debate analysis essay example

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed

General Education

Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.

After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.

A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the author’s thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.

The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

• The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
• The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.

Argumentative Essay Example 1

Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.

However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.

Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.

While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.

The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.

What this essay does well:

• Although it’s a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
• This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the author’s argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
• For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, it’s important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
• This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
• Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the author’s own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
• Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.

Argumentative Essay Example 2

There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention haven’t seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHO’s Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.

One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldn’t be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continent’s spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply can’t rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.

Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.

Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).  These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who don’t even own bed nets.  Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, there’s the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.

Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. It’s estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.  

This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.

• The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
• There’s lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author’s argument.
• The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure they’re being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
• The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.

Argumentative Essay Example 3

There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.

Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldn’t exist, college coaches wouldn’t receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldn’t profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don’t receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating they’ll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.  

Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasn’t worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasn’t paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them “strongly consider” remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.

Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.

People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, they’d turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.

They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from men’s football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.

Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.

People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its members’ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.

While both sides have good points, it’s clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.

This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldn’t be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldn’t be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.

• Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
• Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
• Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you don’t explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesn’t appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesn’t give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.

3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.

#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear

The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isn’t clear or readers can’t find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesn’t fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.

Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument you’re on. After you’ve written it, it’s a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point you’ll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.

#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak

When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but don’t do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldn’t believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why they’re incorrect/weak arguments. That’ll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.

#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side

Remember, an essay can’t be an argumentative essay if it doesn’t support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample

Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.

What's Next?

Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!

You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.

Your college admissions essay may end up being one of the most important essays you write. Follow our step-by-step guide on writing a personal statement to have an essay that'll impress colleges.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Annotating a full-mark Analysing Arguments essay with a 50-study-scorer

Passively flicking through sample analysing arguments sample essays will not help you achieve those perfect scores in your SACs. Reverse-engineering a sample essay written by a 50-study-scorer may though! Analysing Arguments (formerly known as Language Analysis) is often perceived as easy and repetitive; this is partly true – but tasks of this nature are often the most difficult, in that it is extremely difficult to stand out from the crowd and impress the teachers and assessors, who are probably tired of reading the same thing over and over again. Our team has mastered the art of standing out – and, based on our combined experience of 30+ years, will analyse why this essay is Premier’s Award-level distinctive.

Introduction

Prompted by the controversial proposal for an Apple store to be built in Federation square, Susie O’Brien has composed an opinion piece entitled “Welcome to Apple Square, Victoria’s Latest Sellout” (Herald Sun, 20/12/17) for an audience of metropolitan Melburnians divided over the potential loss of an iconic cultural space. In an impassioned and fervent tone, O’Brien voices her outrage over the proposal, beckoning her readers to oppose the construction of the store due to its infringement on what is widely considered a hub of Melbourne life. Contrasting these views is Federation Square designer Donald Bates, who, in his opinion piece “Federation Square is exactly the right place for Melbourne’s new Apple store” (The Age, 21/12/17) authoritatively and prudently expresses his support of the new Apple store to his concerned Melbourne-based readers, citing the decision as consistent with the original intent behind the creation of Federation Square. Meanwhile, the cartoons by Jim Pavlidis (date unknown) and Mark Knight (22/12/17) aim to satirise the debate, with Pavlidis asserting that Melbourne citizens are taking the issue too seriously and Knight mocking the public for their refusal to embrace change.

Commentary: The introduction of the essay is comprehensive, clearly outlining the issue, title of the articles, specified the audience and the author’s tone. The information about the first opinion piece is well-connected to the analysis of the second piece, as well as the visuals by Pavlidis and Knight. 

Body Paragraph 1:

With the central aim of exposing the injustice inherent in a wealthy private corporation encroaching on iconic public space, O’Brien opens her piece with an impassioned appeal to economic fairness to highlight the impropriety of the proposed Apple store. Painting a highly negative portrayal of Apple Inc. through descriptors such as “tax-dodging multinational” and “erosion of public space to private corporations”, O’Brien seeks to capitalize on her local readership’s loyalty and patriotism towards the City of Melbourne to implicitly suggest that the building will endanger all that they hold dear, with the “well-used public building” replaced by “oppressive” international forces. Given the stark contrast between the comfort and sense of community in the “public amenity” and the sterility and coldness of the “private corporations”, readers strongly affiliated with the Square and all it represents are encouraged to view Apple Inc. as an almost evil corporation far removed from the cultural identity of Melbourne. The sense of injustice in such a corporation purchasing the “right to occupy” space in Federation Square is fortified by O’Brien’s enraged denigration of the company for paying a “tiny proportion” of only “$85 million” Australian tax compared to its “$8 billion local revenue”. In doing so, O’Brien firmly appeals to the working class reader’s sense of economic equity to condemn Apple for their opportunism in securing such a “prime slice of Melbourne real estate”. Taxpayers particularly concerned about the Melbourne economy are compelled to respond in outrage to the inequality of the situation in that their hard-earned money will be used to fund an enormously wealthy corporation’s project. Labeling the decision as  “Victoria’s latest sellout” then confirms in the infuriated reader’s mind that the project is yet another one of the State Government’s fruitless attempts of developing the CBD that will result only in the defacement of a Melbourne icon.

Commentary: Opening strong with a detailed argument (with the tone integrated), the author shows her understanding of the task — you are expected to analyse the construction and delivery of the arguments. All quotes are integrated seamlessly into the anaysis; there is no listing or labeling of techniques here. Instead, the analysis of language, quotes and appeals is included to support an exploration of how the argument is formed. There are multiple ‘points of analysis’ or ‘blocks of analysis’, which leverage the shared impacts of different devices – combine them, and analyse them in one go. 

Points of analysis:

• Appeal to economic fairness – Negative portrayal through the use of epithets such as “tax-dodging multinational” and “erosion of public space to private corporations”
• Contrast between "public amenity" and "private corporations" – Strong emotional language to make readers view Apple Inc. as an almost evil corporation far removed from the cultural identity of Melbourne
• Use of statistics to enhance the reader's sense of injustice – Appeal to the working class reader’s sense of economic equity to condemn Apple
• Labeling the decision as “Victoria’s latest sellout” confirms in the infuriated reader’s mind that the project is yet another one of the State Government’s fruitless attempts of developing the CBD that will result only in the defacement of a Melbourne icon.

Body Paragraph 2:

O’Brien progresses into her piece in a more emphatic tone, aiming to embroil her readership with a sense of outrage over the loss of the iconic cultural and communal hub that is Federation Square. With the intent of galvanizing an emotional response from her Melburnian readers, O’Brien appeals to tradition in her assertion that the “exiting Yarra building” should be “retained” given it is part of the “original design for the square” and is used for “markets, public events and conventions”. In doing so, readers actively involved in the social or cultural life of Melbourne, or perhaps even those who passingly visit the Square as part of their daily commute, are positioned to view the proposed build as an unsolicited encroachment on the traditions of the lives of ordinary Melburnians, given the cultural significance Federation Square has as a symbol of Melbourne and even Australia. Juxtaposing the “thousands” who “flock” to the Square to “watch sporting events, hold protests, watch fireworks, film screenings and attend festivals and markets” with the “oppressive presence hulking over” the area serves then to further generate anger and resentment towards Apple for destroying the cultural activities of Melburnians. Given the connotations of community spirit and participation associated with the extensive list of activities that the space facilitates, diametrically opposed to the images of a gargantuan, imposing construction, readers are poised to completely reject such an inequitable proposal that, to them, should remain the “heart of the city.” The inclusion of a photograph depicting the “proposed flagship design” of the Apple store serves to bolster O’Brien’s portrayal of the building as an unnecessary obstruction in the cultural hub of Melbourne. With the instantly recognizable irregular geometric patterns of Federation Square surrounding the new “flagship” building, readers are reminded of the disruption that this building will create to their daily lives, having been accustomed to an open, public area rather than the more constricted and uninviting image the design suggests. Hence, readers, motivated by their strong sense of attachment to the traditions of Melbourne that Federation Square represents, are prompted into supporting O’Brien in her rejection of the new Apple Store.

