Argumentative Essay Assignment | Homework Help Websites
WRITING ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS
For most people, the true test of their critical thinking skills comes when they write an argumentative essay, one that takes a stand on an issue and uses logic and evidence to convince readers. 
When you write an argument, you follow the same process you use when you write any essay. However, because the purpose of an argument is to change the way readers think, you need to use some additional strategies to present your ideas to your audience.
A) Planning an Argumentative Essay
Because an argumentative essay attempts to change the way people think, it must focus on a debatable topic, one about which reasonable people may disagree. Factual statements—verifiable assertions about which reasonable people do not disagree—are, therefore, not suitable as topics for argument.
Fact: First-year students are not required to purchase a meal plan from the university.
Debatable Topic: First-year students should be required to purchase a meal plan from the university.
Your topic should be narrow enough so that you can write about it within your page limit. Remember, in your argumentative essay, you will have to develop your own ideas and present convincing support while also pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of opposing arguments. If your topic is too broad, you will not be able to treat it in enough detail.
In addition, your topic should be interesting to you and to your readers. Keep in mind that some topics—such as “The Need for Gun Control” or “The Fairness of the Death Penalty”—have been discussed and written about so often that you may not be able to say anything new or interesting about them. Instead of relying on an overused topic, choose one that enables you to contribute something to the debate.
2) Developing an Argumentative Thesis
After you have chosen a topic, your next step is to state your position in an argumentative thesis, one that takes a strong stand. Properly worded, this thesis statement lays the foundation for the rest of your argument. One way to make sure that your thesis statement actually does take a stand is to formulate an antithesis, a statement that takes the opposite position. If you can state an antithesis, your thesis statement takes a stand.
Thesis Statement: Term limits would improve government by bringing people with fresh ideas into office every few years.
Antithesis: Term limits would harm government because elected officials would always be inexperienced.
To make sure your argumentative thesis is effective, ask the following questions:
- Is your thesis one with which reasonable people would disagree?
- Can you formulate an antithesis?
- Can your thesis be supported by evidence?
- Does your thesis make clear to readers what position you are taking?
