5 Tips for Making an Argumentative Essay Worth Reading

It's one thing to sit and argue with a friend on specific topics but it's another to put those ideas and points of view into academic language in a way that gets a reader to see your side without making them upset. When you are talking to somebody in person, it is easier to explain yourself because you have facial expressions and body language to help in portraying the importance or seriousness your standpoint. Writing, on the other hand, takes more effort in the sense that you have to pick the exact words that you want in order to make sure that the audience is not taking on a different meaning, because that could ruin your argument.... but we'll get to that.

Do not be afraid to use books to support your claims.

(Photo/MorgueFile)

Lets talk about some basic things to keep in mind while writing your argumentative essay!

1. Pick a topic of interest: The biggest problem that I see when a student comes in to ask about this type of assignment is when they cannot seem to come up with anything to say on a topic. IF IT DOES NOT INTEREST YOU- DO NOT CHOOSE IT. The worst thing that a student can do is pick something to argue about that he/she does not agree with or is not passionate about. The more passionate you are about a subject, the easier it will be to write about it.
If you are assigned a topic to write about and it is not appealing to you, I would advise you to argue the side that you have more information on. This idea may go against how you really feel about the subject but in the long run it will be easier to write about. Make a list of the pros and cons of the debate and use that to make your decision.

2. Research the topic: Make sure that you are looking up information about the debate topic. It is important to look up BOTH SIDES of the argument in order to ensure that you are not making ignorant or untrue statements that will take away from your argument.

3. Address both sides: One of the hardest concepts for students to wrap their minds around is that idea that it is okay to address both sides of the argument in their paper. Please do! It is a good thing!
      A. Begin the paper by introducing your topic, staying as neutral as possible
      B. Your thesis statement will be about your stance on the subject
      C. Support the thesis with the evidence that you gathered through your research
      D. Conceit to the other point- basically state that the other side has some good points too but your side is still better for all of the reasons that you listed. This is a CRUCIAL part of an argument essay because it shows the audience that you considered both sides but you still feel strongly about the stance that you took. This will strengthen any argument that you make.
      E. Conclude your essay by summarizing why your stance is the right stance.

4. Stay away from emotional language: You want the audience to take your stance but it is important to remain profession and only use facts to support your claims.

5. Cite your sources: You should be doing this for every paper that you write but it is important to make sure that you are citing the evidence that you find that backs up your point so that the audience can look it up if they want to see it for themselves.

I  hope these tips are helpful for those struggling with the argumentative essay... It's a tough one but if you keep these ideas in mind and are passionate about what you are discussing then you shouldn't have a problem!