Commentary: O’Brien’s tonal shift is mentioned here – the response shows an astute understanding of how language influences the readers. It is important to note that, linguistic decisions of the author can both elicit feelings and alter the position of the audience. The analysis mentions both the ways in which O’Brien prompts audiences into supporting her view, and sparks outrage within the readers. Connotations are also analysed here – specific word choices help put forward arguments and persuade target audiences. 

• Emphatic tone to embroil readers with a sense of outrage
• Appeal to tradition – Juxtaposition of cultural activities with the imposing presence of the Apple store
• Connotations of community spirit and participation associated with the extensive list of activities that the space facilitates
• Inclusion of a photograph depicting the “proposed flagship design” of the Apple store
• Use of rhetorical questions to challenge readers

Body Paragraph 3:

While O’Brien seeks to rally increased opposition towards the proposed build, Bates takes a reasoned approach in likening the initial resistance to the Apple Store to the public reception of the design of Federation Square itself. Establishing his credentials as the “director and co-founder of LAB Architecture Studio” who designed the Square by recalling “our” winning design, Bates immediately signals his authority over the issue as someone whose opinion overrides all others, given his knowledge and expertise as one of the “architects of the landmark”. Through this, readers concerned that the new building will encroach on the “original intent” of the cultural hub of Federation Square are assured that, given the endorsement of the proposal from the designer himself, the building is perhaps a beneficial addition to the Melbourne icon. Listing examples of sentiments against the new Federation Square design he had received “for five years (1997-2002)”, such as “This design has all the grace and charm of Godzilla” and “that it was unfortunate the Taliban couldn’t come to Melbourne to blow it up”, Bates amusingly divulges on the initial resistance the design had garnered from the public. In doing so, readers are subconsciously allowed to liken the construction of the Apple store to the designing of Federation Square; Bates aims to insinuate that an initially poorly-received Apple Store has the potential to become as well-loved and perhaps even as iconic as Federation Square, given the shift in public sentiment towards the Square from initial outrage to universal affection.

Commentary: Past VCAA examiners reports have clarified that there is no requirement for students to compare between texts in the exam – but do note that you are required to compare in your SAC. This essay is written in preparation for the exams; the topic sentence – with a small comparative component – has the effects of adding to the analysis’ coherence and flow. The analysis of the author’s credibility, a logos analysis, is a great base for further discussion. 

• Reasoned approach – Establishing authority over the issue
• Listing examples of sentiments against the new Federation Square
• Comparison of the initial resistance to the Apple Store with the public reception of the design of Federation Square

Having divulged the parallels in initial reception of Federation Square and the Apple Store, Bates transitions into a rational justification of the building as an affirmation of the original intent of what the public square represents. Appealing to the city-going local’s feeling of pride towards “the vibrancy that is Melbourne’s unique CBD” in phrases such as “Federation Square is Melbourne” and “a precinct that conjoins the civic, the cultural and the commercial”, Bates seeks to inspire a sense of collective appreciation and enthusiasm for “one of the world’s best public squares”, allowing his readership to become more receptive to his subsequent argument. The alliterative emphasis in the triad “the civic, the cultural and the commercial” serves to bolster the image of Federation Square as a central hub for the Melbourne community which links all aspects of daily life; readers are implicitly urged to associate such positive connotations with the new Apple Store given Bates’ assertion that it is an “affirmation” of the “aspiration of Fed Square” to be the “centre of action in Melbourne”. It is Bates’ aim to assuage the concerns of readers who believe that the “Apple Global Flagship” will threaten to destroy the “vibrancy” of the original Square, instead insisting that it is not only in line with the “original intent” of the space, but will improve the “operational impost”, creating a “more logical connection of the activities of Fed Square”. Metropolitan readers, reassured by the enthusiasm of the architect behind their much-loved city hub, are thus more inclined to view the development of the site in a positive light, given that it will benefit the communal activities that Federation Square is prized for.

Commentary: This paragraph is the perfect illustration for our ‘hierarchical analysis’ strategy, exclusively taught to Lindsey’s VCE students – we will write a blog on this shortly. It starts with a broader ethos-based analysis (appeals), and zooms in, discusses word-level features, i.e. the alliteration of “the civic, the cultural and the commercial”. The connotations of the words quoted are also parts of, what we call, the micro-level analysis. This strategy allows us to construct paragraphs that flow incredibly well, and avoid the trap of ‘listing techniques’ mentioned every year in the Examiner’s Report.

• Appealing to the city-going local’s feeling of pride
• The alliterative emphasis in the triad “the civic, the cultural and the commercial”
• Positive connotations with the new Apple Store given Bates’ assertion that it is an “affirmation” of the “aspiration of Fed Square” to be the “centre of action in Melbourne”

Visual Analysis:

While O’Brien and Bates assume a clear stance for or against the proposed building, Pavlidis’ cartoon aims to satirise the public debate by suggesting that Melburnians are outraged over a minor development to their city. The cartoon features a water-coloured overview of Federation Square, with a cluster of multi-coloured dots gathered beside the central building, symbolic of Melbourne locals. The speech bubble that reads “We grovelingly acknowledge the future custodian of this land – Apple Inc.” is a deliberate play on the traditional Acknowledgement of Land recited out of respect for the Aboriginal “custodian[s]”; in comparing the decision to build an Apple Store on the “land” of Federation Square with the colonization of Australia, Pavladis cynically reduces the Apple Store issue to the trivial while at simultaneously reflecting the public sentiment that “Apple Inc.” is exploiting the public space for their own monetary gain. Viewers, outraged by this idea, are hence poised to re-evaluate their strong beliefs about the ludicrousness of an Apple Store in Federation Square, given the comparative insignificance of the issue in the grand scheme of things.

Knight’s cartoon similarly mocks public opposition of the Apple Store in arguing that expectations regarding the visual appeal of new buildings must be lowered. Featuring a pair of archetypical, modern designers looking at their “architectural alternative” of a traditional residential home situated in Federation Square, the cartoon insinuates that public demand of new buildings that fit the “iconic” character of Federation Square will always result in disappointment and objections. The irony of the conventionality of the house contrasted with the designers’ descriptors “iconic” and “sublime” is Knight’s attempt to amusingly relate to viewers that the development of a modern Apple Store is a more desirable alternative than regressing to something more traditional and uninspired. Readers perhaps overly critical towards the proposed design are invited to respond with bemusement over the absurdity of such an image and conclude that Melburnians will never be completely satisfied with any change to Federation Square, thus perhaps decreasing their objection towards the new Apple building.

Commentary: These visuals are analysed separately as they are not parts of the main text. Each contains a contention – to be treated as an argument, clearly outlined in your body paragraphs. Multiple visual elements are analysed in both paragraphs: the colour, speech bubbles, relationships between objects, irony.

