• An argumentative essay has two sides.
• This means that you argue either for or against the proposition or motion.
• This type of essay is not meant for oral delivery before an audience. It is not a debate

Features of Argumentative Essays

1. You do not start your essay by greeting any audience, because there is no audience.
2. You must take a side or stand. This means you argue either for or against the proposition.
3. Do not conclude by writing “Thank you for listening.”
4. As in debate, you do a thorough research of your topic before writing, so as to have strong points.
5. Remember that all argumentative essays are based on facts that are verifiable. Leave out your personal opinions.
6. Make use of connectives or linking words and phrases to make your arguments more effective.
7. Pay attention to the standard structure of every essay: introduction, body, and conclusion.
8. Remember that the purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to adopt your own view point.

Key Skills in Writing an Argument

• Structure ideas for the greatest impact.
• Make sure the writing builds up to a powerful ending.
• No weakness in your argument
• Always try to prove that you are right

How to Write a Balanced Argument

• Title: A simple statement or question to draw attention to the issue.
• Introduction – Paragraph 1: Short opening, explaining how the issue came about. This is the thesis statement; do not put any view of your own in this section.
• Points for Paragraph 2: Start the section with ‘firstly’ or ‘the first person is.’ Write about your first point in favor of the argument but do not put your own point of view.
• Points for Paragraph 3: Begin your point with ‘furthermore’ or ‘indeed, it could be said that …’ Still do not give your own opinion.
• Points for Paragraph 4: Use ‘perhaps’ or ‘in addition’ to begin your final point in favor of the argument. Try to give evidence to support the point if you can.
• Points against Paragraph 5: Begin with ‘however’ and put your own point against the argument without giving your own view.
• Points against Paragraph 6: Continue ‘to put your point ‘against,’ introducing them with formal words such as ‘despite,’ ‘on the other hand,’ ‘in contrast,’ etc.
• Points against Paragraph 7: Use finally to begin your last point. Still do not give your own opinion.
• Conclusion – Paragraph 8: Begin with ‘to sum up the argument’ or ‘above all else’ or ‘in conclusion.’ At last, you can give your own views if you wish and conclude either in favor or against the issue.
  NOTE: Always finish with a question to challenge your readers to change and make up their minds.