How to Write an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay takes a clear position on a topic and backs it with evidence, while also considering the other side of the issue.

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that involves presenting both sides of an issue. You can either present both sides equally or choose to present one side more persuasively than the other. The writer's objective is to convince the reader to support their point of view on a particular topic. To write a strong essay, you have to know what has already been said on your topic. The only way to do this is through research.

Your argument and ideas should rest on reasoning, but primarily on existing evidence. These essays are very common in college and nursing courses. Sometimes you will be given the topic to argue, and other times you will choose it yourself. Either way, you decide the argument.

This guide covers the parts of an argumentative essay, the three main types of argument, how to pick a topic, and how to structure your paper. If you would rather have a custom model paper written from scratch for study and reference, you can order one from our writers.

What makes an argumentative essay different

An argumentative essay asks you to take a position on a debatable issue and defend it. You can present both sides equally, or you can give more weight to one side. Either way, your goal is to convince readers that your view is the stronger one.

Research comes first. To write a strong essay, you need to know what has already been said about your topic. The only way to find that out is to read the existing evidence before you decide what you will argue.

How it differs from expository writing

An expository essay explains a topic. It tells readers what is known and stays neutral. An argumentative essay goes a step further: it makes a claim that others could reasonably dispute, then proves it.

How it differs from persuasive writing

Persuasive writing often leans on emotion, personal belief and appeals to the reader's feelings. Here, your views, argument and ideas rest on reasoning and, above all, on existing evidence. Your personal opinion does not count as evidence. Sources such as books, journals, websites, magazines and encyclopedias do.

You decide the argument

These essays are common in high school, college and university. Sometimes your instructor gives you the topic to argue. Other times you choose it yourself. In both cases, you decide your argument, and that is what makes the assignment demanding: you have to form a position, not just report on one.

The basic components of an argumentative essay

Every argumentative essay is built from three parts: a claim, supporting points and evidence. Know what each one does and your draft has a clear shape before you write a full paragraph.

• Claim: The main argument of your essay. A good claim takes a stand, is debatable, is specific and conveys your main idea.
• Supporting points: The reasons your readers should accept your claim.
• Evidence: The material your supporting points rest on, such as books, journals, websites, magazines and encyclopedias. Your personal opinion does not count as evidence.

Five types of claims

Claims come in five types. Which one you choose shapes the kind of evidence you need. Each type below comes with a short example.

• Fact: Whether something is true or not. Example: "Sleep deprivation lowers academic performance in college students."
• Definition: The standard definition of your subject, plus your own interpretation. Example: "Burnout is not simple tiredness but a form of chronic work-related stress."
• Value: The significance of your subject. Example: "Student mental health is as important as academic achievement."
• Cause and effect: What causes the issue and what follows from it. Example: "Understaffed hospital units lead to more medication errors by nurses."
• Policy: What should be done, and why readers should care. Example: "Hospitals should cap the number of patients assigned to each nurse."

How the parts work together

Pick one claim type and keep it consistent. Then list two or three supporting points that back it up, and attach at least one piece of evidence to each point. If a point has no evidence behind it, replace the point or find a source.

Research comes first. To write a strong essay, you need to know what has already been said on your topic. That way your reasoning rests on existing evidence, not only on your own views.

Three types of arguments: Classical, Rogerian and Toulmin

There are three models you can use to shape an argumentative essay. You can use one or combine them. Each one suits a different audience and a different kind of topic, so pick the one that fits your assignment.

Classical (Aristotelian)

You present your main argument, state your opinion, and explain why yours is the right outlook. It is useful when your audience has no opinion yet, or does not have enough information on the topic.

When to use it: when you are informing and persuading a reader who is starting from scratch. Example topic: Should colleges require a financial literacy course?

Rogerian

You present a problem, acknowledge that other points of view exist, state your stance, and explain why yours is the most favorable to readers. This model is often a good fit for divisive topics, because it shows readers on the other side that you have listened to them.

When to use it: when your readers are likely to disagree with you and you want to find common ground. Example topic: Should nurses be allowed to refuse overtime shifts?

Toulmin

You present your claim, give the reasons that support it, and then explain why those reasons hold up. It is also useful for divisive topics, and it works well when your instructor wants a close look at how your reasoning connects to your evidence.

When to use it: when your claim rests on data or studies and you need to show how they lead to your conclusion. Example topic: Does telehealth improve access to care in rural areas?

No model is right for every assignment. Check your rubric first, then choose the one that matches your audience and your evidence.

How to choose an argumentative essay topic

If you get to pick your own topic, run it through three tests before you commit. A topic that passes all three saves you hours of rework later.

Test 1: Interest

Are you curious about this topic? A topic that you are curious and excited about makes the entire writing process more comfortable and more enjoyable. If you want ideas, the list linked here is a good place to browse.

Test 2: Evidence

You may like a topic but find too little to back it up. Evidence means information found in books, journals, websites, magazines, encyclopedias and similar sources. Your personal opinion does not count as evidence. Do a quick search first: if you cannot find several solid sources in ten minutes, pick another topic.

