Do you know how to start an argumentative essay? No matter how strong your argument is, it cannot convince your reader if it does not contain all the essential elements and is appropriately structured. So, if you are planning to write an argumentative essay, continue reading.
In this article, I have covered the following points about argumentative essays:
- Understanding Argumentative Essay
- How to Start an Argumentative Essay?
- Outlining an Argumentative Essay
- Writing a Types of Argument Claims
- Three Types of Arguments to Use
- Want to Learn More About Essay Writing
You will be able to write a compelling piece that will give a clear point of view about a topic to your readers. Before you know how to write an argumentative essay, it’s essential to understand what it is and how it is different from other types of essays.
Understanding Argumentative Essay
The intention behind an argumentative essay is to convince the reader of a particular point of view on a topic. The writer provides enough reasoning, background information, and evidence to support the stance. Many students have a misconception that an argumentative essay is the same as an analytical essay, but they are not.
Argumentative essays are typically active in academic settings. Teachers and professors assign this type of essay to the students to test their writing skills and thinking ability. An argumentative essay is generally written on topics including science, politics, technology, and healthcare.
How To Start An Argumentative Essay?
Even if you have never written and don’t know how to start an argumentative essay, here, you will learn the step-by-step process.
Outlining An Argumentative Essay
The first step to start an argumentative essay is to plan the structure of the essay. Although you can segment the essay in different ways, ensure that they include these basic elements while outlining your essay.
- Introductory Paragraph With Thesis Statement: The introductory paragraph can decide whether the reader will continue reading your essay or not. So, it’s essential to write a strong introductory paragraph with proper thesis statements. You can start with a question or a current global issue to catch the attention of the reader. Then connect the reader with your central point of view in the thesis statement
- Body Paragraphs: Usually, there are three to four paragraphs in an argumentative essay. The body paragraph should include all the facts and evidence that support your claims. Remember, each paragraph should contain only a single idea. Using multiple ideas in a single paragraph can make it confusing for the reader.
Fill your body paragraphs with real examples, statistical information, research material to support your opinion. You can also add a counterargument paragraph to strengthen your stance, make it credible, and build the reader’s trust. You need to provide essential evidence and reasoning to disagree with the other point of view. - Concluding Paragraph: This paragraph restates your central point of view and helps the reader to remind the facts and key points. You can also share your personal anecdote to convey to the reader the impact of the topic on your life. It’s not the part where you should introduce a new idea or evidence.
Writing A Strong Thesis Statement
Some people don’t know how to write a thesis statement for an argumentative essay. The purpose of this statement is to make the reader aware of the main idea of the essay. The following three steps will help you write a strong thesis statement.
- Convert your topic into a question and answer it: One of the best ways to write a strong thesis statement is to turn your topic and tell the reader that you will answer it in the essay. Convince the reader that you will not only answer it, but you will also provide facts, statistical information, and real examples.
- Raise an argument and confute it: Another way to make your statement stronger is by raising an argument and refuting it. For example, you can talk that Blockchain Technology can revolutionize the finance industry.
- Outline your main points: The simplest way to write your thesis is by outlining your key points in the essay. This is simple but the most effective because the reader will get a clear idea of what you are talking about.
Next, you need to know about different types of argument claims that you will include in your essay.
Types Of Argument Claims
Once you are ready with your central point of view, you need to choose a particular type of claim for presenting your opinion. Generally, you can present your arguments in the following four ways:
- Fact: In this type of claim, you present an idea, whether it’s true or false.
- Definition: If you disagree with the dictionary definition of a particular concept or idea and you want to present your own interpretation.
- Value: You are arguing because you want to convince your readers why it’s important.
- Policy: Why should the reader read your essay, and what should they do after reading it?
Approaches For Writing An Argumentative Essay
Since you are not sure how to start an argumentative essay, you can use the three ways to structure your essay.
Classical Approach
In the classical approach, you just state your opinion and provide supporting details to refute your argument. It’s an effective way to convince your readers when they don’t have valid points to opposing your argument.
Rogerian Approach
In the Rogerian approach, you are stating a problem and convincing the reader that your opinion is the most beneficial by acknowledging the opposing argument.
Toulmin Approach
In this type of approach, you claim that your opinion is the best and support your claim with background information, reasoning, and factual evidence.
Want To Learn More About Essay Writing?
I hope the above information has helped you to learn how to start an argumentative essay. If you have never written before, you may not be able to write a convincing essay in the first attempt. However, you can surely develop your skills with practice. Lastly, please share what topic on which you want to write an argumentative essay.
Read Also –
- How to Write an Analysis Essay: A Step by Step Guide
- How to Start an Informative Essay: A Complete Guide
- Things To Consider For Writing A Great Essay
