ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

An argumentative essay is the most popular paper type at college. An argumentative

The structure for argumentative essay is built in such a way that the author provides
arguments in favour of their position or theory. Here, students formulate their viewpoint
supporting it with evidence-based reasoning. By working on such an assignment, you develop
two skills at once: IN-DEPTH RESEARCH AND PERSUASIVE WRITING. Such essays
are usually written on a controversial topic. The key here is to prove that your thesis is
correct.

A thesis is a specific belief (it is best to express it in one sentence) that shows your position
on an issue. It plays a vital role in the structure of argumentative essay as it should be
mentioned in the introduction, after you set a background of a problem. The assignment is
fully dedicated to convincing the readers of your thesis using ANALYSIS and EVIDENCE.
Writing a paper, the author conducts an internal dialogue. Here, it is essential to evaluate
statements, evidence, make assumptions, and re-evaluate contradictions. In fact, the
argument essay structure is not determined by strict rules. The main thing is to adhere to the
logic of reasoning so that the text is consistent.

Structure of an Argumentative Essay

Like most essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction that ends with the
writer's position (or stance) in the thesis statement. For example the topic: Whether
employers should give workers the option of working from home or not. The introductory
paragraph will be as follows:

Introduction Paragraph

1. (Hook)
2. (Background information....)
3. Thesis statement (Stance + Grounds) : Employers should give their workers the option to
work from home (Stance) in order to improve employee well-being (1st Reason) and reduce
office costs (2nd Reason).

This thesis statement shows two parts (stance and grounds) that you plan to expand in the
body paragraphs: working from home improves well-being, and it allows companies to
reduce costs. Each topic will have its own paragraph.
Main Body

The body is, no doubt, the most important part of argument essay structure as it shows your
arguments and evidence. There are five types of evidence that are used to prove the
preliminary thesis statement: real-life examples, statistics, authorities, analogies, and
hypothetical situations. It is key to win the audience over to your side and show why your
position is preferable over others.

Here, your point of view is revealed in 2-3 paragraphs.

Argument 1, i.e. the point supporting your claim + examples (quotes, references, experience).

Argument 2, i.e. the point supporting your claim + examples (quotes, references, experience).

Argument 3, i.e. the point supporting your claim + examples (quotes, references, experience).

Possible transitions to make the argumentative structure as consistent as possible may include
the following:

 To start a sentence: It is clear that, It is a well-known fact, To begin with, There is no

 To add an idea: Furthermore, In addition, Moreover, Also, Likewise;

 To show cause: As a result, Due to, Hence, That is why, For all of those reasons, etc. For
example, the body paragraphs for the earlier stated thesis could presented as follows:

Body Paragraph 1
 Topic Sentence: Workers who work from home have improved well-being.
 Supporting details:
 Reasons
 Examples
 Evidence from academic sources

Body Paragraph 2
 Topic Sentence: Furthermore, companies can reduce their expenses by allowing
employees to work at home.
 Supporting details:
 Reasons
 Examples
 Evidence from academic sources

Counter-Argument Paragraph

Because an argumentative essay must consider both sides of a subject, the essay must have a
counterclaim paragraph. The purpose of this paragraph is to address the points of the counter-
argument and to explain why they are false, somewhat false, or unimportant.

Argumentative essay without a counter argument is very basic, weak and subjective. The
argument it presents can be made much stronger if you consider the counter-argument, and
then try to respond (refute: rebuttal) its points. Including this section means you are not
merely narrowly minded. Not to mention it goes a long way to make yourself sound a lot
more reasonable and objective. Therefore, including a counterclaim in an argument is not
optional, it is a must. If you fail to include one or more of their arguments and then refute
them, your essay will be weak and sound a lot more subjective.
The Counterargument (i.e. the other side of the argument). Here, you agree that people may
have an opposing position, and, if you have evidence, prove that it is wrong. To prove your
position with arguments, turn to well-known facts, historical events, scientific research, or
opinions of reputable scientists. An example should follow each argument.

The counter-argument presents the main points on the other side of the debate. Because we
are arguing FOR working from home, this means the counter-argument is AGAINST working
from home. The best way to find the counter-argument is by reading research on the topic to
learn about the other side of the debate. The counter-argument for the earlier indicated topic
might include these points:

1. Working from home could reduce productivity

Next, you have to try to respond to the counter-argument in the refutation (or
rebuttal/response) paragraph.

The counter-argument paragraph is commonly placed at the beginning of the essay (after the
introduction), or at the end of the essay (before the conclusion).
Possible linking words for a counterargument: However, On the other hand, Others may
say that, Even though, a common argument against this position is that, you could argue that,
but here is the weakness. A counter-argument for the earlier stated thesis paragraph can be
structured as follows:
Counter-argument Paragraph
 People might argue that working from home could reduce productivity
 Distractions at home > could make it hard to concentrate
 Dishonest/lazy people might work less because no one is watching
 Refutation/Response Paragraph
 Results in China suggest this is false (Bloom, 2014)
 Study: Productivity increased by 14%
 (+ other details)

Conclusion

The purpose of the concluding paragraph is to show your reader that you have analyzed both
sides of an issue and taken a strong position. You should not merely restate the thesis or rewrite
the introduction. Therefore, you should draw conclusions according to your thesis. That means,
they should be logically connected to the thesis; the questions, if any, should be answered.
Remember, Conclusion should only contain what the reader might have learned from your work,
not new information. Restate your main point (using different words) and list what you have
found. Provide the readers with something to think about: a call to action, solution, or
prediction. Therefore, a typical conclusion should appear as follows:

 Restating your thesis statement.

In conclusion, a writer should never introduce new ideas and extra information. Suitable
transition devices for the conclusion may include: To conclude: Therefore, To sum up, In
conclusion, I would like to say, Having weighed all the evidence, I can conclude that.

Extra Advice on Argumentative Essays

It is not a Compare and Contrast Essay

An argumentative essay focuses on one topic (e.g. cats) and argues for or against it. An
argumentative essay should not have two topics (e.g. cats vs dogs). When you compare two ideas,
you are writing a compare and contrast essay. An argumentative essay has one topic (cats).

Use language in Counter-Argument that shows it is not your position

The counter-argument is not your position. To make this clear, use language such as this in your
counter-argument:
  Opponents might argue that cats are unloving.
 People who dislike cats would argue that cats are unloving.
 Critics of cats could argue that cats are unloving.
 It could be argued that cats are unloving.

These underlined phrases make it clear that you are presenting someone else's argument, not
your own.

Choose the Side with the Strongest Support

Do not choose your side based on your own personal opinion. Instead, do some research and
learn the truth about the topic. After you have read the arguments for and against, choose the
side with the strongest support as your position.

Do not Include too many Counter-arguments

Include the main (two or three) points in the counter-argument. If you include too many
points, refuting these points becomes quite difficult.