Image 1. Writing an argumentative essay takes research. Students need to find evidence to back their ideas. Photo from Pexels.
In an argumentative essay, the goal is to persuade the reader to agree with your point of view. It is crucial to have an interesting topic, a fair position, strong evidence and persuasive language.

Find A Good Topic

To find good topic, come up with several issues. Choose a few that spark at least two conflicting points of view. As you look over a list of topics, find one that really excites your interest. If you're not interested in the topic, it will probably show in your writing.

Although a strong interest in a topic is important, it doesn't replace a strong argument. You have to take a position you can back up with reasoning and evidence. It's one thing to have a strong belief, but you'll have to explain why your belief is reasonable and logical.

Consider Both Sides And Take A Position

Once you have selected a topic, you should make a list of points for both sides of the argument. You'll need to include strong arguments for the "other" side in order to shoot them down.

For example, imagine that you have been assigned the following topic:

Recently, a young man was suspended from high school for wearing makeup to class. He wore black lipstick and eyeliner. The young man protested that the school was guilty of gender discrimination, since female students use makeup without punishment. Do you agree or disagree that the school discriminated against the young man?

First, draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper, dividing the sheet in half. Label one side pros and one side cons. Think of strengths for each side. List at least three strong points for both sides.

Pros. Yes, it is discrimination because:

Girls and boys should be treated equally

Sometimes makeup is necessary to cover embarrassing scars or marks

High school is tough enough for students who feel different

Makeup is a personal choice

The school is using stereotypes about boys and girls

If the school does not have a written rule about makeup, it can't make one up

Cons. No, it is not discrimination because:

Makeup is traditionally worn by girls

The boy is just trying to get attention

School officials have to make rules so that students don't distract each other.

Officials can interpret dress codes to include other issues involving a student's appearance

After you have come up with several points for each side, determine which side is strongest.

Gather Evidence

Before you choose a side, decide if your statements can be backed up by evidence. Types of evidence include statistics, examples, expert opinions, stories, observations and consequences. Choose a side for which you're able to come up with different kinds of arguments and evidence, such as:

Example. Students have always been required to follow to dress codes.

Observation. The boy's black lipstick shows that he is not just wearing makeup to cover marks. He is attempting to draw attention to himself.

Consequence. The boy's makeup can (and already has) created distractions.

Write The Essay

Once you have a good framework and good arguments, you can begin to craft your essay. All essays should contain three parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion.

The first paragraph should contain a brief explanation of your topic, some background information and a thesis statement. Your thesis is your position on the issue.

The body of your essay should contain the meat of your argument. This section can be many paragraphs long. You should go into more detail about the two sides of your topic and include the strongest points of the other side. Then, present your own viewpoint and provide evidence to show why your position is correct. Choose your strongest evidence and present your points one by one. Use a mix of evidence, from statistics to examples.

In your summary paragraphs, show why your position is the most sensible one.

Follow These Guidelines

Avoid using emotional language. Overly emotional arguments sound irrational.

Know the difference between a logical conclusion and an emotional point of view.

Don't make up evidence and don't use untrustworthy sources.

Cite your sources.

Make an outline.

Be prepared to defend your side by knowing the strongest arguments for the other side. You might be challenged by the teacher or by another student.

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