Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Argumentative Essay
The Argumentative Essay
Essay
Everything you need to know
to write one!
A PowerPoint Presentation by Cara Gratton
Step One
Choose a controversial topic that
interests you.
Step Two
Do some reading on the topic. Here
is a website that might help you:
www.gc.maricopa.edu/English/topicarg.html
Step Three
Write a thesis statement.
You may want to use one of the
thesis statements provided at:
www.gc.maricopa.edu/English/topicarg.html
Step Four
Choose
three ideas to support your
argument.
Step Five
Consider
the opposing arguments. If
you were arguing with your friends,
how would they try to prove you
were wrong?
Step Six
Organize your ideas into an outline.
Paragraph 1 – Introduction includes thesis statement
and supporting ideas
Paragraph 2 – Opposing argument and your refutation
Paragraph 3 – Opposing argument and your refutation
Paragraph 4 – Your strongest supporting argument
Paragraph 5 – Conclusion includes restatement of thesis
and supporting ideas. Make a prediction, a
recommendation, or a summary.
Step 7
Follow your outline and write the
essay.
Be sure to edit your writing for
grammar, spelling, and word choice
errors.
Good Luck!