41 Writing Argumentative Essays

Elements of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay explains a topic and clearly shows the writer’s opinion. The writer makes claims (main ideas) and supports them with evidence (proof). A strong argumentative essay also shows that the writer understands both sides of the issue, not only the side they agree with.

Claims and Evidence

• Claim: what you believe about the topic
• Evidence: information that supports your claim

Example

• Claim: Attending class regularly leads to better academic performance for college students.
• Evidence: University data shows that students with higher attendance rates usually earn higher final grades.

1. Arguments for your viewpoint (Pro-Arguments)

In order to convince your readers of your viewpoint, you need to carefully construct your arguments. These arguments that support your viewpoint are called pro-arguments. To be effective, they should do the following:

a. Make Sense (Be Logical)

The arguments need to be logical and appropriate for your opinion on the topic.

• Example: If your opinion is that taking online classes benefits college students, your arguments should
  • ✅ Focus on the advantages of online learning, such as flexibility, time management, or access to recorded lectures. For example, you could argue that online classes allow students to balance school and part time jobs more easily.
  • ❌ You would not want to use an argument that claims online classes make students feel isolated, because that argument does not logically support the opinion that online classes are beneficial.

b. Use Convincing Evidence

The support for your arguments needs to be based on evidence, not opinions. The following types of evidence may be used. They are listed in terms of strength from strongest to weakest.

1. 1. Paraphrase from a source
   2. Quote from a source
   3. Personal example

• Example:
  • Paraphrase (stronger): Researchers report that college students who take online classes often improve their time‑management skills because they must plan their study time independently.
  • Personal example (weaker): As an online student, I learned to organize my weekly schedule and meet deadlines without in‑person reminders.

c. Relate to Your Readers

Your arguments should be convincing to your specific audience. In college writing, your audience is often other college students—people who are educated, used to evaluating evidence, and capable of critical thinking.

• Example (Online Learning):
  • If you are arguing that online classes benefit college students, your readers will expect more than personal opinions. Instead of saying “online classes are easier,” you might explain how online courses allow students to manage heavy course loads, part‑time jobs, or commuting—experiences many college students share. Using research on student performance or time management will be more persuasive to this audience.
  • If your audience were non‑students or people from different educational backgrounds, you would need to explain these college‑specific experiences more carefully.

d. Be Thoughtfully Ordered

The arguments need to be organized so you maximize their impact. This means you need to think about how best to build your arguments.

• Weakest → Strongest: Some writers start with their weakest arguments and end with their strongest. This helps readers remember the strongest point and may make the opinion more convincing.
• Strongest → Weakest: Other writers begin with their strongest arguments to persuade readers right away. If readers agree early, they may be more open to the weaker arguments later.

2. Arguments Against Your Viewpoint (Counterarguments)

The arguments against your viewpoint are called counterarguments or opposing arguments. You should present them fairly and then show why they are less convincing than your arguments. There are five steps in presenting and refuting an opposing argument.

Step 1: Problematization (Introduce the Opposing View’s Side)

You must make it clear that the counterarguments are not your arguments. Use special language to introduce them so that the reader knows whose arguments they are.

Example language:

Step 2: Development

Your counterargument must be directly related to your main topic and focus and you must show you understand the opposing side.

Limit the number of counterarguments you discuss. For this course, choose one strong counterargument. Explain it briefly and clearly. Support it with some evidence to show you understand the issue. Do not spend too much time supporting the opposing view.

Step 3: Acknowledgement / Concession

Show that the counterargument has some merit, but do not agree with it completely. The objective is to show that you have looked at both sides and believe your argument is correct and the counterargument is not.

Example language:

Step 4: Transition

Signal to the reader that your refutation is coming next.

Example language:

Step 5: Refutation (or Rebuttal)

A refutation explains why the counterargument is weaker than your position. Your refutation should respond directly to the counterargument and cause readers to question the truth or strength of the opposing claim. To be effective, the counterargument should:

• Focus on the limits or problems in the opposing argument.
• Show readers why your position is stronger.
• Make sure to not simply repeat your pro‑arguments.

In “Me First” and “You First” essays, the refutation may appear in the same paragraph as the counterargument or in a separate paragraph. This refutation is different from your main pro‑arguments, which are developed elsewhere in the essay.

Watch the video, introducing you to argumentative essays

From Mallory Kirkland