What are the basic steps of writing an argumentative essay?
When most people hear of an argumentative essay, what comes to mind is an aggressive way of writing. It is automatically assumed that the writer must use every means possible to ensure the readers believe his stance. Probably because the word “argument” sounds a bit strong. This is not true for most pieces of writing. The simplicity of an argumentative essay makes it convincing.
It is a form of writing that aims to convince the reader by using factual evidence and logic to support an idea. It is as straightforward as that! As easy as it may seem, there are basic steps to follow to present a good argumentative essay. This article brings them to light.
Write an Outline
It is a rule of thumb that an outline makes your writing process easier. An argumentative essay is no exception. An outline is a map highlighting what your paragraphs will contain, in what order, and the style of your argument. This is essentially the structure of your essay. It is as important as the essay itself.
For instance, your outline can be the introduction, thesis, supporting paragraph one, counterargument, supporting paragraph two, and conclusion. A good writing map will ensure that you do not miss out on all the intended areas of your arguments. It also makes it easier to meet up with timed essays.
Main Types of Arguments and How to Use Them
Apart from writing an outline, you also need to understand the approach to your future essay and how to go about it. The main types of argument when writing your essay are:
- The classical approach. Also known as Aristotelian, this argument type involves putting the main argument forward and stating your view on it. Then you convince your readers why your point of view is correct.
This writing style makes use of credibility, emotion, and reasoning to prove its points. After stating your opinion on the problem, you express the opposite standpoint and refute it one by one as you write. Your refutation should be supported with evidence.
This strategy is the most popular and is very useful when making straightforward arguments. Furthermore, it is effective when your readers are not very knowledgeable about your topic.
2. The Rogerian approach. This one entails showing the difficulty, recognizing the opposite side of the argument, and stating your perspective on it. Then you explain why yours is the most favorable to the readers.
The writer agrees that the opponent may be valid on some of their points. The idea is to acknowledge both sides of an argument and reach a middle ground. It is the least combative and most courteous approach usually needed when talking to a mixed audience.
It adopts a broad-scoped view of the topic and reaches the core of the problem. This argumentative essay writing method is effective for polarizing topics because it acknowledges both sides of the argument and presents a balanced view.
3. The Toulmin approach. With this strategy, the writer presents a claim and uses facts and evidence to support it. The writer then justifies that those pieces of evidence and facts are accurately linked to the claim. This method also seeks to provide a middle ground within an argument.
It is useful when arguing complex issues without a clear truth or when your thesis is a counter argument or rebuttal. A counter argument in an essay is used to clear any doubts readers might have about your standpoint. This is also a way of giving a reason to disagree with the opposing view. It aims to analyze claims themselves with logic and profound analysis on topics that require unknotting.
This method is also useful for polarizing topics. However, rather than presenting both sides of an argument, it shows one side and backs it up with evidence. The evidence is presented in a way that makes it difficult to question the claim.
Finding Ideas to Write About
Although there is no clear strategy for this, it is not difficult to choose topics for an essay is not difficult. One can easily get ideas by merely checking the news headlines or listening to a conversation among a group of people. For instance, a discussion about a woman who needed an abortion for health reasons can inform a topic on the validity of anti-abortion laws.
When persuading someone to believe in your demand, it usually involves the truth of your claim, what caused it, its importance, and what we should do about it. Any social phenomenon can give an idea for your argumentative essay topic. What is necessary is that you understand the problem and represent a viewpoint on it.
You might struggle with getting ideas for your essay or writing it itself, especially for academic purposes. In this situation, Edusson can provide you with professional essay writing services to save you stress. All you need is to state your wishes to such professional essay writing service providers.
Write a Thesis Statement
The importance of a thesis statement in writing your essay cannot be overemphasized. A thesis statement is a sentence, usually, in your introductory paragraph, that states your claim and encapsulates your standpoint on a particular topic. To write an argumentative essay, you need to be clear on your stance at the beginning.
This gives your readers an idea of what to expect from subsequent paragraphs. It also makes your argument easy to understand. Your thesis statement can be in the form of a question and answer, a refutation of objections, or a roadmap format.
Support Your Argument with Concrete Facts
The goal of your argumentative essay writing is to persuade your readers to agree with your stance by appealing to their reason rather than emotion. This can be done with the use of facts. Hard facts do this better. This is why you need to do sufficient research before delving into your essay.
Use Aids for Style and Grammar
The wrong spellings and grammar can distort the flow of your argument, no matter how little. This is why different checker aids are available to help check this. Using them allows you to concentrate on the substance of your argument. The services focus on the technicalities of your essay.
Wrap-up
Once you understand the problem presented in your essay topic and pick a stance, the rest of the essay is easy to complete. At this point, do your research to have enough evidence to back up your claims. Have an outline to make your writing process seamless. Write based on the argument approach that suits your topic and standpoint.
You should ensure that your thesis statement is clearly stated at the beginning. Use appropriate writing aids and services, and you are good to go. Remember, your argumentative essay does not have to be combative. Simplicity goes a long way in persuading your readers.