How to Write

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative Essay
Eric Stelee
Last updated:
May 30, 2024
Published:
Nov 2, 2023

Ever felt like you're banging your head against the wall trying to write a convincing argumentative essay? You're not alone. Surveys show over 70% of high school and college students grapple with this challenge.

Don’t want to be a part of the statistics? Then, let's dive into the nuts and bolts of writing an argumentative essay and discover how to make your points stick.

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing where the author presents a claim or viewpoint on a specific topic and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and counterarguments.

Unlike other types of essays that might aim to inform or entertain, the primary goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to adopt the author's perspective or take a particular action.

It typically follows a structured format, including an introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting supporting evidence and arguments, and a conclusion that reinforces the main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Through logical reasoning and compelling evidence, the writer aims to convince the audience of the validity of their stance while acknowledging and addressing opposing viewpoints. Use our argumentative essay writing service if you want to boost your grades and save free time.

When to Write an Argumentative Essay?

Argumentative essays are commonly assigned in academic settings, such as high school and college, where critical thinking and persuasive writing skills are valued. They assess students' ability to research, analyze, and present arguments effectively.

Professors may assign argumentative essays as part of coursework in various subjects, including English, history, social sciences, and philosophy, to encourage students to engage with complex issues and develop their perspectives.

Outside the university walls, argumentative essays are written in the following settings:

Journalism and Opinion Pieces Journalists often write argumentative essays in opinion pieces, editorials, or columns to express their views on current events, political issues, or societal trends.
Public Advocacy and Activism Advocates and activists frequently use argumentative essays to raise awareness about social justice issues, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize support for their causes.
Business and Marketing Professionals in business and marketing may write argumentative essays as part of proposals, marketing strategies, or policy documents to persuade stakeholders, clients, or consumers.
Social Media and Blogging Influencers often write argumentative essays on social media platforms, blogs, or online forums to share their opinions, engage in debates, or influence public discourse on various topics ranging from politics to lifestyle choices.
Legal and Policy Analysis Lawyers, policymakers, and analysts may craft argumentative essays to argue a court case, propose legislative changes, or analyze the implications of specific laws or policies.

Argumentative Essay Key Elements

Key elements of an argumentative essay include:

Clear Thesis Statement

The essay should start with a concise thesis statement that clearly presents the author's main argument or viewpoint.

Evidence and Research

Argumentative essays rely on evidence and research to support the claims made by the author. This evidence can come from numerous sources, including scholarly articles, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples.

Counterarguments

Acknowledging and addressing counterarguments strengthens the essay's credibility and demonstrates the author's ability to engage with different perspectives. This can be done by presenting counterarguments and refuting them with evidence and reasoning.

Logical Structure

The essay should have a logical structure that guides the reader through the argument. This typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs with supporting evidence and arguments, and a conclusion to reinforce the main points.

Coherent Organization

Each paragraph should focus on a single point or aspect of the argument, and there should be clear transitions between paragraphs to ensure the essay flows smoothly.

Persuasive Language

The author should use persuasive language and rhetorical devices to effectively communicate their argument and convince the reader of its validity. This includes logic, reasoning, emotional appeals, and persuasive techniques such as ethos, pathos, and logos.

Critical Analysis

Argumentative essays should involve critical analysis and evaluation of the evidence presented. This includes the reliability and relevance of sources, the strength of arguments, and logical conclusions based on the evidence presented.

If you need definition essay topics or expository essay writing service, there’s an option of telling our experts, ‘write paper for me,’ and they will lend you a hand shortly.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step-by-Step?

Writing an argumentative essay can be easier if you break down the process into a series of clear steps that will help you create a coherent composition. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choose a Topic

  • Select a debatable topic that interests you and has enough research material available.
  • Ensure the topic is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Conduct Research

  • Gather information from reliable sources such as books, academic journals, reputable websites, and experts in the field.
  • Take notes and organize your research to support your argument.

Develop a Thesis Statement

  • Produce a strong thesis statement that outlines your main argument.
  • Your thesis should reflect your position and provide a roadmap for your essay.

Draw up an Outline

  • Plan the structure of your essay, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Organize your points logically and determine where to include counterarguments.

Write the Introduction

  • Start with a hook to grab the reader's attention (e.g., an interesting fact, a question, or a quote).
  • Provide background information on the topic to set the context.
  • End the introduction with your thesis statement.

Write the Body Paragraphs

  • Each paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis.
  • Start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
  • Provide evidence, such as facts, statistics, quotes, or examples, to back up your point.
  • Analyze the evidence and explain how it supports your thesis.
  • Include a counterargument in one of the paragraphs and refute it with evidence and reasoning.

