How to Get Good at Argumentative Writing

In simple terms, argumentative writing requires students to investigate a topic. This means that students have to collect, generate, and evaluate evidence in order to establish their position on the topic.

Well, at first glimpse, all this might sound a bit overwhelming. Not to worry, we have a simple guide on how you can write an excellent argumentative essay. Without further ado, let’s get started.

How to Write a Good Thesis for Your Argumentative Essay?

The cornerstone of a good argumentative essay is its thesis. If your thesis is not strong enough, your readers will not feel compelled to keep reading the essay. When creating your thesis, consider the following:

What are you trying to convince your reader?
What is the key takeaway from the essay?

Keeping these two points in mind will help you formulate the best structure for the essay, not to mention the evidence to collect. Not so surprisingly, for many students, coming up with the thesis statement seems to be the most challenging part.

To simplify things, it’s best to have a specific argument rather than a broad one. This will reduce the number of facets to examine. Students should also consider the audience and think of what their biases are. If you are really struggling to come up with a solid thesis statement, look up for a write a paper for me service. Professional writers on such platforms can help you find the right argument that best fits the topic.

Different Types of Argument Claims

Once you decide what your argument is, then, you need to think of how to present your arguments. There are mainly five types of argument claims that can structure your essay’s direction.

Is your statement true or false?
The dictionary definition of the topic vs. your own interpretation of it.
The importance of the argument in the relevant context.
The cause of the problem and its effects.
Why should the reader care about the argument and what they can do after reading your essay?

How you present your argument will decide how you structure your essay.

Present Clear and Convincing Evidence

Unlike persuasive or narrative essays, argumentative writing does not appeal to the reader’s emotions. Instead, it tries to appeal to the reasoning power of the reader. As such, it is important to provide hard facts.

This is why argumentative writing requires you to do plenty of research. You should have sufficient supporting data for your argument.

You can validate your argument using the following forms of evidence:

Facts
Statistics
Authoritative reports and research
Scenarios
Case Studies
Testimonials

Students will also have to cite their sources, so make sure to document the evidence properly. Moreover, when using a piece of evidence, introduce it properly and explain its significance.

You should not assume that the reader will find the evidence by default. You might need to explain the evidence and how it supports or elucidates your point.

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How to Structure Your Essay

In addition to using supportive evidence, argumentative writers should also anticipate the biases and oppositions of the reader. For instance, you should think of the objections, alternatives, challenges, and questions that might arise.

However, there are different approaches you can take when structuring your essay based on evidence and biases.

Classic / Aristotelian – When making straightforward arguments

In this structure, you can present the main argument, state your opinions, and do your best to persuade the reader why your approach is the right one.

This strategy is effective when the topic allows a simple line of thinking and when the audience does not have a lot of information about the subject. So, you only have to focus on presenting the evidence clearly and concisely.

Rogerian – When showing both sides of the argument

Argumentative essays with a Rogerian style are best suited when presenting to a mixed audience. As such, when writing the essay, you should not only discuss your side of the argument but acknowledge the opposing side as well.

This approach is the most respectful but also the least confrontational. It helps in convincing readers that you are considerate about the opposition and are not naturally biased.

Toulmin – When your thesis is a rebuttal or counterargument

The Toulmin method was developed for discussing polarizing topics. However, unlike The Rogerian approach, it does not present both sides. Instead, it focuses on one side but presents the facts in such a way that the claim is difficult to argue with.

When writing an argumentative essay, it is not necessary to stick with just one type of structure. You can take on different strategies to present the evidence in the way that best befits your thesis.

How to Write the Conclusion

The conclusion of the essay should not simply reinstate the thesis. Instead, it should readdress the thesis in light of the evidence provided.

It is important not to introduce any new information into the conclusion but focus on synthesizing the evidence that is already presented in the body of the essay. You can start by restating why the topic is important, review the main points, and can also include a short discussion on more research that should be completed in light of your work.

Work on Your Draft

Once you have written a complete draft, take a break, and come back to the essay after a while. Proofread it to correct all the spelling and grammatical errors and ensure a good flow in reading. Rereading your paper, especially out loud, can be helpful in catching awkward phrases and sentences.

Evaluate your essay from a reader’s perspective critically. If you are up to it, you can also ask others to give feedback on your essay. Carefully revise your draft based on suggestions from others.