’s better
• Apply the new method or theory to the problem
• Indicate the solution you arrive at by doing so
• Assess (potential or actual) effectiveness of solution
• Describe the implications
• Problem: The growth of “fake news” online
• Prevalence of polarized/conspiracy-focused news sources online
• Thesis statement: Rather than attempting to stamp out online fake news through social media moderation, an effective approach to combating it must work with educational institutions to improve media literacy
• Definition: Deliberate disinformation designed to spread virally online
• Popularization of the term, growth of the phenomenon
• Previous approaches: Labeling and moderation on social media platforms
• Critique: This approach feeds conspiracies; the real solution is to improve media literacy so users can better identify fake news
• Greater emphasis should be placed on media literacy education in schools
• This allows people to assess news sources independently, rather than just being told which ones to trust
• This is a long-term solution but could be highly effective
• It would require significant organization and investment, but would equip people to judge news sources more effectively
• Rather than trying to contain the spread of fake news, we must teach the next generation not to fall for it

Signposting means guiding the reader through your essay with language that describes or hints at the structure of what follows.  It can help you clarify your structure for yourself as well as helping your reader follow your ideas.

The essay overview

In longer essays whose body is split into multiple named sections, the introduction often ends with an overview of the rest of the essay. This gives a brief description of the main idea or argument of each section.

The overview allows the reader to immediately understand what will be covered in the essay and in what order. Though it describes what  comes later in the text, it is generally written in the present tense . The following example is from a literary analysis essay on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

Transitions

Transition words and phrases are used throughout all good essays to link together different ideas. They help guide the reader through your text, and an essay that uses them effectively will be much easier to follow.

Various different relationships can be expressed by transition words, as shown in this example.

Because Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. Although it was an outcome the Allies had hoped to avoid, they were prepared to back up their ultimatum in order to combat the existential threat posed by the Third Reich.

Transition sentences may be included to transition between different paragraphs or sections of an essay. A good transition sentence moves the reader on to the next topic while indicating how it relates to the previous one.

… Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

However , considering the issue of personal interaction among students presents a different picture.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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• College Essay Format & Structure
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The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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Argumentative Essay: Definition, Outline & Examples of Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is one of the most frequently written types of essays and is something that you may need to write for yourself. In this article, we are going to be looking at what an argumentative essay is and how you can write one. We are also going to take a look at some examples of argumentative essays as a way of gaining a further understanding of how they are written.

What Is An Argumentative Essay?

The argumentative essay is one which is used to present an argument surrounding two side 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.

How To Write An Argumentative Essay

If you are going to write an argumentative essay, there are certain points to consider before you begin. Most essays of this type are structured in a uniform way, as follows:

• Introduction: This section is used as a way to get the attention of the reader and often includes a hook, the thesis statement and a general outline of what the essay is going to be about.
• Body: The body of the argumentative essay is used to present the initial argument along with any facts or data that support it.
• Counterargument: The counterargument of the essay is a section dedicated to showing the opposing side of the argument that was previously discussed. Once again, facts and data should be included.
• Conclusion: When writing a conclusion to an argumentative essay, the writer should sum up all of the points that have been made, present a call to action and refer to the thesis statement once again.

When writing this type of essay, there are two models which are usually used, these are the Rogerian model and the Toulmin model. They are structured as follows:

• The Rogerian model lays out two sides of an argument and gives weaknesses and strengths related to both. After this, the author can give a recommendation of his or her own thoughts based on the evidence provided.
• The Toulmin model will show an introduction to the subject using a claim or a thesis and will then present the reader with facts to support this claim. The author will then make use of warrants to show the reasons that this claim should be supported as well as ways it can be rebutted.

Some further tips for writing a good argumentative essay are as follows:

• Write on a topic that you feel passionate about. This will ensure that you put across a good argument. Your passion for the subject will be reflected in your writing.
• It is very important that you gather your facts and data prior to writing. You should always ensure that you use credible sources to make sure that facts are real and up to date.
• Don’t forget to outline your essay before you start to write, this way you are able to structure your work and make sure that all the important points are included.
• If you are arguing one specific side of a topic, it is important that you are aware of the opposing points so that you can refute them in a realistic manner. So don’t forget to research these as well.

Topics For Argumentative Essays

There are a whole wealth of topics that you might choose to write about when it comes to penning an argumentative essay, in fact there are so many that it can somewhat confusing when trying to select one. As we mentioned, it is important to write about something that you have a passion for, but let’s now take a look at some ideas of topics which you might write about.

• Everyone should receive a free education.
• Why are Americans getting more and more overweight?
• What is the relationship between fitness and food?
• Animals should not be used for research or experiments.
• Should those who destroy the rainforest face a punishment?
• The worlds most corrupt country.
• Are school tests useful?
• Golf is a demanding sport.
• Swimming is the best form of exercise.
• Children should have limited access to the internet.
• Is the monarchy important?

Learn more with hundreds of interesting argumentative essay topics . 

Examples Of Argumentative Essays

Now that you are aware of how to write an argumentative essay and have chosen a topic, you might need a little inspiration or a further understanding of how this type of essay is written. We are now going to take a look at some passages from argumentative essays to inspire you.

Put A Little Science In Your Life Written By Brian Green

If we consider the ubiquity of personal computers, iPads and the net, it is not hard to see how science and technology have been woven into the very fabric of our day to day lives. When we see the benefits of things like MRI devices, CT scanners, arterial stents and pacemakers, we are able to appreciate immediately how science can affect our quality of life. If we assess the world’s state and look at upcoming challenge such as climate change, pandemics, threats to security and a lack of resources, we won’t hesitate to turn to science as a way of gauging the problems and finding a solution.

