Research the topic thoroughly. Most argumentative essays draw from previously published literature or essays, although empirical research may be required for certain topics. The best places to begin researching a topic are on the Internet or at the nearest library. Catalogue all sources and information that you will cite in your essay.
Use your background research to form an opinion and write your thesis statement. The thesis statement should be a clear and concise explanation of the essay's argument. A thesis statement should be one to two sentences long and appear at the end of the paper's introduction. It is important to write the thesis statement before you write the rest of the paper so that you have a clear vision of the argument you will be making.
Write an introduction. The introduction paragraph should set up and state the argument you are making. First, provide any necessary background on the topic. If you are discussing a work of art (e.g., literature, a painting or a film), include the title, artist and year of composition in the introduction. Next, draw your audience in by explaining why your argument is important. End the introduction paragraph with your thesis statement.
Compose at least three supporting paragraphs. Each body paragraph should focus on the discussion of a single supporting idea that will ultimately validate your thesis claim. For each body paragraph first write a topic sentence. The topic sentence should clearly state how the paragraph relates to the thesis. Next, offer researched evidence and concrete examples that further explain the topic sentence. Finally, demonstrate how your evidence supports your paragraph's topic and can help the audience to better understand your paper's overall argument.
Finish the essay with a strong conclusion. The conclusion paragraph should summarize the argument being made, while furthering the analysis of the evidence that has been presented. The conclusion should not offer any new information but should instead revisit why the argument being made is important. As it is the conclusion that determines the reader's last impression of an argumentative essay, it is vital that a conclusion be clear, logical and organized.