the argumentative essay writing format

the argumentative essay writing format

The Art of Persuasion: Mastering the Argumentative Essay

1. Introduction to Argumentative Essays

The argumentative essay is unlike many other assignments in its sophistication. Most essays narrate the “what” of an event or topic. Argumentative essays go a step further in building the debate with the “so what?”. Starting an argumentative essay can be hard, but look for real-world examples to grab the reader’s attention. A thesis statement summarizing the stance of the essay and supported by reasons and evidence is the starting point of the argumentative essay. Organizing the body of the essay requires a careful balance of informing the reader of background or context, developing reasons, and citing evidence, while also including counterarguments. Furthermore, writers use a variety of strategies to maintain a tone of academic formality and provide seamless transitions throughout the essay.

Argumentative essays, also called persuasive essays, require students to solidify an opinion or perspective on a particular topic and provide evidence that supports their stance in an effective essay format. Developing and writing an argumentative essay is an art. Art and music students spend years learning to perfect their craft. Similarly, argumentative essays transform a potentially mundane topic into a captivating debate. It is not an easy task to make a convincing point in an essay that offers informed opinions supported by evidence, but the effort can be very rewarding. Being able to express themselves in persuasive essays opens doors of opportunity for students academically, professionally, and in advocacy for their communities. An argumentative essay is a persuasive tool for a student’s toolbox. Let’s develop their skills at creating a powerful argument!

2. Structuring Your Argument

Structuring your argument The introductory paragraph must engage the reader and create interest. Your thesis or main point in the introductory paragraph should be clearly and concisely stated. Your thesis should answer the question, “What am I going to prove?” Typically, the thesis statement should be the last or next-to-last sentence of the introductory paragraph. The body of your paper should consist of several paragraphs, each presenting a separate point. Each of these points must be clearly related to the thesis. The easiest way to write and structure the body of the paper is to think of specific examples of the points or ideas in support of your thesis. The conclusion of your paper should sum up each of the arguments presented in the body of the essay. The conclusion is the easiest part of your essay since it is just a matter of rewriting what is in your introduction or body paragraphs in language that really grabs the reader. The conclusion is not really the place for new ideas, arguments, or contentions. A good conclusion skillfully closes the discussion and firmly supports your thesis.

Writing an argumentative essay. This informative guide looks at the problem of structuring an argumentative essay, a fundamental process of which is to be able to craft a well-organized, detailed, and professional argument, and how you need to achieve that.

3. Crafting Compelling Arguments

Most arguments, especially at the outset, should be phrased in a considered, polite, and open-minded tone. Very often, novelty of insight is itself persuasive. If the reader has never come across the argument that you are proposing, then much of the work is already done for you: the argument is fresh and undisputed. A good argument is always going to be based on an array of evidence. This is almost obvious, yet still those who are unaccustomed to essay-writing often find it a challenge to “prove” their points. It is critical that the evidence and the argument are logically connected. It is not enough just to have a lot of evidence; that evidence must also be relevant, and the evidence and argument must be consistent in logical sequence. Rhetorical devices should also be used in the craft of any good argument. When used cleverly, they can be persuasive, contributing to the coherence of the argument and, importantly, clarifying the reader’s understanding.

Indeed, history’s greatest rhetoricians and orators devoted their lives to developing the skill of persuasion – to the extent that no such thing as a “naturally” persuasive person can be said to exist. The fragments of arguments, speeches, and essays that survive from writers like Plato and Aristotle reveal a core of similarity in how they went about convincing their audiences. There are perhaps a few different lanes that one might travel to arrive at a straightforwardly persuasive argument. Most of the time, it is mostly a matter of seasoned technique and dispute.

When writing an argumentative essay, it is paramount to bear in mind that the very job of the essay is persuasion. The task of the argumentative essayist is to set forth a compelling case, as cogently and convincingly as possible, for a chosen viewpoint.

4. Addressing Counterarguments

One way to acknowledge the points of the different view is to spell it out in detail. This requires you to have thoroughly researched the counterargument. But likewise, if the counterargument is superficial, then just acknowledge it in a few words. However, once acknowledged, regardless of the kind of counterargument you are facing, you should then refute it. If readers were to think that the counterargument is stronger than the argument being made by the writer, they would be persuaded by the counterargument. In other words, your counterargument can be very strong and at great length opponents’ views, basically demonstrating that their views are largely flawed.

Thus far, we have been focusing on the parts of argument (especially logos) that seem to use our skills of formal logic, or using our knowledge of the scientific research or theories, to lead our readers to the conclusion that we are right. However, we also use logical arguments to combat opposing views. As mentioned in Chapter 1, in order to be convincing, you, as the writer, do have to show what is wrong or at least somewhat false with the perspective in opposition to yours. This is known as the counterargument. When readers see that you, as the writer, can also use logic to disagree with others, they begin to trust your arguments for your own perspective. Besides this general point about critical discussion, readers also recognize the counterargument as one of ‘thinking in complex ways’, and find it to be a mark of a ‘profound’ and ‘deep’ thinker.

5. Conclusion and Final Tips

Conclusion. This paragraph should begin by restating the thesis with slightly different language and without any need for reiteration. It should focus on the same highly-specific universal principle or maxim. Remain formulaic, but find fresh language. Summarize the argument without repeating and make sure to keep the right tense. Then, give the paragraph some tension and release – go out on an inspired note with a final thought or unforgettable last sentence to really drive home the essay’s argument and purpose. A persuasive essay leaves an impact, forever changing the reader’s future perceptions, opinions, and choices. Responsible treatment of the argument: make them wish they had already changed their minds to adopt your perspective.

The body of the essays will follow in traditional 5 paragraph, 6-paragraph, or multi-paragraph format. A model argument will dissect a structure that is equally integral to good persuasion. Essentially, make sure readers know everything that is important, regardless of word or page count. Make sure you are adapting each paragraph to fit each model. In some cases, a paragraph may be one word or one sentence long, in others, there may be significant development. Every paragraph, regardless of size, should have a clear point or advance an argument.

Conclusions. Your conclusion must effectively bring the argument to an end, but avoid introducing ideas not previously presented. A conclusion will contain the important points that lead back to the thesis, but it will not simply restate the introduction. For example, if you began the essay with a narrative piece about an experience with someone unfamiliar, your conclusion may finish the story. If started with a bit of philosophy or a background introduction to the concept being grappled with, the conclusion can return to that concept.