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Argumentative Essay Topics (Business-Related)

Please find below a list of argumentative essay topics with a business focus. These topics were used for a college course in Vancouver, Canada, so they are particularly relevant to the Canadian context. Feel free to change 'Canada' in the questions to your particular region.

Note for students : If your teacher has asked you to develop a topic or research question for an argumentative essay, the best topic you can find is one that you come up with. Instead of copying a topic below, creating your own topic related to something you are actually interested in will enable you to enjoy and learn more from your assignment. Regardless, here is a list of research questions for argumentative essays that you can use for inspiration.

Jump to a topic category:

• Advertising & Marketing
• Business Ideas & Entrepreneurship
• Careers & the Workplace

Health & Food

• Employee Pay & Benefits
• Environment & Ethics
• Foreign Issues
• Human Resources & Hiring
• Investing & Personal Finance
• Law & Legalization

Real Estate

• Shopping & Consumption

Travel & Tourism

• Workplace Productivity

List of Argumentative Essay Topics

Advertising & marketing topics.

• Should advertisers be allowed to market their products to children?
• Should subliminal messages be allowed in company advertising?
• Is advertising on Youtube an effective/beneficial method to promote products?
• Should companies hire influencers to promote their products?
• Should companies adopt a product-orientation?
• Should companies adopt a market-orientation?
• Does marketing have an overall harmful effect on society?
• Should the advertisement of junk food be banned?
• Is telemarketing dead?
• Should companies use celebrities to endorse their products?
• Is direct-mail marketing still worthwhile in 2021?
• Should Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) be illegal?
• Should vaping advertisements be banned in Canada?
• Are loyalty programs still an effective strategy in 2021?
• Do coupon marketing strategies increase brand/product value?
• Should Canadian companies participate in Black Friday?
• Can a strong market monopoly be broken through a successful marketing approach?
• The Pink Tax : Do health and beauty companies unfairly target female consumers with higher prices?
• Should brands use storytelling to promote their products?
• Comparative advertisement is legal but is it also ethical?
• Will YouTube's (aggressive) advertising model drive away users?
• Is it ethical for companies to use personal data to target ads to consumers?
• Do pop-up ads affect the decision-making of consumers?
• Is distributing brochures and flyers an effective marketing method nowadays?

Business Ideas & Entrepreneurship Topics

• Will Bricks-and-Mortar shopping (in physical scores) survive?
• Are supermarkets killing local businesses?
• Should companies get involved in charity work?
• Is becoming a franchisee a good business opportunity?
• Is Canada a good place to start a business?
• Would creating a language school in Vancouver be lucrative?
• Are chatbots effective customer service tools?
• Does outsourcing improve the effectiveness of businesses?
• Does employee diversity positively affect businesses?
• Is Multilevel Marketing a legitimate business model?
• Is dropshipping a good business?

Careers & the Workplace Topics

• Should people pursue a degree in accounting?
• Is being a photographer a viable career?
• Should younger generations (or young people) consider video gaming as a career?
• Can social media influencer be considered a full-time job? / Should young people consider this as a possible career?
• Should companies/countries adopt a four-day workweek?
• Should regular employees be involved in the corporate decision-making process?
• Does shift-work have a negative impact on employee health?
• Is lifetime employment a thing of the past? / Should workers stay loyal to one company?
• Should leaders adopt a democratic leadership style?
• Should leaders adopt an authoritative leadership style?
• Should companies have dress codes? / Are strict dress code policies beneficial to companies?
• Should companies allow their employees to bring pets to work?
• Is the mental health of employees the responsibility of companies?
• Is leadership a learned trait?
• Is overtime counterproductive?
• Should companies provide benefits to gig workers?
• Should companies allow employees to listen to music during work?
• Is introversion a negative trait in the workplace?
• Can the taxi cab industry survive the advent of ride-hailing apps?
• Should Canada allow internationally trained doctors to practice?
• Should companies provide flexible work hours for employees?
• Should high school students work part-time?

