Argumentative
Writing Guide
How to Write Your
Essay
FIND YOUR PURPOSE
You want to convince others to
believe, think, or do as you
Pre-write ideas to help determine
your purpose
With your purpose you are now
ready to write your thesis
statement.
THINK ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE
Think about who needs to be
convinced
You don't have to say who
Keep them in mind as you
write
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH - 'HOOK' THE
READER
Start with a 'hook' - a statement or
question that captures the reader's
attention.
The hook needs to paint a picture or
tell a story before you introduce your
thesis statement
It must relate to the topic you are
discussing
SAMPLE HOOK FOR
YOUR AUDIENCE!
Example: Do you hate having to figure out
what to wear each day to school? Well for
many American students the nightmare is
real!
SOME WAYS NOT TO BEGIN YOUR
PARAGRAPHS
This essay is about...
In this assignment I will share with you..
I am going to tell you about...
I think..
My first idea is about...
DON'T USE GENERAL STATEMENTS LIKE...
Everybody does...
Everyone knows...
Nobody wants...
Anyone can see...
Last time I checked, this was still...
THESIS STATEMENT
A short and easy to read
sentence that states
your opinion and what
should be done
The rest of the essay will
support this statement
AN EXAMPLE
THESIS STATEMENT
Example: Students in American public
schools should be required to wear
school uniforms.
BODY PARAGRAPHS - STATE YOUR
IDEAS
Clearly state your idea by using a topic sentence at the
beginning of the paragraph
Example: First of all, students should wear
uniforms because they bring a sense of
belonging
BODY PARAGRAPHS - USE TRANSITION
WORDS OFTEN
Transition words help connect
arguments together.
Example: Not only do uniforms bring a sense of
belonging, they also allow for a sense of equality
among students
COMMON TRANSITION WORDS...
Additionally... However...
Another... Next...
Although... In addition to...
Besides... Instead of...
Consequently... On the other hand...
Finally... Rather than...
First... Similarly...
Furthermore.. Therefore...
BODY PARAGRAPHS - SUPPORTING DETAILS
Use specific (not general) examples to support argument
ideas
Show how details support topic sentences
Address counter-argument
Example: Uniforms help foster a sense of belonging in
the classroom. For example, students wearing the same
uniform will feel included because they look like others.
While not wearing uniforms allow for self-expression, it
can also divide students based on socioeconomic status.
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH - PARAPHRASES
THE INTRODUCTION
Paraphrasing means to restate using different words.
Begin your concluding paragraph with a concluding
phrase, and then restate the thesis statement
Use different words when restating the thesis
statement
Example; In conclusion, in American public schools,
students should wear school uniforms
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH PHRASES
In conclusion... To summarize...
To conclude... As you can see...
It is clear that... It is obvious that...
Clearly... Obviously...
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH - POWERFUL
CLOSING
Close your paragraph with a memorable statement
Leave the reader thinking about what you said
You can end with an intriguing statement or
question
Example; Finding who we are in schools means that
we don't judge each other based on the clothes we
wear, but how we act towards one another.
Final Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay
Find a debatable topic.
Word your thesis carefully to provoke thought or action.
Do research.
Make a pro-con chart.
Outline your arguments so that they are focused and organized.
Anticipate objections and differing viewpoints and show why your argument is stronger even if the
others have some merit.
Support all your claims with convincing evidence and reasoned analysis.
Avoid logical fallacies; they weaken any argument.
Write in the first person — you’re arguing your stance, so using “I” is fine.
Decide early on how many paragraphs you need in your body section.
Write down all the references to the sources you’ve used during your research.
Always revise your work before handing it to your instructor.