This document provides instructions for writing an argumentative essay. It outlines 9 key steps: 1) pick a debatable topic and take a position; 2) focus the topic narrowly; 3) know your audience; 4) conduct research to find arguments and evidence for both sides; 5) make a clear case using evidence; 6) introduce the topic and thesis in the introduction; 7) use the body to make arguments for your position and rebut the opposing side's arguments; 8) reiterate your position in the conclusion; and 9) proofread and revise the essay. Research should come from credible sources and be cited properly. The essay should maintain an impartial, fact-based approach.

1. HOW TO WRITE AN
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

2. 1. Pick Your Topic
• Select the topic on which you want to base your
essay and evaluate each side before settling on
one. Make sure the topic is one that is arguable,
meaning it should have two opposing sides to it.
Evaluating both sides of the fight is important as
it creates a sense of conviction on what is correct
and will go a long way in making your argument
easier to make. You also need to come up with
your thesis statement. This will give a clear
indication as to what the essay is going to cover.

3. 2. Focus the Topic
• Many controversial topics that people have
long taken opposing views on tend to be very
broad and would require thousands of pages
of analysis to fully explore, It is easier to focus
on a specific aspect of the topic in order to
make coherent arguments

4. 3. Know Your Audience
• When it comes to the actual style of writing
to be used, it is helpful to know who will be
the primary reader. If the essay is part of an
academic assignment then the teacher or
professor will be the audience. In such an
event, they would expect to see a
professionally written essay with lots of
evidence to back up your thesis statement.

5. 4. Conduct Research
• Be sure to study and collect as much
information as you can to make your case. Ina
an argumentative essay, the writer should
present at least three solid arguments in his
favor and two from the opponent's side. He or
she should however still be able to refute the
opponent's arguments.

6. Cont….
• Get the right information to present in the
essay, try to source information from books,
magazines, journals, newspapers, reports and
online resources.
• Be careful in the choice of websites you rely
on for information as there are many wildly
inaccurate articles

7. 5. Make your case
• In arguing your case, ensure you have lots of
solid evidence to lean on and that you have
interpreted and applied it correctly to clearly
show that your side has the upper hand.
Ensure your line of reasoning is sound and
that the steps you have taken to reach your
conclusion are clear and understandable.

8. 6. Introduction
• Introduce your reader to the topic you intend
to pursue. Give a brief background on the
controversies involved and how opposing
sides view the issue. Add a second paragraph
to this section where you make your stand on
the issue known. Indicate your thesis
statement here. Give a few compelling
reasons why you feel the way you do.

9. 7. The Body
• This section will normally be made up of about five
paragraphs. The first three paragraphs should expound
on why you believe your side is the right one. Each
paragraph should have its own reason and should be
backed up with evidence to confirm its veracity.
• The remaining two paragraphs are to be used to give
the opposing side a hearing. The writer should take at
least two main arguments from the opponents' side
and provide a rebuttal that nullifies their argument. In
essence this part is about using the opponent's
arguments against themselves.

10. 8. Conclusion
• The conclusion should cover all the earlier
points made briefly and reiterate the writers'
position as indicated in the introduction. All
the sections of the essay should support the
thesis statement meaning you do not have to
expound much in the conclusion.

11. 9. Proofread and Revise
• Once you have completed your essay, take
time to go through the entire document and
ensure you have all your grammar and spelling
in check. Also ensure that the way you have
structured and put down the essay is
convincing and fluent.

12. Note…
• When arranging your points in the main body, always
arrange them in the order of weakest to strongest.
This usually produces the biggest impact on the reader.
• Use an outline to chart the direction of your essay. This
is especially important when doing research.
• As you take down arguments and evidence, use your
resources carefully. Do not copy and paste entire
sections or you may wind up accused of plagiarism.
Draw the relevant information from your resources and
write them in your own words in the essay

13. Cont…
• Do not choose weak arguments from the
opponent's side to win your case. This weakens
the body of your essay. Choose from their main
arguments and come up with strong rebuttals
that convincingly counter their premise or at the
very least offer a workable solution.
• Be sure to always cite your sources
• No matter how passionate you may be about the
topic under discussion, please try to keep your
arguments impartial and based in facts.

14. END