An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that requires a writer to take a stance on a particular topic, provide evidence to support their claim, and present a compelling argument that persuades readers to agree with their point of view. In this article, we will explore the components of an argumentative essay and provide several examples of how to structure and present an argument effectively.
To help readers understand the format and content of an argumentative essay, we will provide hypothetical argumentative essay examples on different topics. We will also discuss the importance of a strong thesis statement, supporting evidence, counterarguments, formatting, and citation. By the end of this article, you will have several ideas on how to write your argumentative essay.
Argumentative essay examples: Introduction
An argumentative essay introduction is a hook to grab the reader’s attention and provide background information. It should also include a clear and concise thesis statement that presents the writer’s argument.
Example:
Gun violence has become an all-too-common occurrence in the United States, with mass shootings and other forms of gun-related violence rising. In the wake of these tragic events, the debate over gun control has intensified, with advocates on both sides arguing for their positions. Proponents of stricter gun control laws argue that they are necessary to prevent future tragedies. In contrast, opponents argue that such laws violate Second Amendment rights and would not be effective in preventing gun violence. In this essay, we will examine the arguments on both sides of the gun control debate and provide evidence to support the need for stricter gun control laws in the United States. We will also address common counterarguments and present our stance on the issue. By the end of this essay, we hope to have provided a compelling case for why stricter gun control laws are necessary to reduce gun violence and save lives.
Argumentative essay examples: Thesis Statement
A thesis statement in an argumentative essay is a clear and concise statement that presents the writer’s argument or position on a topic. It serves as the main idea or focus of the essay and guides the reader on what to expect from the rest of the essay. It is usually in the introductory paragraph of an essay. A thesis statement is crucial in any essay that you are writing.
The thesis statement in the example above is: “We will examine the arguments on both sides of the gun control debate and provide evidence to support the need for stricter gun control laws in the United States.”
Another form of the same thesis statement could be: “The need for stricter gun control laws in the United States is supported by evidence and will help reduce gun violence and save lives.”
Argumentative essay examples: Background information
Providing context for the topic in an argumentative essay is crucial because it helps the reader understand the issue’s significance and relevance. Background information can also provide a framework for the writer’s argument and set the stage for the following evidence and analysis. The background information is usually in one of the body paragraphs.
Example:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39,707 firearm-related deaths in the United States were in 2019 (CDC, 2021). Of these deaths, 24,460 were attributed to suicide and 14,811 to homicide. The number of mass shootings has also increased, with 417 mass shootings in 2019 alone (Gun Violence Archive, 2020). These statistics paint a grim picture of gun violence in the United States and highlight the need for action to address this issue. Despite the devastating impact of gun violence, the debate over gun control laws remains highly divisive, with advocates on both sides fiercely defending their positions.
Argumentative essay examples: Supporting evidence
Supporting evidence is crucial in an argumentative essay because it helps to keep the writer’s argument and persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s position. Evidence can come in various forms, including statistics, expert opinions, and case studies. It is essential to use credible sources and ensure that the evidence presented is relevant to the argument.
Example:
One study that provides supporting evidence for the need for stricter gun control laws in the United States is a study conducted by Grinshteyn and Hemenway (2016). The researchers analyzed data from all 50 states over 25 years and found that states with stricter gun laws had a 42% lower firearm-related mortality rate than states with weaker ones. This evidence supports the argument that more stringent gun control laws can help reduce gun violence and save lives. Additionally, Chapman, Alpers, and Jones (2016) found that gun law reforms in Australia, including a buyback program for certain firearms, significantly reduced intentional firearm deaths. This provides further evidence for the effectiveness of stricter gun control laws in reducing gun violence.
Another piece of supporting evidence is the success of other countries in reducing gun violence through stricter gun control laws. For example, after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Australia, the government implemented more rigid gun control laws, including a buyback program for specific firearms. As a result, the country has not experienced mass shootings since then, and the rate of gun-related deaths has declined significantly (Chapman et al., 2016). This evidence highlights the effectiveness of stricter gun control laws in reducing gun violence and provides a strong argument for implementing similar measures in the United States.
Argumentative essay examples: Counterarguments
Counter arguments in an argumentative essay are essential because they show that the writer has considered opposing viewpoints and strengthens the overall argument by addressing potential criticisms. Addressing counterarguments can also help build trust with the reader by demonstrating that the writer thoroughly understands the issue and is not simply presenting a one-sided argument.
Example:
One common counterargument to the need for stricter gun control laws is that such laws would violate Second Amendment rights. Some opponents argue that the right to bear arms is a fundamental constitutional right that should not be infringed upon by the government. However, proponents of stricter gun control laws argue that the Second Amendment was written when firearms were much less powerful and less accessible than they are today. They also say that the Second Amendment should not be interpreted as an unlimited right to own any firearm. By addressing this counterargument, the writer can demonstrate that they have considered opposing viewpoints and provide evidence to support their position.
Another counterargument to the need for stricter gun control laws is that criminals can still obtain firearms, regardless of the rules in place. Opponents of gun control laws argue that such laws will only make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to get firearms for self-defense while having little to no impact on criminals illegally obtaining firearms. However, proponents of stricter gun control laws argue that while it may be true that criminals will still be able to get firearms, making it more difficult for them to do so can help reduce the number of guns in circulation and make it more difficult for criminals to obtain them. By addressing this counterargument, the writer can demonstrate that they have considered opposing viewpoints and provide evidence to support their position.