Economics Topics

• Is hosting the Olympics a waste of money?
• Should the minimum wage be increased?
• Should [Canada] provide a living wage to workers?
• Should Canada adopt a Universal Basic Income (UBI)?
• Was the demonetization in India a success or failure?
• Should government privatize public services? / Does the privatization of public services improve cost-effectiveness?
• Should the [Canadian] government privatize healthcare?
• Does the 'gig economy' exploit workers?
• Will the gig economy replace the traditional employment landscape?
• Is worker exploitation necessary in order to maximize profits?
• Should workers in the public sector be allowed to unionize/go on strike?
• Has globalization hurt or helped developing countries?
• Should the Bank of Canada increase interest rates?
• Should the WTO or other trade organizations be able to issue binding orders?
• Should government regulate monopolies?
• Should government provide free healthcare to citizens?
• Does brain-drain negatively affect the economy of India?
• Should government regulate the BC housing market?
• Are Multi-National corporations (MNCs) really beneficial to the host economy?
• Should government create policies to manage population?
• Should Canada invest more in its agriculture industry?
• Is China engaging in debt-trap colonialism?
• Is China's investment beneficial to Africa?
• Will China become the new world leader?
• Was BrExit a good decision for Britain?

Will a BRICS currency replace the American dollar as a reserve currency?

Education Topics

• Is a university degree needed for business success? / Does having an undergraduate degree guarantee a successful career?
• Should business schools focus on theoretical knowledge instead of practical skills?
• Are international student fees unfair to foreign students? / Are Canadian international students being exploited?
• Should young people pursue an online degree?
• Should Canadian colleges charge less for online programs? / Should tuition be lower for online learning programs?
• Should young adults do an internship as part of their education?
• Should unpaid Internships be legal?
• Should financial literacy courses be part of the national education system?
• Is studying abroad beneficial for a student's host country (or home country)?
• Is publishing independently the best method for new authors to promote their work?

Employee Pay & Benefits Topics

• Is the current basic requirement for weekly vacation in Canada adequate?
• In general, are CEOs overpaid?
• Are financial incentives the best way to motivate employees?
• Should college athletes get paid for their games?
• Should male employees be allowed paternity leave?
• Should companies provide childcare services for employees?
• Does the gender pay gap exist in the Canadian/North American workplace?
• Is a performance-based pay system a good motivator for employees?
• Does making more money make people happier?
• Should companies grant menstrual leave to female employees?
• Should companies allow employees to unionize?

Environment & Ethics Topics

• Should fracking be banned?
• Are CSR campaigns genuine or greenwashing?
• Is the hospitality industry sustainable enough?
• Should small companies pursue CSR?
• Should companies implement hiring quotas to ensure workplace diversity?
• Should organic food companies support fair trade policies?
• Should cosmetic companies be allowed to test their products on animals?
• Should government implement a carbon tax on polluters?
• Can renewable energies replace fossil fuels?
• Should government be able to censor Internet content?
• Should the Canadian seal hunt be banned? (ALT: Japanese whaling)
• Should the use of pesticides in agriculture be banned?
• Is the global coffee industry doomed?
• Should India adopt organic farming practices?
• Should single-use plastics be more heavily regulated in [Canada]?
• Is the adoption of EVs really environmentally beneficial?
• Should designer brands start using vegan materials?
• Is Zara taking adequate measures to combat climate change?
• Should consumers support fast fashion?

Foreign Issues Topics

(*Replace [Canada] with your country of choice)

• Are immigrants worth the investment for [Canada]? / Do immigrants have a positive impact on the [Canadian] economy?
• Should [Canada] accept more refugees?
• Should international students on a study visa be allowed to work full-time?
• Should [Canada] accept more immigrants?
• Should Americans be required to have a visa to enter the Philippines?
• Does immigration in Canada increase crime?
• Will insect-based protein products replace traditional forms of protein?
• Is the food industry responsible for the problem of food waste?
• Is organic food worth the extra cost?
• Is the food industry to blame for the high obesity rate in the US?
• Should the food buffet model be discouraged/prohibited in the [Canadian] restaurant sector?
• Is laboratory-made food the solution to the food crisis?
• Are pharmaceutical companies unethically monetizing gender dysphoria in youth?
• Should public taxes be used to fund the safe use of hard drugs?
• Is the universal healthcare model sustainable?

