Guide on How to Write an Argumentative Essay + Sample Topics

An argumentative essay provides a platform for voicing your opinion as you wish. However, argumentative essays need more than just airing opinions to be heard. If the argumentative essay is not well-written with solid facts as evidence, the essay will not be compelling enough. Therefore, there’s a need to learn the elements of a good argumentative essay, what should be included, and what should be avoided.

Beginning with choosing the appropriate argumentative essay topic, we will show you the basic steps for writing a good argumentative essay.

What’s an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an academic paper or writing that takes a stance on a controversial issue without mincing words. In an argumentative essay, a writer attempts to persuade their readers to see and support their point of view on a subject. They do this by reasoning and providing factual proof backing their claim.

Argumentative essays are common essay assessments that college and high school students have to write. The topics may range from science to politics and from healthcare to technology.

Standard Structure of Argument Essay Layout

A good argumentative essay should have a simple layout to make for easy understanding. A typical argumentative paper format will go like this:

  • Introduction: The introductory paragraph takes the first paragraph of the essay. An argumentative essay introduction should include your topic outline, background information, an outline of evidence you intend to present, and your thesis. Your argumentative essay thesis should not be more than one sentence, and it should summarize your main point.
  • Body paragraphs: Your argumentative essay body paragraph may be three or more, depending on the length of your essay. The body paragraphs explain the evidence you have to support your thesis; one paragraph for one evidence. There should also be a topic sentence that simply but concisely elucidates why your audience should support your claim. Your essay’s body paragraph should contain examples, statistics, text citations, and scholarly articles for credibility. You may consult argumentative essay outline samples for inspiration.
  • Conclusion: Like your introduction, your essay’s conclusion takes one paragraph, restating your thesis and summarizing your claims. You’re not introducing new facts in conclusion; you’re appealing to your audience’s sense of reasoning and emotions. You may even add a note on how the topic affects them personally.

Guide on How to Start an Argumentative Essay Introduction

First, the introduction of a good argumentative essay will not exceed one sentence. It will contain a one-sentence-long thesis statement and general statements surrounding your thesis. Although the shortest part of an argumentative essay, the thesis is the most important. Below are guidelines to help you construct a catchy argumentative essay introduction:

  • Begin by turning your topic into a big question and then answering it. The question may be in your title or introduction within the first few sentences. Relatable questions are effective in catching and hooking readers’ attention.
  • State an argument that contrasts with your belief and then explain why you don’t agree; this method immediately establishes your credibility using pieces of evidence.
  • Give an introduction of your central point and explanations of how you’ll support it; this gives your audience an idea of what your argument will be about.

Topics for Argumentative Essay

If you’re looking for inspiration for an argumentative essay topic, we’ve included some you can choose from. These topics are useful to anyone who wants to write an A-grade-worthy argumentative essay.

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

  1. Is the death penalty the way to go?
  2. Are ladies mean in friendships?
  3. Do we really need fashion?
  4. Are feminist supporters being too harsh on opposers?
  5. Is religion a major cause of war?

High School Argumentative Essay Topics

  1. Can making tobacco illegal prevent smoking?
  2. Was life 100 years ago easier than now?
  3. Should special privileges be given to working moms?
  4. Does getting fired cure cyber-bullying?
  5. Has social media caused more harm than good?

Classical Argumentative Topics

  1. Should abortion be made illegal?
  2. Should residency be granted to illegal immigrants?
  3. Should genetic cloning be made illegal?
  4. How can people stop human trafficking?
  5. Do big pharmaceutical companies really care about people’s well-being?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

  1. Are commercials necessary in children’s TV programs?
  2. Do kids really learn through homework?
  3. In what ways can school be fairer for kids with different backgrounds?
  4. Is online learning more effective than distance learning?
  5. Does changing kids’ teachers negatively affect their learning?

Topics for Argumentative Essay Middle School

  1. Are younger children preferred above older children?
  2. Should screen time for children be limited?
  3. Should school start before 8 o’clock?
  4. Should kids go home with homework on weekends?
  5. Are school rules fair?

In conclusion, argumentative essays are fun once you get the hang of their writing technique. We hope this article on how to write an argumentative essay has sparked some inspiration for writing yours.

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