The Flight From Conversation Written By Sherry Tuckle

We have become accustomed to a way of being alone together. This is enabled by technology and we are then able to be with each other at the same time as being elsewhere, always connected to anywhere we wish to be. We want to be able to customise our lives and be able to move in and out of anywhere as the thing we most value is having control over where our attention is focused. We are used to the idea of being loyal to our party and being in a tribe.

Being one of the most common types of essay, the argumentative essay is fairly simple to write. There are various rules that one should follow when writing this type of essay and in this article, we have shown you some useful ways of doing this. Selecting a topic that you are passionate about is a must when it comes to writing an argumentative essay and the examples we have shown here serve as a great inspiration for your own work.

Argumentative Essay Infographic

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay: Easy Steps and Tips to Guide You

Are you looking for a guide on how to write an argumentative essay?

You’ve heard it’s a standard writing task for college students, so it should be easy, right? But many students, after reading tons of articles on the topic, still struggle to understand this type of essay.

It’s frustrating.

More than that, it hurts your academic performance.

Well, it’s time to change that!

Our essay writers have crafted the ultimate guide to argumentative essay writing. It’s straightforward, easy to use, and has actionable tips to help you with your argumentative essay assignments.

So, let’s get down to business.

Argumentative Writing Basics

First, the question:

What is an argumentative essay? What makes it different from other paper types (besides the fact it remains the #1 writing task for high schoolers and students to master)? And why is it that you need to write it so often?

If these questions have crossed your mind, not to worry. We’ve got you covered.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

Here’s a stellar argumentative essay definition from Perdue OWL :

You don’t only establish your position on the topic but also need to prove it and convince a reader that this position is correct.

The purpose is to persuade your audience to agree with your viewpoint. You have to convince a reader to believe that your argument (thesis statement) is logical and supported by reasoning and evidence.

“If I should persuade a reader in my paper, isn’t it a persuasive rather than argumentative essay then?” you may ask.

Good point. Still, there’s a tiny yet significant difference between argumentative and persuasive essays.

In plain English, persuasive essays are about “I’m right!”, while argumentative papers are more about the “My point also deserves consideration.”

Why Write Argumentative Essays

Your professor assigns argumentative papers not because they hate you or want to frustrate you. The goal is to help you grow the skills that will benefit you post-college:

• Critical thinking
• Information research and evaluation
• Structured thinking
• Persuasive communication (meaningful thought expression)
• Writing skills
• Problem-solving
• Cultivated sense of ownership

Argumentative papers aren’t only about college writing.

They are the basis for opinion pieces, blog posts, and editorials. We use them in debates, discussions, policy-related fields, speeches, and presentations.

Given that, it’s no surprise many specialists launch courses related to academic writing that include argumentation and claims organization. (For example, scientific writing consultant Susan Mitchell has such to help people craft their skills when working with texts.)

How to write an argumentative essay video guide

Watch this video to find out more about persuasive writing and learn to write an outstanding argumentative essay example .

Basic Argumentative Essay Structure

Regardless of the context, your paper should include five core elements to be an argumentative essay:

• A clear-cut thesis statement in your introduction
• Evidence and reasoning to support your thesis throughout the body paragraphs of your essay
• Counterarguments (the opposing viewpoint)
• A compelling conclusion summarizing your points and giving food for thought to readers
• Persuasive tone of voice

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

• Choose a powerful topic
• Do precise research
• Outline the essay
• Craft a draft
• Proofread and edit

And now, to practice:

Below are even more details on how to write an argumentative essay step by step.

Choose a Powerful Topic

It’s often a teacher assigning argumentative essay ideas. But don’t fret if no particular topic is assigned. Here’s your chance to write about something interesting to you yet controversial enough to engage the audience.

Good argumentative essay topics can be debated , offering at least two points of view on an issue. Not only do they give readers information about something, but they also motivate the audience to join the discussion. Consider a topic that expands minds and makes it possible for readers to see a subject in a new perspective.

Where to find them?

Check our 140+ Argumentative Essay Topics With Samples .

How to know your chosen topic is good enough:

• Consider polemical rather than expository issues: Avoid those too generic to argue
• Popular subjects that lend themselves to an argumentative essay include gender issues, culture debates, politics, climate change, animal rights, etc
• Choose a topic you have (and can express) your opinion on or one that you’re willing to develop a stance on through research
• Ensure that you have sufficient arguments, rebuttals, and evidence to cover the topic in your essay
• You may want to avoid issues that overly trigger your emotions; they may be challenging to expound on with a clear mind
• Remember the audience: Would it be interesting for them to read about this topic and discuss it?
• Take risks and try topics others might be afraid to cover

Do Precise Research

Once you have a topic, if you haven’t already, it’s time to decide on the position you’ll support in your essay. What claims will you present? What evidence will you provide to support those claims and to counter opposing viewpoints?

Do research to see what types of claims will fit your topic best and to find evidence and reasoning to support them in the body of your essay.

Six types of claims you can use in argumentative essays:

Each claim in your essay needs evidence to prove its reasoning . What can you use as a source to support your points?

• Definitions, examples, and explanations
• Facts and statistics
• Expert interviews and testimonials
• Documents from the internet: books, newspapers, journal articles, magazines, government documents, etc. (Avoid generic and user-generated sources like Wikipedia, but feel free to check references under its articles for further research.)
• Narratives or personal stories illustrating your points

Outline the Essay

An argumentative essay outline is a plan for your paper:

Here, you’ll make notes on what you’ll write in each paragraph, making it easier to craft a draft. It will help ensure that you include everything that you intended to add to the structure and that your argumentative essay flows logically.

The basic outline for your essay might have the following structure:

If you want to take things a step further and try a more advanced structure, there are three models ( aka formats, aka methods) to present your arguments in an essay:

• Aristotelian (Classic): to make straightforward arguments
• Toulmin: to present complex issues when using a rebuttal as a thesis
• Rogerian: to show both sides of an argument as valid

Sounds confusing?