Human Resources & Hiring Topics

• Should companies seek to hire employees internally?
• Should countries/companies enforce a mandatory retirement age?
• Should companies only hire experienced applicants? / Should companies hire university graduates with no work experience?
• Do dress code policies benefit companies?
• Should companies have policies to regulate workplace romance?
• Should workplaces conduct drug-testing?
• Is experience the most important factor for HR when promoting an employee?
• Can nepotism in the workplace be justified?
• Is money the most important factor when choosing a job?
• Is remote recruitment effective? / Should businesses shift to remote recruitment?
• Are virtual job interviews effective?
• Are job interviews an adequate/accurate measurement of an applicant’s skill?
• Should companies look at social media profiles of candidates when hiring?
• Should companies hire people with criminal records?
• Are work references a reliable tool in the hiring process?
• Is equal employment opportunity balance possible to achieve?
• Are good working conditions the most important factor when looking for a job?
• Are online job applications effective for hiring the best applicant?
• Should AI be used to screen job applications?
• Should local industries recognize the professional experience and qualifications of immigrants who enter the local labor market?
• Should companies hire employees through sponsorship?

Investing & Personal Finance Topics

• Is cryptocurrency/Bitcoin a good investment?
• Should people invest their own money or use a financial adviser?
• Should young people focus on passive investing?
• Should the Canadian government support/adopt cryptocurrencies?
• Is the stock market rigged?
• Is donating to charities effective? / Do charities make effective use of donations?
• Are credit cards a debt trap? / Should young people get a credit card?
• Is a car a good investment for people in cities?
• Should people purchase life insurance?
• Should short-selling be made illegal?
• Is payment for order flow an unfair business model for online brokerages?

Law & Legalization Topics

• Should government legalize psychedelic drugs?
• Should the sale of tobacco products be illegal?
• Should lotteries be banned? / Do lotteries unfairly target the poor?
• Should government allow the sale of genetically modified products?
• Should drugs be legalized in Mexico?
• Should recycling be legally required (in Canada)?
• Should sex work/prostitution be legalized?
• Are intellectual property rights effective in protecting a business's brand?
• Should FIFA consider human rights when it chooses its host?
• Are professional athletes overpaid?
• Is the gender pay gap in professional sports unfair?
• Should WNBA players receive equal pay to NBA players?
• Should young people consider a career in e-sports?
• Are e-sports the next 'big thing'?
• Should universities offer programs and scholarships for e-sports?
• Is being a high-performance athlete a viable career?
• Should sports betting be further regulated or prohibited in North America?

Shopping & Consumption Topics

• Should automatic gratuity for large groups be prohibited?
• Does tipping in restaurants improve service?
• Is the customer always right?
• Should customers base purchasing decisions on online reviews?
• Should female hygiene products be free (or subsidized)?
• Should consumers use grocery-delivery services?
• Are progressive taxes fair (to all income earners)?
• Should churches be exempt from tax?
• Should the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) be eliminated?
• Should there be an additional tax on unhealthy products?
• Should online sellers without physical stores have to pay tax in the companies they operate in?
• Should there be a digital service tax (DST) on social media companies?

Technology Topics

• Will self-driving cars become a reality for consumers in the next decade?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Should Amazon introduce drone delivery?
• Are cellphones unsafe for consumers? / Should government put tighter restrictions on cellphones for public safety?
• Should companies invest more in MIS (managerial information systems)?
• Should government regulate the use of cookies on the web?
• Should biodegradable straws be mandatory in F&B (Food & Beverages) businesses?
• Is a cashless economy possible?
• Can blockchain technologies replace centralized transactional systems?
• Is technology limiting the creativity of people?
• Does online shopping have addictive effects on consumers?
• Should Big Banks in Canada introduce  'tellerless' branches as people can do transactions in ATM (Automated Teller Machine)?
• Will 3D food change the food sector?
• Can electric cars replace traditional vehicles?
• Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) a threat to business?
• Should users be concerned about their privacy on social network platforms?
• Will the Metaverse be relevant five years from now?
• Should publishing companies shift to digital e-books?
• Will NFTs be a useful technology in the future?
• Will Tesla lead the North America EV industry in the future?
• Should Canada implement measures to target 'house-flippers'?
• Should foreigners be allowed to purchase property in [Country]?
• Should government regulate the housing market?
• Is the empty-homes tax unfair?
• Is becoming a real estate agent a good career choice?
• Should airlines allow travelers to board planes with pets?
• Are travel agencies doomed to extinction?
• Does the AirBNB business model spell doom for the hotel industry?
• Is being a tour guide a viable career?
• Will fully automated hotels leave hoteliers unemployed?

