When you’re writing an argumentative essay, you require more than opinions to make a case for your opinion. Even the most ardent stance will not be persuasive when it’s not properly structured and supported by solid arguments and proof. Find out what the elements of an argumentative essay need as well as how you can structure your essay based on the audience you’re writing for with this simple step-by-step instruction.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

Argumentative essays are written work that takes a stand on a topic. In a persuasive essay, the writer tries to convince readers to accept and justify their opinion on the subject by explaining their argument and presenting proof to support their argument.

Writing an argumentative essay is a standard task for high school and college students. The majority of argumentative essay topics include science technologies, political issues, or health care.

How To Outline an Argumentative Essay in 4 Steps

The purpose of an argumentative piece is to clearly define your point of view that is supported by reasoning and evidence. Outline for essay needs to be organized in a way that it is simple to read by readers. An argumentative essay that is well-written should follow the following structure:

1. Introduction paragraph. The introduction paragraph in your essay should introduce the subject, outline background information that will help you comprehend your argument, describe the evidence you’ll give, and then state your thesis.
2. The thesis assertion. This is the first paragraph. It’s a short single-sentence summary of your principal point and your claim.
3. Body paragraphs. A typical argumentative essay consists of at least three paragraphs in which you give the reasons you are in support of your thesis. Each body paragraph should address an entirely different concept or evidence and should include a topic statement that clearly and succinctly describes the reasons why the reader should be in agreement with your argument. Body paragraphs are the place to justify your argument by citing examples, research, studies, and statistics, as well as text-based citations. Discuss opposing viewpoints and counter them, or state your reasons for disagreeing with these points of view. The presentation of facts and considering the subject from all angles can help you earn the trust of your readers.
4. Conclusion. A paragraph that reiterates your thesis and summarizes all the arguments you made throughout your body paragraphs. Instead of introducing new data or additional arguments, a strong conclusion is one that appeals to the reader’s feelings. In certain instances, authors might use a personal story to explain how the topic personally impacts their lives.

How to Write a Thesis Statement in 3 Steps

The thesis statement of your essay is just one sentence, but it’s the most crucial part that you write in an argumentative paper. The thesis is in your introduction paragraph, summarizing the argumentative essay you’ll contain, as well as preparing readers for what’s to come. If you have any doubts, consult these essays examples for free before writing. These steps will help to convey your message quickly and succinctly:

1. Make the subject into a question, and then answer it. Make a statement as the subject of the paper or in the first few paragraphs. In the next paragraph, work towards the answer to that query in the thesis. This approach is highly effective due to the fact that intriguing questions attract readers and inspire readers to read on to discover the solution.
2. Make an argument, and then counter it. Make a statement that is contrary to your beliefs and quickly explain why you do not agree with the idea. This approach is successful because it relies on evidence and instantly proves your credibility.
3. Then, outline the main elements. Start by introducing your primary point, and describe what you’ll do to support it. This technique is efficient since it provides readers with an idea of what you’ll write about within your paper. It also acts as a plan to keep you on the right track.

3 Main Types of Arguments and How to Use Them

There are three primary ways to write argumentative essays. Select one of these or combine them to compose your persuasive essay:

1. Classical. The main argument should be presented, make your case, express your opinions, and try to convince your reader why your decision is the right one. Also known as Aristotelian and Aristotelian, this is the most well-known method for arguing because it’s the easiest method of thinking to follow. It’s effective when the audience doesn’t have lots of information or a view on your subject because it presents the facts in a concise and clear manner.
2. Rogerian. Introduce the issue, recognize that there is a different side to the argument, then state your position, and then explain why your viewpoint is most beneficial to the reader. This kind of argument can be effective in issues that are polarizing since it takes into account both sides and lays out the middle point.
3. Toulmin. Then, you must present your claim, provide the evidence to support your claim, then justify the grounds connected with the assertion. This kind of argument is effective for controversial topics, and instead of presenting the opposing sides, it simply presents one side, with particular emphasis on facts that are presented in a manner to make the assertion more difficult to challenge.