See the Argumentative Essay Format block below for more details on what to mention in every part of your essay outline, depending on your chosen model.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: Craft a Draft

Now, it’s time to write!

Here’s how to start an argumentative essay:

Think of a hook sentence for a reader to get interested in your work. It can be an intriguing question, a controversial statement, fascinating statistics, etc. After that, provide background information on your topic so the audience can understand the issue. Finally, present your thesis statement.

When thinking about how to write an argumentative essay introduction, some students use the BAM method :

• B — background: Engage a reader with a writing hook
• A — argument: Explain your opinion on the topic; it will be your thesis statement
• M — main points: Present the arguments you’ll use in the essay; they’ll serve as topic sentences in the body paragraphs of your essay

Below is an example of a standard argumentative essay introduction:

The number of paragraphs may vary depending on your assignment requirements and topic complexity. A standard 5-paragraph argumentative essay has three body paragraphs: two are for arguments that support your thesis, and one is for a rebuttal (counterarguments your opponents have on the issue).

When writing, remember the following aspects:

• One paragraph = one argument and evidence related to it
• Each paragraph starts with a topic sentence (argument) and expands to its specifics
• Finish each paragraph with a logical transition to the next one
• Keep paragraphs short (4-5 sentences), and don’t waste time on irrelevant information or information that lacks clarity

Try the PEEL structure when building essay paragraphs:

• P — point: A topic sentence presenting the paragraph’s main idea
• E — elaboration: Some extra info to support the topic sentence
• E — example: Evidence that supports the topic sentence
• L — link: Back to the topic sentence + transition to the next paragraph

Once again:

Argumentative essays are about debatable topics, so remember to devote at least one body paragraph to counterarguments your opponents might have on your thesis.

Now, let’s write a conclusion for your essay:

It’s the final paragraph of your paper, i.e., your last chance to persuade a reader and emphasize the importance of your arguments. Organize it as follows:

• Restate your thesis. (Don’t copy the one from your introduction; paraphrase with synonyms instead.)
• Say why the discussed issue is significant and worth the audience’s attention. Also, it’s okay to admit if opposing arguments are partly valid.
• Provide a final statement answering the “So what?” question for readers to understand what to do with the information. Give them some food for thought: It can be a rhetorical question or a call to action for further investigation of the topic.

Proofread and Edit

Phew! Your essay draft is ready. It’s time to reread it a few times and ensure it’s free from errors and structural inconsistencies.

The ideal option would be to edit your argumentative essay a day or two after you’ve written it. It allows you to see it with “fresh eyes” and notice tiny drawbacks you might miss when tired after writing.

First, check if your essay has all the necessary elements and logical structure. Then, ensure that you’ve covered all the claims and provided all the evidence you planned to include. Are your arguments convincing enough?

Finally, proofread your essay to ensure that:

• All the data is correct
• Your draft is free from typos, grammar errors, and punctuation mistakes
• You’ve formatted your essay according to the assigned requirements and the rules of academic writing

Check our Free Essay Writing Tools to save time and improve your paper faster.

Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay

For this section, our writers have shared extra tips for your essay to look great and sound more professional. So:

You’re about to find out how to write a good argumentative essay. Follow the tips below and be amazed at the result.

• Choose a debatable topic that has two or more opposing viewpoints
• Ensure that you have a substantive enough argument with adequate evidence
• Establish a clear-cut position on the topic
• Remember to include counterarguments and refute them
• Use a formal voice . Argumentative essays aren’t about creativity; follow the structure, be straightforward, and organize all the paragraphs according to the prescribed format
• Make your thoughts flow. Use transition phrases and linkers between paragraphs and sentences for better coherence : “however,” “more than that,” “this shows,” “for example,” etc.
• In most cases, avoid starting your sentences with words like “but,” “and,” and “because;” use them as linkers within your sentences instead
• Use simple formulations . Resist the temptation to write essays with fancy words or flowery prose; be straightforward so readers can get the main point of your message, not marvel at your extensive vocabulary
• Write in the second person . Use “you” when crafting an essay; this format is perfect for a paper to sound academic yet engaging for a reader
• First-person pronouns ( I, we ) are acceptable unless you make them sound too self-centered. Ensure that you don’t look like you don’t care or don’t know about alternative opinions on the topic

Argumentative Essay Outline

We’ve already covered the basic outline for argumentative essays above. Now, let’s define the elements to include in each section:

By outlining all these components in advance, you will write your essay faster and ensure that you haven’t missed any critical points when drafting.

Argumentative Essay Format

Things are more complicated with an argumentative essay format. Two rules are here:

Choose a Model

It’s okay to use a basic essay structure you already know. However, if you want to support more complicated arguments and sound more convincing and professional, you can choose among three advanced options for formatting your paper.

Decide on the model (method) to structure your essay and organize the outline accordingly:

Follow the Formatting Rules

Argumentative essays are a form of academic writing, so they follow a particular format and citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). As a rule, you can find all those guidelines in the prompt you get from an instructor. If they aren’t there, the teacher probably assumes you already know how to format argumentative essays.

Below is your cheatsheet to use when in doubt:

• Alignment: Left
• Font: 12-point Times New Roman, Colibri, or Arial
• Spacing: 1.5 or double
• Margins: 1-inch
• Format to save: Word Doc unless stated otherwise
• Word count: 800-1000 unless otherwise indicated

How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay

First, ensure your paper includes all the main features of an argumentative essay:

• A debatable topic and clear thesis
• Relevant evidence to support your arguments
• A definite structure that presents both arguments and rebuttals
• A compelling conclusion
• Persuasive writing style and straightforward language

Second, follow these steps on how to write an argumentative essay:

• Brainstorm: research, free-write, and read samples to choose a debatable topic
• Prepare: organize thoughts, craft a thesis, decide on arguments and evidence
• Draft: outline an essay, start with an engaging introduction, delve into arguments, and conclude like a boss
• Revise: polish the draft, optimize and restructure if necessary, use precise language, and double-check all points
• Proofread: fix typos, grammar, and punctuation mistakes

Are you still with us, craving more tips on how to write an argumentative essay?