Workplace Productivity Topics

• Should social media be banned in the workplace?
• Do smartphones have a positive effect on workplace productivity?
• Does peer pressure in the workplace benefit workers?
• Can employees be productive when working from home?
• Should employers allow napping in the workplace?
• Should employers limit smartphone use in the workplace / Do smartphones increase worker productivity?
• Do open-office plans increase productivity? / Should companies adopt open space plans?
• Should companies incorporate the practice of mindfulness in the workplace?
• Is a highly competitive environment beneficial for workers?
• Does art or workplace decor have a positive effect on productivity?
• Should 'quiet quitting' be normalized in the workplace?

-- Argumentative essay topics compiled by Matthew Barton, Creator of Englishcurrent.com (copyright) | Last updated: Q2 2024

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8 Effective Strategies to Write Argumentative Essays

In a bustling university town, there lived a student named Alex. Popular for creativity and wit, one challenge seemed insurmountable for Alex– the dreaded argumentative essay!

One gloomy afternoon, as the rain tapped against the window pane, Alex sat at his cluttered desk, staring at a blank document on the computer screen. The assignment loomed large: a 350-600-word argumentative essay on a topic of their choice . With a sigh, he decided to seek help of mentor, Professor Mitchell, who was known for his passion for writing.

Entering Professor Mitchell’s office was like stepping into a treasure of knowledge. Bookshelves lined every wall, faint aroma of old manuscripts in the air and sticky notes over the wall. Alex took a deep breath and knocked on his door.

“Ah, Alex,” Professor Mitchell greeted with a warm smile. “What brings you here today?”

Alex confessed his struggles with the argumentative essay. After hearing his concerns, Professor Mitchell said, “Ah, the argumentative essay! Don’t worry, Let’s take a look at it together.” As he guided Alex to the corner shelf, Alex asked,

Table of Contents

“What is an Argumentative Essay?”

The professor replied, “An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that presents a clear argument or a firm position on a contentious issue. Unlike other forms of essays, such as descriptive or narrative essays, these essays require you to take a stance, present evidence, and convince your audience of the validity of your viewpoint with supporting evidence. A well-crafted argumentative essay relies on concrete facts and supporting evidence rather than merely expressing the author’s personal opinions . Furthermore, these essays demand comprehensive research on the chosen topic and typically follows a structured format consisting of three primary sections: an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.”

He continued, “Argumentative essays are written in a wide range of subject areas, reflecting their applicability across disciplines. They are written in different subject areas like literature and philosophy, history, science and technology, political science, psychology, economics and so on.

Alex asked,

“When is an Argumentative Essay Written?”

The professor answered, “Argumentative essays are often assigned in academic settings, but they can also be written for various other purposes, such as editorials, opinion pieces, or blog posts. Some situations to write argumentative essays include:

1. Academic assignments

In school or college, teachers may assign argumentative essays as part of coursework. It help students to develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills .

2. Debates and discussions

Argumentative essays can serve as the basis for debates or discussions in academic or competitive settings. Moreover, they provide a structured way to present and defend your viewpoint.

3. Opinion pieces

Newspapers, magazines, and online publications often feature opinion pieces that present an argument on a current issue or topic to influence public opinion.

4. Policy proposals

In government and policy-related fields, argumentative essays are used to propose and defend specific policy changes or solutions to societal problems.

5. Persuasive speeches

Before delivering a persuasive speech, it’s common to prepare an argumentative essay as a foundation for your presentation.

Regardless of the context, an argumentative essay should present a clear thesis statement , provide evidence and reasoning to support your position, address counterarguments, and conclude with a compelling summary of your main points. The goal is to persuade readers or listeners to accept your viewpoint or at least consider it seriously.”

Handing over a book, the professor continued, “Take a look on the elements or structure of an argumentative essay.”

Elements of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay comprises five essential components:

Claim in argumentative writing is the central argument or viewpoint that the writer aims to establish and defend throughout the essay. A claim must assert your position on an issue and must be arguable. It can guide the entire argument.

2. Evidence

Evidence must consist of factual information, data, examples, or expert opinions that support the claim. Also, it lends credibility by strengthening the writer’s position.

3. Counterarguments

Presenting a counterclaim demonstrates fairness and awareness of alternative perspectives.

