Argumentative Essay: Debate in 5 paragraphs with example

Argumentative Essay aims to convince readers to agree with a particular viewpoint on a topic supported only by facts. It fairly presents the advantages and disadvantages of two sides of an argument for readers to make a conscious decision based on relevant information and evidence.

It looks at the pros and cons from several perspectives that may be personal, social, educational, ethical, economic or political. The objective is to examine both sides to give the reader a clear picture as to why the author’s views should be supported.

It must not be confused with Persuasive Essay. The writer of a persuasive piece tries to convince readers to agree with a side by using a lot of opinions, facts, repetition, exaggeration, rhetorical questions, similes, metaphors, analogies and redundancies.

Reading a lot of scholarly papers, theses and journals by academics would help you to master writing an Argumentative Essay. You may also follow current events, talk shows, and read the comments on news posts on the internet.

Here is a useful guide to help you write your essay. Use this 5-paragraph structure of a simple Argumentative Essay and see how it is used in an example written by a student, age 15.

Structure of a simple Argumentative Essay

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Part 1 – Address of topic

Part 2 – State the debate or rewrite the topic in the question

Part 3 – Thesis statement, one sentence that controls the next 3 paragraphs

Paragraph 2: Opposing view

Part 1 – Topic sentence of opposing view

Part 2 – Details of points using factual evidence from personal, social, financial or political view

Part 3 – Closing statement of opposing view

Paragraph 3: Supporting view

Part 1 – Topic sentence of supporting view

Part 2 – Details of point using factual evidence from personal, social, financial or political view

Part 3 – Closing statement of supporting view

Paragraph 4: Supporting view

Part 1 – Topic sentence of supporting view

Part 2 – Details of point using factual evidence from personal, social, financial or political view

Part 3 – Closing statement of supporting view

Paragraph 5: Summary

Part 1 – Paraphrase of thesis statement

Part 2 – Summary of paragraphs 2, 3 and 4

Part 3 – Closing statement with a personal comment

Example of simple Argumentative Essay

“Homework is a waste of valuable time which could be used to do something more rewarding.” Discuss

The following is an Argumentative Essay written by a student who agrees with the statement above. Each paragraph has been divided into 3 parts to clearly show the format. You are to write your parts using consecutive sentences to make your paragraph.

Paragraph 1

Address: Students are given homework for almost every subject in school.

Debate: Some students argue that homework is a waste of valuable time and that the time could be used to do something more rewarding.

Thesis: While there are several valid points to why teachers give homework, the reasons to stop it are just as important.

Paragraph 2

Topic sentence of view that opposes statement: Teachers would say that homework reinforces lessons, it ensures that lazy students revise notes, and it helps them to progress faster.

Details: Homework makes a student practise a lesson from school so as to understand it better. Since many students do not study at home, homework forces them to do extra work. Also, some assignments allow students to learn ahead.

Closing sentence: These are the reasons some people would say that homework is necessary.

Paragraph 3

Topic sentence of view that supports statement: However, some students do not need to reinforce lessons and can use the time spent on homework to focus on studying their own weak areas.

Details: A straight A English student would be wasting time doing plenty homework in English. Instead, the student can use the time to catch up on weak areas in Mathematics and Science.

Closing sentence: Homework is indeed a waste of time for many students who do not need it.

16 Debate topics and points to master argumentative essays

Paragraph 4

Topic sentence of view that supports statement: Also, strong and disciplined students can use the time to exercise and rest which is necessary for health.

Details: Instead of doing homework after school, students can play sports which is beneficial to their physical well-being. Furthermore, they can get sufficient rest which contributes to better mental health.

Closing sentence: Time doing homework for some students can definitely be used to do something more rewarding.

Paragraph 5

Thesis rephrase: There are several factors to consider why homework is necessary, but the reasons make it unfair to give it to all students.

Summary of paragraphs 2, 3 and 4: While weak and lazy students need homework to reinforce lessons and help them study, the strong and determined ones waste a lot of time that they could have used to work on weak areas and improve their physical and mental health.

Closing sentence: Homework is definitely a waste of time for many students, and those who really need it should be singled out to receive it by teachers.

This simple essay is the best way for you to start and get good grades. But, the Argumentative Essay can be written in several other ways as long as you fairly show both sides of the topic. You may even use paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 to argue for and against your points in each paragraph. Also, you may support your argument with statistics and news reports.

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See also:

Lazy student: Keeping the class lively

Distracted student and focus needs

Unfocussed student needs interesting lesson

Focussed student and challenges faced

Disciplined student: The need to be versatile

Undisciplined student: Don’t give up on him

Bad grades: Tips for students, parents, teachers

Types of essays: Purpose, intent and 5 paragraphs

Narrative Writing: Elements that tell a story

5 senses and creating imagery with words

Descriptive Writing: Elements that create imagery

Learning is hard: 5 steps to knowing your work

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