{"id":3550,"date":"2016-03-09T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-03-10T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/blog\/?p=3550"},"modified":"2019-01-24T10:30:39","modified_gmt":"2019-01-24T18:30:39","slug":"how-to-write-a-winning-argument-essay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kibin.com\/essay-writing-blog\/how-to-write-a-winning-argument-essay\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Winning Argument Essay"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve probably argued with people before, maybe with your parents, siblings, or friends. Heck, you may have even been in a fight or two, but get ready to put away the harsh words and heavy gloves because writing an argument essay is a totally different beast.<\/p>\n

Writing a winning argument essay may seem tough, but knowing more than just the basics can make all the difference. In this post, I\u2019ll start by reviewing fundamentals, and then we\u2019ll dive right into the tools you\u2019ll need to write an argument essay worthy of the big \u2018A.\u2019<\/p>\n

So\u2026What IS<\/i> an Argument Essay?<\/h2>\n

Because even Batman started somewhere\u2026<\/p>\n

You may already know about some of the argument essay fundamentals<\/a>, and that\u2019s awesome. But wait\u2014there\u2019s more. A winning <\/b>argument essay includes some very important techniques that you\u2019ll want to use, so keep reading. I\u2019ll tell you all about them.<\/p>\n

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A winning argument essay includes some very important techniques.<\/a><\/div>\n

Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n

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It all starts with the thesis<\/a>\u2014your claim about an issue that interests you. Throughout the rest of the paper, you support this claim through appealing to the audience and using logic, emotion, and valid sources. A counterargument and rebuttal are commonly used in this type of essay as well.<\/p>\n

This is what a typical argument essay\u2019s structure looks like in outline form:<\/p>\n

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  • Intro and thesis<\/li>\n
  • Supporting paragraphs: 1, 2, 3, etc.<\/li>\n
  • Counterargument paragraph(s)<\/li>\n
  • Rebuttal paragraph(s)<\/li>\n
  • Conclusion<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Where do you begin, then? There is much more to writing a winning argument essay than just a good structure. So let me take you through the process, step-by-step, and soon you\u2019ll be arguing your way through your topic like a pro\u2014just as good at Batman is at fighting crime and saving the day.<\/p>\n

    Hot Topics<\/h2>\n

    Be original. Your professor wants to read your<\/em> specific ideas about an interesting issue that means something to you<\/em>. There are a lot of great argument topics<\/a> out there, but many students over the years have come up with the same arguments on the same issues.<\/p>\n

    Brainstorm some issues that mean something to you. It\u2019s easier to write on a topic you actually<\/i> care about. Your professor has probably read a gazillion papers on abortion or legalizing marijuana. You won\u2019t impress your prof by following in the footsteps of so many predictable students who came before you.<\/p>\n

    Instead, spice things up, and take the road less traveled.<\/p>\n

    Detective Work<\/h2>\n

    That\u2019s right, Sherlock\u2014it\u2019s research time! Whether or not you\u2019re still in the brainstorming phase, getting to know more about your topic is vital to writing a winning argument essay.<\/p>\n

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    Getting to know more about your topic is vital to writing a winning argument essay.<\/a><\/div>\n

    Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n

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    Through research, you\u2019ll learn about what arguments have been and are being made about your topic. This can be especially useful if you haven\u2019t settled on a thesis yet. If you already have your claim in mind, then the research process can help you find strong sources to support your argument. Make use of your university\u2019s library and research databases, Google Scholar<\/a>, or news sites to find good info on your topic. Avoid Wikipedia\u2014it\u2019s not always accurate.<\/p>\n\t

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    Stuck on Your Argumentative Essay?<\/div>\n\t\t\t
    Check Out These Example Arguments<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\tYes! Show Me Examples.<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n

    Is it good, or is it CRAAP? No, that\u2019s not a misspelling! You cannot just use any old source\u2014you have to make sure that your sources accurately support your argument using current information. Apply the CRAAP test<\/a> to all your sources to make sure they\u2019re not actually crap.<\/p>\n

    Catch More Flies With Honey<\/h2>\n

    Language is everything<\/i>. It\u2019s good to keep in mind that an argument is not a rant<\/a>. Instead, you\u2019re trying to persuade your audience that your point of view is valid. Respectfully address your audience<\/a>, and consider their ideas too. Really think about your audience or opposition\u2014each is different, and you\u2019ll need to carefully appeal to their specific ideas about an issue.<\/p>\n

    How is this done? Take it away, Aristotle!<\/p>\n

    Ethos, logos, and pathos<\/a>. More than just being a long-dead Greek guy, Aristotle has a lot to do with how we create winning arguments today. He came up with the concepts of ethos, logos, and pathos, and how to apply them toward strong arguments. Let\u2019s quickly break these concepts down:<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019ve found credible sources to back up your argument, then you already have ethos<\/b> covered.<\/p>\n

    Logos<\/b> is the logical appeal to your audience. Use data, charts, and other forms of scientifically measurable evidence to show your audience the hard facts.<\/p>\n

    Logos is important, and having good sources can help you support your ideas with strong logic that will likely persuade your audience. But you also want to make sure that your own writing\u2019s logic is rock-solid from beginning to end. That means avoiding logical fallacies.<\/p>\n

    This YouTube video provides a great way to learn more about logical fallacies and why they should be avoided when writing your winning argument essay.<\/p>\n