4. Rebuttal

After presenting the counterclaim, the writer refutes it by offering counterarguments or providing evidence that weakens the opposing viewpoint. It shows that the writer has considered multiple perspectives and is prepared to defend their position.

The format of an argumentative essay typically follows the structure to ensure clarity and effectiveness in presenting an argument.

How to Write An Argumentative Essay

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an argumentative essay:

1. Introduction

• Begin with a compelling sentence or question to grab the reader’s attention.
• Provide context for the issue, including relevant facts, statistics, or historical background.
• Provide a concise thesis statement to present your position on the topic.

2. Body Paragraphs (usually three or more)

• Start each paragraph with a clear and focused topic sentence that relates to your thesis statement.
• Furthermore, provide evidence and explain the facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, and quotations from credible sources that supports your thesis.
• Use transition sentences to smoothly move from one point to the next.

3. Counterargument and Rebuttal

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints or potential objections to your argument.
• Also, address these counterarguments with evidence and explain why they do not weaken your position.

4. Conclusion

• Restate your thesis statement and summarize the key points you’ve made in the body of the essay.
• Leave the reader with a final thought, call to action, or broader implication related to the topic.

5. Citations and References

• Properly cite all the sources you use in your essay using a consistent citation style.
• Also, include a bibliography or works cited at the end of your essay.

6. Formatting and Style

• Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.
• Use a professional and academic tone in your writing and edit your essay to avoid content, spelling and grammar mistakes .

Remember that the specific requirements for formatting an argumentative essay may vary depending on your instructor’s guidelines or the citation style you’re using (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Always check the assignment instructions or style guide for any additional requirements or variations in formatting.

Did you understand what Prof. Mitchell explained Alex? Check it now!

Fill the Details to Check Your Score

Prof. Mitchell continued, “An argumentative essay can adopt various approaches when dealing with opposing perspectives. It may offer a balanced presentation of both sides, providing equal weight to each, or it may advocate more strongly for one side while still acknowledging the existence of opposing views.” As Alex listened carefully to the Professor’s thoughts, his eyes fell on a page with examples of argumentative essay.

Example of an Argumentative Essay

Alex picked the book and read the example. It helped him to understand the concept. Furthermore, he could now connect better to the elements and steps of the essay which Prof. Mitchell had mentioned earlier. Aren’t you keen to know how an argumentative essay should be like? Here is an example of a well-crafted argumentative essay , which was read by Alex. After Alex finished reading the example, the professor turned the page and continued, “Check this page to know the importance of writing an argumentative essay in developing skills of an individual.”

Importance of an Argumentative Essay

After understanding the benefits, Alex was convinced by the ability of the argumentative essays in advocating one’s beliefs and favor the author’s position. Alex asked,

“How are argumentative essays different from the other types?”

Prof. Mitchell answered, “Argumentative essays differ from other types of essays primarily in their purpose, structure, and approach in presenting information. Unlike expository essays, argumentative essays persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action on a controversial issue. Furthermore, they differ from descriptive essays by not focusing vividly on describing a topic. Also, they are less engaging through storytelling as compared to the narrative essays.

Alex said, “Given the direct and persuasive nature of argumentative essays, can you suggest some strategies to write an effective argumentative essay?

Turning the pages of the book, Prof. Mitchell replied, “Sure! You can check this infographic to get some tips for writing an argumentative essay.”

Effective Strategies to Write an Argumentative Essay

As days turned into weeks, Alex diligently worked on his essay. He researched, gathered evidence, and refined his thesis. It was a long and challenging journey, filled with countless drafts and revisions.

Finally, the day arrived when Alex submitted their essay. As he clicked the “Submit” button, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He realized that the argumentative essay, while challenging, had improved his critical thinking and transformed him into a more confident writer. Furthermore, Alex received feedback from his professor, a mix of praise and constructive criticism. It was a humbling experience, a reminder that every journey has its obstacles and opportunities for growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

An argumentative essay can be written as follows- 1. Choose a Topic 2. Research and Collect Evidences 3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement 4. Outline Your Essay- Introduction, Body Paragraphs and Conclusion 5. Revise and Edit 6. Format and Cite Sources 7. Final Review

One must choose a clear, concise and specific statement as a claim. It must be debatable and establish your position. Avoid using ambiguous or unclear while making a claim. To strengthen your claim, address potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Additionally, use persuasive language and rhetoric to make your claim more compelling

