Writing an Argumentative Essay
Argumentative essay draft
This week you’re drafting your argumentative/ argument essay.
Remember: the topic for this argument will be something from your personal life. In other words, you will make the argument for why you (or your family) need to do more of something or less of something or change something you’re doing now.
The draft for this essay can be handwritten or typed, but it should include the following:
An intro the describes the current situation and ends with your thesis
Body paragraphs that develop your thesis through 3-5 reasons
Body paragraphs that develop each reason by using facts and details
Body paragraphs that conclude by answering “so what?” about that reason
A conclusion that begins by restating the thesis and answers “so what?” by thinking about what may/may not change in the future
Here are tips that can help with your argumentative essay:
Choose a Clear, Debatable Topic: Select a topic that is not only interesting to you but also has multiple viewpoints. Ensure it’s something you can support with evidence.
Craft a Strong Thesis Statement: Your thesis should clearly state your position on the topic and outline the main points you will discuss. It serves as the backbone of your essay.
Use Evidence and Research: Support your arguments with credible evidence, such as statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples. This adds weight to your claims and strengthens your position.
Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge opposing viewpoints. Addressing counterarguments not only shows that you understand the complexity of the issue but also allows you to refute them, reinforcing your own argument.
Organize Your Essay Logically: Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that each focus on a single point, and a conclusion that ties everything together. Each paragraph should flow logically to the next.
Use Clear and Persuasive Language: Choose words carefully to persuade your reader. Use active voice, strong verbs, and clear language to make your argument compelling.
Include Transitional Phrases: Use transitions between paragraphs and ideas to guide your reader smoothly through your argument. This helps maintain coherence and clarity.
Stay Focused and Relevant: Keep each paragraph focused on your thesis. Avoid introducing irrelevant information that can distract from your main points.
Conclude Effectively: Your conclusion should restate your thesis and summarize your main points. Leave the reader with a final thought or call to action that underscores the importance of your argument.
Edit and Revise: After writing your first draft, take the time to revise for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. A well-polished essay makes a stronger impact.