the argumentative essay format consists of an

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Argumentative Essays

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What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

Litero Blog

Argumentative Essay: Format & Structure

Jeff Miller

Ah, election season! The time when your Facebook feed turns into a battleground and your uncle becomes a political pundit overnight. Whether you’re Team Red, Team Blue, or Team “Can We Just Talk About Something Else?”, there’s no escaping the flood of opinions. But what if you want to join the fray without starting a family feud? 

An argumentative essay is your ticket to expressing your views without getting unfriended (or worse, uninvited from Thanksgiving dinner). It’s a structured way to present your argument, backed by evidence, without resorting to ALL CAPS or an excessive use of the angry face emoji.

Don’t worry, we’ll teach you the art of writing a powerful argumentative essay, from creating an initial argumentative essay outline to polishing your final draft. It’s gonna be more organized than a campaign strategy and more convincing than a politician’s promises!

Understanding the Argumentative Essay 

Before we start creating an argument essay outline, let’s break down the basic structure. Think of your argumentative essay as a three-act play (with less drama and more facts):

Act I: Introduction – Set the stage for your argument. This is where you hook your reader faster than a scandalous political tweet goes viral.

Act II: Body Paragraphs – The meat of your essay, where you present your arguments with more precision than a fact-checker during a debate.

Act III: Conclusion – Wrap it up with a bang, leaving your reader more satisfied than a politician after a successful filibuster.

The star of this show? Your thesis statement. It’s the headline of your essay, the sound bite that sums up your entire argument. Make it snappier than a campaign slogan and clearer than a politician’s financial records.

Creating an Argumentative Essay Outline

Now, why bother with an argumentative essay outline? Well, for the same reason politicians have speechwriters – structure is key. A good argumentative essay outline template gives you room to respond to the opposition without losing sight of your main message. 

Here’s what it might include:

I. Introduction A. Attention-grabbing opener (Think: “In a world where Twitter wars decide elections…”) B. Background info (The “Once upon a time in politics” part) C. Thesis statement (Your “I approve this message” moment)

II. Body Paragraph 1: Your first main point A. Supporting evidence (More reliable than campaign promises) B. Explanation (Break it down like you’re explaining polling data to your grandma)

III. Body Paragraph 2: Your second main point A. More rock-solid evidence B. Clear explanation (No political double-speak here!)

IV. Counterargument A. Address opposing views (Yes, the other side exists) B. Rebuttal (Knock down their argument like a well-placed debate zinger)

V. Conclusion A. Restate thesis (Remind them why you’re right) B. Call to action (What should your reader do? Besides not argue in the comments section)

Now let’s fill in our sample argumentative essay outline template and make it more organized than a political party convention:

I. Introduction A. Hook: “In a world where social media decides elections…” B. Background: Brief history of the issue C. Thesis: “Therefore, regulation of political ads on social media is necessary for fair elections.”

II. Body Paragraph 1: Impact of unregulated ads on voter behavior A. Evidence: Studies showing influence of targeted ads B. Analysis: How this undermines informed decision-making

III. Body Paragraph 2: Current lack of oversight A. Evidence: Comparison with traditional media regulations B. Analysis: Loopholes in digital advertising

IV. Counterargument: Free speech concerns A. Opposing view: Regulation could limit political expression B. Rebuttal: Balancing free speech with election integrity

V. Conclusion A. Restate thesis B. Call to action: Support for specific regulatory measures

Tips for Writing a Strong Argumentative Essay

When writing your essay, you can also use these tips as an argumentative essay outline template:

• Choosing a debatable topic: Pick an issue hotter than a political hot mic moment. Ensure there are clear opposing viewpoints. For example, “Should social media platforms be responsible for fact-checking political ads?” is more debatable than “Is voting important?”
• Gathering credible evidence: Use sources more reliable than your uncle’s Facebook posts. Think academic journals, respected news outlets, and expert opinions. For instance, cite a study from a political science journal about the impact of misinformation on voter behavior, rather than a random blog post.
• Maintaining coherence throughout your argumentative essay outline: Ensure each point in your outline flows logically to the next, like a well-planned political campaign strategy.
• Using logical reasoning: Structure your arguments more carefully than a politician answering a tough interview question. Use clear if-then statements and avoid logical fallacies. For example, “If unchecked misinformation spreads on social media, then voters may make decisions based on false information” is stronger than “Social media is ruining democracy!”
• Addressing counter arguments effectively: Don’t ignore the other side like a politician dodging a debate. Acknowledge opposing views and refute them with evidence and logic. For instance, if arguing for increased regulation of political ads, address concerns about free speech infringement.

