How to write an Argumentative Essay

Malcolm Corbin
Jun 2
3 min read

What is an argumentative essay?

In an argumentative essay you must present your side of an argument in order to convince the reader. The key difference between an argumentative vs discursive essay is that you must also show an understanding of the other point of view which you then counter with other arguments from your side. You should never use personal pronouns or state your opinion directly, however it should be obvious from the start.

See my guide here on how to answer a discursive essay.

General information

Cambridge 140-190 words

However you should write at least 180 words and maximum 200

Trinity 150-180 words

However you should write at least 170 words and maximum 190

You need to write this much otherwise you won't be including enough detail or including enough variety of grammar in your writing!

How to start writing

Create a plan

Think of 2 or 3 key arguments to support your side
Think of a supporting piece of evidence for each argument.
Write down 2 or 3 consequences and/or causes of each argument.*
Think of an argument from the opposite side and a counter-argument.
Think of a supporting piece of evidence for your counter-argument and how specifically it counters the opposite view.

*A more advanced technique is to also think about the consequences of the consequence

Structure

Introduction - 2 or 3 sentences

MUST introduce the key themes of your arguments highlighted in the plan.
ONLY include ideas that you will identify in the plan!

Main body 1 - Presenting your point of view - between 6 and 8 sentences

Argument - 1 sentence
Evidence - 1 sentence
Analysis - between 2 and 4 sentences

Main body 2 - Highlighting an opposing point of view and giving your counterargument - between 6 and 8 sentences

Present the opposing argument and (optionally) supporting evidence.
Present counter-argument and follow: Argument - Evidence - Analysis

Conclusion - 2 or 3 sentences.

Summarise key points
Use persuasive language
DO NOT introduce new ideas.

Phrases to use in each section

Being persuasive

It's clear to see that...
It's patently obvious that...
What's clear is that...
The main issues with... is that...

Presenting the opposite point of view

While it's true that + opposite view, counter-argument
It's said by... that... However, + counter-argument
Some proponents/opponents have argued that... Nevertheless + counter-argument
It's argued that...

See my guide on how to write a discursive essay to learn general phrases to start, connect and conclude your essay.

Example Argumentative Essay

Plan

Against - environment

Radioactive waste
- Expensive to store
- Difficult to store
Risk of meltdown
- Chernobyl
- Deaths
- Environmental damage

For - less CO2

Should the UK invest more in nuclear power?

The debate on whether the UK should spend more money on nuclear power has long been a contentious issue. Proponents say that it provides an invaluable stopgap as the country transitions away from fossil fuels but do these arguments outweigh the risks?

The main issue with nuclear power is that it produces radioactive waste which takes thousands of years to become safe. This causes a myriad of problems like how to store it safely over this timeframe as any leak could cause irreversible damage to the environment. Moreover, safe storage of this material is hugely expensive, increasing costs for the consumer or requiring government subsidies which could be better spent elsewhere.

While it’s true that nuclear power does not produce CO2 or other greenhouse gases, it this worth the risk of nuclear meltdown? The infamous incident in Chernobyl should serve as a stark warning to everyone if things go wrong. In this event, thousands of people were killed and vast swaths of land became contaminated for generations to come.

Overall, while the reduction in greenhouse gases seems enticing, the environmental implications can’t be overlooked and this is why the UK should not invest in nuclear power.

***Disclaimer: All opinions stated are examples for the sole purpose of teaching. They do not necessarly express the views of Malcolm's English Class.