Starting an argument essay effectively is crucial to engage your readers and establish the context for your argument. Here’s how you can start an argument essay are: 1. Begin With an Engaging Hook 2. Provide Background Information 3. Present Your Thesis Statement 4. Briefly Outline Your Main 5. Establish Your Credibility

The key features of an argumentative essay are: 1. Clear and Specific Thesis Statement 2. Credible Evidence 3. Counterarguments 4. Structured Body Paragraph 5. Logical Flow 6. Use of Persuasive Techniques 7. Formal Language

An argumentative essay typically consists of the following main parts or sections: 1. Introduction 2. Body Paragraphs 3. Counterargument and Rebuttal 4. Conclusion 5. References (if applicable)

The main purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a particular viewpoint or position on a controversial or debatable topic. In other words, the primary goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the audience that the author's argument or thesis statement is valid, logical, and well-supported by evidence and reasoning.

Great article! The topic is simplified well! Keep up the good work

Excellent article! provides comprehensive and practical guidance for crafting compelling arguments. The emphasis on thorough research and clear thesis statements is particularly valuable. To further enhance your strategies, consider recommending the use of a counterargument paragraph. Addressing and refuting opposing viewpoints can strengthen your position and show a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Additionally, engaging with a community like ATReads, a writers’ social media, can provide valuable feedback and support from fellow writers. Thanks for sharing these insightful tips!

wow incredible ! keep up the good work

I love it thanks for the guidelines

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Argumentative Essay Examples to Inspire You (+ Free Formula)

Table of contents

Meredith Sell

Have you ever been asked to explain your opinion on a controversial issue? 

• Maybe your family got into a discussion about chemical pesticides
• Someone at work argues against investing resources into your project
• Your partner thinks intermittent fasting is the best way to lose weight and you disagree

Proving your point in an argumentative essay can be challenging, unless you are using a proven formula.

Argumentative essay formula & example

In the image below, you can see a recommended structure for argumentative essays. It starts with the topic sentence, which establishes the main idea of the essay. Next, this hypothesis is developed in the development stage. Then, the rebuttal, or the refutal of the main counter argument or arguments. Then, again, development of the rebuttal. This is followed by an example, and ends with a summary. This is a very basic structure, but it gives you a bird-eye-view of how a proper argumentative essay can be built.

Writing an argumentative essay (for a class, a news outlet, or just for fun) can help you improve your understanding of an issue and sharpen your thinking on the matter. Using researched facts and data, you can explain why you or others think the way you do, even while other reasonable people disagree.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an explanatory essay that takes a side.

Instead of appealing to emotion and personal experience to change the reader’s mind, an argumentative essay uses logic and well-researched factual information to explain why the thesis in question is the most reasonable opinion on the matter.  

Over several paragraphs or pages, the author systematically walks through:

• The opposition (and supporting evidence)
• The chosen thesis (and its supporting evidence)

At the end, the author leaves the decision up to the reader, trusting that the case they’ve made will do the work of changing the reader’s mind. Even if the reader’s opinion doesn’t change, they come away from the essay with a greater understanding of the perspective presented — and perhaps a better understanding of their original opinion.

All of that might make it seem like writing an argumentative essay is way harder than an emotionally-driven persuasive essay — but if you’re like me and much more comfortable spouting facts and figures than making impassioned pleas, you may find that an argumentative essay is easier to write. 

Plus, the process of researching an argumentative essay means you can check your assumptions and develop an opinion that’s more based in reality than what you originally thought. I know for sure that my opinions need to be fact checked — don’t yours?

So how exactly do we write the argumentative essay?

How do you start an argumentative essay

First, gain a clear understanding of what exactly an argumentative essay is. To formulate a proper topic sentence, you have to be clear on your topic, and to explore it through research.

Students have difficulty starting an essay because the whole task seems intimidating, and they are afraid of spending too much time on the topic sentence. Experienced writers, however, know that there is no set time to spend on figuring out your topic. It's a real exploration that is based to a large extent on intuition.

6 Steps to Write an Argumentative Essay (Persuasion Formula)

Use this checklist to tackle your essay one step at a time:

1. Research an issue with an arguable question

To start, you need to identify an issue that well-informed people have varying opinions on. Here, it’s helpful to think of one core topic and how it intersects with another (or several other) issues. That intersection is where hot takes and reasonable (or unreasonable) opinions abound. 

