Image 1. In order to write an argumentative essay, students first need to research the topic and find evidence to support their claims. Photo from Pexels.
To be effective, an argument essay must contain certain elements that will persuade the audience to see things from your perspective. Therefore, a compelling topic, a balanced assessment, strong evidence and persuasive language are all imperative.

Find A Good Topic

To find good topic for an argument essay, consider several issues and choose a few that spark at least two solid, conflicting points of view.

As you look over a list of topics, find one that really piques your interest. If you're not interested in the topic, this will probably show in your writing.

While a strong interest in a topic is important, this doesn't replace (and can sometimes even hinder your ability to form) a strong argument. You have to consider a position you can back up with reasoning and evidence. It's one thing to have a strong belief, but when shaping an argument you'll have to explain why your belief is reasonable and logical.

As you explore the topics, make a mental list of points you could use as evidence for or against an issue.

Consider Both Sides And Take A Position

Once you have selected a topic you feel strongly about, you should make a list of points for both sides of the argument. One of your first objectives in your essay will be to present both sides of your issue with an assessment of each. You'll need to consider 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. His cosmetic choices included black lipstick and eyeliner. The young man protested that the school was guilty of gender discrimination, since female students routinely used makeup. Do you agree or disagree that the school discriminated against the young man?

First, draw a line down the middle of a piece of scrap paper, dividing the sheet in half. Label one side pros and one side cons (or yes and no).

Think of strengths for each side. List at least three strong points for both sides.

Side 1. Yes, it is discrimination:

Girls and boys should be treated equally

Sometimes makeup is necessary to cover embarrassing scars or blemishes

High school is tough enough for students who feel different

Makeup is a personal choice

The school is stereotyping, which sets a bad example

If there is not already a written rule about makeup, the school can't make one up

Side 2. No, it is not discrimination:

Makeup is traditionally worn by girls

The boy is just trying to cause a distraction

Officials have to draw the line somewhere when it comes to distracting behavior

Officials have the right to interpret dress codes to include other issues concerning appearance

Once you have come up with several points for each side of your issue, read over the results to determine which side is strongest, and which you could argue most effectively. Decide which side has the points that you could back up with examples.

Gather Evidence

Before you make a choice, review the points you made and decide if your statements can be backed up by evidence.

When you think of arguments, you might picture two red-faced people speaking quite loudly and making dramatic gestures. But that's because face-to-face arguments often become emotional. In fact, the act of arguing involves providing proof to support your claim, with or without emotions. In an argument essay, you should provide evidence without providing too much drama. Types of evidence include:

Statistics

Examples

Expert opinions

Anecdotes

Observations

Precedence

Consequence

Choose a side that will enable you to use variety in your argument. For example, you might decide that you can argue most effectively that the school is not discriminating, because you can offer several differing types of evidence:

Precedence. Students have always been required to adhere to dress codes to avoid disruptions.

Observation. The boy's choice of black lipstick demonstrates that he is not merely wearing makeup to cover blemishes. He is attempting to draw attention.

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

Write The Essay

Once you've given yourself a solid foundation to work with, you can begin to craft your essay. An argument essay, as with all essays, should contain three parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. The length of paragraphs in these parts will vary depending on the length of your essay assignment.

Introduce your topic and assert your opinion: As in any essay, the first paragraph of your argument essay should contain a brief explanation of your topic, some background information and a thesis statement. In this case, your thesis is a statement of your position on a specific controversial topic.

Present both sides of the controversy: The body of your essay should contain the meat of your argument. You should go into more detail about the two sides of your topic and state the strongest points of the counter-side of your issue.

After describing the "other" side, present your own viewpoint and then provide evidence to show why your position is the correct one.

Choose your strongest evidence and present your points one by one. Use a mix of evidence, from statistics to other studies and anecdotal stories. This part of your paper could be any length, from two paragraphs to 200 pages.

Re-state your position as the most sensible one in your summary paragraphs.

Follow These Guidelines

Avoid 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 for evidence.

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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