Q&A for How to Write an Argumentative Essay

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How do you write a thesis?

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A thesis statement simply outlines the main argument of your essay.

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What if I have to study for an essay test?

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You should practice from home and go over as many essays as you can. You could ask an English teacher to review your essay before you take your test.

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What are some examples of an argumentative essay?

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Someone might write an argumentative essay about why eBooks are better than paper books, or whether climate change is being caused by nature or man. An argumentative essay is just about arguing one side of an issue. You could also try Google for more examples.

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When do I cite my sources?

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At the end of your work.

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Do I need to add counter statements? If yes, why?

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Yes. To make a great argument, it must be a debatable topic, so include counter statements

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Question

What do I do if I disagree in an argumentative essay?

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Write another essay from your point of view and explain why you disagree.

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How do you review the opposition's points?

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Try summarizing each paragraph as one sentence. Look over each sentence for a general outline. Write down why you disagree with them on scratch paper. Search each point and its paragraph for flaws, exceptions, or qualifications.

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When writing an argumentative essay, during which step do you criticize possible arguments against your main ideas?

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It would be best if you can do this with every paragraph.

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Do I write my argument and counterargument in the same paragraph?

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No. You state your argument first. If you are presenting a counterpoint, it should be presented after your argument.

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Question

How do I write the second paragraph of an argumentative essay?

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It would be best to make it the contradictory paragraph, so later you can prove your point. Make sure to include a rebuttal so the audience knows which side you're on.

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Is a mind map important when writing an argumentative essay?

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Yes, mind mapping can be incredibly beneficial when writing an essay of any kind. It helps you a lot in building your essay properly so that all of your points are conveyed clearly.

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What is the best resource I could use for my essay?

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The internet. I would recommend checking out sites like Google Scholar that offer academic, peer-reviewed sources. (Those are the most reliable sources.)

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If I use 5 paragraphs, can I mention my argument in the second and third, but the counterargument in the fourth paragraph?

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Yes, that structure should work fine, just make sure you're giving enough weight to the counterargument and not just mentioning it in passing.

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How do I write an essay with my teacher as my audience?

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Try to think like your teacher would think. Pretend you are the teacher and critique your work the way you think your teacher would.

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How can I write an effective call to action on an argumentative essay?

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A call to action is often used in a persuasive essay, which differs from an argumentative essay. However, if you want use this, there are many ways to make it effective: 1. Try to make it brief, and to the point. 2. Use bandwagon adjectives.

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Question

What is a counterargument?

Iris8989

Community Answer

A counterargument is an argument from the opposing side of your essay. For example, if someone wrote about why pancakes are better than waffles, the counterargument would explain 1 reason about why waffles are better. Then, you use your reasons and evidence to explain that the counterargument is wrong.

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Question

What are some writing convincing essay prompts for 4th grade?

Iris8989

Community Answer

You could write about any topic really, as long as it isn't inappropriate or gory. Examples includes why a certain pet is better than another, why people should support a specific person (like a celebrity or a humanitarian person), or why eating a certain food has its benefits. You can search online to find more examples, like typing in the terms, "essay prompts for elementary school" or "essay prompt examples".

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Question

What is an example of a claim?

Iris8989

Community Answer

A bad claim would be, "Pancakes are the best!" or "You HAVE TO CHOOSE PANCAKES!". A good claim would be, "Pancakes are the best breakfast because they are healthy and fulfilling." Good claims summarize the reasons about why you support/disagree with the topic you are writing about.

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Question

What are the parts of an argumentative essay?

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Community Answer

The main parts include an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction can include a hook (to grab your reader's attention at your essay) and a thesis (your position on your topic). The body paragraphs each include a reason and evidence to back it up. The conclusion restates the thesis, and you should summarize the main points in your essay in it.

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Do I need to cite my sources in an argumentative essay? How would I write one?

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Community Answer

Yes, if you used sources in your argumentative essay you need to cite them. If you didn't that would be rude to the original authors of the sources you used (that would not be crediting them). There are many formats of bibliographies (a page where you cite all your sources) but some of them are MLA, APA, and Chicago styles. If you search online, EasyBib and many other websites can help you on how to write a bibliography in the preferred format.

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