Test 3: Is it debatable?

A reasonable person should be able to disagree with your claim. "Smoking harms health" is a settled fact, so there is little to argue. A debatable topic has real evidence on more than one side.

A few debatable topics to start from:

• College: Should public colleges be tuition-free?
• College: Should social media platforms be responsible for the misinformation users post?
• Nursing: Should safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios be required by law?
• Nursing: Should healthcare workers be required to receive certain vaccines?

Pick one, write your claim as a single sentence, and check that it passes all three tests before you start drafting.

Argumentative essay structure, step by step

Every strong essay follows a clear order. Build yours in these parts, and you can check each one against your assignment before you submit. If you want to see how others handle the format, browse these student essay examples.

1. Introduction

Your first paragraph introduces the topic, gives the background your reader needs, and previews the evidence you will use. It ends with your thesis statement: a short, specific, clear sentence that states your main argument. The rest of the essay explains and justifies that sentence.

Because the thesis matters so much, here are three ways to write a good one:

• Turn the topic into a question. Your answer to the question can become your thesis.
• Raise an opposing idea, then refute it. Disproving a contrasting view with evidence makes your statement more credible.
• Outline your main points. Briefly name them and how you will support them. Readers see where you are going, and you stay organized.

2. Body paragraphs

The body is the central part of the essay. It usually has three or more paragraphs, each giving one reason readers should accept your position, backed by examples, studies, statistics and citations.

Build each body paragraph in four steps:

1. Point: Open with one sentence that states the reason.
2. Evidence: Add a fact, study, statistic or quotation from a credible source. Your own opinion does not count as evidence.
3. Explanation: Tell the reader what the evidence shows and why it supports your claim.
4. Link: Close by tying the paragraph back to your thesis or leading into the next point.

3. Counterargument and rebuttal

Give one body paragraph to the other side. State the strongest opposing view fairly, in a sentence or two. Then respond with a rebuttal: show where that view is weak, incomplete or outweighed, and support your response with evidence.

This shows you looked at the topic from different angles, and it makes your own position harder to dismiss.

4. Conclusion

In one paragraph, restate your thesis in fresh words in light of the evidence you presented, and summarize the key arguments. Do not introduce any new information here. If it fits, you can close with a personal anecdote or a note on how the argument affects the reader directly.

Before you finish, read your thesis and conclusion side by side. They should match, and every body paragraph should clearly serve them.

Tips for a strong argumentative essay

A strong argument is usually a focused one. These habits help whether you are drafting your own paper or studying a model paper for reference.

Write a narrow thesis

"Social media is bad" is too broad to prove in a few pages. "Schools should limit phone use during class because it reduces focus" gives you a clear claim to defend and a clear way to test it.

Use credible sources and cite them the same way every time

Favor peer-reviewed articles, government data and reputable books. Pick the style your instructor requires, such as APA or MLA, and apply it to every in-text citation and reference entry. Check the details before you submit.

Explain why your evidence matters

Do not drop a quote or statistic and move on. After each piece of evidence, add a sentence or two that says what it shows and how it supports your claim.

Steelman the other side

State the strongest version of the opposing view, not a weak one that is easy to knock down. Then respond with evidence. Readers trust a writer who treats opponents fairly.

Watch for common fallacies

• Straw man: arguing against a distorted version of the opposing view.
• Slippery slope: claiming one step will inevitably lead to extreme results without proof.
• Ad hominem: attacking the person instead of the argument.
• False dilemma: presenting only two options when more exist.

Revise for logic, then proofread

On your first revision, read only for logic. Does each paragraph support your thesis? Does every claim have evidence? Cut anything that does not. Then proofread for grammar, spelling and formatting, ideally after a break or aloud.

For more guidance on drafting and revising an argumentative essay, see the UNC Writing Center tips and tools.

Why students choose us for an argumentative essay

Writing an argumentative essay takes analysis, research, writing and critical thinking. Not every student has all of these in place, and some simply do not have the time. If that sounds like you, our academic writing company can help with custom essay writing for students.

Each paper is a custom model paper written from scratch for study and reference. You can use it to see how a claim, supporting points and evidence fit together, then apply that approach to your own work.

What the numbers show

Students rate us 4.93/5 on average across 1,428 verified reviews of completed orders. We have been helping students since 2021. You can read what past customers wrote on our writer testimonials page before you place an order.

Writers you can check

Every writer's profile shows their rating and completed orders, so you can choose who works on your paper instead of guessing. Our writers include researchers, paper writers and proofreaders. You can also message your writer at any time to clarify instructions or share a rubric.

Original, private and open to changes

Every paper is written from scratch and checked for plagiarism before delivery. Your name, school and order details are never shared or resold.

If something in your essay needs to change, ask for a revision. Your writer will make the changes at no extra cost.

Our service is built for students, and prices start from $13.95 per page. You choose the deadline, so you can balance cost against how soon you need the paper.

How ordering works

Ordering an argumentative essay takes a few minutes. Here is what happens at each step, and you can read the full walkthrough on our how our ordering process works page.

