6 Expert Tips for Writing the Perfect Argumentative Essay

September 5, 2021

Tips for Writing the Perfect Argumentative Essay

Effectively arguing your stand on a particular topic isn't something you'll do only during the debate club. It's a task you will handle over and over again while writing your argumentative essays.

Since it’s inevitable, the best thing to do would be to learn how to write the perfect argumentative essay. Luckily for you, we put together several tips for writing the perfect argumentative essay

Correctly Format Your Argumentative Essay 

The first step to becoming a pro argumentative essay writer is knowing how to format it. That is why below, we show you how to do that in the two most popular formats; APA and MLA.

How to Format Argumentative Essay in APA 

formatting argumentative essay

The APA style format was formulated by the American Psychological Association. It is one of the most popular writing formats in both academic and professional writing. To format your argumentative essay in APA, follow the tips below;

Font 

If you are writing your argumentative essay in APA, make sure you use a legible font for all readers.

The APA manual recommends that argumentative essay writers use 12-point Times New Roman and 11-point Calibri. Whichever font your professor recommends of the two, make sure you use it throughout the essay.

The Title Page

An argumentative essay written in APA has four main sections; the title page, the abstract, the main body, and the reference page. The title page should contain;

  • The title or topic being discussed
  • The author’s name
  • Institutional affiliation
  • Course number and name
  • The instructor names
  • Due date

The title should also be written in the upper and lowercase letters, boldface, and should also be centered. It should be brief and shouldn't contain abbreviations. All text throughout this page should also be double-spaced.

The Abstract

The abstract comes immediately after the title page, but it should be written on a new page. It should include a page header as well. The abstract of an argumentative essay should offer the reader an overview of what your essay is all about.

It should be interesting enough to motivate the reader to go through it, but at the same time, brief enough not to give away all the details. APA abstracts for an argumentative essay are usually not longer than 250 words.

The Main Body

The main body of an APA argumentative essay is usually made up of the introduction, three exploring the argument, and a conclusion as shown below;

The Introduction

In the first paragraph of an argumentative essay written in APA format, the student should set the rest of the paper's pace by reviewing the topic in a generalized manner.

This should be done briefly and in about two or three sentences. Next, the writer should briefly explain why the topic is of the essence, and lastly, they should craft a thesis statement.

 As with other parts of the first paragraph of an APA argumentative essay, this statement should be brief. However, it should also narrow down the topic, but most importantly, effectively communicate your stand on the topic.

Note, the thesis statement makes it easy for the reader to understand the context of your essay and makes it easy for you to write one. So be sure to come up with a good one.

Main Body Exploring Your Argument

After the introduction, you should defend your argument in three paragraphs. In most essays, three paragraphs followed by the Conclusion are usually enough, but if you have an extra point, you can include one more paragraph.

Each paragraph should discuss only one idea. This creates clarity and allows a smooth transition from one paragraph to the next one. Also, make sure each paragraph has a logical connection to the thesis statement (this is why it was necessary).

The Conclusion 

The conclusion ties in the entire paper together. You should restate your thesis and explain how it connects to your points in the main body. However, be careful not to introduce any new information.

The Reference Page

Here you are supposed to cite all your sources.

How to Format an Argumentative Essay in MLA Format 

If you are writing your argumentative essay in Modern Language Association style, you should follow the tips below;

Font and Formatting 

In MLA style, an argumentative essay should have a one-inch margin all around. You should also double space and use 12-point Times New Roman.

Unlike APA, an argumentative essay written in MLA doesn't have a separate title page. You are required to write all your title page details in the upper left-hand corner of the first page, and immediately after that, start your essay. You should include your name, your supervisor's name, your course, and the date.

Immediately after the date, double space, and write the title. It should be centered and should use standard capitalization. After that, double space, and start writing your essay.

Also, note, your argumentative essay should have a header on the upper right-hand corner of the page. It should include your last name, space, and a page number, and it should be present throughout to the last page(your supervisor may ask you not to include the header on the first page, so make sure you go through project guidelines. )

Writing an Argumentative Essay in MLA

Similar to APA style, an MLA argumentative essay also includes five paragraphs(although this depends on the length of the essay);

  • The introduction
  • Three evidential paragraphs
  • Conclusion
  • Works cited page

Writing Tone in Argumentative Essay

writing tone

Writing an excellent argumentative essay calls for a strong language that will convince your readers to take your side of the argument. You should use a professional tone to put your claim across and provide a rebuttal.

Your language should be logical and reasonable, but at the same time, it should be emotional and figurative so you can persuade the reader into believing that your side of the argument is the right side.

This begs the question, is it okay for an argumentative essay writer to use I or the first person in their essay? It's often advisable for the author to avoid using the first person ( I, We, Me, and the likes) in any essay.

However, this is a rule that can be broken only if the situation is right. For instance, it is appropriate for an essay writer to use the first person when;

Writing a Personal Anecdote

tell a story

As you know, your introduction sets the pace for the rest of the paper. Most readers often decide whether to read or abandon writing based on how enticing the introduction was written.

With that said, sometimes, including a personal anecdote in your introduction is often the best way to get your reader hooked to your work.