Read and save this checklist to check when in doubt:

• You have a debatable topic with sufficient arguments
• You’ve read the guidelines from your professor and know the structure and format to use in your essay
• You have a clear-cut thesis statement in the introductory paragraph
• Every source you reference in your essay is relevant, reputable, and reliable
• You’ve organized arguments logically and coherently
• You’ve brought up an opposing view in your essay
• Your concluding paragraph restates your thesis and leaves readers with some food for thought
• Your language is straightforward, yet not rude or aggressive
• You’ve checked your draft for consistency in style and the correct use of grammar.

Ready to “Wow” Teachers With Your Next Essay?

We’ve tried our best to help you understand how to write an argumentative essay, and we hope we’ve answered any questions you might have had. Now it’s time to craft an excellent paper that your teacher will have no choice but to mark high, right?

Not sure if you’re ready to go it alone just yet? We have three options for you:

• Be brave and open to communication with teachers. They often understand the challenges a student faces when choosing topics or claims for their argumentative essays, so they are usually happy to help.
• Ask peers with sharp writing skills to assist you.
• Contact our essay writing service anytime you’re afraid of failing the assignment or missing a deadline. Experienced academic writers are ready to help you with your writing endeavors.

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WTO / Education / Argumentative Essay Outline Format [12 Best Examples]

Argumentative Essay Outline Format [12 Best Examples]

An Argumentative Essay takes a position on an issue and tries to convince the reader that this position is correct, whereas an outline gives proper structure to the essay before it is written.

Built on an initial premise, every section in the paper reinforces the declared statement as correct. Ideally, by the time one is at the conclusion, a strong paper will have won over the reader. The writing style can be a very powerful one that translates to a lot of different uses in real life, ranging from the courtroom to the church pulpit to even written art and prose.

The exercise of performing and learning the elements of the argumentative essay, such as an outline, is commonly taught first in high school writing and then reinforced at the college level repeatedly. By the time a student has completed a four-year degree, on average, he or she will probably have written at least 20 different argumentative papers of some sort.

Free Templates

Argumentative Essay Claims

There are three primary forms of claims used in the argumentative essay:

• Fact: This type of claim asserts whether a condition is accurate or true.
• Definition: It is a clinical definition of a topic asserted as being correct.
• Value: This claim type identifies a value the audience should agree with. For instance; The premise that hard work is a far better value to practice in life than a get-rich scheme is an argument of value, albeit a social one.
• Cause and effect: The reader lays out a cause factor and what consequences are allowing it to occur or not.
• Policy: It focuses on an idea or topic the audience should care about. The benefits of capitalism over communism would be a policy-based essay.

Types of Arguments and Their Usage

While anyone can craft their own version of an argument in writing, the standard training approach focuses on three specific styles of argumentative writing taught in schools and commonly used. These methods work best under certain conditions that the writer should anticipate prior to writing.

These three types are:

The classical argument

This approach is traditional in format and fairly predictable. It starts off with the argument itself concisely stated in the opening paragraph. Then, the writer’s opinion is injected, and the remaining pieces are additional evidence and support to bolster the primary argument.

It’s one of the most basic forms of such writing and the most commonly taught. The advantage for the writer is strongest when the audience has no background on the topic and needs to rely on the writer for all the information to make a judgment. It is not such a good approach to take if the audience already has education on the matter or a strong position in it.

The Rogerian argument

The Rogerian style of writing is far more diplomatic. It starts first with the issue or problem identification. Then it phases into an opposing view on the matter, and why the writer’s argument next is the better choice to follow.

Finally, it follows up with all the benefits of agreeing with the writer’s position. This type of writing works best when the audience already has a perspective. It’s a hot issue with pros and cons on both sides of the room, and the writer is looking to secure a middle-of-the-road agreement.

The Toulmin style

The Toulmin argument approach is a bit of a modification of the classical argument in that it states the argument, the evidence supporting that argument, and a justification based on the evidence supporting the claim. It’s an approach often used in law school, and there is no mention of the opposing view. Instead, this style is 100 percent one side of the argument, the writer’s, and why it is correct. The approach is also heavily fact-based with the goal of pushing the reader to conclude he or she can’t agree with any other way than with the position and the facts presented.

Components of Argumentative Essay Outline

The actual writing is not hard. Because the format is so structured, learning how to write the style can be a simple matter of preparing a good argumentative essay. Do this enough times, and the essay in its basic form becomes familiar and makes sense as one section flows into the next.

Here’s some example below:

Introduction

The opening of the paper sets the stage for what the topic is going to be about. It only needs a sentence or two, but the paragraph provides an essential setting that frames the topic’s placement for the audience.

Hook statement

This is the attention-grabbing element that brings the audience into the paper and keeps their attention. The hook needs to be powerful, relevant, and direct. Indirect statements or inferences won’t work. This is the time to be direct in writing.

Background information

The background provides additional context for anything the audience should know to understand the thesis correctly. If the audience needs to know the thesis is associated with physics, sufficient background should be provided to inform them that it applies.

Thesis statement

The thesis statement is the primary argument of the paper. Everything about the paper orbits around this statement. If anything needs to be rewritten and made perfect, it is this particular part of the paper. When a reader doesn’t clearly understand what the thesis is saying, the rest of the paper is a waste of time, so a good amount of attention should be applied to the thesis to get it right.