How Litero.AI Can Help Your Argumentative Essay

Litero.ai comes packed with features tailored for any academic essays. It can help you brainstorm topics more controversial than a politician’s tax returns, and generate thesis statements sharper than a debate zinger. When it comes to your argumentative essay outline template, Litero can suggest structures more organized than a campaign headquarters on election night.

But the real magic happens when you’re fleshing out your arguments. Litero can help you find evidence to support your claims faster than a fact-checker during a live debate. The benefits? You’ll save time, strengthen your arguments, and maybe even have fun in the process!

Alright, future debate champions, let’s bring this home like a powerful closing statement. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to outline, revise, and outline again. Go forth and argue! Whether you’re tackling climate change, education reform, or the great pineapple-on-pizza debate, you’re now equipped with the tools to write essays more persuasive than a smooth-talking politician on election day. Your argumentative essay outline is your campaign strategy – use it wisely, and victory (or at least a good grade) shall be yours!

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Argumentative Essay: Student Guidelines & Examples

• Icon Calendar 8 September 2024
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Writing a good argumentative essay is one of the activities that students in high schools and higher learning institutions undertake as a test of their knowledge acquisition. Basically, this is a paper where students focus on persuading readers to agree with the central argument (thesis). However, to make their argument legitimate, people need to highlight views from opposing points of view (counterarguments). In writing, there are 3 main types of argumentative essays: classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin. While these types of papers can follow a similar outline, each has a unique writing structure that distinguishes it from others. In turn, primary features of an argumentative essay a person should capture in writing are a thesis, body paragraphs that support a central claim, a counterargument, a response to a counterargument (refutation), and concluding remarks. Finally, these guidelines present a definition of an argumentative essay, its format, basic writing steps, defining features, types, structures, outlines, templates, prompts, some examples, what to include, and what to avoid, allowing students to present high-quality papers and get their A+ grades.

General Aspects

Academic writing is a broad discipline that covers various styles and types of writing. Among different types of essays , there is an argumentative or persuasive writing format. Basically, the main point of an argumentative essay is to convince a reader of a validity of an author’s position on a debatable issue through evidence, reasoning, and persuasive statements. As such, it is a writing genre where a person investigates a topic by collecting and evaluating evidence to strengthen a claim concerning specific themes, including a basic outline. In other words, an argumentative paper focuses on supporting a person’s stance on an issue. Moreover, writing an entire content aims to persuade readers to understand and support that point of view. To achieve this writing goal, students need to state a valid reasoning behind their stance and provide evidence that backs it up.

What Is an Argumentative Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, an argumentative essay is a type and form of academic writing where an author presents a clear stance on a specific issue, supporting their position with logical reasoning and evidence. For example, the main purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to convince an intended audience of a real validity of an author’s viewpoint by presenting points backed by facts, research, and examples while also addressing and refuting opposing perspectives (Rogers, 2024). Unlike simple opinion pieces, an argumentative essay requires critical thinking and a structured writing approach, often involving introduction, body, and conclusion components. Further on, such a composition encourages an entire debate and helps to develop skills in logical reasoning, analysis, and persuasive communication (Koons, 2021). In principle, readers are encouraged to consider multiple sides of a specific issue, fostering a deeper understanding and prompting further reflection on a chosen topic. Moreover, people can take a clear stance, support a main claim with evidence, and systematically address counterarguments to reinforce their positions (Crossley& Tian, 2022). In terms of pages and words, the length of an argumentative essay depends on academic levels, course requirements, and controversial topics, while general writing guidelines are:

High School

• Length: 1-4 pages
• Word Count: 250-1,000 words
• Structure: Introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, conclusion.

College (Undergraduate)

• Length: 2-6 pages
• Word Count: 500-1,500 words
• Structure: Introduction, 3-5 body paragraphs, conclusion, with more emphasis on research and evidence.

University (Bachelor’s Level)

• Length: 4-10 pages
• Word Count: 1,000-2,500 words
• Structure: More in-depth research, multiple counterarguments, and extensive evidence supporting a central argument.

