Presents an issue.
Takes a position on the issue.
Develops an argument to convince the reader that this position is correct.
Argumentative essays often require research: you must collect evidence that relates to the topic, such as
facts, statistics, and quotations from expert sources.
Your goal is to convince your readers that your opinion about an issue (your thesis statement) is valid
and important. To accomplish this goal, your essay must state your opinion about the issue clearly.
Your introduction should:
Grab your readers’ attention with a hook.
Clearly introduce and define your topic.
Give any necessary background information.
Make a claim about the issue (thesis statement) this presents a strong argument and clearly
indicates your purpose for writing.
Then you must persuade the readers that this position is right. Your body paragraphs should:
Clearly present the main arguments that support your thesis statement.
Include facts, evidence, and examples that support each main argument.
◦ You should include at least two references to an outside source. These could be direct
quotes, paraphrase(s), summary(ies), reference(s) to a specific research study.
Present one or more counterarguments to show that you have considered opposing opinions.
◦ Your essay needs to be balanced to show that you understand the issue completely. One way
to do this is to include an opposing viewpoint, or counterargument. Even though you are
arguing one side of an issue, you must think about what someone on the other side of the
issue would argue.
◦ Discussing only your opinion makes your essay sound biased, and your readers may not be
convinced of your viewpoint.
Acknowledge counterargument(s) where appropriate and respond to them with refutations.
◦ After giving your opponent’s point of view, you offer a refutation. This means that you
refute the other point of view or show how it is wrong.
Finally, your conclusion should summarize all the arguments you have stated. It may also give a
warning, a prediction, or a suggestion about what should happen next.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Does my introduction include:
___ A hook
___ The topic
___ Background information
___ A strong thesis statement
Do my body paragraphs include:
___ A clear presentation of the main arguments (that support my thesis statement)
___ Facts, evidence, or examples to support each argument
___ At least one reference to an outside source
___ At least one counterargument and refutation
___ Transitions so that my ideas flow together in a logical order
Does my conclusion include:
___ Summarize my arguments
___ Remind my readers why they should agree with my position
___ Give my readers something to think about