Conclusion:

While O’Brien’s piece focuses on galvanizing the reader’s emotional response to the encroachment of the Apple Store on a hub of cultural and social activity, Bates exploits his architect-identity to reason that the Store is completely in line with the character of Federation Square, touting it as a logical progression in the development of the Melbourne CBD. The cartoons, however, adopt a more subtle approach, with Pavlidis mocking the seriousness of the debate and Knight conceding that the public will always remain divided when it comes to changes that depart from age-old tradition. 

Commentary: While it is not compulsory to write a conclusion, it shows great control, confidence and skills, especially in terms of time management. The conclusion creates a sense of finality, and reiterates the points explored in the body paragraphs – a gentle reminder that you deserve those perfect scores!

Commentary by Lindsey Dang

Related posts

How to Set Yourself Up for Year 12 English Success

Annotating a Full-mark Sunset Boulevard Essay with a 50 Study Scorer

Annotating a Full Mark 20/20 ‘The Women of Troy’ Sample Essay

Best Apps For Students To Boost Productivity

*** Enter the $2,000 College Transitions No Essay Scholarship Contest ***

Argumentative Essay Examples & Analysis

July 20, 2023

Writing successful argumentative or persuasive essays is a sort of academic rite of passage: every student, at some point in their academic career, will have to do it. And not without reason—writing a good argumentative essay requires the ability to organize one’s thoughts, reason logically, and present evidence in support of claims. They even require empathy, as authors are forced to inhabit and then respond to viewpoints that run counter to their own. Here, we’ll look at some argumentative essay examples and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

What is an argumentative essay?

Before we turn to those argumentative essay examples, let’s get precise about what an argumentative essay is. An argumentative essay is an essay that advances a central point, thesis, or claim using evidence and facts. In other words, argumentative essays are essays that argue on behalf of a particular viewpoint. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader that the essay’s core idea is correct.

Good argumentative essays rely on facts and evidence. Personal anecdotes, appeals to emotion , and opinions that aren’t grounded in evidence just won’t fly. Let’s say I wanted to write an essay arguing that cats are the best pets. It wouldn’t be enough to say that I love having a cat as a pet. That’s just my opinion. Nor would it be enough to cite my downstairs neighbor Claudia, who also has a cat and who also prefers cats to dogs. That’s just an anecdote.

For the essay to have a chance at succeeding, I’d have to use evidence to support my argument. Maybe there are studies that compare the cost of cat ownership to dog ownership and conclude that cat ownership is less expensive. Perhaps there’s medical data that shows that more people are allergic to dogs than they are to cats. And maybe there are surveys that show that cat owners are more satisfied with their pets than are dog owners. I have no idea if any of that is true. The point is that successful argumentative essays use evidence from credible sources to back up their points.

Argumentative essay structure

Important to note before we examine a few argumentative essay examples: most argumentative essays will follow a standard 5-paragraph format. This format entails an introductory paragraph that lays out the essay’s central claim. Next, there are three body paragraphs that each advance sub-claims and evidence to support the central claim. Lastly, there is a conclusion that summarizes the points made. That’s not to say that every good argumentative essay will adhere strictly to the 5-paragraph format. And there is plenty of room for flexibility and creativity within the 5-paragraph format. For example, a good argumentative essay that follows the 5-paragraph template will also generally include counterarguments and rebuttals.

Introduction Example

Now let’s move on to those argumentative essay examples, and examine in particular a couple of introductions. The first takes on a common argumentative essay topic —capital punishment.

The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow the death penalty, while the other 26 have either banned the death penalty outright or issued moratoriums halting the practice. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it’s an effective deterrent against crime. Time and time again, however, this argument has been shown to be false. Capital punishment does not deter crime. But not only that—the death penalty is irreversible, which allows our imperfect justice system no room for error. Finally, the application of the death penalty is racially biased—the population of death row is over 41% Black , despite Black Americans making up just 13% of the U.S. population. For all these reasons, the death penalty should be outlawed across the board in the United States.

Why this introduction works: First, it’s clear. It lays out the essay’s thesis: that the death penalty should be outlawed in the United States. It also names the sub-arguments the author is going to use to support the thesis: (1), capital punishment does not deter crime, (2), it’s irreversible, and (3), it’s a racially biased practice. In laying out these three points, the author is also laying out the structure of the essay to follow. Each of the body paragraphs will take on one of the three sub-arguments presented in the introduction.

Argumentative Essay Examples (Continued)

Something else I like about this introduction is that it acknowledges and then refutes a common counterargument—the idea that the death penalty is a crime deterrent. Notice also the flow of the first two sentences. The first flags the essay’s topic. But it also makes a claim—that the issue of capital punishment is politically divisive. The following sentence backs this claim up. Essentially half of the country allows the practice; the other half has banned it. This is a feature not just of solid introductions but of good argumentative essays in general—all the essay’s claims will be backed up with evidence.

How it could be improved: Okay, I know I just got through singing the praises of the first pair of sentences, but if I were really nitpicking, I might take issue with them. Why? The first sentence is a bit of a placeholder. It’s a platitude, a way for the author to get a foothold in the piece. The essay isn’t about how divisive the death penalty is; it’s about why it ought to be abolished. When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, I always like to err on the side of blunt. There’s nothing wrong with starting an argumentative essay with the main idea: Capital punishment is an immoral and ineffective form of punishment, and the practice should be abolished .

Let’s move on to another argumentative essay example. Here’s an introduction that deals with the effects of technology on the brain:

Much of the critical discussion around technology today revolves around social media. Critics argue that social media has cut us off from our fellow citizens, trapping us in “information silos” and contributing to political polarization. Social media also promotes unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards, which can lead to anxiety and depression. What’s more, the social media apps themselves are designed to addict their users. These are all legitimate critiques of social media, and they ought to be taken seriously. But the problem of technology today goes deeper than social media. The internet itself is the problem. Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning. The internet is, quite literally, rewiring our brains.

Why this introduction works: This introduction hooks the reader by tying a topical debate about social media to the essay’s main subject—the problem of the internet itself. The introduction makes it clear what the essay is going to be about; the sentence, “But the problem of technology…” signals to the reader that the main idea is coming. I like the clarity with which the main idea is stated, and, as in the previous introduction, the main idea sets up the essay to follow.

How it could be improved: I like how direct this introduction is, but it might be improved by being a little more specific. Without getting too technical, the introduction might tell the reader what it means to “promote distracted thinking and superficial learning.” It might also hint as to why these are good arguments. For example, are there neurological or psychological studies that back this claim up? A simple fix might be: Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, countless studies have shown that the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning . The body paragraphs would then elaborate on those points. And the last sentence, while catchy, is a bit vague.

Body Paragraph Example

Let’s stick with our essay on capital punishment and continue on to the first body paragraph.

Proponents of the death penalty have long claimed that the practice is an effective deterrent to crime. It might not be pretty, they say, but its deterrent effects prevent further crime. Therefore, its continued use is justified. The problem is that this is just not borne out in the data. There is simply no evidence that the death penalty deters crime more than other forms of punishment, like long prison sentences. States, where the death penalty is still carried out, do not have lower crime rates than states where the practice has been abolished. States that have abandoned the death penalty likewise show no increase in crime or murder rates.