Body paragraphs

The body makes up the bulk of the paper because it typically involves a number of paragraphs, each exploring in-depth a particular sub-point that proves, supports, or provides positive evidence for the thesis. Each paragraph tells its own story about a sub-topic tied to the thesis and convinces the reader the thesis is correct.

The structure of each paragraph generally follows the elements below:

• Purpose: Think of this sentence as a background setter for the sub-topic of the paragraph. It is an indicator sentence of what the proof will be about as the reader begins to absorb it.
• Claim: The claim is the mini-thesis of the body paragraph. For example , if the thesis is about how poor neighborhoods promote crime, then the body paragraph would be a specific claim that households under $20,000 annual income have a predominant number of criminal violations. The remainder of the paragraph is then the evidence for that mini-thesis.
• Evidence: As noted above, the evidence is the research or facts that make the proof valid. Using the same example as above, the evidence would typically cite the source of the data being used, why it is conclusive (usually the source is some kind of expert or authority like the U.S. Department of Justice in this instance), and where the facts can be found by the reader independently (the citations).

Counter arguments paragraph

While not a requirement, many essays dealing with a complex argument will address the counter-position to the thesis by dismissing it in the same paper, promoting a particular direction. This paragraph frames the context of the counter-argument, its premise, why the argument doesn’t work, and the evidence supporting that conclusion.

• Counterargument: Similar to the body paragraphs, the beginning of the counter-argument paragraph sets the stage for the reader to understand where the counter-argument is coming from and the relevant background.
• Refuting reason: This is the mini-thesis statement of the counter-argument paragraph or the main point on why the opposing argument is invalid. This sentence directly attacks the counter-argument and nullifies it by logic and evidence.
• Concluding remarks: As the final sentence in the paragraph, the concluding remark reinforces the point of why the opposition is wrong and why the paper’s main point is correct.

The conclusion is the wrap-up and ending of the essay outline. It should not introduce anything new, it should only summarize the paper’s points, and it should end with a reinforcement that the thesis is ultimately correct and the best position for the reader to take.

Writing a Thesis Statement in 3 Steps

Given all the above, it’s pretty obvious the thesis statement matters a lot, and it tends to be one of the hardest parts for new writers to successfully master in an argumentative paper.

Here are three easy steps to follow in building a solid thesis statement consistently:

First, instead of just trying to make a statement , use a question and answer it.

Is climate change making things worse for communities? Yes, with a lack of emergency planning, climate change will result in worse disasters in the near future.

If one wants to make the thesis statement a bit longer, he or she could add more detail between the question and answer, but the point is to put the reader on the spot with the question and then answer it for them before they think of their own answer.

Second, often used in law school, frame your thesis with a starting opposing argument that you then disprove. It often starts with a clause and then a definitive statement.

While many people assume a parent can take a child any time they want due to being a parent, parental child abduction can result in a felony for kidnapping.

This approach takes a false position and blows it right out of the water, framing what the rest of the paper will prove as the reader goes deeper. The position is then reinforced right away in the body with paragraphs of evidence conclusively proving the thesis correct.

Third, use an outline format.

Climate Change increases weather instability, which produces greater flooding and storms, and overwhelms poorly planned emergency response systems.

That singular statement sets the stage for how the paper will progress at Steps A, B, and C, therefore, the conclusion. It might seem formulaic, but it works for an argumentative thesis.

Tips to Form a Hook

The hook is an aspect of the argumentative essay that resonates with the audience. While hooks can be just about any topic out there, the ones that are most relatable often tend to be the most successful papers. A given hook doesn’t necessarily need to be a subject matter either, but that’s one of the easiest methods to use. It could be the style of presentation, or simply how the paper is written. Whichever the case, those papers that use a hook often tend to be received far better than dry writing.

The first step in forming a hook is to first know the audience for the paper. Is it going to be a crowd? Who are they? Why are they reading or listening to the paper? Do they have a common interest? Researching these aspects is key to knowing whom the paper is for and what is important to them.

Second, use the priorities of the audience to frame the key winning points of the paper. If the audience is interested in politics, framing the paper in the context of the political positions, in the reader’s favor, is going to win points. Arguing counter to their interests politically, obviously, would trigger hostility.

Third, make the hook relevant to the reader now. That means using an angle of the paper that seems tied in with current events and issues. Even if the argument is about whether ancient Greeks liked drama on stage or not, there’s some spin one can probably come up with to tie it to a recent event with a bit of thinking. Readers love this kind of hook because it makes the paper relatable personally.

Argumentative essays are commonplace and provide the foundation of many times for workplace communication for decision-makers. Understanding how to write it well can go a long way for a student in many fields. The essay type has a long history, dating back even to ancient times, so writers are in good company learning the ropes and how to argue well on paper.

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Essay Outline Templates

37 outstanding essay outline templates (argumentative, narrative, persuasive).

Writing an essay can seem like an overwhelming task, and planning beforehand is essential to success. An essay outline will help you to structure and organize your essay so that it flows coherently. Essay outlines work for all kinds of essays and will save you time and stress.

There are various different ways to structure an essay, and using an essay outline template allows you to decide on the best structure for your essay. Whether you want a balanced argument, or if you’re trying to persuade someone of your idea, then there will be an essay outline that works for you.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay Outline Templates
• 2 What is an Essay Outline Template?
• 3 Essay Outline Examples
• 4 What Different Types of Essay Outline Templates Are Available?
• 5 Why are Essay Outlines important?
• 6 How Do You Structure an Outline for an Essay?
• 7 Essay Outline Samples
• 8 What is the Format of a Five-Paragraph Essay Outline? 
• 9 How to Write an Effective Essay Outline
• 10 Free Essay Outlines
• 11 Create an Effective Outline Using an Essay Outline Template

You can download and print one of our free essay outline templates to help you plan the perfect essay.