Argumentative essay examples: Conclusion
The conclusion of an argumentative essay should summarize the main points made in writing and restate the thesis statement in a way that emphasizes the strength of the writer’s argument. The conclusion should also leave a lasting impression on the reader and provide a sense of closure to the essay.
Here’s an example conclusion for the argumentative essay on gun control:
In conclusion, the debate over gun control laws in the United States is a complex issue with passionate advocates on both sides. However, the evidence presented in this essay supports the need for stricter gun control laws to address the epidemic of gun violence in the country. The statistics show that gun violence in the United States is a significant problem that requires action. Stricter gun control laws have been shown to reduce gun-related deaths in other countries, and the evidence indicates that such laws can have a similar impact in the United States. While it is true that implementing stricter gun control laws will not solve the problem of gun violence entirely, it is a crucial step that can help reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by firearms. Therefore, we strongly support the need for policymakers to implement common-sense gun control measures that protect the rights of law-abiding citizens while reducing the risk of gun violence in our communities.
Argumentative essay examples: Citations
Proper citation is essential in an argumentative essay because it gives credit to the sources of the information used in the essay and demonstrates the writer’s credibility and integrity. Citing sources also helps readers locate and verify the information used in the essay, which enhances the essay’s overall quality and validity.
Here are the citations for the sources used in the examples above in both APA and MLA formats:
APA format:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 14). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. WISQARS Fatal Injury Reports. Retrieved from https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html
Chapman, S., Alpers, P., & Jones, M. (2016). Association between gun law reforms and intentional firearm deaths in Australia, 1979-2013. JAMA, 316(3), 291-299. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.8752
Cook, P. J., & Ludwig, J. (2010). Gun violence: The real costs. Oxford University Press.
Grinshteyn, E., & Hemenway, D. (2016). Violent death rates: The US compared with other high-income OECD countries, 2010. The American Journal of Medicine, 129(3), 266-273. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.10.025
Gun Violence Archive. (2020). 2019 Mass Shootings in America. Retrieved from https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting
Kopel, D. B. (2017). The Second Amendment in the 21st century. Routledge.
MLA format:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. WISQARS Fatal Injury Reports.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 July 2021, https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/mortrate.html.
Chapman, S., P. Alpers, and M. Jones. “Association between gun law reforms and intentional firearm deaths in Australia, 1979-2013.” JAMA, vol. 316, no. 3, 2016, pp. 291-299. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.8752.
Cook, P. J., and J. Ludwig. Gun Violence: The Real Costs. Oxford University Press, 2010.
Grinshteyn, E., and D. Hemenway. “Violent death rates: The US compared with other high-income OECD countries, 2010.” The American Journal of Medicine, vol. 129, no. 3, 2016, pp. 266-273. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.10.025.
Gun Violence Archive. “2019 Mass Shootings in America.” Gun Violence Archive, 2020, https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting.
Kopel, D. B. The Second Amendment in the 21st century. Routledge, 2017.
Examples of Published Argumentative Essays
Let’s explore some published argumentative essays
Example1:
Title: “The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet for Human Health and the Environment”
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5466943/
Analysis: This article is a great example of an argumentative essay because it presents a clear and concise argument supported by scientific evidence. The authors argue that a plant-based diet benefits both human health and the environment and provide evidence to support this argument through a comprehensive review of existing research studies. The article is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a great example of a scholarly argumentative essay.
Example 2:
Title: “The Ethics of Animal Testing in Medical Research”
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3634076/
Analysis: This article is a great example of an argumentative essay because it presents a clear and well-supported argument based on a thorough analysis of the ethics of animal testing in medical research. The authors argue that while animal testing has contributed to significant advances in medical research, it raises ethical concerns about the treatment of animals. They provide evidence to support their argument by reviewing existing research studies and ethical considerations. The article is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a great example of a scholarly argumentative essay.
Example 3:
Title: “The Effects of Climate Change on Global Food Security”
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7086787/
Analysis: This article is a great example of an argumentative essay because it presents a clear and well-supported argument based on a comprehensive analysis of the effects of climate change on global food security. The authors argue that climate change significantly impacts food security and provide evidence to support this argument by reviewing existing research and case studies. They also acknowledge counterarguments to their position and address them thoughtfully and thoroughly. The article is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a great example of a scholarly argumentative essay.
Argumentative essay examples on various topics
Here are samples of various argumentative essay topics
Social Media
History
Politics
Health Care & Nutrition
Technology
Argumentative essay examples for different academic levels
Here are argumentative essay samples depending on what education level you are in
Argumentative Essay Examples for Middle School
Argumentative Essay Examples for High School
Argumentative Essay Examples for College
Argumentative Essay Examples for O Level
Argumentative Essay Examples for 6th Grade
Argumentative Essay Examples for 7th Grade
Conclusion
In conclusion, argumentative essays are a powerful tool for expressing one’s opinions and beliefs clearly and persuasively. By presenting a well-supported argument, an author can convince readers to see their point of view and potentially change their minds. A well-written argumentative essay should include an introduction, thesis statement, supporting evidence, counterarguments, and a conclusion. It should also be properly cited to give credit to sources and avoid plagiarism.
Examples of argumentative essays can be found in various academic levels and topics, including history, politics, health and nutrition, and technology. Analyzing these examples can provide insight into what makes a great argumentative essay, such as strong evidence, clear reasoning, and balanced consideration of counterarguments.
Ultimately, argumentative essays allow individuals to express their beliefs and opinions in a well-reasoned and persuasive way. They are a valuable tool for anyone looking to make a case for their ideas, and by mastering the art of argumentative writing, individuals can become more effective communicators and advocates for their causes.