I find it helpful to stage the issue as a question.

For example: 

Is it better to legislate the minimum size of chicken enclosures or to outlaw the sale of eggs from chickens who don’t have enough space?

Should snow removal policies focus more on effectively keeping roads clear for traffic or the environmental impacts of snow removal methods?

Once you have your arguable question ready, start researching the basic facts and specific opinions and arguments on the issue. Do your best to stay focused on gathering information that is directly relevant to your topic. Depending on what your essay is for, you may reference academic studies, government reports, or newspaper articles.

‍ Research your opposition and the facts that support their viewpoint as much as you research your own position . You’ll need to address your opposition in your essay, so you’ll want to know their argument from the inside out.

2. Choose a side based on your research

You likely started with an inclination toward one side or the other, but your research should ultimately shape your perspective. So once you’ve completed the research, nail down your opinion and start articulating the what and why of your take. 

What: I think it’s better to outlaw selling eggs from chickens whose enclosures are too small.

Why: Because if you regulate the enclosure size directly, egg producers outside of the government’s jurisdiction could ship eggs into your territory and put nearby egg producers out of business by offering better prices because they don’t have the added cost of larger enclosures.

This is an early form of your thesis and the basic logic of your argument. You’ll want to iterate on this a few times and develop a one-sentence statement that sums up the thesis of your essay.

Thesis: Outlawing the sale of eggs from chickens with cramped living spaces is better for business than regulating the size of chicken enclosures.

Now that you’ve articulated your thesis , spell out the counterargument(s) as well. Putting your opposition’s take into words will help you throughout the rest of the essay-writing process. (You can start by choosing the counter argument option with Wordtune Spices .)

Counter argument:

There may be one main counterargument to articulate, or several. Write them all out and start thinking about how you’ll use evidence to address each of them or show why your argument is still the best option.

3. Organize the evidence — for your side and the opposition

You did all of that research for a reason. Now’s the time to use it. 

Hopefully, you kept detailed notes in a document, complete with links and titles of all your source material. Go through your research document and copy the evidence for your argument and your opposition’s into another document.

List the main points of your argument. Then, below each point, paste the evidence that backs them up.

If you’re writing about chicken enclosures, maybe you found evidence that shows the spread of disease among birds kept in close quarters is worse than among birds who have more space. Or maybe you found information that says eggs from free-range chickens are more flavorful or nutritious. Put that information next to the appropriate part of your argument. 

Repeat the process with your opposition’s argument: What information did you find that supports your opposition? Paste it beside your opposition’s argument.

You could also put information here that refutes your opposition, but organize it in a way that clearly tells you — at a glance — that the information disproves their point.

Counterargument: Outlawing the sale of eggs from chickens with too small enclosures will negatively affect prices and sales.

BUT: Sicknesses like avian flu spread more easily through small enclosures and could cause a shortage that would drive up egg prices naturally, so ensuring larger enclosures is still a better policy for consumers over the long term.

As you organize your research and see the evidence all together, start thinking through the best way to order your points.  

Will it be better to present your argument all at once or to break it up with opposition claims you can quickly refute? Would some points set up other points well? Does a more complicated point require that the reader understands a simpler point first?

Play around and rearrange your notes to see how your essay might flow one way or another.

4. Freewrite or outline to think through your argument

Is your brain buzzing yet? At this point in the process, it can be helpful to take out a notebook or open a fresh document and dump whatever you’re thinking on the page.

Where should your essay start? What ground-level information do you need to provide your readers before you can dive into the issue?

Use your organized evidence document from step 3 to think through your argument from beginning to end, and determine the structure of your essay.

There are three typical structures for argumentative essays:

• Make your argument and tackle opposition claims one by one, as they come up in relation to the points of your argument - In this approach, the whole essay — from beginning to end — focuses on your argument, but as you make each point, you address the relevant opposition claims individually. This approach works well if your opposition’s views can be quickly explained and refuted and if they directly relate to specific points in your argument.
• Make the bulk of your argument, and then address the opposition all at once in a paragraph (or a few) - This approach puts the opposition in its own section, separate from your main argument. After you’ve made your case, with ample evidence to convince your readers, you write about the opposition, explaining their viewpoint and supporting evidence — and showing readers why the opposition’s argument is unconvincing. Once you’ve addressed the opposition, you write a conclusion that sums up why your argument is the better one.
• Open your essay by talking about the opposition and where it falls short. Build your entire argument to show how it is superior to that opposition - With this structure, you’re showing your readers “a better way” to address the issue. After opening your piece by showing how your opposition’s approaches fail, you launch into your argument, providing readers with ample evidence that backs you up.