What is an Essay Outline Template?

An essay outline template is essentially the essay plan. It provides students with a clear structure before they write their essay, including all of the main points that are necessary for their writing.

Planning an essay outline beforehand makes the process of essay writing a lot less daunting, providing students with a guideline to follow whilst writing their essays in detail. In the world of academic writing , an essay outline serves as a tool to organize and structure thoughts before delving into the actual writing process. Many students underestimate the significance of creating an essay outline, often resulting in disorganized and incomprehensible essays.

Essay Outline Examples

What Different Types of Essay Outline Templates Are Available?

Essay outlines can be used for any college essay, research papers, a contrast essay, speech writing, or an expository essay. There are a range of essay outline templates to use, and they vary depending on the style of essay you are writing. These include:

• Argumentative essay outline
• Narrative essay outline
• Contrast essay outline
• Literary analysis essay outline
• Persuasive essay outline
• Expository essay outline
• College essay outline
• Descriptive essay outline
• Reflective essay outline

Depending on the purpose of your essay, there will be a different structure to suit your writing and your writing process. For example, an argumentative essay outline may follow a more traditional five-paragraph essay outline, while a literary analysis essay may follow a more detailed essay outline template.

Why are Essay Outlines important?

Of course, you can write an essay without planning. However, it will likely read as unstructured and lacking in coherence. Essays that follow an essay outline template present as more well-researched, clearer, and with a thoughtful structure throughout.

• Planning makes perfect If you are writing to argue a point or explore a range of viewpoints, essay outlines are crucial to prepare before you begin writing in detail. Writing should not be an immediate, quick process; the best essays are drafted, re-drafted, edited, and finalized. If you use an essay outline, this will be reflected in the quality of your work. As a teacher, it is clear to me when students have not taken the time to plan their work. Their writing seems messy and rushed. Essay outlines provide structure and balance to any long piece of writing.
• Save time during the writing process Planning is the hard part of essay writing. During the planning process, you will be brainstorming your ideas and cultivating your overall viewpoint or argument. This means that when you come to write the essay, those ideas are already there. All you need to do is formulate them into sentences and paragraphs. An essay outline makes the process of writing the essay itself so much simpler. With the essay outline template, you will have the bulk of your ideas and the structure of your essay there to follow. It will save you time when it comes to writing the essay out in full.

How Do You Structure an Outline for an Essay?

Depending on the assignment, essays can follow a range of structures, and there are many different ways to structure an essay outline.

Before you begin to structure your essay outline, there are a few things to consider:

• Check your assignment guidelines . Your teacher or professor may have specified a certain number of words or pages for the essay, which can affect how you structure it.
• Consider the purpose of the essay. Is it to argue, is it a persuasive essay, or is it to reflect upon something? This will greatly help you to form and structure your essay, as you may need to compare and contrast ideas throughout your writing.
• Who is your audience? If this essay is purely for academic purposes, then your essay may follow a more traditional structure. However, if your essay is for a speech or a college application, then the structure may be more unconventional and include more of your own thoughts and experiences.

While there may be variations in essay outline structures depending on the specific requirements of the assignment, some general guidelines can be followed. You should edit and adjust your essay structure depending on the tone, audience, and purpose of your essay.

Typically, an effective essay outline comprises three primary sections: the introduction, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. Each of these sections serves a unique purpose and contributes to the overall coherence of the essay.

• Introduction The introduction section of an essay outline introduces the topic and provides relevant background information to engage the reader. It also includes the thesis statement, which presents the main argument or claim of the essay. To structure the introduction in the outline effectively, writers can utilize a hook to grab the reader’s attention, provide context, and end with a strong thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs The body paragraphs section of the essay outline supports the thesis statement with relevant evidence and arguments. The number of body paragraphs may vary depending on the required length of the essay. However, it is common to have three body paragraphs, each focused on a specific supporting point. In the outline, writers can include subpoints, evidence, and examples for each body paragraph to ensure a coherent and logical flow of ideas.
• Conclusion The conclusion section of the essay outline summarises the main points discussed in the body paragraphs and restates the thesis statement. The conclusion should not be an afterthought in the essay writing process. This part of the essay helps to tie all of your ideas together and is reflective of a well-structured essay. It is crucial to end the essay on a strong note, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. To structure the conclusion in the outline, writers can briefly restate the thesis, review the main points, and provide a final thought or call to action.

Essay Outline Samples

What is the Format of a Five-Paragraph Essay Outline? 

A five-paragraph essay outline is a common essay structure used for academic essays. It is particularly useful for shorter essays or beginners who are just starting to develop their writing skills. Many high school students or first-year college students benefit from following this structure.

The format consists of five paragraphs, as the name suggests – an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

• Introduction In the introduction of a five-paragraph essay outline, writers should begin with an attention-grabbing hook to capture the reader’s interest. This can be achieved through a relevant anecdote, a rhetorical question, or a shocking statistic. This helps to immediately capture the reader’s attention and begin the essay strong. Next, provide some background information on the topic and end the introduction with a clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument of the essay.
• Body Paragraphs The three body paragraphs of a five-paragraph essay outline each focus on a specific supporting point, which aids in the development of the thesis statement. Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Following the topic sentence, writers should provide evidence, examples, or arguments to support the main point. It is essential to ensure a logical flow between paragraphs and maintain coherence throughout the essay. This can be done through the use of connectives at the start of each body paragraph, such as ‘Firstly,’ ‘Secondly,’ and ‘Furthermore.’
• Conclusion The conclusion of a five-paragraph essay outline restates the thesis statement and summarizes the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. However, it is vital to avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, writers should provide a thought-provoking final statement or reinforce the significance of the essay topic.