Master’s

• Length: 6-20 pages
• Word Count: 1,500-5,000 words
• Structure: More advanced research, multiple viewpoints, detailed analysis, and integration of sources, and its focus is on original argumentation.
• Length: 10-30+ pages
• Word Count: 2,500-7,500+ words
• Structure: Extensive research, complex arguments, multiple perspectives, and a highly detailed examination of sources, often contributing new insights to a chosen field.

Note: Some writing sections of an argumentative essay can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, depending on specific assignments or fields of study. For example, a standard argumentative essay format is an organized framework that outlines how to structure and present a thesis, supporting claims, counterarguments, and evidence in a coherent, logical way to persuade readers (Rogers, 2024). Basically, argumentative writing is a style and form of writing where an author presents a clear position on a specific and debatable issue and supports a main claim with evidence and reasoning while also addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints to persuade readers. Further on, the 5 main parts of an argumentative essay are an introduction, thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs with supporting evidence, counterarguments with refutations, and a conclusion (Koons, 2021). In writing, a typical length of an argumentative essay ranges from 250 to 2,000 words long, depending on academic levels and course instructions. Moreover, students write an argumentative essay when they need to take a stance on a debatable issue and persuade their audience through evidence, reasoning, and addressing counterarguments (Kleemola et al., 2022). An example of a strong claim for an argumentative essay is: “Implementing renewable energy sources is crucial to reducing global carbon emissions and combating climate change.” Finally, people need to cite sources whenever they use information, ideas, or direct quotes from others to support their argument, ensuring proper credit and avoiding plagiarism (Ferretti & Graham, 2019). In turn, to start an argumentative essay, people introduce a specific controversial topic with a hook to grab attention, provide some background information, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines their main position.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

• Choose a Debatable Topic for Writing: Select a good topic that has two or more sides and can be argued with evidence.
• Conduct Research: Gather credible information, statistics, and expert opinions to support your position.
• Develop a Clear Thesis: Write a concise statement that expresses your main argument or stance.
• Create an Outline: Organize your writing points and structure your argumentative essay with an introduction, body, counterarguments, and conclusion.
• Write an Engaging Introduction: Start writing your argumentative paper with a hook to capture attention, provide background information, and state your thesis.
• Present Your Claims: In each body paragraph, introduce a point supporting your thesis and back it up with evidence.
• Incorporate Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing views and address them to show balance in your argument.
• Refute Counterarguments: Present evidence or reasoning to disprove or weaken counterarguments.
• Write a Strong Conclusion: Restate your main thesis in another writing way, summarize key body points, and leave readers with a final thought or call to action.
• Revise and Proofread: Review your argumentative essay for clarity, coherence, and any grammatical or logical errors in writing.

Defining Features

An argumentative essay is a common form of writing. Basically, all students encounter argumentative papers at some point in their academic studies. In writing, this type of paper is tailored for a presentation of an argument due to its unique format. For example, a basic structure of an argumentative essay includes a classical layout, covering an introduction with a thesis statement sentence, body paragraphs with supporting evidence from credible sources and counterarguments, refutations, and a conclusion that reinforces a main stance (Koons, 2021). In principle, an argumentative essay is founded on a claim that is supported by evidence and rebuttals, which lack logical fallacies to facilitate a scientific critique. Further on, at the core of writing an argumentative essay is an initial claim that an author intends to defend when considering some argumentative topics. For example, a thesis statement in an argumentative essay must establish a clear position (Hackett, 2021). In this case, an author’s collection of evidence must support a main claim. Moreover, an author needs to have an opinion on an issue at hand and systematically explain an underlying logic to justify that position. Essentially, writing a thesis statement of an argumentative text ties together individual pieces of evidence provided by an author to develop a compelling explanation for an intended audience (Rogers, 2024). In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning an argumentative essay are:

• In today’s society, a hot issue of [topic] has sparked considerable debate over [themes].
• A question of whether [topic] is critical because it affects [stakeholders or consequences].
• There is no doubt that [topic] has become a highly controversial subject because [reasons].
• Many people argue that [topic], but evidence suggests [synthesis of evidence].
• One of the most pressing issues of a modern time is [topic], and it demands a careful consideration of [factors].
• While some scholars believe that [counterargument], it is clear that [thesis statement].
• An ongoing discussion about [topic] raises important questions about [related issue].
• It is often assumed that [counterargument], but a closer examination reveals that [thesis statement].
• To fully understand a real impact of [topic], people must first explore key reasons why [thesis statement].
• A hot debate over [controversial topic] has intensified over last ten years, with compelling arguments on both sides, but [thesis statement].

