Argumentative
Essay Structure
A convincing
argumentative essay
must be structured if it
is to be effective.
A good essay is structured
like a sandwich:
introduction
body

conclusion
The introduction should include:
•A hook to catch your reader’s attention.
•Background information about your topic.
•Your thesis statement.
Your thesis statement explains
your central argument. This is the
focal point of your essay.
The body should include several
paragraphs.
Each paragraph contains an
argument that supporting your
thesis statement. This argument
is found in the topic sentence of
the paragraph.
Each paragraph
contains specific
examples,
illustrations,
details, or
anecdotes that
explain or support
your argument.
If you use information from
sources directly (by quoting
word for word) or indirectly
(by paraphrasing), you should
be sure to properly cite them
using MLA or APA citations.
Your conclusion should include:
A brief restatement of your thesis to drive home
your argument, and...
A call to action explaining to
your audience what you would
like them to do.
What should your readers do
with the information you have
given them?

Argumentative Essay Structure

  • 1.
  • 2.
    A convincing argumentative essay mustbe structured if it is to be effective.
  • 3.
    A good essayis structured like a sandwich: introduction body conclusion
  • 4.
    The introduction shouldinclude: •A hook to catch your reader’s attention. •Background information about your topic. •Your thesis statement. Your thesis statement explains your central argument. This is the focal point of your essay.
  • 5.
    The body shouldinclude several paragraphs. Each paragraph contains an argument that supporting your thesis statement. This argument is found in the topic sentence of the paragraph.
  • 6.
    Each paragraph contains specific examples, illustrations, details,or anecdotes that explain or support your argument.
  • 7.
    If you useinformation from sources directly (by quoting word for word) or indirectly (by paraphrasing), you should be sure to properly cite them using MLA or APA citations.
  • 8.
    Your conclusion shouldinclude: A brief restatement of your thesis to drive home your argument, and...
  • 9.
    A call toaction explaining to your audience what you would like them to do. What should your readers do with the information you have given them?