How to Write an Effective Essay Outline

Each writer will have their own unique approach to essay writing, but preparing an essay outline does not require you to reinvent the wheel. You can follow these simple steps to craft an effective, useful, solid outline.

• Read and Understand the Assignment Before beginning the outline, thoroughly read and understand the essay assignment, including any specific guidelines or requirements from the instructor. This will help in determining the length, topic, and structure of the essay. Understanding the assignment in detail also enables you to plan how you will carry out your preliminary research for the essay. Adaquete reading and preparation also helps you to establish the purpose of your essay, which will determine which essay outline template will work best for you.
• Brainstorm and Organize Ideas Start with brainstorming ideas related to the topic. Here, you should establish the key points of the essay based on your research. Once ideas are generated, you can organize them into meaningful categories or subtopics. In an argumentative essay outline, for example, you will need to compare and contrast ideas. By placing all the main points into categories in an organized manner, you can create a logical flow within the essay, making it more engaging for the reader.
• Choose an Appropriate Outline Format Decide on the outline format that best suits the specific essay requirements. Depending on the complexity of the topic, your essay may be formatted differently. An expository essay will differ from a research paper, for example, so be clear on which outline will work for you. It is also essential to decide on the number of main points to be included based on the required length of the essay. Sometimes it is best to discuss fewer points in greater detail, particularly for a literary analysis or narrative essay.
• Develop Thesis Statement and Main Arguments Craft a strong and clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument or claim of the essay. Then, determine the main arguments or supporting points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
• Organize Supporting Points and Supporting Evidence Arrange the main arguments in a logical order, keeping in mind the flow of ideas. Ensure that each supporting point is backed up by sufficient evidence or reasoning to strengthen the overall argument. This will also help you to write a strong conclusion to complete your essay.
• Review and Revise After creating the initial essay outline, review and revise it to ensure coherence, logical flow, and adherence to the assignment requirements. Make necessary adjustments and rearrange the outline if needed. Then, you can start writing your essay by following the outline.

Free Essay Outlines

Create an Effective Outline Using an Essay Outline Template

Creating an essay outline is a crucial step in the writing process that should not be overlooked. Whether it’s an argumentative essay outline, a literary analysis essay outline, or a persuasive essay outline, an essay outline template can help you to structure and organize your points in a thoughtful and clear way.

By structuring an essay outline effectively, using the appropriate format for a five-paragraph essay, and following the steps to write an essay outline, writers can ensure a well-organized, coherent, and compelling essay. Utilizing an essay outline template not only enhances the writing quality but also saves time and effort in the long run.

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How to Write an Essay Outline: Examples, FAQs & Tips

An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes the main points and supporting details of an essay before writing. It guides the flow of ideas and ensures that each section of the essay is logically connected and coherent.

In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to build a strong essay outline. You'll discover how to define your thesis, arrange your main points, and structure your outline for clarity and effectiveness. If you're still having trouble putting your outline together after reading this, EssayService can provide expert help to make sure your essay is well-structured and persuasive!

Basic Elements of an Essay

An essay begins with an introduction, which is followed by one or more body paragraphs that expand on the points introduced. It ends with a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the main ideas from the body paragraphs.

Introduction

The introduction of an essay introduces the topic and engages the reader from the start. It usually starts with a hook—a statement or question that grabs attention. After the hook, some background information is given to provide context for the topic.

The introduction ends with a thesis statement, which clearly presents the main argument or purpose of the essay. This section not only introduces the topic but also outlines what the essay will cover, setting the tone for what follows.

Avoid these pitfalls:

• Don't try to cover too much ground in your introduction.
• Avoid vagueness. Be specific and precise in your language.

Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay is where your main ideas and arguments take shape. Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point. This is followed by supporting details like evidence, examples, and analysis that back up the topic sentence.

Smooth transitions between paragraphs are key to maintaining a logical flow throughout the essay. Together, the body paragraphs build and support the thesis by adding depth and detail to your argument.

Remember these tips for effective body paragraphs:

• Begin each paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence.
• Use specific examples, facts, or quotes to support your point.
• Explain why the evidence is important and how it relates to your argument.

The conclusion of an essay wraps up the argument and reinforces the thesis. It usually starts by restating the thesis and reflecting on the discussion and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. A brief summary of the main points follows, highlighting the key arguments made throughout the essay.

The conclusion should close with a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to think about or a sense of closure. The aim is to make a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of the essay's conclusions.

Remember these tips:

• Briefly recap the key arguments you've made.
• Leave the reader with a thought-provoking final sentence or a call to action.
• Don't introduce any new ideas or arguments in your conclusion.

How to Write an Essay Outline?

Now, let's dive into the heart of this article and show you how to write an essay outline in just four smart steps:

• Determining your thesis and key arguments
• Organizing points into sections
• Adding supporting details
• Drafting a rough outline

Determine Your Thesis and Key Arguments

Your thesis should present a specific point of view or a central idea that your essay will support or explore. Here's how to identify your thesis:

• Ask a question: What is the main point you want to convey?
• Brainstorm: Jot down ideas related to your topic.
• Refine your ideas: Narrow down your focus and develop a clear argument.

Once you have your thesis, identify the main points that support it. These points should be logical, relevant, and comprehensive.

• Divide your thesis: Break down your thesis into its key components.
• Create a mind map: Visually organize your ideas.
• Ask yourself questions: What are the main reasons for your argument? What evidence supports your claims?

Group Main Ideas into Sections

The best way to organize your main points when writing an essay outline depends on the specific topic and purpose of your essay. Experiment with different arrangements to find the one that works best for you. Here are some strategies for organizing your main points:

Add Details to Each Main Idea

When working on your essay outline, remember to choose supporting details that are relevant, specific, and convincing. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your arguments will be. Consider these tips for developing supporting details for each one.