Body Paragraph (Continued)

For example, the state of Louisiana, where the death penalty is legal, has a murder rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents. In Iowa, where the death penalty was abolished in 1965, the murder rate is 3.2 per 100,000. In Kentucky the death penalty is legal and the murder rate is 9.6; in Michigan where it’s illegal, the murder rate is 8.7. The death penalty simply has no bearing on murder rates. If it did, we’d see markedly lower murder rates in states that maintain the practice. But that’s not the case. Capital punishment does not deter crime. Therefore, it should be abolished.

Why this paragraph works: This body paragraph is successful because it coheres with the main idea set out in the introduction. It supports the essay’s first sub-argument—that capital punishment does not deter crime—and in so doing, it supports the essay’s main idea—that capital punishment should be abolished. How does it do that? By appealing to the data. A nice feature of this paragraph is that it simultaneously debunks a common counterargument and advances the essay’s thesis. It also supplies a few direct examples (murder rates in states like Kentucky, Michigan, etc.) without getting too technical. Importantly, the last few sentences tie the data back to the main idea of the essay. It’s not enough to pepper your essay with statistics. A good argumentative essay will unpack the statistics, tell the reader why the statistics matter, and how they support or confirm the essay’s main idea.

How it could be improved: The author is missing one logical connection at the end of the paragraph. The author shows that capital punishment doesn’t deter crime, but then just jumps to their conclusion. They needed to establish a logical bridge to get from the sub-argument to the conclusion. That bridge might be: if the deterrent effect is being used as a justification to maintain the practice, but the deterrent effect doesn’t really exist, then , in the absence of some other justification, the death penalty should be abolished. The author almost got there, but just needed to make that one final logical connection.

Conclusion Example

Once we’ve supported each of our sub-arguments with a corresponding body paragraph, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

It might be nice to think that executing murderers prevents future murders from happening, that our justice system is infallible and no one is ever wrongly put to death, and that the application of the death penalty is free of bias. But as we have seen, each of those thoughts are just comforting fictions. The death penalty does not prevent future crime—if it did, we’d see higher crime rates in states that’ve done away with capital punishment. The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. And the death penalty disproportionately affects people of color. The death penalty is an unjustifiable practice—both practically and morally. Therefore, the United States should do away with the practice and join the more than 85 world nations that have already done so.

Why this conclusion works: It concisely summarizes the points made throughout the essay. But notice that it’s not identical to the introduction. The conclusion makes it clear that our understanding of the issue has changed with the essay. It not only revisits the sub-arguments, it expounds upon them. And to put a bow on everything, it restates the thesis—this time, though, with a little more emotional oomph.

How it could be improved: I’d love to see a little more specificity with regard to the sub-arguments. Instead of just rehashing the second sub-argument—that wrongful executions are unavoidable—the author could’ve included a quick statistic to give the argument more weight. For example: The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. Since 1973, at least 190 people have been put to death who were later found to be innocent.

An argumentative essay is a powerful way to convey one’s ideas. As an academic exercise, mastering the art of the argumentative essay requires students to hone their skills of critical thinking, rhetoric, and logical reasoning. The best argumentative essays communicate their ideas clearly and back up their claims with evidence.

• College Success
• High School Success

Dane Gebauer

Dane Gebauer is a writer and teacher living in Miami, FL. He received his MFA in fiction from Columbia University, and his writing has appeared in Complex Magazine and Sinking City Review .

• 2-Year Colleges
• ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• General Knowledge
• Graduate School Admissions
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Middle School Success
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Research Programs
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

$2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Presented by College Transitions

• Win $2,000 for college • 1 minute or less to enter • No essay required • Open to students and parents in the U.S.

Create your account today and easily enter all future sweepstakes!

Enter to Win $2,000 Today!

Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay Examples

Best Argumentative Essay Examples for Your Help

Published on: Mar 10, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

People also read

Argumentative Essay - A Complete Writing Guide

Learn How to Write an Argumentative Essay Outline

Basic Types of Argument and How to Use Them?

250+ Argumentative Essay Topics For Your Next Paper

Essential Tips and Examples for Writing an Engaging Argumentative Essay about Abortion

Crafting a Winning Argumentative Essay on Social Media

Craft a Winning Argumentative Essay about Mental Health

Strategies for Writing a Winning Argumentative Essay about Technology

Crafting an Unbeatable Argumentative Essay About Gun Control

Win the Debate - Writing An Effective Argumentative Essay About Sports

Make Your Case: A Guide to Writing an Argumentative Essay on Climate Change

Ready, Set, Argue: Craft a Convincing Argumentative Essay About Wearing Mask

Crafting a Powerful Argumentative Essay about Global Warming: A Step-by-Step Guide

Share this article

Argumentative essays are one of the most common types of essay writing. Students are assigned to write such essays very frequently.

Despite being assigned so frequently, students still find it hard to write a good argumentative essay .

There are certain things that one needs to follow to write a good argumentative essay. The first thing is to choose an effective and interesting topic. Use all possible sources to dig out the best topic.

Afterward, the student should choose the model that they would follow to write this type of essay. Follow the steps of the chosen model and start writing the essay.

The models for writing an argumentative essay are the classical model, the Rogerian model, and the Toulmin model.

To make sure that you write a good argumentative essay, read the different types of examples mentioned in this blog.

On This Page On This Page -->

Good Argumentative Essay Examples

Argumentative essays are an inevitable part of academic life. To write a good argumentative essay, you need to see a few good examples of this type of essay.

To analyze whether the example is good to take help from or not. You need to look for a few things in it.

Make sure it follows one specific model and has an introductory paragraph, organized body paragraphs, and a formal conclusion.

Can't formulate strong arguments? We have got you!

How to Start an Argumentative Essay Example

Learning how to start an argumentative essay example is a tricky thing for beginners. It is quite simple but can be challenging for newbies.   To start an argumentative essay example, you need to write a brief and attractive introduction. It is written to convince the reader and make them understand your point of view .

Add body paragraphs after the introduction to support your thesis statement. Also, use body paragraphs to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your side of the argument.

Write a formal conclusion for your essay and summarize all the key elements of your essay. Look at the example mentioned below to understand the concept more clearly.

Check out this video for more information!

Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Example 

Argumentative essays are assigned to university students more often than the students of schools and colleges.

 It involves arguments over vast and sometimes bold topics as well.

For university students, usually, argumentative essay topics are not provided. They are required to search for the topic themselves and write accordingly.

The following examples will give an idea of how university students write argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay Example for University (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for College

For the college level, it is recommended to use simple language and avoid the use of complex words in essays.

Make sure that using simple language and valid evidence, you support your claim well and make it as convincing as possible

If you are a college student and want to write an argumentative essay, read the examples provided below. Focus on the formatting and the vocabulary used.

Argumentative Essay Example for College (PDF)

College Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for Middle School

Being a middle school student, you must be wondering how we write an argumentative essay. And how can you support your argument?

Go through the following examples and hopefully, you will be able to write an effective argumentative essay very easily.

Argumentative Essay Example for Middle School(PDF)

Middle School Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for High School

High school students are not very aware of all the skills that are needed to write research papers and essays. 

Especially, when it comes to argumentative essays, it becomes quite a challenge for high schools to defend their argument

In this scenario, the best option is to look into some good examples. Here we have summed up two best examples of argumentative essays for high school students specifically.