Write the Conclusion

  • Summarize the main points of your essay without introducing new information.
  • Restate your thesis in a new way to reinforce your argument.
  • End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, such as a call to action or a thought-provoking idea.

Revise and Edit

  • Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and logical flow.
  • Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and proper punctuation.
  • Ensure all sources are correctly cited and included in your bibliography.

Argumentative Essay Example

The Necessity of Universal Healthcare: A Moral and Economic Imperative

Universal healthcare is a contentious issue in many countries, especially in the United States, where the debate often revolves around the feasibility and morality of providing health services for all citizens. Advocates argue that healthcare is a fundamental human right and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Opponents, however, often cite such a system's high costs and potential inefficiencies. This essay argues that prevalent medical aid is a moral obligation and an economic necessity, providing numerous benefits that outweigh the initial financial burdens.

Healthcare as a Human Right

First and foremost, the principle that medical aid is a human right underpins the argument for prevalent healthcare. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, explicitly states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of themselves and their family, including therapeutic care. Denying individuals access to healthcare due to their inability to pay is fundamentally unjust and contravenes this basic human right. In a society that values equality and justice, ensuring that all individuals can access medical services is morally imperative.

Economic Benefits

Beyond the moral arguments, it also presents significant economic advantages. Critics often argue that the costs of implementing such a system are prohibitively high. However, this perspective fails to consider the long-term economic benefits. Universal medical aid can lead to a healthier population, reducing the overall burden of disease and increasing productivity. People with access to regular therapeutic care are less likely to suffer from severe health conditions requiring expensive treatments. Preventative care, more accessible in a unified system, can catch diseases early, leading to lower healthcare costs overall.

Furthermore, prevalent healthcare can eliminate the administrative costs associated with private insurance. According to a study by the American Medical Association, administrative costs in the U.S. medical system are significantly higher than in countries with nationwide therapeutic care. By streamlining the system, resources can be more efficiently allocated to patient care rather than administrative overhead.

Social Stability and Equity

Universal medical care also promotes social stability and equity. In countries without such aid, the uninsured often forgo necessary treatments, leading to worsened health outcomes and financial ruin due to medical debt. This situation exacerbates social inequalities, as low-income individuals and families are disproportionately affected. Nationwide therapeutic aid helps level the playing field, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status, access essential health services. This equity is crucial for fostering social cohesion and reducing the societal divides that contribute to instability.

Counterarguments and Rebuttals

Opponents of universal healthcare often argue that it leads to longer wait times and lower quality of care. While it is true that some countries with prevalent healthcare systems experience longer wait times for certain procedures, this issue can be mitigated through efficient management and adequate funding. Additionally, the quality of care in ecumenical systems is often comparable to, if not better, in countries with private wellness systems. For instance, the World Health Organization ranks therapeutic systems in countries with all-inclusive coverage, such as France and Sweden, among the best in the world.

Another common argument against nationwide healthcare is that it stifles innovation by limiting pharmaceutical and medical company profits. However, many countries with universal healthcare still lead in innovation. The public sector can and does fund significant research and development, and a state system can still offer incentives for private innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, universal healthcare is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. It ensures that all individuals have access to the medical care they need, promotes social equity, and can lead to a more efficient and cost-effective therapeutic system. While challenges are associated with nationwide medicine, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Societies that prioritize the health and well-being of all their members are more just, stable, and prosperous.

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Summary

Students often face numerous challenges with argumentative essays, including difficulty developing a strong thesis, structuring their arguments coherently, and providing sufficient evidence to support their claims. Additionally, they may struggle with addressing counterarguments effectively and maintaining a formal and persuasive tone throughout the essay.

These challenges can be compounded by time constraints and a lack of confidence in their writing abilities. A thesis writing service can help students overcome these obstacles by providing expert guidance, well-researched content, and a polished final draft.

FAQ

How Do You Start an Argumentative Essay?

To start an argumentative essay, begin with a compelling hook to grab the reader's attention, such as a quote, a question, or a startling fact. Follow the hook with background information to provide context for the issue at hand. Conclude the introduction with a powerful thesis statement outlining your main argument.

What Are the 5 Main Parts of an Argumentative Essay?

The five main parts of an argumentative essay are the introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, counterargument, and conclusion. The introduction sets the stage for the essay, while the thesis statement clearly presents the main argument. Body paragraphs provide evidence and analysis to support the thesis, the counterargument addresses opposing viewpoints, and the conclusion summarizes the key points and restates the thesis in light of the evidence presented.

How to End an Argumentative Essay?

To end an argumentative essay, restate your thesis in a new way to reinforce your argument. Summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs to highlight the strength of your case. Finish with a strong closing statement or call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

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