• Provide examples: "For example, the Great Depression led to a significant increase in homelessness and poverty."
• Cite expert opinions: "As the renowned historian, Eric Hobsbawm, once said, 'The French Revolution was a watershed moment in European history.'"
• Make comparisons and contrasts: "While both cats and dogs make excellent pets, cats are generally more independent, while dogs are more social."
• Offer definitions: "A democracy is a form of government in which the people have the power to elect their leaders."

Make a Rough Outline

Once you've developed supporting details for each main point, you're ready to create a draft outline. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through the writing process.

Here's a basic outline template:

• Background information
• Thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence
• Supporting detail 1
• Supporting detail 2
• Supporting detail 3

Body Paragraph 2

Body Paragraph 3

• Restate thesis
• Summarize key points
• Final thought

Remember to:

• Use consistent formatting: Indent supporting details.
• Label sections clearly: Use Roman numerals for main points and letters for supporting details.
• Be flexible: Adjust your outline as needed to accommodate new ideas or changes in your argument.

Essay Outline Examples

Now that you have an understanding of the basic structure of an essay outline let's explore some specific examples tailored to different essay genres. Remember, these are just templates, and you should feel free to adapt each essay outline example to fit your unique needs and writing style.

Argumentative Essay Outline

I. Introduction

• Hook: A captivating opening sentence to grab the reader's attention.
• Background information: Relevant context to the topic.
• Thesis statement: A clear and concise statement of your argument.

II. Body Paragraph 1

• Topic sentence: The main point of this paragraph.
• Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to support your argument.
• Explanation: Analysis of the evidence and its relevance to your thesis.

III. Body Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence: The second main point of your argument.
• Supporting evidence: Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions.

IV. Body Paragraph 3

• Topic sentence: The third main point of your argument.

V. Counterargument

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoint: Briefly mention a counterargument.
• Refute counterargument: Provide evidence or reasoning to disprove the opposing viewpoint.

VI. Conclusion

• Restate thesis: Reiterate your main argument.
• Summarize key points: Briefly recap the main supporting points.
• Final thought: Leave the reader with a memorable and impactful statement.

Expository Essay Outline

• A. Hook: Start with an engaging statement or fact to grab the reader's attention.
• B. Background Information: Provide context or background information necessary for understanding the topic.
• C. Thesis Statement: Clearly state the main point or purpose of the essay.
• A. Topic Sentence: Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the first point.
• C. Evidence/Example: Include evidence or examples to support the explanation.
• D. Analysis: Explain how the evidence or example supports the topic sentence.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the second point.
• B. Explanation/Detail: Provide a detailed explanation or description of the third point.

V. Conclusion

• A. Restate Thesis: Restate the thesis in a new way, summarizing the main points of the essay.
• B. Summary of Main Points: Briefly summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs.
• C. Final Thought: End with a concluding statement that reinforces the significance of the topic or provides a closing thought.

Persuasive Essays Outline

• Background information: Provide context or history related to your topic.
• Thesis statement: Clearly state your argument or position.
• Main argument: Present your strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Supporting evidence: Use facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions to back up your argument.
• Counterargument: Briefly acknowledge an opposing viewpoint.
• Rebuttal: Refute the counterargument with evidence or reasoning.
• Main argument: Present your second strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Main argument: Present your third strongest argument in support of your thesis.
• Restate thesis: Briefly rephrase your argument.
• Summarize key points: Recap the main supporting arguments.
• Call to action: Encourage the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint.

Final Words

As we sum up this article, let's recap the main steps for writing an outline:

• Determine the main argument or purpose of your essay.
• Break down your thesis into key ideas or arguments.
• Group related ideas together under clear headings.
• Include evidence, examples, and explanations for each main point.
• Arrange everything in a logical order, ensuring a smooth flow from one section to the next.

To ensure your writing is well-structured and effective, rely on EssayService, which is here to help with any type of essay.

Frequently asked questions

• Linford, J. (2014). Essay Planning: Outlining with a Purpose What Is an Outline? How Do I Develop an Outline? https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Essay%20Planning%20-%20Outlining.pdf
• ‌ Writing an Outline for your essay | MacOdrum Library . (n.d.). Library.carleton.ca . https://library.carleton.ca/guides/help/writing-outline-your-essay

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How to Create a Clearly Structured Essay Outline | Scribbr 🎓

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Argumentative Writing - Basic, Intermediate & Advanced Outlines

All three can be used in the same class--with either you assigning different organizers to different students per their needs, or students choosing an outline for themselves. Use these as a checkpoint in writing, or as an assessment for student understanding of each argumentative element.

Basic Outline: Use this essay outline template for students who either do not need much support in writing a comprehensive argumentative essay and need only to jot down ideas, or students who should just focus on Claim-Reason-Evidence for this round as a scaffolded step. The claim should be an opinion or something that other people could reasonably disagree with. Reasons should each be different ideas that supports their claim, and evidence should be facts -- either found through research or commonly known.

Intermediate Outline: This outline is similar to the Basic outline, but pushes students to explain what their evidence proves or suggests (reasoning). It also pushes them one step further to preview their points in their claim. Use this outline for students who need to organize their thinking and improve flow in their argument, or for students to brainstorm and outline their essay. It can also be used for ELL students, as the sentence stems can be very helpful in constructing their sentences. This outline is also especially useful for students who are struggling to add reasoning to their writing.

Advanced Outline: This is an outline for more advanced students who could benefit from the push to add more evidence for each reason and more thoroughly explain how their evidence supports their claim. It also includes a paragraph for the counterargument, which you could have students teach themselves from this outline or include as part of your counterargument lesson.

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