Writing an argumentative essay is not always as simple as coming up with a topic and convincing the reader that your side is in the right or more truthful than others. People will not always share your opinion and you must be prepared for that. Argumentation is not an easy skill to acquire. It involves doing research, forming reasons, making intelligent assumptions and applying them to the topic being discussed. Term Paper Machine acknowledges the difficulty in this and has prepared a brief guide to help you write an effective argumentative essay.
1. Choosing a topic
Find a well-defined, debatable topic. Term Paper Machine has a selection of essays in our archives that you may find useful. You may also do research, listen to the radio or read the newspaper. Search for a topic that interests you. Avoid writing about something does not have a definitive answer, or philosophical issues. Try to come up with something fairly controversial, but avoid clichés (abortion, euthanasia, capital punishment, freedom of speech etc.).
2. Try a heuristic strategy
Brainstorming, free writing, journal writing, clustering etc. Choose a strategy that works for you. At this stage, it would also be wise to consider opposing views and make a thorough research. Go to the library, interview experts and conduct surveys and experiments to find data to support your conclusion more strongly than you can from your own background knowledge. Term Paper Machine’s database contains a variation of masterfully prepared model papers that may assist you.
3. Stating your position
An argumentative essay requires you to take a definite position on the issue at hand. Your argumentative proposition must be stated matter-of-factly in one sentence. We at Term Paper Machine believe that using the first person weakens your argument. Discuss the timeliness, significance, and relevance of your proposition in relation to your topic.
4. Writing a convincing argument
An argumentative essay doesn’t merely assert an opinion; it presents an argument. Remember that you do not have to completely prove your point. You only have to convince your reader that your argument is somehow more valid than competing arguments. To assist you in organizing your draft, Term Paper Machine has prepared a structure that you could pattern your argument to.
I. Introduction-Readers should understand what the issue is and what is at stake. Give a background or example to show the significant nature of the controversy.
II. Refutation-As mentioned, not everyone is going to agree with you. Give a brief refutation of opposing views, making your reader aware that you have considered but rejected them for good reason.
III. Presentation of argument-Your entire essay should be able to defend your stand. You could state your case one point at a time, perhaps allotting one paragraph to the defense of each premise. Use a reasonable tone. Assume that your reader will disagree with you or be skeptical. It is important, therefore, that your tone be reasonable, professional, and trustworthy.
IV. Conclusion-After you have presented your case and defended each point, pull your argument together. Show how the evidence you have presented provides sufficient grounds for accepting your conclusion. Review your main points, make a reference to something in your introduction or make a plea for action.
4. Revise and edit
One you have finished your paper, check every quotation in it for accuracy. Be sure to apply the critical process to your argument to be certain you have not committed any errors in reasoning. Double check your sources to assure all your facts are straight. To help you out, we at Term Paper Machine, also offer proofreading and editing services.
Finally, your argument is only as strong as the objections to it. If you cannot refute an objection, then you need to rethink your position.
