Get Ready, Set, Argue! A Guide to Writing a Compelling Argumentative Essay

What is an Argumentative Essay? 

An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing in which you present an argument on a particular topic and attempt to persuade your reader.

Your argument should be supported by evidence and logic, with the goal of convincing the reader that your point of view is valid. Argumentative essays are often used in debates and persuasive writing. 

5 Types of Argument Claims 

The argumentative essay uses several types of argument claims to make its case. These argument claims include: 

• Factual Claims 
  
• Definition Claims 
  
• Value Claims 
  
• Cause and Effect Claims 
  
• Policy Claims 

We'll explain each type of argument claim in detail below, so you can understand how to use each one in your argumentative essays. 

Factual Claims

Factual claims are statements that can be proven with evidence. They are based on facts and figures, rather than opinions or personal beliefs. Examples of factual claims include: 

• The average temperature in the Arctic is -25°F
  
• There are over 12 million species of animals on Earth 

Definition Claims

Definition claims are statements that provide a definition for a particular term or concept. Examples of definition claims include: 

• A democracy is a form of government in which the people have the power to make decisions about their government.
  
• Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Value Claims

Value claims are statements about the value or worth of something. Examples of value claims include: 

• Education is the most important factor in determining success in life.
  
• Family time is essential for creating strong relationships.

Cause and Effect Claims 

Cause and effect claims are statements that explain the relationship between two things. Examples of cause and effect claims include: 

• Lowering taxes leads to increased economic growth.
  
• Increased access to technology improves education outcomes.

Policy Claims

Policy claims are statements that propose solutions to problems. Examples of policy claims include: 

• The government should increase funding for renewable energy sources.
  
• Schools should be required to provide mental health services for students.
  

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3 Main Types of Arguments and How to Use Them

Now that you are familiar with the various kinds of argument claims, let's analyze the three main types of arguments.

1) Aristotelian Argument
2) Toulmin Argument
3) Rogerian Argument

Let's examine these arguments and learn how to put them into practice!

Aristotelian Argument

The Aristotelian argument is the most commonly used argumentative essay structure. It consists of a claim, a counterclaim, and a rebuttal to the counterclaim. 

The idea behind this argument is that if one can prove their argument has more evidence than the opposing argument, then their argument must be valid. 

To do this you need to provide data to support your argument as well as refute the counterargument.

Toulmin Argument

The Toulmin argument is based on the idea that argument is a process of making claims, and providing evidence for those claims. 

In this argument structure, you will present your claim first, followed by evidence to support it. You then need to acknowledge any counterarguments to your argument and provide evidence to refute those arguments. 

This argument structure allows you to make your argument more persuasive and sound reasoning.

Rogerian Argument 

The Rogerian argument is a style of argument that seeks to find common ground between two opposing sides. 

It acknowledges the opposing argument, takes into consideration both points of view, and then makes a compromise argument. 

This argument structure takes into account the validity of both sides and attempts to find a middle ground between them. 

It is useful for argumentative essays that require finding a solution to an issue that has multiple perspectives.

How To Outline an Argumentative Essay

Now that you know the three main argument structures, it is time to learn how to outline an argumentative essay. 

Outlining your argumentative essay is an important step in getting from the research phase to writing your argument paper. An argumentative essay follows a specific structure: 

1) Introduction 
2) Body Paragraphs 
3) Counterargument 
4) Rebuttal 
5) Conclusion 

The introduction should provide the reader with an overview of your argument and what you will be talking about. 

In the body paragraphs, you will present your argument claims and supporting evidence in a logical order. 

The counterargument gives room for opposing views to be acknowledged and then refuted by providing evidence. 

The rebuttal should address any argument that was initially put forward but has not been addressed yet. Finally, the conclusion ties everything together in a neat package, summarizing your argument and reaffirming why it is valid. 

Here’s an argumentative essay outline:

How to Write an Argumentative Essay - 5 Steps 

Now that you know the basics of argumentative essay structure, let's look at how to write one step-by-step. 

Brainstorm and Research

The first step in writing an argumentative essay is to decide on a topic and do some research. Once you have an argument in mind, you can start researching both sides of the argument, and your position on the topic. 

You should gather evidence that supports your argument and any counterarguments you plan to address. 

Create an Outline

Once you have all the information you need, it is time to make an outline. An argumentative essay follows a specific structure: 

Introduction, body paragraphs, counterargument and rebuttal, and conclusion. 

Begin by writing down your argument in the introduction. Then outline the body paragraphs including claims and evidence to support them. 

Include a section for the counterargument that acknowledges opposing views and then refutes them with evidence. End with a conclusion that summarizes your argument.

Draft the Argumentative Essay

Now that you have a structure, it is time to draft your argument. Begin by writing an introduction paragraph that provides the reader with an overview of your argument. 

The introduction should also include a thesis statement that states the argument in one sentence. Then move on to developing each argument in individual body paragraphs. 

Make sure to include evidence to support each argument and address any counterarguments.

Edit Argumentative Essay

Once you have finished drafting your argumentative essay, it is time to edit. Make sure that all the argument claims are supported by evidence.

Check for grammar and spelling mistakes, stylistic errors, and any argumentative fallacies.

Proofread Argumentative Essay

The last step is to proofread your argument essay for any remaining errors. Read it out loud or have a friend read it to catch any mistakes you might have missed. 
Once you are satisfied with the argument, you can submit your argumentative essay. 

Argumentative Essay Examples 

After learning how to craft a compelling argumentative essay, let's now explore some inspiring examples.

Argumentative Essay Topics 

Now that you have the argumentative essay structure and examples, it's time to pick a topic. Below are some argumentative essay topics to get you started. 

• Should schools offer more vocational courses? 
  
• Is online education as effective as in-person learning? 
  
• Should universities offer free tuition for all students? 
  
• Should the drinking age be lowered? 
  
• Is the death penalty ethical? 
  
• Should the voting age be lowered? 
  
• Should marijuana be legalized? 
  
• Is factory farming ethical? 
  
• Should all students have access to free mental health services? 
  
• Is gun control an effective way to reduce crime?
  

Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay 

To wrap up, here are a few tips that can help you write a solid argumentative essay: 

• Choose an argumentative topic that has two clearly defined sides. 
  
• Gather evidence from reliable sources to support your argument and refute any counterarguments. 
  
• Make sure to follow the argumentative essay structure outlined above. 
  
• Present a strong argument that is clear, logical, and well-reasoned. 
  
• Check for any grammar and spelling mistakes before submitting your argumentative essay. 

By following the steps above and drawing on argumentative essay examples, you will be able to write a compelling argumentative essay in no time!

Still, figuring out how to write argumentative essays? Here’s a video to get you started.

In conclusion, argumentative essays are an important part of academic writing. 

From understanding argumentative essay structure to choosing argumentative topics and gathering evidence, writing argumentative essays can be a rewarding process.

With the steps outlined in this blog, you will be able to craft different types of essays that can spark meaningful conversation and have a real impact.

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