Writing an Argumentative Essay

A large number of people have difficulties in writing an effective Argumentative Essay. A quick perusal of most sample essay provided by students show that they either have no idea what an argumentative essay is or they don't know how to provide a strong argument, which is the focal point of the aforementioned essay. Also referred to as "Persuasive Essays", an argumentative essay is a critical essay that aims to convince the reader to agree with your facts, share your values, and accept your argument and conclusions.

While it is very similar to an Expository Essay, which provides facts and conclusions, an Argumentative or Persuasive Essay is different in terms of intent. An expository essay aims to expound on facts and can be passive. An argumentative type essay on the other hand, uses facts to support its own argument, or to challenge other arguments. Whereas an expository essay may use facts to prevent an argument or disagreement from developing, an argumentative essay will use facts AND opinions to support an argument or a disagreement.

In terms of tone or voice, an argumentative essay is also different because it needs to be written in an active voice. A passive voice may sound weak as opposed to the strong impact provided by an active tone, which also helps it save space for more arguments and facts instead of wasting it on superfluous words and terms necessitated by a passive, more polite tone. In theory, a good argumentative essay should be concise, straight to the point, and give a strong impression intended to "persuade" the reader to your side of the argument.

Provide strong facts for your argument and always double-check them. Stating it as a fact is not enough and it is bound to be challenged. Not double-checking facts or proper citing of sources tend to be the Achilles Heel of most argumentative essays, since an argument can only be as strong as its supporting facts.

Don't write an argumentative essay if you do not believe it yourself. If you're not convinced with your own arguments, it will show up in your essay and almost all of your points, facts, and conclusion will seem weak, unfounded, and easy to counter.

You should also try to put yourself in the reader's shoes or point of view. In support of that, you can also get a friend or colleague to read your essay and gauge his reaction. If you weren't able to convince or get a reaction from him, chances are your essay is not very effective.

Next, always check your spelling and grammar. Incorrect spelling and grammar could distract greatly from your argument and weaken the entire essay's effect. Keep a thesaurus handy or use your word processor's built-in spell and grammar checking tools. Edit and correct as necessary.

Lastly, be strong and confident. An argumentative essay is meant to be challenged and will surely be met with criticisms and other argumentative essays. Do not take it personally as arguments and challenging discussions are what argumentative essays were meant for.