Argumentative Essay Example for High School (PDF)

High School Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for O Level

The course outline for O levels is quite tough. O levels students need to have a good command of the English language and amazing writing skills.

If you are an O-level student, the following examples will guide you on how to write an argumentative essay.

Argumentative Essay Example for O Level (PDF)

Argumentative Essay for O Level Students (PDF)

Need a solid winning argument? Let us craft your essay!

5-Paragraph Argumentative Essay Examples

A 5-paragraph essay is basically a formatting style for essay writing. It has the following five parts:

• Introduction

In the introduction, the writer introduces the topic and provides a glance at the collected data to support the main argument.

• Body paragraph 1

The first body paragraph discusses the first and most important point related to the argument. It starts with a topic sentence and has all the factual data to make the argument convincing.

• Body paragraph 2

The second body paragraph mentions the second most important element of the argument. A topic sentence is used to start these paragraphs. It gives the idea of the point that will discuss in the following paragraph.

• Body paragraph 3

The third paragraph discusses all the miscellaneous points. Also, it uses a transitional sentence at the end to show a relation to the conclusion.

The conclusion of a five-paragraph essay reiterates all the major elements of an argumentative essay. It also restates the thesis statement using a more convincing choice of words.

Look at the example below to see how a well-written five-paragraph essay looks like

5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for 6th Grade

Students in 6th grade are at a point where they are learning new things every day. 

Writing an argumentative essay is an interesting activity for them as they like to convince people of their point of view.

Argumentative essays written at such levels are very simple but well convincing. 

The following example will give you more detail on how a 6th-grade student should write an argumentative essay.

6th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for 7th Grade

There is not much difference between a 6th-grade and a 7th-grade student. Both of them are enhancing their writing and academic skills.

Here is another example to help you with writing an effective argumentative essay.

7th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Short Argumentative Essay Examples

For an argumentative essay, there is no specific limit for the word count. It only has to convince the readers and pass on the knowledge of the writer to the intended audience.

It can be short or detailed. It would be considered valid as far as it has an argument involved in it.

Following is an example of a short argumentative essay example

Short Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Immigration Argumentative Essay Examples

Immigration is a hot topic for a very long time now. People have different opinions regarding this issue.

Where there is more than one opinion, an argumentative essay can be written on that topic. The following are examples of argumentative essays on immigration.

Read them and try to understand how an effective argumentative essay is written on such a topic.

Argumentative Essay Example on Immigration (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Sample on Immigration (PDF)

Writing essays is usually a tiring and time-consuming assignment to do. Students already have a bunch of assignments for other subjects to complete. In this situation, asking for help from professional writers is the best choice.

If you are still in need of assistance, our essay writer AI can help you create a compelling essay that presents your argument clearly and effectively. 

With our argumentative essay writing service, you will enjoy perks like expert guidance, unlimited revisions, and helpful customer support. Let our essay writer help you make an impact with your essay on global warming today! 

Place your order with our essay writing service today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 7 types of arguments.

The seven types of arguments are as follows:

• Statistical

What is the structure of an argument?

The structure of an argument consists of a main point (thesis statement) that is supported by evidence. 

This evidence can include facts, statistics, examples, and other forms of data that help to prove or disprove the thesis statement. 

After providing the evidence, arguments also often include a conclusion that summarizes the main points made throughout the argument.

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Need Help With Your Essay?

Also get FREE title page, Turnitin report, unlimited revisions, and more!

Keep reading

50% OFF ON CUSTOM ESSAYS

Essay Services

• Argumentative Essay Service
• Descriptive Essay Service
• Persuasive Essay Service
• Narrative Essay Service
• Analytical Essay Service
• Expository Essay Service
• Comparison Essay Service

Writing Help

• Term Paper Writing Help
• Research Writing Help
• Thesis Help
• Dissertation Help
• Report Writing Help
• Speech Writing Help
• Assignment Help

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

• College Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Expository Essay
• Narrative Essay
• Descriptive Essay
• Scholarship Essay
• Admission Essay
• Reflective Essay
• Nursing Essay
• Economics Essay

Assignments

• Term Papers
• Research Papers
• Case Studies
• Dissertation
• Presentation
• Write My Assignment
• Editing Help
• Cheap Essay Writing
• How to Order

Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Examples

Argumentative Essay Examples - Samples & Tips

20 min read

People also read

The Ultimate Guide to Argumentative Essay Writing

Good Argumentative Essay Topics For Beginners - 270+ Ideas

Argumentative Essay Outline | Structure Your Essay In 5 Steps

Learn Different Types of Arguments and Argument Claims

Argumentative writing can be challenging, but the right resources can make it easier.

An argumentative essay involves presenting a clear position supported by evidence and logic. Fortunately, there's a wealth of helpful tools available, and one of the most effective is examining strong examples of argumentative essays.

Our blog offers a wide range of high-quality essay samples and expert tips to help you write convincing essays. By looking at these examples, you'll learn how to build your arguments, organize your ideas, use persuasive techniques, and present your case clearly. 

So let’s dive in!

• 1. Basics of Argumentative Essay
• 2. Argumentative Essay Examples For Students 
• 3. Good Argumentative Essay Examples PDFs
• 4. Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay
• 5. Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

Basics of Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a genre of academic essay writing where the author presents a claim or stance on a particular issue and supports it with evidence, reasoning, and analysis. The purpose of this type of essay is to persuade the reader to agree with the author's viewpoint through logical argumentation.

While the standard five-paragraph format is commonly used, it's not mandatory for argumentative essays. These essays often adopt either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. 

• The Toulmin model emphasizes a clear claim, evidence to support the claim, reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim, and rebuttals of counterarguments. 
• The Rogerian model focuses on finding common ground and understanding between conflicting viewpoints, aiming for mutual understanding rather than direct persuasion.

Argumentative Essay Examples For Students 

In this section, we will look at examples of argumentative essays for different school levels. Whether you are in middle school or university, these examples can help you learn how to make good arguments. 

Argumentative Essay Examples For Kids 

What this essay does well:

• The thesis statement is clear and easy to understand, presented in the first sentence.
• Each paragraph focuses on a specific benefit of online learning (personalized pace, access to resources, flexibility).
• Logical structure makes the argument easy to follow for young readers.

How this essay could be improved:

• Add stories or examples to show how online learning helps.
• Briefly mention and refute concerns about online learning, like too much screen time or missing friends.
• Include more specific information to make the argument stronger.
• The thesis is clearly stated at the beginning of the essay.
• It outlines the author's stance on whether zoos are ethical.
• The essay presents reasons why zoos are considered ethical.
• Each paragraph discusses a different reason supporting the thesis.
• Counter argument is mention towards the end of the essay. 
• Improvements:
• Adding specific examples of endangered animals saved by zoos would make the argument stronger.
• Providing more details on how zoos educate people and provide medical care would enhance the essay.

Argumentative Essay Examples For High School 

• Thesis Placement: The thesis is stated clearly in the third paragraph, outlining the author's stance on free college education.
• Effective Counter-Argument: The essay begins by acknowledging concerns about free college education, then systematically refutes these arguments with supporting evidence.
• Use of Data: The author supports their points with facts and studies, making the argument more persuasive.
• Refutation of Opposing Views: Each counter-argument is addressed and countered, strengthening the author's position.
• More Examples: Adding specific examples of individuals benefiting from free education would enhance the essay's impact.
• Focus on Data: Remove personal experiences and ensure all arguments are supported solely by data and research.
• Accuracy of Points: Verify all facts to ensure accuracy, such as the cost comparison between digital and physical books.

