What is an Argumentative essay?
An argumentative essay is a type of essay where the writer takes a position on a particular topic after thorough investigation, collection, evaluation and generation of evidence. Argumentative essays are meant to convince or persuade readers to think like the writer and agree with his or her position. Extensive research is involved when writing an argumentative essay because the writer is expected to support their claims with substantive evidence. The evidence that is gathered in research is used to support a particular position on argumentative essay topics. In addition to critical reasoning, an argumentative essay must have a clear thesis that need to be supported throughout the essay. It is important to point out that most educational topics tend to be argumentative.
Structure of Argumentative essay
To begin with, the opening paragraph should bear the thesis statement that identifies the writer’s position on the issue. It is difficult for the essay to be convincing when the author’s position on the topic or issue is not known from the beginning. Secondly, the author has to come up with concrete reasons to support their argument or position in order to persuade readers. By offering reasons on why they support a particular argument, the writer is able to draw the attention of readers as they get interested in the information being provided. Furthermore, reasons may not be enough in persuading readers, but should be backed by evidence that may include relevant data and facts. However, the argumentative essay should also include counterarguments to the stated thesis as well as rebuttals to the stated counter arguments. Finally, the conclusion should re-affirm the author’s position on the topic by restating the thesis statement.
Some Tips About Writing
First, the author should generally review the topic in the first paragraph and state their thesis statement in a clear and concise manner. Secondly, the introduction, body and conclusion should have logical and clear transitions for the reader to easily follow the argument. It is also important to ensure each paragraph contains a general idea in the topic sentence followed by evidential support. In this manner, the reader is able to follow the argument in the essay because of the logical progression of thought. Finally, the thesis statement should be supported by current information that is detailed, accurate and well researched.
20 Topics examples
The following are examples of topics for argumentative educational essay that one can consider when looking for writing topics:
- Should security personnel in schools be given firearms?
- Should there be heavy punishment for failing schools?
- Should exams and testing be abolished in schools?
- Should higher education be made free?
- Should girls and boys learn in separate classes?
- Are long holidays necessary for teachers?
- Should pre-school education be abolished?
- Is college education necessary?
- Should students be forced to learn foreign languages?
- Should life skills classes be introduced in high schools?
- Should uniforms be abolished in schools?
- Should cell phones be used as educational tools?
- Should corporal punishment be abolished in schools?
- Is exam teaching getting worse in schools?
- Should standardized tests be taken seriously?
- Is Arts Education important?
- Are parent-teacher conferences necessary?
- Is college ranking necessary?
- Should students grade their teachers?
- Should science subjects be made compulsory in schools?