Argument Essay
Build an argument with a defensible claim, organized reasons, relevant evidence, counterclaim awareness, and a clear line of reasoning.
A lesson of English 10, in Advanced Composition, about 10 minutes.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to write a structured argument essay that takes a position, uses evidence to support it, and addresses counterarguments effectively.
Argument vs. Literary Analysis
Literary analysis: argues an interpretation of a text.
Argument essay: takes a position on a real-world issue and defends it with evidence from multiple sources.
Both require claims, evidence, and reasoning — but the argument essay draws on real-world data, expert opinion, and current events rather than a single literary text.
Taking a Position
Conditions for a strong argument position:
- It is genuinely debatable (not everyone agrees)
- You can support it with evidence
- It is specific enough to be argued in the space available
- You can address the strongest counterarguments honestly
Avoid: false certainty. The strongest arguments acknowledge complexity while still taking a clear position.
The Argument Essay Structure
Introduction:
- Hook that establishes the stakes
- Context (why does this matter? What is the debate?)
- Thesis (your position, clearly stated)
Body paragraphs:
- Each develops one reason supporting your position
- Each uses evidence (statistics, expert opinion, examples)
- Each anticipates and addresses objections
Counterargument paragraph:
- Fairly state the strongest opposing position
- Acknowledge its merit
- Explain why your position still prevails despite this merit
Conclusion:
- Restate position
- Summarize strongest reasons
- End with a call to action or broader significance
The Counterargument Paragraph
This is the most important paragraph in an argument essay — and the most frequently omitted.
Why include it?
- It demonstrates you have thought seriously about the issue
- It builds ethos (you appear fair and knowledgeable)
- It strengthens your position by showing it can survive objection
Structure:
- Fairly state the opposing view ("Critics argue that...")
- Acknowledge what is true or reasonable about it ("This concern is not without merit...")