Here is another sample in PDF format that you can download and read for free!

Argumentative Essay Example for High School

Argumentative Essay Examples For College Students

In college, writing essays gets more challenging. Students need to write more advanced assignments like research papers or a thesis .

Let’s take a look at the argumentative essay examples for college level. 

Analysis 

• Effective Counter-Argument: The essay begins by acknowledging concerns about SES-based admissions, then systematically refutes these arguments with specific data and studies.
• Use of Evidence: Numerous facts and studies are cited to support the arguments, making the essay more persuasive.
• Refutation of Opposing Views: Each counter-argument is addressed and countered, strengthening the author's position in favor of SES-based admissions.
• More Examples: Adding specific examples of how students from lower SES backgrounds have thrived in college settings would enhance the essay's impact.
• Focus on Data: Remove personal experiences or opinions and ensure all arguments are supported solely by factual evidence and research.
• Accuracy of Points: Verify all facts to ensure accuracy, such as the cost comparisons between digital and physical books, to strengthen the credibility of the essay.

Here is another PDF example for you;

Argumentative Essay Example For College

Argumentative Essay Examples For University Students

At this level, you might have to pick special and advanced topics for argumentative essays. You might also need unique argumentative research paper topics for your research assignments.

• Clear Thesis Development: The essay introduces its thesis effectively after discussing the counter-argument, focusing the essay's entirety on supporting the thesis.
• Use of Facts and Studies: Specific data and studies are cited throughout, enhancing the credibility of the arguments presented.
• Effective Refutation of Counter-arguments: Counter-arguments are systematically dismantled, reinforcing the author's viewpoint.
• Expand with Examples: Incorporating more detailed examples would enrich the essay's content.
• Avoid Personal Opinion: Ensuring the focus remains on objective evidence rather than personal anecdotes or opinions.
• Ensure Accuracy of Claims: Verifying the accuracy of all statements, especially those regarding facts and figures, is essential to maintaining credibility.

Take a look at the argumentative essay for university PDF sample below:

Argumentative Essay Example For University

Good Argumentative Essay Examples PDFs

Below are some more argumentative essay samples for you to review. Take a look for further understanding.

Short Argumentative Essay Examples

There is no precise word count for an argumentative essay. It just has to persuade the reader and give the author's message to the intended audience.

It can be short or lengthy. It would be considered correct as long as there's a discussion in it.

Here is a PDF sample of a short argumentative essay.

Short Argumentative Essay Example

5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay Examples

The traditional argumentative essay outline consists of 5 paragraphs: one introduction, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion. 

Here are 5 paragraph argumentative essay examples in pdf format.

5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay Example

Sample 5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay

Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay

Here are some tips for writing a strong argumentative essay:

Tip#1. Make a Clear and Definitive Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should be unmistakable and clearly outline your position on the issue. A well-defined thesis guides the entire essay, making your argument remains focused and coherent throughout.

Tip#2. Critique the Weaknesses of the Opposing Viewpoint 

A key aspect of persuasive writing skills involves addressing the opposing viewpoint directly. To strengthen your argument, systematically dismantle the weaknesses of the counter-argument. This demonstrates your thorough understanding of the topic and reinforces the validity of your own stance.

Tip#3. Support Your Claims with Concrete Evidence

An effective argumentative essay requires substantiating your points with credible sources. Whether citing research studies, statistical data, or expert opinions, evidence adds authority and persuasiveness to your arguments. 

This not only enhances the credibility of your essay but also convinces readers of the validity of your perspective.

Tip#4. Evaluate the Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Own Argument

Unlike persuasive essays , which may focus more on appealing to emotions or values, an argumentative essay requires a critical evaluation of your own argument. 

Identify potential weaknesses or limitations in your reasoning and address them honestly. This strengthens your overall argument and demonstrates intellectual honesty.

Tip#5. Use Language as a Powerful Tool to Convey Conviction

In writing a good argumentative essay, language serves as a powerful tool to convey conviction and clarity. Choose a precise and assertive language to articulate your points effectively. Avoid vague or ambiguous terms that may weaken your argument. 

Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

Here are some argumentative essay examples topics that will help you in brainstorming your own essay title:

• Should the government impose a curfew on teens?
• Should alcohol advertisements be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous to our health?
• Is global warming real or fake?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Does the social media influence gender roles in society?
• Is nuclear energy safe?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Should abortion be legal in the United States?
• Is animal testing necessary?

If you are looking for a comprehensive list of topics, check out our argumentative essay topics blog!

In summary, we've explored a wide range of example for different academic levels. These examples will help you in creating strong arguments and using persuasive writing effectively. 

Remember, a good argumentative essay isn't just about stating your opinion. It's about stating it clearly, supporting it with solid evidence, and presenting it convincingly.

Moreover, if you need help with writing argumentative essays, our expert writers are here for you. You can trust our legit essay writing service to help you craft engaging argumentative essays.

With us, you will get 24/7 customer support, timely delivery, free revisions, and more benefits! So place your order at our argumentative essay writing service today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a good argumentative essay example.

Start with a hook that grabs the reader's attention, such as a startling statistic or a compelling question, followed by a clear thesis statement that states your position on the topic.

Can you use examples in an argumentative essay?

Yes, using examples is important in an argumentative essay to illustrate and support your points, provide evidence, and strengthen your overall argument.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Struggling With Your Paper?

Get a custom paper written at

With a FREE Turnitin report, and a 100% money-back guarantee

LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Keep reading

OFFER EXPIRES SOON!

Now Available on Whatsapp

+1 (800) 685-6772

Online 24/7

50% off on custom orders. Limited time only!

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay Examples

Last updated on: Dec 17, 2024

Get Inspired by the Best Argumentative Essay Examples

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Caleb S.

Published on: Mar 17, 2023

Writing an argumentative essay is not easy. Regardless of your topic and academic level, there is always room for learning and improvement in your argumentative writing skills. 

One way to improve your argumentative essay skills is to read different examples. This way, you can find ideas and inspiration and learn how to deal with different topics. 

Here, you’ll find several argumentative essay examples to read and learn from. Moreover, we’ve presented a detailed analysis of one example, showing you what makes a good argumentative essay.

On this Page

Analyzing a Good Argumentative Essay Example

Here is a five-paragraph argumentative essay sample that is composed of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Let’s read and analyze it step-by-step.

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example

Every argumentative essay should start with a catchy and informative introduction. Here’s an example.

Why is it Good:

• Begins with a hook statement to engage the readers’ curiosity. 
• Introduces the reader to the topic by providing background information and transitioning to the main argument.
• Ends with a clear thesis statement that presents the writer’s position and a preview of the arguments to come.

Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs Example

Continuing the above essay, here are the body paragraphs that provide arguments and evidence.

• The body presents just one argument per paragraph, making it easier for readers to understand arguments in a structured way.
• Each paragraph starts with a transition or connector phrase helping the readers keep track of where they are in the essay. Moreover, every paragraph begins with a topic sentence that clarifies the main argument of that paragraph.
• Each paragraph makes persuasive arguments with the help of evidence to support the main point. 
• The last paragraph presents a counter-argument, anticipating common concerns and opposing arguments.

Argumentative Essay Conclusion Example

Now, let’s conclude the argumentative essay example on the genetic enhancement of humans with a sample conclusion.