1. Tell us what you need

Fill in the order form with your topic, paper type, number of pages and deadline. Add your instructions, your rubric and any files your instructor gave you. The more detail you share, the closer the paper will match your assignment.

2. Get matched with a writer

We assign an expert in your subject, or you can pick a writer from the list. Each profile shows a rating and completed orders, so you know who you are choosing. You can message your writer at any time to ask questions or add details.

3. Receive and review your paper

Download your paper from your account by the deadline and read it carefully. If anything needs changing, ask for a revision. Revisions are free, and your writer will make the changes at no extra cost.

Your paper is a custom model written from scratch, meant for study and reference.

Meet the writers

Every writer on our team has a public profile that shows two things: their rating and the number of orders they have completed. You can use those numbers to decide who should work on your argumentative essay, instead of taking a stranger's word for it.

Two examples

Frank is an Advanced Writer with a 99% rating and 1,402+ orders. His subjects include Nursing, Healthcare, Psychology, History, Business, Law, Accounting and Communication, which suits topics that draw on evidence from several fields.

Stephan Miller is an Expert Writer with a 99% rating and 2,944+ orders, all in Nursing. If your topic is a clinical or policy debate, his profile is a good place to start.

Choose, or let us match you

You can pick a writer yourself or let us assign an expert in your subject. Either way, you can message your writer at any time to share your rubric or clarify your thesis. Browse the full list on our writer profiles page and compare ratings and order counts before you order.

How much does an argumentative essay cost?

Prices start from $13.95 per page, and one page is a double-spaced page of about 275 words. The rate you pay depends on two things: how much time you give your writer and your academic level.

Longer deadlines cost less

Planning ahead is the easiest way to lower the price. Here are exact examples per page:

• 14 days, College: $13.95
• 7 days, Bachelors: $17.95
• 3 days, Masters: $20.95
• 24 hours, College: $23.95
• 6 hours, DNP/PhD: $34

A 6-hour deadline costs more than double the 14-day rate at the same level, so it helps to start early when you can.

See the full price list

Every deadline and level is listed on our pricing page. If you want to know about savings, visit the discounts page for current details.

Since the heading above already covers the topic, the short version is this: pick your deadline and level, and you will see the per-page price before you order.

Originality, quality checks and privacy

When you order an argumentative essay from us, you get a custom model paper written from scratch for study and reference. Nothing is recycled from another order.

Checked before delivery

Every paper is checked for plagiarism before it reaches you. You can download it from your account, read it through and compare it against your instructions or rubric.

Your details stay private

Your name, school and order details are never shared or resold. You can message your writer about the order without worrying about who sees it.

Free revisions

If something needs to change, ask. On any order, your writer will make the changes at no extra cost. Tell them what to adjust, such as a stronger counterargument or a different focus in the thesis, and they will update the paper.

Argumentative essay examples

Reading a finished paper is one of the quickest ways to see how an argument is built. Our site has 3,390+ free paper examples, and you can search the examples for argumentative essay papers on your subject. You can also browse the full samples page to compare formats and academic levels.

These are custom model papers written for study and reference. Use them to learn, not to copy.

How to read an example

1. Find the thesis. Look for the one sentence in the introduction that states the writer's position. Ask whether you could disagree with it.
2. Trace the evidence. Follow each body paragraph. Note the claim, the source that supports it, and how the writer explains the link.
3. Spot the counterargument. Find where the paper admits the other side and see how it responds.

Then try the same three steps on your own outline.

Other papers students pair with an argumentative essay

An argumentative essay rarely stands alone. Many courses ask you to build the same skills in other assignments, and seeing how they connect can make each one easier to plan.

Critical thinking and coursework papers

Critical thinking assignments ask you to weigh evidence, spot weak reasoning and defend a position, much like an argumentative essay. If you need a model for that kind of work, see our critical thinking and coursework papers.

Research-based assignments

Longer coursework often builds on the same research and sourcing habits. Our coursework essay papers show how a topic is developed across a full assignment. Each is a custom model paper written from scratch for study and reference.

Using your paper responsibly

Every paper we write is a custom model paper, written from scratch for study and reference. Think of it as a worked example of how a strong argumentative essay is built, not something to hand in under your own name.

How to use your paper well

• Study how the thesis is stated and supported with evidence.
• Notice how each paragraph links back to the claim and how counterarguments are answered.
• Check how sources are cited, then compare the format with your style guide.
• Write your own essay in your own words, using what you learned.

Follow your school's rules

Academic integrity policies differ by school and by instructor. Read yours, and ask your instructor if you are unsure what help is allowed.

Get started

Ready to order your argumentative essay? Open the order form and share your topic, number of pages and deadline. Paste in your rubric, instructions and any files so your writer knows exactly what your instructor expects.

Prices start from $13.95 per page, and the exact rate depends on your deadline and academic level. You can message your writer at any time while they work.

When your paper arrives, read it against your rubric. If anything needs changing, ask for a free revision and your writer will make the changes at no extra cost.