Body Section

Writing a body section of an argumentative essay consists of two distinct parts: supporting evidence and rebuttals. For example, the 5 writing characteristics of an argumentative essay are a clear thesis, logical reasoning, evidence-based support, acknowledgment of counterarguments, and a persuasive conclusion (Koons, 2021). Essentially, supporting evidence may be presented in either a deductive or inductive writing form, and it is dependent on a specific nature of an initial claim. In an argumentative text, the evidence provided to a target audience must build a convincing argument where a link between the evidence and the main claim is apparent (Hackett, 2021). Then, people need to provide rebuttals to main competing ideas to demonstrate some flaws in those lines of thought. Basically, students must provide unbiased reasoning and address alternative positions in a dispute (Rogers, 2024). In writing, there is no preferred order for presenting these sections. However, a target audience should be able to follow a person’s arguments easily. In turn, the principal difference between an expository essay and an argumentative essay is the former explains a topic with facts and information, while the latter presents a stance on an issue and aims to persuade readers with evidence and reasoning.

Challenges in Writing

The main challenge authors face when writing an argumentative essay is avoiding logical fallacies. For example, the 5 steps of an argumentative essay are choosing a debatable topic, crafting a clear thesis, gathering and organizing evidence, addressing counterarguments, and concluding with a strong restatement of a central claim (Rogers, 2024). In writing, fallacies are defects in one’s reasoning, which undermine an argument’s logic. As such, fallacies can easily creep into one’s paper if authors do not carefully assess the supporting evidence. Moreover, logical errors may manifest in various forms, such as a slippery slope and hasty generalization (Koons, 2021). Hence, writing argumentative papers allows students to improve their awareness of weak arguments through critical analysis of their claims. Besides logical fallacies weaken any argument because they create platforms for a critic. In turn, the key difference between argumentative and narrative/descriptive essays is that the former aims to persuade with evidence and reasoning, while the latter focuses on storytelling or vividly describing a person, place, or event.

Argumentative essays are important because they provide a valid framework for a scientific critic. For example, the best definition of an argumentative text is a piece of writing that presents a clear position on a debatable issue, supported by evidence and reasoning, with a goal of persuading a reader (Hackett, 2021). In particular, a scientific disagreement may arise because of issues, such as a generality of an argument, questionable methodology, and a presence of alternative interpretations of findings. On the other hand, argumentative writing ensures students can adequately defend their reasoning when disagreeing with some conclusions of other studies (Koons, 2021). In writing a conclusion section of an argumentative essay, people should restate a thesis, summarize key points made in a body, and provide a final thought or call to action that reinforces their position. As a result, a crucial demand for objectivity and logic in an argument ensures any disagreement in a scientific community is handled in a civilized manner.

A principal basis of argumentative papers is a specific aim of authors to affect the minds of readers. Basically, argumentative essay examples are sample papers that present a clear thesis on a debatable topic supported by evidence and reasoning while addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints (Kleemola et al., 2022). In writing, 3 conventional approaches to an argument are classical, Rogerian, and Toulmin, with different types of structures. Firstly, a classical argument emphasizes evidence and refutation to convince an opponent, dating back to Socrates and Aristotle’s 400 BC ancient Greece (Koons, 2021). Basically, refutation means disapproving of a main argument that is likely to challenge a person’s claim. Secondly, a Rogerian argument aims for a “win-win” negotiation, where neither an author nor an opposing viewpoint is wrong (Hackett, 2021). In essence, this writing type of argument emphasizes some areas where an author and an opposing argument have something in common, such as values and beliefs. Finally, a Toulmin argument underscores an author’s evidence and its strength in proving his or her claim (Rogers, 2024). In turn, common writing types of argumentative essays include:

Standard Writing Structures of Argumentative Essays

2-Point Argument Essay Structure

I. Introduction

Here, a student introduces his or her topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.

II. Body Paragraph 1

Here, a student presents a first point and supporting evidence.

