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Essays come in all styles, from the more creative styles of narrative and descriptive to the persuasive styles of argumentative and expository. Even though all essays are generally persuasive in nature, the argumentative is the most persuasive of the bunch. In this style of essay, writers have the goal of persuading their readers to agree with their stance on an issue. Whether the argument essay is about a current event, a state of being, or a far-fetched idea, writers need to use everything they can to convince their readers they are correct. Writing an argumentative essay can actually be enjoyable, especially if you have a unique topic that you believe you can support successfully.

The art of writing an essay begins with choosing a topic you are interested in investigating. When you write an essay, you are showing your thinking on paper so when you choose a topic, it should be something you want to think about for several paragraphs. Argumentative essay topics should involve taking a side and many of the best topic prompts begin with the word “should” because you can answer yes or no. The topics can be about current events, controversial issues, or every day occurrences. Your stance on the topic is what makes the essay uniquely yours. Here are a few potential topics that you could explore in an argumentative essay:

• Should all children participate in athletic activities?
• Should all food ingredients be fully disclosed on labels?
• What is the best movie ever made?
• How can you tell if someone is successful?
• Is it better to live in the city or in the country?
• Should celebrities have privacy?
• Is ignorance bliss?
• Should students earn grades?
• Is education a right or a privilege?

Once you have decided on a topic, the next step involves formulating an answer. Your answer should include the question and some of the prompt, if there is one. The answer you choose will become the thesis statement - the sentence that guides the construction of the paper. Everything you write about will refer back to the thesis statement in some way. Once you have your thesis statement, you will want to create a rough outline that will help you determine the arguments you will use to support the claim.

What to Include in the Introduction

The introduction of the essay is the first section you will write. This part includes a hook, a bridge, and the thesis. The hook catches the reader’s attention using methods like startling statistics, funny anecdotes, or thoughtful quotes. The bridge connects the hook to the thesis, which is the main idea of your essay.

Give Priority to the Body Paragraphs

Once your introduction is written and you have established with argumentative essay topics you will be debating, the body paragraphs are next. These body paragraphs break down the thesis into smaller pieces so you can clearly support the mini arguments that bring the full claim to life. Many professors require their students to include counter arguments, so the students can show why those with opposing opinions are incorrect. The counter argument usually goes in its very own paragraph. All of the body paragraphs should include evidence that is well explained. For example, if you are writing about why students should all participate in athletics, you will want to use research about obesity and lack of activity in school-age children.

End the Essay on a Strong Reflective Paragraph

You will then end the essay with a thoughtful and reflective conclusion. Simply restate your main idea and include the best support you have so you reader will have one last chance to see yor ideas and why they are correct.