• The transition phrase clearly indicates that this paragraph is going to be the conclusion of the essay.
• Summarizes the main points made throughout the essay, providing a concise overview of the arguments presented.
• Provides a memorable closing to the essay with a call-to-action and an invitation to embrace the writer’s point-of-view.

Key Takeaways & Lessons from this Example

In short, the example presented above demonstrates several key lessons that will help you craft your own essay. Various elements, such as proper evidence, clear and easy writing, and an organized approach, make it a compelling and persuasive essay. 

Here are some takeaways:

• Craft Engaging Introduction : Begin your essay with a captivating hook that draws readers in and sets the stage for the thesis statement to follow.
• Use Clearly Structured Body Paragraphs : Organize your essay with each body paragraph focusing on a single argument.
• Mention Clear Evidence :  Support your arguments with clear and convincing evidence, whether it be statistics, studies, or examples, to strengthen the credibility to your claims.
• Anticipate Counterarguments : Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them thoughtfully in your essay.

However, the example above presents a lot of room for improvement. For instance, incorporating more varied sentence structures or rhetorical devices could enhance the essay's overall impact and engagement.

Another weakness is that although opposing views are countered, they are not adequately presented in their own right. Further analysis or discussion of the potential drawbacks of gene editing could provide a more nuanced perspective.

The example shows only one common style of argumentation, but you can use other types of arguments for your essay. Read our types of argument blog to learn more!

More Argumentative Essay Examples 

Analyzing argumentative essay examples can provide valuable insights into effective writing techniques and persuasive strategies. Try analyzing some examples below to learn from their strengths and weaknesses.

Argumentative Essay Examples for Students

Argumentative essays are an important tool for developing critical thinking skills in students. So whether you are a high school or college student, we’ve got an example for you to read.

6th Grade Argumentative Essay Examples

Grade 8 Argumentative Essay Examples

Argumentative Essay Examples for high school pdf

Argumentative Essay Examples college

Argumentative Essay Examples - 5 Paragraph

AP Argumentative Essay Examples

Preparing for your AP Lang test? Writing your essay will become easier with this example. So read on!

AP Lang Argumentative Essay Examples

Argumentative Essays with Different Structures

An argumentative essay outline can be organized in different ways. The 3 most common structures include the Classical, Rogerian, and the Toulmin model. Let’s read one example essay for each argumentative model:

Aristotelian Argumentative Essay Example

Rogerian Argumentative Essay Example

Toulmin Argumentative Essay Example

Be sure to explore our blogs on writing an argumentative essay about: Wearing A Mask , Gun Control , Climate Change , Global Warming , Sports , Abortion , Social Media , Mental Health and Technology for more specific and practical examples!

On a final note,

These examples demonstrate what it takes to write a good argumentative essay: catchy introductions, compelling arguments, structured outlines, and memorable conclusions. With these examples in hand, you’ll be able to craft your own successful paper with confidence. 

However, if you are still feeling confused and saying to yourself, "I wish someone could help write my paper " then we are here for you.

At MyPerfectPaper.net , if you need a custom-made essay example on any specific argumentative essay topic, our professional writers are available to help you out. 

You will get the necessary assistance from a qualified argumentative essay writer – all in one place!  

So what are you waiting for? Get started with our argumentative essay writing service now! 

And if you are into discovering reliable writing then don't miss out on our free essay writer tool! It's simple, it's easy, and it's totally free. Get started today and write better essays effortlessly.

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• How to Craft an Outstanding Argumentative Essay?

• 300+ Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics for Thought-Provoking Essays

• How to Write an Argumentative Essay About Sports: Tips Included

• A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting a Winning Argumentative Essay about Abortion

• Make Your Argumentative Essay About Technology Unbeatable: Examples and Tips

• How to Write An Argumentative Essay About Global Warming - Examples and Topics!

• 7 Examples of Arguments for Climate Change To Inspire Your Essay

• Writing an Argumentative Essay About Mental Health: Get Examples and Topics

• Tips and Examples for Writing an Engaging Argumentative Essay About Social Media

• Crafting an Argumentative Essay About Wearing a Mask: Examples and Tips

• Creating a Perfect Argumentative Essay Outline

• Crafting an Argumentative Essay About Gun Control: Examples and Tips

• Different Types of Arguments - Explore The Power of Persuasion

Stuck With Assignments?

Get your paper done within 6 hours, with FREE and UNLIMITED revisions!

People Also Read

• Services Assignment Writing

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Ronnie's Ramblings

Vce english made easy, unit 3 vce english: how to write your argument analysis essay (part 2).

Update: Please note that this post refers to the previous study prior to 2024 where students were required to compare two media texts. A new post for Unit 4 VCE English has now been published which aligns with the current study design from 2024.

This is my brother. He and I, like any other siblings argue. I never win. He’s just really good at winning an argument. He has his ways and I can’t reveal his secrets (if I knew them I would not let him win) and even though we are both adults, we still argue like we’re kids. That’s my segue into this post.

We all know how to argue. We all know how to form arguments because we do it every day when we want to get our point across, but what we struggle with is analysing how an argument is put together and why it impacts or encourages an audience to do something. Think about it this way, when you try and convince your parents that you want something, how do you do it? What words do you say to them to sway them to give in to your request? This is arguing, not necessarily in an aggressive way, but you are persuading them to do something – to let you get your way. How did you do it? Did you suck up to them a little bit? Compliment them? Promise to do something in return? Or did you take a more aggressive approach?

We all have different methods to persuade others to get what we want and we know how to target our specific audience, so why is it when you read a persuasive text that you’re not able to recognise these strategies in other people’s arguments? Probably because they’re topics that don’t actually interest you, but you do have to write a SAC about it, so let’s get started.

In my previous post about argument analysis, I went through how to annotate an article and promised you that another post about how to write the essay will be published. I’ve finally done it and hopefully, it helps you to write your argument analysis essays. This method has been successful for my students and even though it is pretty structured, again, remember that you should be listening to how your teacher wants you to structure your essay, this is just the way that I teach my students how to do it.

The SAC requires you to analyse and compare arguments. I’m going to use the block structure as I find that it allows students to analyse in more depth and also make more meaningful comparisons when you’re writing about the second text, instead of some superficial comparisons throughout. Remember that the exam doesn’t require you to compare. Even if there is more than one text you say how it complements the primary text, the marking criteria do not stipulate any comparison, but the SAC does. I don’t want to teach my students different ways of writing, as this just confuses them and this method is effective for the exam.

The Introduction

This is probably the easiest part of the essay, but most important. This is where you identify the issue, the writer’s contention, the audience, and the intention of both texts. There can be a formula to it and the one I use goes as follows

• Issue statement – avoid generic issue statements. Don’t say ‘The recent debate of cancel culture has been discussed heavily in the media.’ This does not show me that you have understood the issue. You’ve identified it but haven’t explained why it is an issue that is ‘currently being debated in the media’ (this is a phrase that grinds my gears, so avoid using it). Instead, you should write – ‘The rewriting of the language that is deemed offensive in Roald Dahl’s children’s books questions how far cancel culture has gone when it comes to classic literature and its value to children today’. Keep it to a sentence. Avoid vague phrasing.
• State the details of the first text and the contention.
• Identify the overall audience and intention
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the second text.

Remember that this doesn’t have to be long. Be as concise as possible. You don’t need to include the tone as the tone changes in an article and therefore it would be more appropriate to identify these tonal shifts when talking about how an argument develops in your actual analysis. Also, it isn’t necessary to include the dates – irrelevant

What does an introduction look like?