III. Body Paragraph 2

Here, a student presents a second point and supporting evidence.

IV. Body Paragraph 3

Here, a student refutes a first argument (counterargument 1) from an opposing viewpoint.

V. Body Paragraph 4

Here, a student refutes a second argument (counterargument 2) from an opposing viewpoint.

VI. Conclusion

Here, a student concludes an argumentative by restating a thesis.

2-Point Refutation Essay Structure

Here, an author introduces a topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.

Here, an author refutes a first argument (counterargument 1) from an opposing viewpoint.

Here, an author refutes a second argument (counterargument 2) from an opposing viewpoint.

Here, an author presents a first point and supporting evidence.

Here, an author presents a second point and supporting evidence

Here, an author concludes an argumentative essay by restating a thesis.

A Structure of a Combination of Arguments With Refutations

Here, a person introduces a topic and a thesis statement, which is a central claim.

Here, a person presents a first point and supporting evidence, which also refutes a first counterargument.

Here, a person presents a second point and supporting evidence, refuting a second counterargument.

Here, a person presents a third point and supporting evidence, which also refutes a third counterargument.

V. Conclusion

Here, a person concludes an argumentative essay by restating a thesis.

Outlines and Templates

Classical Argumentative Essay Outline and Template

Here, a student focuses on capturing a reader’s attention by using a hook to introduce a topic with a thesis claim.

II. Statement of Background

Here, a student provides readers with an explanation of a context of a theme, an aspect that fosters a reader’s understanding of a topic.

III. Proposition

In this section, a student states a claim (thesis) based on the information presented and provides key points that will be used to support a central claim.

In this section, a student presents key reasons, sub-claims, and evidence.

V. Refutation

Here, a student anticipates and refutes counterarguments, which indicates that an issue is considered thoroughly, while a conclusion part is the most reasonable.

Here, a student summarizes key points and makes a final appeal to values, motivations, and feelings to persuade readers to identify themselves with a paper’s main argument.

Rogerian Argumentative Essay Outline and Template

I. Introduction of Problem

Here, an author presents a topic as a problem and raises suggestions for influencing positive change by using a thesis statement.

II. Summary of Opposing Views

In this section, an author embraces an accurate and neutral stance in stating views that disagree with a thesis.

III. Statement of Understanding

Here, an author shows readers that they understand that there are situations in which opposing views are valid and lets readers understand under which conditions.

IV. Position Statement

Here, an author states his or her own position after persuading readers that they have given full consideration to opposing views.

V. Statement of Contexts

Here, an author describes situations that can persuade readers to agree with his or her position by outlining some merits of a central argument in specific contexts.

V. Statement of Benefits (Conclusion)

In this section, an author appeals to an opposing viewpoint by showing how it would benefit from accepting his or her position.

Toulmin Argument Essay Outline and Template

I. Data (Introduction)

Here, a person presents facts or evidence to prove a main argument.

Here, a person writes a statement that captures an argumentative thesis.

III. Warrants

This section indicates a person’s general, hypothetical logical statements that link a claim and a data.

IV. Qualifiers

This section presents a person’s statements that propose conditions that justify an argument.

V. Rebuttals

Here, a person highlights counterarguments.

VI. Backing (Conclusion)

Here, a person challenges rebuttals by presenting statements that support warrants. In turn, these statements do not necessarily prove a thesis when concluding an argumentative essay, but they prove an overall validity of warrants.

High School Level

Classical Argumentative Essay

• Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: A Necessary Debate
• Is a Wage Gap a Reality or an Illusion?
• Is Gun Control Possible in the US?
• Does Owning a Gun Constitute a Right or a Privilege?

Rogerian Essay

• Does Marijuana Legalization Make a Medical or Economic Sense?
• Should There Be a Separation of Religion and Government?
• Is Single-Sex Education Necessary?

Toulmin Essay

• Is Technology Useful or Harmful to Young Children’s Development?
• Do Social Movements, Such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, Promote Iinclusiveness or Division?
• What Is a Greatest Threat to an Integrity of a Natural Environment?

