Argumentative essays are the most common types of essays in academic settings. Argumentative essays either argue in favour of something or against it. However, the essay requires the ability to develop coherent arguments and substantiate the claims with credible data. The essay revolves around an arguable and strong thesis statement. The author provides supporting points to support the thesis statement’s claim. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of an argumentative essay and guide you on how to write one.
What Is An Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay is a type of writing where students must research a subject, gather, develop, and assess supporting information, and effectively present their stance. In an argumentative essay, a specific thesis statement is supported by a thorough argument. The author adopts a firmly established position on their topic and develops a case-based argument in support of it.
Assignments for argumentative essays typically require substantial reading of literature or already published sources. Additionally, empirical research may be required for argumentative assignments, requiring the student to gather information through interviews, questionnaires, observations, or experimentation. The student can pick a stance and support it with the information gathered during research by conducting a thorough investigation, which enables the student to learn about the subject and diverse perspectives on it. Argumentative essays must develop a coherent thesis and adhere to logical reasoning, regardless of the quantity or type of data used.
Also Read: Different Ways To Write Argumentative Essay For University
What Are The Different Parts Of An Argumentative Essay?
An argumentative essay has a standard structure which follows a three-tier structure consisting of an introduction, main body and conclusion. Everyone is familiar with the three-tier structure; however, the devil is in the details, which means focusing on the essay’s contents is the most important thing. Here are the different parts of an argumentative essay:
Thesis Statement In The Introduction
Students should provide background information by briefly discussing the topic in the opening paragraph of an argument essay. The author should then go on to explain why the subject is significant or why readers should be interested in the problem. The students should then present the thesis statement. This thesis statement must be adequately narrowed to meet the assignment’s requirements. It will be challenging for the student to write an engaging or convincing essay if they cannot master this essay section.
Use Of Transition Words Between The Paragraphs
The adhesive that keeps the essay’s structure together is its transitions. The reader cannot understand the essay’s point without the logical flow of thinking, and the structure will fail. Transitions should summarise the previous paragraph’s main point and introduce the next paragraph’s main theme.
Topic Sentences, Supporting Sentences And Evidence
There should only be one main concept discussed in each paragraph. It will give the essay a purpose and direction altogether. Additionally, being simple and clear renders one’s audience easier to read. It is crucial to remember that every paragraph in the essay’s body must logically relate to the thesis statement in the introduction. The thesis statement will be explicitly supported in some paragraphs by research-based data. It is crucial to clarify how and why the data supports the argument.
Argumentative essays, though, also need to take into account and justify several viewpoints on the issue. Students should devote one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing opposing viewpoints on the issue, depending on the scope of the task. Students should mention how opinions that do not support their thesis are weaker or how they are redundant rather than stating how these divergent perspectives are incorrect in a categorical manner. If you are unsure how to use counterevidence to strengthen your arguments, you can reach out to experts at Essay Writing Services and get their help.
A strong essay requires well-researched information which is accurate and contemporary to substantiate the claims on the issue. Considering viewpoints that diverge from the author’s stance is essential because dialectics is the hallmark of productive writing. The evidence can include statistics, facts, logical arguments, and text excerpts from credible sources. It is essential to include the counterevidence because otherwise, it leads to academic dishonesty. The student’s role is to illustrate how other perspectives might not be knowledgeable or redundant, not to demonstrate how they are flat-out incorrect.
Also Read: Argumentative And Persuasive Essays: Importance & Differences
Conclusion
Students may start to struggle with the essay at this stage. The conclusion is the last section of the essay that will make a lasting impression on the reader’s mind. Consequently, it must be rational and impactful. In conclusion, summarise the facts provided in the main body rather than adding any new information. Review the key points, your thesis, and the importance of the topic. Also, it is imperative to provide recommendations and suggestions in this section so that other authors can build up on your work and further investigate the issue. You can also indicate your essay’s practical implications by explicitly stating the call for action and practical steps to address the discussed issue.
What Are The Advantages Of Writing An Argumentative Essay?
Research Skills
Research on the relevant issue is usually always necessary for an argumentative essay. For example, they might have to gather empirical evidence for a theoretical concept, read secondary sources or look at statistics on a social or political issue. It aids students in developing fundamental research abilities such as:
- How to find credible sources?
- How to evaluate sources?
- How to summarise the information?
- How to synthesise the information and strengthen the arguments?
Clear and Logical Thinking
Any argument or notion, no matter how strong, will fall flat if a student cannot rationally summarise the study and produce a clear analysis. Argumentative essays assist students in learning the fundamentals of logic, including avoiding emotive claims, employing solid arguments as opposed to weak ones, and presenting specific, understandable claims as opposed to generalisations.
Improves Writing Skills
An argumentative essay develops the organisational skills of students along with the enhancement of basic rules of grammar. Students can compile and organise information logically, and it helps them present their cases coherently.
You May Also Like: Persuasive Essay – Parts, Writing Tips, And Structure
Conclusion
Teachers assign argumentative essays on various subjects, from natural sciences to social sciences and humanities, because mastering the genre is essential for writing success. The argumentative essay aids students in refining their research and analytical abilities as well as their ability to formulate and convincingly support an argument.
