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The Argumentative (Persuasive) Essay
What is an Argumentative (Persuasive) Essay?
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic, collect,
generate, and evaluate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.
Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research and/or intensive interpretation
of literature or previously published material.
Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data
through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to
learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that s/he may
choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the
amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow
sound reasoning.
What is the structure of an Argumentative (Persuasive) Essay?
The structure of the argumentative (persuasive) essay is held together by the following:
A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of
the essay.
In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in
a general way.
Next, the author should explain why the topic is important or why readers should care about the issue.
Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be
appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not
master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.
Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.
Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression
of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.
Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow
in the next section.