College Level

• Pros and Cons of Self-Driving Vehicles: Evaluating Safety and Efficiency
• Influence of Violence in Video Games
• Roles of Technology in Enhancing Educational Outcomes
• Is Technology a Distraction?
• Is Facebook Still Relevant, or Has It Lost Its Edge?
• Should Companies Surveil Employees’ Use of Social Media?
• Should Companies Fire Employees for What They Post on Social Media Platforms?
• Is There a Moral Justification for Obscuring One’s Identity Online?
• What Are Key Dangers of Cyberbullying for Both Victims and Perpetrators?
• Which Is More Useful to Student Academic Success Between Virtual and Classroom Learning?
• Does Digitization of Class Content Encourage or Discourage Reading Among College Students?
• Should Colleges Allow Instructors to Provide Course Content to Students via Cellphones and Tablets?

University Level

• Impacts of Technology on Society
• Roles of Parental Attachment in Child Development
• Should Higher Learning Institutions Screen Students for Substance Use?
• Are Standardized Tests Necessary or Outdated?
• Do Standardized Tests Give an Accurate Assessment of One’s Abilities?
• Influence of Technology on Modern Education
• Should Schools Be Allowed to Offer Students Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores?
• Do School Holidays Impact Students’ Academic Performance?
• Does a School Environment Foster or Hamper Young People’s Creativity?
• Is Arts Education Beneficial?
• Is a Teacher-Student Relationship a Predictor of Students’ Academic Success?
• Should Parents Contribute to Curriculum Development?

Master’s Level

• The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing: A Paradigm Shift in Medicine
• Balancing School Curriculum: Is Art Education as Important as Science?
• Mandatory Vaccinations: A Public Health Necessity or Personal Liberty Infringement?
• Does Inclusiveness in Schools Benefit “General Education” Students?
• Do Standardized Tests Determine a Student’s Level of Knowledge?
• Does Higher Education Promote or Kill Innovation in an Individual?
• Do Gender Stereotypes Exist in Education?
• How Does Parental Poverty Affect a Child’s Education?
• Should One Refuse Medical Treatment Because of Religious Beliefs?
• Is Parental Consent Necessary in Teenagers’ Decision to Have a Tattoo?
• Is ‘Mercy Killing’ Moral?
• Who Is to Blame for Childhood Obesity in America Between the Government and Parents?

Ph.D. Level

• Importance of Dream Analysis in Understanding Subconscious Thoughts
• Did Mormons Have an Impact on America as a Society?
• Was War Necessary for a separation of the Southern States from the Union?
• What Was Slavery’s Contribution to the American Economy?
• Was the Federal Reserve to Blame for the Great Depression?
• What Is the Most Controversial Amendment of the US Constitution?
• Does Immigration Promote or Undermine a National Economy?
• Is There a Connection Between Concepts of Illegal Immigration and Runaway Crime in the US?
• Should Children of Illegal Immigrants Benefit From a Public Education System?
• What Is a Real Impact of Immigration Between Fostering Diversity and Threatening Indigenous Culture?

Practical Examples of Written Outlines

Classical Argumentative Essay Structure

I. Introduction: An importance of vocational training for inmates.

II. Background: Most inmates lack personal development skills, which explains a high number of inmates serving time for drug-related charges.

III. Proposition: Exposing inmates to vocational training reduces chances of reoffending (recidivism).

IV. Proof: Research shows that ex-offenders who get employed or those who engage in economic activities rarely get arrested for criminal involvement.

V. Refutation: There is no evidence that individuals with vocational training do not engage in criminal activities.

VI. Conclusion: Exposing inmates to vocational training is the best approach when it comes to reducing chances of reoffending (recidivism) after release from prison.

Rogerian Argumentative Essay Structure

I. Problem: A growing number of fast-food joints is to blame for increasing rates of teenage obesity in the United States (US).

II. Summary of Opposing Views: American teens eat more from home than at fast-food joints.

III. Statement of Understanding: There is a high probability that fast-food joints contribute to a culture of unhealthy eating in the US.

IV. Statement of a Student’s Position: A growing number of fast-food restaurants is to blame for the rising rates of obesity among American teenagers.

V. Statement of Contexts: Evidence shows that American teens see fast-food joints as places for social connection, an aspect that increases their exposure to unhealthy foods.

VI. Statement of Benefits: By regulating a general number of fast-food restaurants in a city, official authorities can reduce teenage exposure to unhealthy foods.