It adds a personal touch to your essay, which makes your readers want to find out more. In that light, if you are using a personal anecdote in your introduction, it is okay to use the first person in your essay.

Stating Your Stand as Opposed to Others

Just as the name suggests, an argumentative essay is a piece of academic writing in which the reader introduces a topic, states their position, and compels the reader to accept with their point of view.

It is usually necessary for you to state your position as opposed to others. If stating your position means including many passive constructions in your essay, you should use I or the first person in your essay.

The above pointers represent only a few occasions where you can use the first person in your argumentative essay. There are many other instances where you could break the first person rule, for instance, when you want to establish your credibility, or when you want to avoid passive voice.

The best thing to do when you can't make up your mind is to consult your instructor if you are not sure. However, keep in mind that even though an argumentative essay involves convincing the reader to take your side, your tone should remain impersonal or impartial.

This means you should avoid using phrases like "I think, I believe, or I feel" at all costs. Using the first-person tone weakens your professional voice. In a nutshell, use the first person when you deem it necessary.

Types of Argumentative Essays

Now that you know how to format an argumentative essay in APA and MLA formats as well as when to use the first-person tone, check out the different types of argumentative essays you will come across in your academic journey;

Persuasive Essay

This is a typical argumentative essay where the author presents an argument, and as the name suggests, persuades the reader that their point of view is better than its variant. In a persuasive essay, the author should have a clear and concise thesis statement telling the reader their perspective.

They should present arguments on both sides but refute the counter-arguments to convince the reader to take their stand.

Analysis Essay

An argumentative analysis essay analyzes an existing argument. In a persuasive essay, the writer may come up with the topic and then present their stand. However, in an analysis essay, the writer seeks to analyze an already existing argument.

For instance, your professor may ask you to analyze an essay that had already been written by another student. To ace this type of argumentative essay, you need to carefully evaluate the author's views and opinions and then present a counter-argument.

Analysis essays are often meant to help the reader familiarize themselves with a particular topic, while simultaneously introducing them to your views.

Research Paper Essay

Research paper essays are the second most popular type of argumentative essay after persuasive. As the name implies, research paper essays are heavily reliant on evidence from external sources of information.

This means doing a lot of research before you put pen to paper. Also, unlike other types of argumentative essays, you must present both sides of the argument and then take a stand.

This means clearly stating your position in the thesis statement, and then discussing a few differing points in the main body, but finally telling the reader why they should see things eye to eye with you.

Personal Essay

An argumentative personal essay is the easiest to write. It is based on your personal experiences.

This means you are allowed to write about your personal feelings, opinions, or experience with something. This also means you can use the first-person tone, and you do not have to conduct research. 

However, your experiences should be valid plus it's advisable to include a little bit of research and formal language so the main argument can be compelling

Tips for Writing a Perfect Five Paragraph Argumentative Essay

tips to write perfect argumentative essay

As mentioned earlier, the standard argumentative essay consists of five paragraphs; the introduction, three evidential paragraphs, and the Conclusion.

If you want to ace your next five-paragraph argumentative essay, ensure you utilize the following;

1. Choose Your Topic Wisely

Your professor may offer you a list of several subjects to write on, or you may be required to pick one independently.

Whichever situation describes you best, the key is to select a subject you are passionate about, interested in, or love. 

Why? Well, if you choose a subject you like, you are more likely to present valid and compelling points that will make even the most opinionated reader agree with your point of view. Plus, you will be more motivated to finish it.

2. Conduct Your Research

Once you decide what you will be writing about, the next most crucial step to acing your five-paragraph essay is conducting your research.

Gather any existing information pertaining to your subject, and note down the most critical points. The key to acing this step is having an outline so you don't leave out any important points that you may have come across during your research.

Make sure to use credible sources. For instance, use past and current research from sources in your school's library and turn to credible sites like Google Scholar and Research gate.

3. Craft a Clear Thesis

The thesis of an argument is the lifeline of any excellent argumentative essay. It tells the reader what you stand for from the word go, and sets the tone for writing the paper without any difficulties. 

With that said, make sure you craft a clear and concise thesis in the first paragraph.

4. Create an Outline

Outlining, as noted, helps you ensure you leave out no crucial points. If you didn't create it during your initial research, create it at this point.

Besides ensuring you include all essential points, outlining also enables you to arrange your points from the strongest to the weakest.

As a result, your argumentative essay becomes logical, coherent, and appealing to the reader. An argumentative essay outline follows the same format as the essay itself. That means it has

  • The introductory paragraph- the thesis serves as the outline’s introductory paragraph
  • The first paragraph- your first main point
  • The second paragraph- your second main point
  • The third paragraph- your third main point
  • The Conclusion- connect the thesis with your points in the body paragraphs.

Write Your Essay

With your outline ready, the next step should be easy. Give life to your main points in the body paragraph. Once you are done, edit and proofread your essay.

Write Your Way to an A Plus Argumentative Essay

At first, glance, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a difficult task. However, with the guidelines above, your writing process should be seamless. But if you feel like you are still stuck, do not hesitate to get in touch with us for professional argumentative essay writing help. 


About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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