An argumentative essay is a discussion in form a debate. The writer must take side on the debate with an objective opinion. This means that the writer presents their side with stronger evidence but in a neutral tone. As an argument, the essay has to bring to perspective the most outspoken critiques of their view to illustrate contrast to the reader
The writer must keep in mind that the purpose is winning the opposing views over persuasively. That is why argumentative essay is also referred to as persuasive essay. Having a deep understanding of the topic is critical in a argument. It enables you bring out compelling evidence in support of your view. Equally as important, you can dilute opposing views with their by presenting facts that contradict them.
There are features typical of an argumentative essay. Just as the term suggests, the topic must be one that attracts logically opposing views. Though in most instances the topic allocated to the student by the instructor/professor, if left open, a student should make sure their choice is on a controversial issue; otherwise, there is no argument. Examples of such issues include control of civilian gun ownership, euthanasia, legal age for drinking alcohol and abortion. These common topics carry a risk of weak argument if the writer is not adequately informed on the subject matter. Even riskier is to turn negatively emotive to insist on your view when opposing views challenge yours in such issue like religion.
An argumentative essay has to have a thesis. This is a statement that clearly demonstrates the side of the debate the writer has taken. The statement is stated objectively in the third person’s view. For example “I support lowering legal age for drinking alcohol” is less objective compared to “Lowering the legal age for drinking alcohol is timely to reflect evolved social ideals”, Depending on the style of writing, the thesis should be highlighted with an underline or bolding.
A convincing argument is expected in the essay to prove the thesis. Assertion of your view is not all there is to the essay, but data, statistics and authoritative statements affirm the position. Quoting from research findings and opinion leaders add weight to your evidence. Be cautious to steer from biased sources that exaggerate information like non-moderated blogs and some talk shows. Keep the tone neutral. Presume that there are critiques to your view who are ‘ listening’ to your argument. A neutral tone demonstrates a spirit of good faith in your propositions.
Here are the steps to writing an argumentative essay. Firstly, the writer should decide on the topic. Unless, it is pre-selected for you by your instructor, it is advisable to keep away from issues that are too broad. The second step entails doing research on the topic. Initially, a brief but broad search through books, newspaper and encyclopedias reveals authoritative sources to narrow you search on. Note the sources or the authors that feature frequently as these will be the focus of your references. If the search is internet-based, use key phrases or words that are identifiable with the topic.
Having acquired a reasonable understanding of the topic, then decide on the opinion to support. This is the basis for thesis statement that declared the chosen side of the debate. Identify main point with supportive evidence in form of statistics or published research. Seek evidence that contradict the strongest points in the opposing side. Presenting objective evidence that dilutes opposing view strengthens your argument. Finally compile the essay into a coherent flow. At the introduction declare the thesis statement after giving a background and restate it at conclusion to with a summary that qualifies it. In the body the each paragraph elaborates on a separate key idea.