Argumentative Essay: Structure, Tips & Sample Topics

Imagine sitting in a coffee shop while two friends debate a subject.

But you have a contrary opinion to their point of view, and since you were never a part of the conversation to begin with, it is impossible for you to chime in.

So you leave the shop, thinking about how you could have contributed to the conversation.

You become unsettled and very determined to find a way to contribute.

So you decide to write about the topic, an essay that shows your stance for or against the topic, an argumentative essay.

Now, you have all these opinions and views, but you do not know how to write an argumentative essay.

Don’t worry, that is why this article exists.

All you have to do is relax and read through.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay uses facts and evidence to address in support or against a specific topic.

So, think of an argumentative essay as a way to convince someone that your opinion is valid.  

Writing an argumentative essay is a way for you to pick a side and defend your view like a lawyer in a courtroom. 

An argumentative essay is not just you throwing opinions around. It requires you to follow a structured pattern to make your claim and back it up with evidence.

Sometimes you might even need to address other points of view even those you don’t agree with. 

Unlike other essays that require you to inform or educate, an argumentative essay is logical.

It requires you to have enough evidence and reasoning to win your reader over. 

An argumentative essay makes you a professional debater but in writing.

It is a way for you to make a case for something that you really believe in. 

Core Elements of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay requires certain elements. Therefore, you cannot claim to have written a standard essay if these elements are not present.

These elements include: 

• A Clear Thesis: This is a summary of the main claim in your essay. Your thesis should be clear and arguable instead of being a random opinion. If you want to grab the attention of your readers immediately, do it with a clear thesis statement. 
• Strong Evidence: If you want your reader to side with your claim, you must come with credible evidence. In your essay, you have to state facts and stats that show that your argument is the most reasonable. 
• Argument: How do you write an argumentative essay without an actual argument? That is impossible. You have to provide reasons and opinions that are in support of your stance on a topic. 
• Logical Reasoning: Reasoning answers the ‘why’ question in your essay. It is a response to your reader’s question on why you have this view or why you have taken this stance. 
• Counterclaim: These are objections to your argument. Your essay should acknowledge any opposing view that the other party may have to your claim. Having a counterclaim also helps your readers know your opinion comes from a place of good research. 
• Rebuttal: The requirements for writing argumentative essays include acknowledging existing counterclaims for successful refutation. An essay without a rebuttal statement reveals an acceptance of the opposing party’s views.  
• Conclusion: Your essay demands a conclusion that supports your main argument. It is like a summary of your claim. Think of your conclusion as dropping the mic.

Common Topics for Argumentative Essays

Picking a topic you truly care about makes it possible to write an effective argumentative essay.

Here are common argumentative essay topics for you to choose from:

Art

Are you interested in art? you can write about: 

• Does art need to have meaning behind it?
• Are NFTs good for art? 
• Can you call AI art real art?
• Can you really separate art from the artist? 
• Should art and music be taught in schools? 

Environment

For opinions on environmental safety, here are argumentative essay examples:

• Do humans cause climate change?
• Are electric cars better for the environment?
• Should the government do more to encourage home vegetable gardens?
• Should single-use plastics be banned?
• Should fossil fuels be banned? 

Technology

Are you passionate about technology?

Here are essays you can write on: 

• Should deep fake technology be regulated by law? 
• Should children be allowed to use social media? 
• Can AI replace you? 
• Should robots be given human rights?
• Can wearable technology contribute to healthcare? 

Science 

Here are some science-based options for you: 

• Is space exploration worth the massive investment? 
• Is cloning legal? 
• Can science explain panoramic activities?
• Should companies monetize user data without consent?

Mental Health 

You can choose from the following if you are passionate about mental health:

• Should mental health days be given to students and employees?
• Does social media contribute to depression in teenagers? 
• Should therapy be free?
• Are mental illnesses treated with the same importance as physical illnesses?
• Should schools provide mental health education?

Here’s an additional more – EduBirdie

Argumentative Essay Structure

The point of an argumentative essay is to convince your reader not to confuse them.

Therefore, to prevent confusion, you have to follow the standard argumentative essay outline.

The standard essay structure includes: 

Introduction

The introductory part of your essay is very important. It is where you get the attention of your reader.

So make sure you make it interesting.

