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How to Write an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay uses reasoning and evidence—not emotion—to take a definitive stand on a controversial or debatable issue. The essay explores two sides of a topic and proves why one side or position is the best.

The First Steps

Choose a specific issue to discuss. Some debatable issues cover a wide range of topics.  For example, “legalizing drugs” is too broad a subject because topics within that issue  include legalizing marijuana, the effectiveness of the FDA, or whether a painkiller made  in Europe should be allowed into the US. Any of these could be the sole focus of an argumentative paper.

Research both sides of the topic thoroughly. Even if you know which side you want to argue, research can give you ideas for counterarguments and help your paper show balance rather than bias.

Develop a working thesis. State your position on the issue and summarize your argument’s main reasons in one sentence. Your body paragraphs should explain your reasons fully.

Body Paragraphs

Option #1: Present both sides of the issue, then state your opinion and explain why you chose that side. This option is useful if you did not have an opinion on the issue prior to research, or your audience is not very familiar with your topic.

a)One half to two-thirds of your paper explains the issue, shows the two opposing sides, and gives an assessment of each. This demonstrates that you have indeed conducted research and are an expert on the subject.

b) Next, when you state your position, readers might be more inclined to agree with you.

c) Last, explain your reasons for choosing that side without repeating ideas from previous paragraphs.

Option #2: State your opinion at the beginning. List and explain the reasons for your choice. Acknowledge the other side’s arguments; then, disprove/refute those arguments. This option is useful when your audience already has some knowledge of the issue. It allows you to be more assertive, thus making a stronger argument.

a) Select the strongest evidence from your research and present your points—usually one point per body paragraph.

b) Next, explain one or two of the opposing side’s points to show how readers might object to your argument. Then, show how these arguments are not reasonable, not logical, or not effective. Be sure to reassert your own viewpoint and why it is the best choice.

Final Steps: Revise and Edit

1.      Pretend that your readers are a skeptical panel or jurors. You can best convince them of your arguments by avoiding emotional or aggressive language and by using a mix of evidence types—facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, or even personal experience.

2.      Cite your sources!

3.      To increase the chances that your audience will agree with you, start body paragraphs with ideas that both sides agree upon before arguing your point.

4.      Know the other side’s strongest arguments to defend against challenges from other students or your instructor.

5.      In your conclusion, emphasize why your topic is important, summarize your arguments, and re-state your position as the most sensible choice. Do not include new evidence or arguments.

Final Paper – Making a Case for Education

Many people, including politicians like Mitt Romney, claim that college is not necessary for the commoner; in fact, Romney very famously said that people should have as much education as they "could afford." This resulted in massive backlash and identified him as out of touch and unsympathetic to those that might not come from a family with financial privilege.

In a five-paragraph paper, I would like you to argue for the need for college. Why is college necessary and why should it be available to anyone that wants to go? You will need to use three outside sources and include a works cited page. For this last paper, you may use either MLA or APA format. Since this paper only needs to be five paragraphs, please make sure that your paragraphs are college level (8-10 sentences) and are written in great detail.