How to Write a Standout Argumentative Essay

Look for issues that come up related to misunderstandings over what certain terms mean. Third Piece – Present detailed support for your claim with a focus on how your claims work within the definition of the term. You should present at least three key ideas for support, so this section should be at least three paragraphs long. Information that places your topic within a social and factual context. You should provide background information geared toward your specific audience so that they can clearly understand your arguments and the importance of the issue you’re exploring. The features included are an introduction, opposing and valid opinions, accurate evidence, language tone, and conclusion. The essay is usually linked together with the perfect usage of transitions.

To use this form in an argumentative essay, the first thing to do is introduce the argument. Next, explain and refute the opposing viewpoint, then provide proof. A lifetime of dealing with your family members has helped you figure out which arguments work best to persuade each of them. Maybe whining works with one parent, but the other will only accept cold, hard statistics. Your kid brother may listen only to the sound of money in his palm.

Purposes of Argument

You’re basically stating your argument and then presenting all your evidence to prove that argument. There’s definitely room for personal thought and interpretation, but you mostly want to focus on your argument and evidence. 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.

For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.

Definition of Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are definitely more research intensive than other essays, but don’t think that means it has to be dry and stuffy. Remember that you still need to use good writing throughout, which also means making an introduction that will hook the reader. A poorly structured or ill-defined introduction runs the risk of confusing readers. In the worst-case scenario, an ill-defined introduction prevents the development of a clear and organized argument. As always, you are wise to engage in rhetorical reasoning and rhetorical analysis to decide whether you should even respond to a call for an argument, much less invest the time in research your claims.

argumentative writing meaning

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.

Critical reading

Additional research may be needed to support the claim of the thesis. Because people don’t always agree on a single point of view, an effectively worded argument helps us arrive at what is fair or true.

argumentative writing meaning

Similarly, effective argumentative essays use specific linguistic methods to defend a position on an issue. Although some of the material you read will be very persuasive, do not fall under the spell of the printed word as authority.

Join millions of people in learning anywhere, anytime

In fact, making an argument—expressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidence—is often the aim of academic writing. Your instructors may assume that you know this and thus may not explain the importance of arguments in class. The body paragraph of an argumentative essay should always present a point that further evaluates your argument along with evidence to support that point. You can (and should!) still present your own thoughts and use your writing voice, but if the paragraph doesn’t directly address the argument you’re trying to make, rethink why that paragraph exists. 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.

However, advanced essays require more detailed structures, especially if they have a length requirement of over five paragraphs. Of course, to be truly effective, Myrtle will want to include the source of her evidence. Imagine that she has an article how to source a website in an essay about how kids with later curfews spend more time at the library, but it was written by someone who, like Myrtle, is trying to convince his parents to let him stay out later. In this case, the article might not be completely accurate and true.

Be proactive about language

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.

argumentative writing meaning

This way, it enhances students’ skills like finding reliable information, synthesizing information, and so on. Besides, it also guarantees that the students have precise knowledge regarding the topic provided. Argumentative essays are a great way to help students understand how to not divert from the given topic. It eventually helps in enhancing the writing abilities of the students. 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.

Long and Short Essays on Define Argumentative for Students and Kids in English

The entire argument is well-defined in the body of the essay. That the best way to keep the sky blue is by passing clean air legislation and regulating emissions. While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on.

  • Because people don’t always agree on a single point of view, an effectively worded argument helps us arrive at what is fair or true.
  • Each year, over half a billion people will become infected with malaria, with roughly 80% of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • If you explore those outlets for potential topics, you’ll likely stumble upon something that piques your audience’s interest as well.
  • Do whatever you need to do to begin identifying the material that you find most helpful or relevant.

The former draws more on emotion, while the latter is more about hard numbers, data, and quantitative research. Because proof is key to argumentative essays, set aside ample argumentative writing meaning time for research until you have all the support you need. It’s also a good time to outline your essay, answering questions like when and how to discuss opposing viewpoints.

Focus Area 1: Supporting Your Claim With Evidence and Explanations

Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion.

The claim or thesis is a clear statement of the position that you are asking your readers to accept. A claim can encompass the entire text, a particular section of the text, an individual paragraph, or a single sentence. Ideally, claims presented in each of these instances should be consistent throughout the text.

Leave a Reply