Your introduction should be divided into 3 parts, they are: 

• A brief outline of the topic
• Background information about the topic to help understand your argument 
• A thesis statement or main claim 

Body Paragraphs

In order to pass your message across properly, your essay should have at least 3 paragraphs.

This way you can explain in detail the reason for your claim. 

You should also make sure that each paragraph gives a different reason or evidence why the reader should agree with your point of view.

So you must start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence. 

Don’t forget to also make sure that each body paragraph contains examples, research, and studies that support your claim.

You should also ensure that you have a paragraph that addresses opposing claims and disputes them.

Ensure that you also include the reason why you disagree.

This adds credibility to your essay, and it will help you gain the support of your reader. 

Another important thing to note with your body is that there has to be a connection between each paragraph and your argument.

In summary, be relevant. 

Conclusion 

One way to think about your conclusion is by seeing it as the final nail in your opponent’s coffin.

Your conclusion is where you restate your claim.

It is also where you give a summary of all the arguments you made in your body paragraph. 

Avoid adding new information in your concluding remarks. The best way to write a good conclusion is to appeal to the emotions of your readers.

You can even try to add a personal touch by explaining how the topic affects you personally. 

To wrap up your conclusion, try to leave the reader with something to think about.

Talk about implications or you could just include a call to action to stir up your reader.

Step-by-Step: How to Write an Argumentative Essay

How you approach a topic when writing an argumentative essay matters.

How you pick the topic, construct the essay, lay down your evidence, and conclude determines how your opinion is accepted.

So if you want to get better, here is how to write an argumentative essay:

Step 1: Choose Your Topic & Form a Thesis 

To be able to properly defend something, you have to be passionate about it.

So before you start writing, make sure you pick a topic that you actually care about.

Your reader can tell when you are passionate through your essay and they connect more especially when they share the same sentiment.

Step 2: Do Your Research

One way to discredit your essay is poor research.

Gather information about the validity of your claims.

You should also understand that your research is not limited to your claim alone. 

So you also have to understand the mind of your opposition. Know the kind of argument they would raise to refute your claim.

That way, you can easily write a rebuttal. When your work shows solid research, your readers are assured that they are not following blindly. 

Step 3: Develop An Outline

Your outline is like a guide. It will make your work easier and faster.

Therefore, it is important that your guide is well-detailed and covers every possible direction of your essay. 

Your outline should contain your introduction, body, and conclusion.

So gather enough information for these sections before you start writing. You do not want to be all over the place. 

Step 4: Draft Your Essay

Now that you have your outline, it is time to fill in the gaps. Having a rough draft helps you include any data and direct quotes early.

This is helpful especially when you have to cite sources. 

To make your drafting easier, you can use Undetectable AI Essay Writer.

All you need to do is: 

• Pick a Topic
• Enter your desired word count and style 
• Click ‘Write MyEssay’ 
• Get a well-researched essay draft 

Step 5: Review Your Essay

Once you have finished writing your essay, make sure to read through it.

That way, you have an error-free body of work, and you can be sure that you have covered all grounds.

Make sure your message is clear. You don’t want to end up with a non-convincing essay. 

Tips for Writing a Powerful Argumentative Essay

Don’t forget that your essay is your way to convince other people that your opinion is valid.

To do so, you need to know the following: 

• Pick a side
• Have strong evidence 
• Avoid emotions 
• Include counterarguments
• Have a structured essay
• Present a solid argument 
• Be confident, not arrogant 

How AI Tools Can Help You Write Better Essays

You don’t have to write on your own.

You can ask for help and find tools that make your work easier.

There is no way you can write a good essay when you are burnt out. That’s why Undetectable AI has tools that help you. 

Our AI Essay Writer can help you with drafting your outline and even writing the whole essay.

If you also need to paraphrase, you can rely on Undetectable AI for that.

Our AI Paraphraser helps you refine and rewrite your argument more smoothly. 

Our tools are not limited to drafting and refining alone.

You can also use Undetectable AI Chat to brainstorm topic ideas, thesis statements, and counterarguments. 

A trial will surely convince you!

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FAQs About Argumentative Essays

Conclusion

Starting an argumentative essay is not a difficult thing.

You just need the right approach, passion, and solid evidence.

You also need to remember that the goal is not to win the argument but to argue reasonably and thoroughly.

The bottom line is to convince readers and not confuse them. 

Don’t forget to also get help from our AI tools. With our Essay Writer, Chat and Paraphraser, you can write a thought-provoking body of work.