Friday, April 14th, 2023

7 Pro Tips for a Compelling Essay

Hey there! Are you staring at a blank screen, wondering how to start your argumentative essay? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Writing a killer argumentative essay that will impress your professor and earn you that A+ grade is no easy task. One wrong step and all your hard work go down the drain. But no need to worry. With the right advice, you can easily turn that blank page into an A+ essay that is sure to earn you the grade of your dream.

In this blog, we’ll share some pro tips to help you write a compelling argumentative essay that will grab your reader’s attention, present a strong argument, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re for an assignment, a college application or even a competition, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!

Getting Familiar with the Types

Argumentative Essays fall into three categories. These types differ in their purpose, reasoning and structure. Let us break down these for you in a way that’s easy to understand and will help you better grasp the concept of different Argumentative Essays.

The Aristotelian Argument

The first type of argumentative essay is called the Classical argument. As you can tell by the name, this style was suggested by the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle. (And if you don’t know who that is, you need some instant reading to do.)

The Aristotelian Argument is all about making a clear and straightforward argument. It depends on Ethos, Pathos and Logos to validate its points. You start by introducing your topic, presenting your main claim, and addressing opposing views.  After that, you present your evidence and end the essay with a conclusion.

Toulmin

This type of style was introduced by British philosopher Stephen Toulmin. The Toulmin method is used when there are no clear truths about an issue, or your thesis is a counterargument. This approach is about structuring complex arguments in a way that’s backed up by logic and deep analysis.

For Toulmin style, start by making a claim, then support it with evidence and reasoning. Next, you present a connection between your argument and the reasons. Then you back up your claim with evidence to strengthen your argument and address limits. Finally, you draw a conclusion that ties everything together. It’s like constructing a building with a strong foundation and sturdy framework!

Rogerian

Taken from the work of infamous psychologist Carl Rogers, the Rogerian method is about addressing both sides of the argument. Consequently, this argumentative essay is generally written when presented to multiple kinds of readers.

The Rogerian approach is about finding common ground and building an essay that acknowledges the validity of your as well as your opponent’s thesis. Instead of attacking your opponent’s position, you try to understand it and show empathy. In this essay, the first step in introducing the problem explaining the opponent’s perspective, followed by your own. Next, you address both sides and find a middle point between them. It’s like having a civil conversation with someone you disagree with and then finding a common point on which you agree!

So now that you have gotten the hang of three complex types of Argumentative Essays, it’s time to move on to the pro tips and tricks that will help you create a captivating essay.

6 Best Hacks to Write A Successful Argumentative Essay

1.      Choose an Intriguing Topic

The first step in writing an argumentative essay is to choose a topic that interests you. Your topic should be controversial, and there should be opposing views. Brainstorm ideas and thoroughly research your topic to ensure you have enough material to support your argument. The bonus tip here is to pick an issue you personally resonate with. This way, you can propose a genuine argument and convince the reader more effectively.

2.      Determine the Structure

The structure of an argumentative essay is critical to the success of your writing. Typically, these essays have an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs and a conclusion. For a short-length argumentative essay, you can follow the Five Paragraph Rule, which suggests having an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs where you usually provide evidence and discuss your topic and then, finally, a conclusion.

3.      Hook the Reader with an Introduction

Your introduction should be attention-grabbing and make the reader want to keep reading. You can start with a surprising fact, a quote, or an anecdote. The introduction should also provide background information on the topic and state your thesis. An effective introductory paragraph contains a hook, a background sentence, and a thesis statement.

4.      A Strong Thesis Statement Makes All the Difference

Your thesis statement is the most crucial part of your argumentative essay. If your thesis statement isn’t well-thought and well-put, then the whole idea of the essay fails. Make sure your thesis statement is clear, concise, and debatable. A strong thesis statement will make it easier to write the rest of your essay and will also make it more convincing.

5.      Back Up with Evidence

To make your argument more convincing, you need to provide evidence to support your claims. This evidence could be in statistics, expert opinions, or real-life examples. In addition, you should ensure that your evidence is credible and relevant to your topic.

6.      Be Mindful of the Tone

When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to maintain a respectful tone. Using aggressive or belittling language should never be an approach if you want to leave a good impression on the reader.

7.      Proofread and Polish

Finally, before submitting your argumentative essay, it is important to proofread and edit your work. Check for grammatical and spelling mistakes, and ensure your essay flows well. Having someone else read your essay to get a second opinion is also a good idea.

And that’s a Wrap!

So, folks, that is how you write a compelling argumentative essay. Taken from the pros, these hacks will make your essay engaging and persuasive. And who knows, you might as well get the highest grade in your class. But no pressure, though, right?

george gardner