How to Write an Argument Essay
Argument essays are commonly assigned in first-year college writing courses. An argument expresses an opinion about a subject and uses logic to get an audience to accept that point of view. Argument differs from persuasion in that persuasion typically uses emotion and reason to convince the audience. Arguments should rely on facts to sway the reader to your point of view.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Choose a topic. Decide on a good topic that can be effectively argued. It should be a subject that has various angles, or points of view, to argue.
-
2
Avoid overly done topics like abortion, the death penalty, stem cell research or others. These topics have been argued to death and most people already have an opinion on these issues. These topics are also too broad, have too many angles, and would not be manageable for a simple argument essay.
-
-
3
Develop a claim about your subject. What are you arguing about the subject?
-
4
Think about your audience. What opinions are you seeking to change?
-
5
Write a thesis statement that expresses an argument. Thesis statements for an argument essay should not simply state a fact. It should clearly state the subject that will be addressed and the claim that is being made about the subject.
-
6
Write an introduction to give background information on the subject and to state your thesis.
-
7
Present the argument in the body of the essay. You will need to explain what you are arguing.
-
8
Provide reasons for your argument. Why are you arguing this point of view?
-
9
Use logical appeals when presenting your argument. This means to use evidence and reasons to support the argument. Fully support the thesis in the body. Do not discuss any information that does not move the thesis along. Avoid logical fallacies or flaws in logic.
-
10
Write a conclusion that sums up the essay’s ideas and restates the thesis. Leave the reader with parting words to help them understand why they should care about this argument.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
For more information about argument essays, check out Cheryl Glenn’s book Making Sense: A Real-World Rhetorical Reader (ISBN 0-312-41959-7).
