What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing that takes a stance on an issue. In a good argumentative
essay, a writer attempts to persuade readers to understand and support their point of view about a
topic by stating their reasoning and providing evidence to back it up.

Argumentative essay writing is a common assignment for high school and college students. Generally,
argumentative essay topics are related to science, technology, politics, and health care.

How To Outline an Argumentative Essay in 4 Steps

Argumentative essays should have a straightforward structure so they are easy for readers to follow.
The goal of an argumentative essay is to clearly outline a point of view, reasoning, and evidence. A
good argumentative essay should follow this structure:

Introductory paragraph. The first paragraph of your essay should outline the topic, provide
background information necessary to understand your argument, outline the evidence you will present
and states your thesis.

The thesis statement. This is part of your first paragraph. It is a concise, one-sentence summary of
your main point and claim.

Body paragraphs. A typical argumentative essay comprises three or more paragraphs that explain the
reasons why you support your thesis. Each body paragraph should cover a different idea or piece of
evidence and contain a topic sentence that clearly and concisely explains why the reader should agree
with your position. Body paragraphs are where you back up your claims with examples, research,
statistics, studies, and text citations. Address opposing points of view and disprove them or explain
why you disagree with them. Presenting facts and considering a topic from every angle adds
credibility and will help you gain a reader’s trust.

Conclusion. One paragraph that restates your thesis and summarizes all of the arguments made in
your body paragraphs. Rather than introducing new facts or more arguments, a good conclusion will
appeal to a reader’s emotions. In some cases, writers will use a personal anecdote explaining how the
topic personally affects them.

How to Write a Thesis Statement in 3 Steps

Your thesis statement is only one sentence long, but it’s the most important part of your
argumentative essay. The thesis appears in your introductory paragraph, summarizes what your
argumentative essay will be about, and primes the reader for what’s to come. These steps will help
you get your point across clearly and concisely:

Turn the topic into a question and answer it. Set up a big question in the title of your essay or within
the first few sentences. Then, build up to answering that question in your thesis statement. For
example, in your title or introduction, you could pose the question, “What is the best type of
sandwich?” And then answer with your thesis statement: “The best type of sandwich is peanut butter
and jelly.” This method is effective because intriguing questions draw readers in and encourage them
to keep reading to find the answer.

State an argument—and then refute it. Introduce an idea that contrasts with your belief, and
immediately explain why you disagree with it. For example: “While some people believe peanut
butter and jelly sandwiches are too simple, they’re versatile sandwiches that you can easily turn into a
gourmet meal.” This method is effective because it uses evidence and immediately demonstrates your
credibility.

Briefly outline your main points. Introduce your main point and explain how you’ll back it up. For
example: “You can turn a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a gourmet meal by using artisanal
bread, toasting the bread, and adding additional toppings.” This method is effective because it gives
readers a clear idea of everything you’ll discuss in your essay. It also serves as a roadmap to help keep
you organized and on track.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a
general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important (exigence) or why readers
should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this
thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the
student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or
persuasive essay.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression
of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.
Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow
in the next section.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and
direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s
audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical
connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the
thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why
the evidence supports the thesis (warrant).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding
the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs
of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how
these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with
their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to
support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or
anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of
view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded
argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude
evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are
wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on
the topic.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence
provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that
will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective
and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the
information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main
points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that
should be completed in light of your work.

### Outlining Your Paper

Argument essays are fairly straightforward in their organization. In your paper, you will need to do
the following:

Interest the reader in the situation. Make them want to learn more about it.

Explain the controversy or problem clearly.

Explain the different sides of the debate.

Tell them your side.

Convince them that your side is the best one to take.

Refute any objections they may be thinking about as they read.

Urge the reader to adopt your point of view.

Introduction

Explain the subject, the controversy, and end with your thesis. Here are some tips:

Use the title to present your point of view. The title is often your thesis statement or the question you
are trying to answer.

Be concise. You're only introducing your argument, not debating it.

Think about your audience—what aspects of this issue would most interest or convince them?

Appeal to the reader's emotions. Readers are more easily persuaded if they can empathize with your
point of view.

Present undeniable facts from highly regarded sources. This builds a lot of trust and generally
indicates a solid argument.

Make sure you have a clear thesis that answers the question. The thesis should state your position and
is usually the last sentence of your introduction.
Body

The body usually consists of three or more paragraphs, each presenting a separate piece of evidence
that supports your thesis. Those reasons are the topic sentences for each paragraph of your body. You
should explain why your audience should agree with you. Make your argument even stronger by
stating opposing points of view and refuting those points.

1. Reasons and support

Usually, you will have three or more reasons why the reader should accept your position. These will
be your topic sentences.

Support each of these reasons with logic, examples, statistics, authorities, or anecdotes.

To make your reasons seem plausible, connect them back to your position by using “if…then”
reasoning.

2. Anticipate opposing positions and arguments.

What objections will your readers have? Answer them with argument or evidence.

What other positions do people take on this subject? What is your reason for rejecting these positions?

Conclusion

The conclusion in many ways mirrors the introduction. It summarizes your thesis statement and main
arguments and tries to convince the reader that your argument is the best. It ties the whole piece
together. Avoid presenting new facts or arguments.

Here are some conclusion ideas:

Think "big picture." If you are arguing for policy changes, what are the implications of adopting (or
not adopting) your ideas? How will they affect the reader (or the relevant group of people)?

Present hypotheticals. Show what will happen if the reader adopts your ideas. Use real-life examples
of how your ideas will work.

Include a call to action. Inspire the reader to agree with your argument. Tell them what they need to
think, do, feel, or believe.

Appeal to the reader's emotions, morals, character, or logic.