Introduction
Argumentative essays are a common academic assignment at all levels of education from middle school to graduate school. Writing a strong argumentative essay requires researching issues, examining evidence on both sides, and structuring content in a logical manner. While argumentative essays can look at different topics, the overall structure is generally the same. This article will explore tips for writing an effective argumentative essay through analyzing sample essay topics and outlining practice exercises students can use to develop their skills.
Sample Topics for Argumentative Essays
When starting an argumentative essay, students first need a debatable topic to research and take a position on. Here are some potential sample topics students can use for practice:
Social media has had a positive/negative impact on society.
Year-round schooling would benefit students and families.
Standardized testing should/should not be required for high school graduation.
College athletes should/should not be paid salaries.
Cell phones should/should not be allowed in classrooms.
Drivers under age 21 should have graduated licensing restrictions.
Plastic bags should be banned to help the environment.
Zoos are/are not ethical ways to view animals.
People learn better in online vs. in-person classes.
Countries should/should not provide universal basic income.
These sample topics cover a variety of issues in different subject areas like education, technology, environment, and more. Students can choose topics they find most engaging or instructors can assign topics as practice for constructing arguments on both sides of an issue.
Outlining an Argumentative Essay
Once a topic is selected, students need to create a clear outline to guide their essay’s structure and focus their research. A basic outline for a 5-paragraph argumentative essay includes:
I. Introduction
Hook to grab reader’s attention
Thesis statement: Take a clear position on the topic
II. Body Paragraph 1
Topic sentence stating first reason for position
Evidence to support reason
Explanation of how evidence supports reason
III. Body Paragraph 2
Topic sentence stating second reason for position
Evidence to support reason
Explanation of how evidence supports reason
IV. Body Paragraph 3
Topic sentence stating third reason for position
Evidence to support reason
Explanation of how evidence supports reason
V. Conclusion
Restate thesis and main reasons
Call to action or final statement for readers
This structure establishes an introduction to engage readers, three body paragraphs developing the argument, and a conclusion that sums up the overall position. Having a clear outline helps students stay focused and develop an organized, cohesive argument.
Researching the Issue
Once the outline establishes the overall structure, students need to conduct research to support their position and counter opposing views. Research for an argumentative essay should come from credible academic sources like scholarly journals, government reports, and credible news sources. Some tips for effective research include:
Use the library databases and search engines to find relevant sources
Take detailed notes on quoted or paraphrased evidence along with full citations
Research both sides of the issue to anticipate counterarguments
Look for recent data and statistics to support factual claims
Evaluate sources for validity, bias, and relevance to the topic
Gathering quality evidence from diverse perspectives strengthens an argumentative essay. Students should have several sourced facts, opinions, and examples reserved before drafting each body paragraph.
Writing Body Paragraphs
Now it’s time to start writing based on the research. Here is an example body paragraph following the outlined structure:
Topic sentence: Standardized testing places undue stress on high school students.
Evidence: A 2017 study by the American Psychology Association found that 75% of teens reported feeling anxious about standardized tests (APA, 2017).
Explanation: This research directly supports that standardized testing leads to anxiety in many students. The stress of high-stakes testing can negatively impact student mental health and distract from overall learning.
Evidence: An analysis of graduation rates in five states that reduced testing requirements found graduation rates increased an average of 5% after the change (National Education Association, 2015).
Explanation: If testing stress truly detracted from learning, reducing such requirements would logically improve graduation rates. This data strongly implies testing harms more students than it helps.
The paragraph establishes the reason for the position, cites credible sources to bolster each claim, and explains how the evidence strengthens the argument. Students should write at least three developed body paragraphs like this to fully cover their outline.
Writing the Conclusion
To wrap up the essay, the conclusion restates the thesis in new words and summarizes the key reasons presented in the body. It does not introduce any new information but reflects on the overall significance and implications of theargument. Here is a sample conclusion:
This essay has argued that standardized testing requirements should not determine high school graduation based on the stress they place on students and lack of clear educational benefits. Research shows testing causes anxiety that disturbs the learning process more than it measures aptitude. Additionally, real-world data demonstrates graduation rates increase meaningfully when testing is reduced. In an era increasingly focused on student wellness, prioritizing unnecessary high-stakes testing seems counterproductive to developing healthy, engaged lifelong learners. While modified tests may still have limited uses, using a single examination as the sole graduation criteria appears unjustified. Overall, the evidence indicates alternative pathways better serve students and communities than the current overreliance on standardized tests.
Revising and Editing Tips
Once the first draft is complete, students should take time to revise and polish their essay:
Check that each paragraph clearly relates back to the thesis
Eliminate inconsistencies, redundancies or irrelevant details
Strengthen weak arguments or evidence as needed
Improve transitions between paragraphs and within sentences
Ensure proper formatting with consistent citations and a works cited list
Proofread for grammatical errors, typos or unclear phrasing
Consider feedback from peers, teachers or writing tutors
Make final adjustments to argument structure or strength as revisions dictate
Taking the time to thoughtfully revise an argumentative draft improves the logical flow, clarity and persuasiveness of reasons presented to readers. Multiple drafts typically result in a stronger final product.
Conclusion
Practicing argumentative essay structure through thoughtful outlining, research, drafting and revision is key for students to develop this essential writing skill. The sample topics, outlined template and guidance provided give students a starting point to craft evidence-based arguments while learning the components of an effective essay. With regular practice constructing arguments on varied issues, students can gain confidence and competence in analyzing multifaceted problems and advancing well-considered positions through persuasive writing.
Andrew Stroud