An argumentative essay attempts to convince your reader of the validity of a particular opinion on a controversial issue. These following steps may assist you in forming your written argument:
1. Choose a topic that interests you. It doesn't have to be a vital topic of the day but it should be something that you can feel strongly about.
2. Clearly identify the issue at stake, and where you stand on it in the introductory paragraph. This is your thesis.
3. Provide support to your stated argument (thesis) in the subsequent body paragraphs. Support this thesis with the 3 strongest arguments you can find. Draw on statistics, expert opinions, facts, personal experiences, research studies drawn from journals, books, newspaper articles, reports etc..
4. Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints and repudiate them using your sources. This will lend additional persuasiveness to your argument.
5. Provide a forceful conclusion that restates your position in different words. It may include a call to action.
(Adapted from Indian River State College Writing Handout)
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Thank you to Edward Metz for his permission to adopt and adapt his guide The Argument Essay.