Toulmin Argumentative Essay Structure

I. Data: An excellent weather in Miami has seen a number of foreign tourists this year doubled from last year’s.

II. Claim: Weather is a significant factor in holiday-goers’ destination choice.

III. Warrants: There is a higher likelihood that a family would choose a place with warm weather as a holiday destination.

IV. Qualifiers: A primary reason for holidaymaking is to enjoy oneself, which includes engaging in outdoor activities. Good weather makes this happen.

V. Rebuttals: Weather is a natural phenomenon that is sometimes unpredictable.

VI. Backing: Despite a possibility that a weather can change abruptly, considering it is an essential activity for anyone planning on going for a holiday or even out of town.

Short Writing Example of a Toulmin Essay Format

There is emerging evidence that cruelty against animals is an accepted fact in a pursuit of specimens for use in animal research (data). In this case, a thought that a scientific community is indifferent to a cruelty involved in a search for specimens for use in experiments is enough to compel the United States (US) Congress to ban animal research (claim). Moreover, morality demands that society should place a higher premium on animals’ well-being than profits or scientific advancement (warrant). As things stand, it is only Congress that can bring about change through legislation (warrant). Then, a reason as to why Congress should intervene in this matter is because it is the only institution that corporations cannot influence through lobbying (backing). Moreover, a fact that there has been a public uproar makes it difficult for congressional members to be swayed by corporate lobbyists from enacting the law (backing). For clarity purposes, this ban should not apply to medical research (qualifier). In turn, a law that bans all research would be counterproductive since human civilization has relied on science to advance in many areas (rebuttal). As such, it would be incumbent upon congressional members to craft a law that specifies what kinds of research are illegalized (backing).

Complete Argumentative Essay Example

What to include.

Common Mistakes

• Lack of a Clear Thesis Statement: Without a strong, specific thesis, an argumentative essay lacks focus and direction for writing.
• Ignoring Counterarguments: Failing to acknowledge opposing views weakens a central position by making it seem one-sided.
• Insufficient Evidence: Arguments without proper evidence appear weak and unconvincing, relying too much on opinion.
• Overusing Emotional Appeals: Excessive reliance on emotion instead of logic undermines credibility and fails to persuade rationally.
• Poor Structure and Organization: A disorganized argumentative essay confuses readers and makes a central idea harder to follow.
• Weak or Vague Topic Sentences: Without strong topic sentences, body paragraphs lack clear direction and focus.
• Using Unreliable Sources: Citing unreliable or biased sources can damage an overall credibility of an entire argumentative paper.
• Failing to Explain Evidence: Presenting evidence without explaining its relevance weakens a connection between a claim and support.
• Overgeneralization: Making sweeping claims without considering exceptions or nuances diminishes a paper’s validity.
• Inconsistent Tone or Style: Shifting tone or style can distract readers and break an overall flow of an argument, making it less persuasive.

To write an argumentative essay, people clearly state their thesis, support this stance with evidence and reasoning, address counterarguments, refute them, and conclude by reinforcing their main point. In writing, they must cover a presentation of an argument in a convincing manner by considering certain aspects. Firstly, a position or main claim of an author has to be stated at the beginning of a paper. Secondly, people must provide evidence that supports a chosen position and necessary rebuttals. Finally, an author ensures there are no logical fallacies. Unfortunately, they may undermine an underlying logic of a central argument. Moreover, mastering a critical skill of writing an argumentative essay ensures students can actively engage in scientific criticism. As such, some writing tips include:

• Pick an interesting topic for writing an argumentative essay.
• Research the topic widely.
• Record all the facts.
• Decide which type of argumentative paper to write.
• Craft an argument.
• Formulate a structure.
• Start writing an argumentative composition.

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Ferretti, R. P., & Graham, S. (2019). Argumentative writing: Theory, assessment, and instruction. Reading and Writing , 32 (6), 1345–1357. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-019-09950-x

Hackett, U. (2021). Brilliant essays . Red Globe Press.

Kleemola, K., Hyytinen, H., & Toom, A. (2022). The challenge of position-taking in novice higher education students’ argumentative writing. Frontiers in Education , 7 , 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.885987

Koons, M. (2021). Writing an argumentative essay: The complete introductory guide to writing an argumentative essay for beginner students . Write Illusion LLC.

Rogers, D. (2024). Writing better essays: A rhetorical guide to writing and revision . Equinox Publishing Ltd.