Argumentative Essay for Beginners: Definition and Writing Steps

What is an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a critical analysis of a topic. The writer has to study a topic, gather, develop, and assess evidence, and offer a coherent opinion on the subject. As a writer, you are obligated to choose a side. They are to either “agree” or “disagree” with the topic. There should be evidential support for either side accordingly.

The writer must choose one side and refute the other side as a justified argument for their support. In this lecture, we are going to focus on argumentative essays. Unlike discursive essays, they do not provide an objective and balanced view.
 

Structure

A good argumentative essay should follow this structure:

• Introduction: The opening paragraph should introduce the issue, offer background information to help readers grasp the arguments, outline the evidence, and declare the thesis.
• Thesis statement: A one-sentence summary of the major point(s) and claim(s) of the essay.
• Body paragraphs: Separate paragraphs that explain why the thesis is supported. Each body paragraph should address a new notion or piece of evidence and include a subject sentence that explains to the reader why they should agree with the thesis in a straightforward and precise manner. The arguments in the body paragraphs are supported by examples, research, statistics, and studies. The opposing points of view are addressed and refuted, or the reasons for disagreement are explained.
• Conclusion: One paragraph in which the thesis is restated and all of the arguments presented in the body paragraphs are summarized. A good conclusion generally appeals to the reader’s emotions instead of adding fresh facts or arguments. (Some authors use a personal narrative to demonstrate how the issue affects them personally.

Consider this question: School teachers are more responsible for the social and intellectual development of students than parents. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

Introduction

Background Information: The development of a child’s intellectual and social skills is often viewed as a shared responsibility between parents and teachers.
Paraphrase the Question: However, it is often argued whether educators have greater responsibility in developing students’ cognitive and social aspects compared to parents.
Thesis Statement: I absolutely agree with this notion, as teachers are well-trained to teach formal lessons. Aside from that, school is the best place for children to socialize and make more friends.

Body Paragraph 1: (Your 1st reason)

Topic sentence: Teachers are undoubtedly pivotal in fostering students’ intellectual growth, primarily because they are trained to provide formal education in a structured environment.
Explanation: Apart from providing a conducive learning environment, most schools constantly update their faculty with various contemporary methods of teaching through seminars and training. This approach has long been practiced in order to ensure that students can cope with technological advancements. Furthermore, practical exercises and laboratory experiments significantly help increase their problem-solving, logical thinking, and reasoning abilities.
Supporting Evidence: For instance, teachers not only deliver subject-specific knowledge but also introduce children to new ideas and critical thinking skills that may not be emphasized at home.
Concluding Sentence: Therefore, it is clear that teachers play a crucial role in the intellectual development of students, ensuring they are well-equipped for future challenges.

Body Paragraph 2: (Your 2nd reason)

Topic sentence: In terms of social development, schools are a primary setting where children learn essential interpersonal skills.
Explanation: While parents may nurture emotional bonds, it is the social interactions within school settings that help children build friendships and understand the dynamics of cooperation. As such, it is at school that students learn the social skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional lives.
Supporting Evidence: For example, students often engage in group work, extracurricular activities, and sports, where they develop communication skills, leadership qualities, and the ability to work as part of a team. These experiences provide children with opportunities to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, which contributes significantly to their social maturity.
Concluding Sentence: As such, it is at school that students learn the social skills that will benefit them in their personal and professional lives.

Rebuttal Paragraph

Although parents undeniably play a crucial role in a child’s early development, particularly in providing emotional support and instilling values, their influence on social and intellectual development is limited compared to that of teachers. Parents may not always have the training or resources to teach subjects effectively, nor do they typically provide opportunities for children to interact with diverse groups of peers in the same way schools do. Therefore, while parental involvement is essential, it is teachers who are primarily responsible for the structured development of intellectual and social skills in students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I strongly believe that when it comes to honing the overall academic and social skills of the youth, mentors have a more crucial role than parents. It is because they are professionally trained in performing so.
 

Transitional words

Transitional words or phrases connect ideas and sentences, show relationships between them and enhance text cohesion. They act as bridges, guiding the reader through your writing. They are cues that help the reader interpret your ideas. Some common Transitional Words are given below-

To Introduce a New Idea

1. Firstly, it is important to consider the benefits of exercise on mental health.
2. To begin with, we need to assess the current state of education in the country.
3. In the first place, we must understand the root causes of the problem before proposing solutions.
4. Primarily, the goal of this project is to improve customer satisfaction.
5. Initially, I was hesitant to start the new course, but later I found it quite interesting.
6. First and foremost, we must ensure that all students have access to the necessary resources.

To Add Additional Information

1. Furthermore, the new policies will help reduce costs for the company.
2. Moreover, recent studies have shown that exercise can boost brain function.
3. In addition, there are many other benefits of meditation, including stress reduction.
4. Additionally, this method can be applied to various industries.
5. Also, we need to consider how these changes will affect the local community.
6. Not to mention, the company has already made significant strides in sustainability.
7. Besides, there are numerous studies supporting the idea of lifelong learning.

To Present an Opposite Viewpoint

1. On the other hand, some argue that technology is a distraction in the classroom.
2. However, many experts believe that social media can have a positive impact on communication.
3. In contrast, others argue that the traditional way of teaching is still the most effective.
4. Alternatively, we could explore different methods of achieving the same goal.
5. Nevertheless, some individuals continue to advocate for the benefits of a natural lifestyle.
6. Yet, there are those who believe that the new system will fail in the long run.

To Compare or Show Similarity

1. Similarly, the new legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
2. Likewise, the proposed changes to healthcare will have far-reaching effects on the public.
3. Equally, education systems around the world are facing similar challenges in terms of funding.
4. In the same way, social media can be used to raise awareness of important causes.

To Introduce an Example

1. For example, many companies have implemented flexible working hours to improve employee satisfaction.
2. For instance, some people find that they are more productive when working from home.
3. Such as, online courses and video tutorials can provide valuable learning experiences.
4. To illustrate, a recent study showed a clear link between sleep and productivity.
5. Namely, children who engage in outdoor activities are less likely to experience anxiety.
6. Specifically, the company has made efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources.

To Conclude or Summarize

1. In conclusion, the benefits of exercise for mental health are clear and well-documented.
2. To conclude, the main points discussed today include the importance of teamwork and communication.
3. In summary, the new policies will address key issues such as unemployment and education.
4. Overall, the changes made will lead to greater efficiency and a better work environment.
5. All things considered, the advantages of renewable energy outweigh the disadvantages.
6. In short, we need to prioritize environmental conservation for the well-being of future generations.