I’ve used two articles about Vaping Laws and will be referring to them in my analysis. You can find the two articles here https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/australians-support-calls-for-tougher-vaping-laws-report-finds/news-story/9c0b09ce9bac846771541cba296d4d0c and https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/editorials/blowing-vape-cant-hide-the-law/news-story/e190bb8d3647b73f94096855343c9b76

Body Paragraphs

This is the analysis part of your essay. This is where you have to show that you understand how the writer has structured their argument, how they have developed it, and the impact it has on the audience. How many body paragraphs you write depends on the article and how the writer has developed their argument. The usual rule of thumb is to write three if you’re not sure, there will always be an opening, body, and closing of an article so you can’t lose.

When writing your paragraphs you need to consider the argument as a whole and always think about how the writer is supporting their overall contention and intention throughout. Each section has a different purpose, but the overall purpose is to present their point of view.

Each paragraph can be structured in the following way

• Topic sentence – identifies the section being analysed, the main idea being argued, and the strategy adopted by the author to engage with the audience.
• Analysis – what is being said to support the supporting argument identified in the topic sentence, what language has the writer employed and what is the intended impact on the audience?

How many points of evidence you chose is up to you, but you need to be selective. You can’t write about everything, so choose the most appropriate evidence and language. The examiner’s report was very clear about this because overdoing evidence leads to a summary. You need to analyse.

When you identify the strategy used in each section consider the following table to help you. This is also an effective way of helping you section the article whilst annotating. (Adapted from the Ticking Minds Senior English Writing Handbook)

Sample Body Paragraph

Where do you talk about the visual? Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about the visual. You need to include the visual as part of your language analysis and how the visual supports an argument. Remember when you annotated the text, you identified where the visual would best fit within your analysis. When you analyse that particular section, make sure you include a short visual analysis, but DO NOT analyse the visual on its own, in its own special paragraph. It is a strategy used to support the argument, not a whole argument on its own.

Except – Disclaimer – If you are given a cartoon as a separate text, then you do analyse that separately but you would also need to say how the intention and arguments compare.

Sample analysis with visual

Writing the comparison

When writing this part of the essay, you still need to analyse the second text, but compare how the arguments are similar or different to the first text.

Sometimes the contentions of the texts are the same, but the writers may just be presenting a different perspective and have a completely different intention. The texts that I have chosen have similar contentions; however, their intentions and audience are different. You need to identify and discuss this in the analysis. Firstly in your introduction, but also in the paragraphs where you are analysing the second text.

To start you need to make a transition from the first text to the second. After you have finished writing about the closing of the first text, you will start a new paragraph with a topic sentence that makes a comparative point about the first text then move to the main point about the second text.

You will then start your analysis by working through each section again, but focus on how the arguments compare to the first. Is the point the same or different from the ideas being discussed in the primary text? The key here is to be concise, you don’t need to go into too much detail when making reference to the first text. Be subtle about it.

Sample Comparative Paragraph

Conclusion?

You don’t need to write a conclusion. The analysis concludes with your analysis of how the second text closes. This is enough to conclude. I’ve been advising my students not to write one and they have done well in their exams without it. Some teachers like it, but I personally don’t think it’s necessary, but as I always say, listen to your teacher. Don’t compare how the texts conclude though!

What not to do!

This is my list of pet hates and may seem somewhat controversial amongst some teachers, but it’s been tried and tested and like I’ve said, I’ve had some great success with my method, but if I’m not your teacher, do what your teacher tells you to do. My students, however, do as I say, I’m marking your SAC. 😉

• Don’t use generic or vague language – be specific to the article.
• When discussing the audience, don’t say ‘the audience feels like they trust the author because they know what they’re talking about’ or ‘it makes the audience want to read on’ or ‘it makes the image stick in the reader’s head’. I am sure I am not the only teacher who bangs their head on the table when they read those statements. Be specific about the impact the language has on the audience and the intended purpose of the author towards their specific audience (consider stakeholders)
• Don’t discuss the image separately
• Don’t provide a shopping list of persuasive techniques and their definitions – that went out with the old old study design and even then they didn’t want you doing that.
• Don’t ask how many techniques per paragraph
• Don’t forget to mention BOTH texts in your introduction
• Don’t compare the images
• Don’t compare the structure – instead, compare the argument
• Don’t summarise – analyse
• Don’t refer to the author/s by their first name, use their surname. If you’re not provided with a name then it’s probably an editorial, or use the name that has been provided (like a user name in an online comment)

Like always, listen to the advice that your teacher has given you, this is just my way of teaching this area of study.

If you wish to read the full essay and accompanying PowerPoint please go to my teachers pay teachers page where you can download them for a small fee to support this little side project of mine.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ronnies-Ramblings

I hope this has helped and that you write zesty essays. As always feel free to reach out via Instagram or LinkedIn or via the comments.

Keep it zesty

Share this:

Long time teacher of Year 12 English. New to your posts. Loving them. Thank you.

Like Liked by 1 person

Thank you! Really appreciate it.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, looking for debate essay examples.

Hi everyone, I have to write a debate essay for my English class soon and I'm looking for some examples to give me a better understanding of how to structure and present my arguments. If anybody has any resources or suggestions, please share. Thanks!

Hi there! Writing a debate essay can be an engaging and insightful task, as it helps you explore different viewpoints and sharpen your critical thinking skills. Here are a few tips and examples to help you understand how to structure and present your arguments:

1. Introduction: In the introduction, provide brief background information on the topic and state the thesis or central claim you will be arguing for or against.

Example: "As technology continues to advance, the use of social media has become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. This essay will argue that although social media has its drawbacks, the benefits it provides outweigh the negatives."

2. Present your argument: Begin by discussing your main points in a logical order. Make sure each point is well supported with relevant evidence, examples, or research. You can use the "Claim, Evidence, and Analysis" strategy for structuring your paragraphs. For each point, present a claim, support it with evidence, and then analyze how this evidence helps build your argument.

Example: "One major benefit of social media is the ability to connect with others and foster relationships across geographical boundaries. Studies show that individuals who use social media can maintain relationships with distant friends and family, strengthening connections despite physical distance (Smith, 2020). This demonstrates that social media is an invaluable communication tool for fostering relationships."

3. Address counterarguments: Present opposing viewpoints and counterarguments to show that you have thoroughly considered different perspectives. After presenting each counterargument, be sure to refute it with evidence, demonstrating why your argument is stronger.

Example: "Critics of social media argue that it can lead to negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression. While this may be true for some individuals, research has shown that responsible social media use can actually help mitigate feelings of isolation and loneliness (Johnson, 2022). By managing screen time and developing a healthy online presence, social media users can enjoy the benefits of connectivity without compromising their mental well-being."

4. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and reiterate your central claim in the conclusion. You may also provide a call to action or a suggestion for future research or discussion.

Example: "In conclusion, the numerous benefits of social media, including increased connection and communication, outweigh the negative effects. Although social media can contribute to mental health issues in some cases, responsible usage can mitigate these risks. As society continues to embrace the digital age, it is essential for users to develop healthy and balanced online habits and utilize social media as a powerful tool for connection and personal growth."

Remember to always cite your sources properly and ensure your essay is well-organized, clear, and cohesive. Good luck with your debate essay!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.