When you write a persuasive essay, making your point is more than just giving your opinion. When a position is not structured properly and backed up with solid reasoning and evidence, it will not be compelling. Discover what elements every persuasive essay should contain and how to structure it based on your intended audience with this easy-to-follow guide.
How Do Argumentative Essays Work?
Essays that argue a point of view are called argumentative essays. Writing an argumentative essay involves giving reasons and providing evidence to support a writer’s point of view on a topic in order to convince the reader to accept the author’s view.
Students in high school and college are often required to write argumentative essays. Science, technology, politics, and health care are some of the more popular topics for argumentative essays.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Outlining Argumentative Essays
The structure of argumentative essays should be simple so that readers can follow them easily. A persuasive essay’s purpose is to clearly establish your argument, reasoning, and evidence. It is advisable to follow this structure when writing an argumentative essay:
- Introduction: You should explain your topic, provide necessary background information, outline the evidence you will present, and state your thesis in the first paragraph of your essay.
- The first paragraph of your paper: This is a statement of your thesis. An effective thesis statement is a brief, one-sentence statement that summarizes your main points and assertions.
- Text body: There are usually three or more paragraphs in an argumentative essay explaining the reasons why you support your thesis. You should divide your body paragraphs into topics covered by different ideas or evidence, each one with its own topic sentence that explains why the reader should agree with you. The content of the body paragraphs should include evidence, research, statistics, studies, and references. Provide arguments to support your position or argue why you disagree. It adds credibility to your writing and will help you gain the trust of your reader when you present facts.
- Summary: This paragraph should restate your thesis and summarize the points discussed in your body paragraphs. Good conclusions appeal to the emotions of the reader instead of adding more facts or arguments. Anecdotes can be used to emphasize how the topic affects a writer personally.
Here are 3 Easy Steps to Creating A Thesis Statement
In an argumentative essay, the thesis statement is the most important part. In the introductory paragraph, you should present a thesis statement that summarizes the topic of your argumentative essay and sets up the reader for what is to come. You will be able to make your point more clearly and concisely if you follow these steps:
- Answer the topic as a question: Your essay title or first few sentences should include a big question. Your thesis statement should answer that question. If you want to introduce your essay with a question, you could ask, “What is the best type of sandwich?”.In the conclusion, state your thesis: “The best type of sandwich is peanut butter and jelly.” This method is effective for attracting readers and encouraging them to read more.
- Make a statement and refute it: Introducing an idea with a contrasting belief and explaining why you disagree with it immediately is a good start. It is effective because it uses evidence and immediately demonstrates your credibility since some people are hesitant toward peanut butter and jelly sandwiches because they are too simple a dish.
- Describe briefly what your main points are: Explain how you’re going to support your main claim. Using artisanal bread, toasting the bread, and adding additional toppings can transform a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a gourmet meal.” This method works because it provides readers with a clear idea of what’s going to be discussed in your essay. The plan is also a roadmap for staying organized and on track.
An Overview of the 3 Main Types of Arguments
Structures for argumentative essays can be classified into three groups. Write your persuasive paper by choosing one or combining the following ideas:
- Traditionally: You should explain the main point of the argument and state your opinion, and try to convince the reader that your viewpoint is correct. Often called Aristotelian, this method is popular for making arguments because it is the easiest to follow. Using it is effective when your audience is unfamiliar with what you’re talking about or doesn’t have a strong opinion about what you’re saying.
- Rogerian: Describe the problem and the opposing viewpoint, follow with your own opinion, and explain why you think yours is best. A polarizing topic can be effectively clarified by presenting the middle ground and acknowledging both sides.
- Toulmin: Make a claim, present grounds to support your claim, and then demonstrate that the grounds support your claim. As with this type of argument, it is effective for polarizing topics, only rather than presenting both sides, it states a position based on specifically presented facts that make the claim difficult to refute.
Get an Argumentative Essay Written by a Professional
There is a lot of work involved just in starting to write an argument paper, perhaps more than you are able to handle right now. Feel free to contact me if you are unsure about the topic selection process. The time has come to hire an expert to assist you in writing an argumentative essay you can be proud of.
It is often better to find expert assistance and learn from it than to start from scratch. Don’t forget to study. Consider getting an essay editing service if you’re worried about how to write a compelling argumentative or persuasive essay. To choose the right argumentative essay topic, or even to get the help you require, you should seek the assistance of a professional essay writing service.
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