As you think through your argument and examine your evidence document, consider which structure will serve your argument best. Sketch out an outline to give yourself a map to follow in the writing process. You could also rearrange your evidence document again to match your outline, so it will be easy to find what you need when you start writing.

5. Write your first draft

You have an outline and an organized document with all your points and evidence lined up and ready. Now you just have to write your essay.

In your first draft, focus on getting your ideas on the page. Your wording may not be perfect (whose is?), but you know what you’re trying to say — so even if you’re overly wordy and taking too much space to say what you need to say, put those words on the page.

Follow your outline, and draw from that evidence document to flesh out each point of your argument. Explain what the evidence means for your argument and your opposition. Connect the dots for your readers so they can follow you, point by point, and understand what you’re trying to say.

As you write, be sure to include:

1. Any background information your reader needs in order to understand the issue in question.

2. Evidence for both your argument and the counterargument(s). This shows that you’ve done your homework and builds trust with your reader, while also setting you up to make a more convincing argument. (If you find gaps in your research while you’re writing, Wordtune can help.

3. A conclusion that sums up your overall argument and evidence — and leaves the reader with an understanding of the issue and its significance. This sort of conclusion brings your essay to a strong ending that doesn’t waste readers’ time, but actually adds value to your case.

6. Revise (with Wordtune)

The hard work is done: you have a first draft. Now, let’s fine tune your writing.

I like to step away from what I’ve written for a day (or at least a night of sleep) before attempting to revise. It helps me approach clunky phrases and rough transitions with fresh eyes. If you don’t have that luxury, just get away from your computer for a few minutes — use the bathroom, do some jumping jacks, eat an apple — and then come back and read through your piece.

As you revise, make sure you …

• Get the facts right. An argument with false evidence falls apart pretty quickly, so check your facts to make yours rock solid.
• Don’t misrepresent the opposition or their evidence. If someone who holds the opposing view reads your essay, they should affirm how you explain their side — even if they disagree with your rebuttal.
• Present a case that builds over the course of your essay, makes sense, and ends on a strong note. One point should naturally lead to the next. Your readers shouldn’t feel like you’re constantly changing subjects. You’re making a variety of points, but your argument should feel like a cohesive whole.
• Paraphrase sources and cite them appropriately. Did you skip citations when writing your first draft? No worries — you can add them now. And check that you don’t overly rely on quotations. (Need help paraphrasing? Wordtune can help. Simply highlight the sentence or phrase you want to adjust and sort through Wordtune’s suggestions.)
• Tighten up overly wordy explanations and sharpen any convoluted ideas. Wordtune makes a great sidekick for this too 😉

Words to start an argumentative essay

The best way to introduce a convincing argument is to provide a strong thesis statement . These are the words I usually use to start an argumentative essay:

• It is indisputable that the world today is facing a multitude of issues
• With the rise of ____, the potential to make a positive difference has never been more accessible
• It is essential that we take action now and tackle these issues head-on
• it is critical to understand the underlying causes of the problems standing before us
• Opponents of this idea claim
• Those who are against these ideas may say
• Some people may disagree with this idea
• Some people may say that ____, however

When refuting an opposing concept, use:

• These researchers have a point in thinking
• To a certain extent they are right
• After seeing this evidence, there is no way one can agree with this idea
• This argument is irrelevant to the topic

Are you convinced by your own argument yet? Ready to brave the next get-together where everyone’s talking like they know something about intermittent fasting , chicken enclosures , or snow removal policies? 

Now if someone asks you to explain your evidence-based but controversial opinion, you can hand them your essay and ask them to report back after they’ve read it.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay

4-minute read

• 30th April 2022

An argumentative essay is a structured, compelling piece of writing where an author clearly defines their stance on a specific topic. This is a very popular style of writing assigned to students at schools, colleges, and universities. Learn the steps to researching, structuring, and writing an effective argumentative essay below.

Requirements of an Argumentative Essay

To effectively achieve its purpose, an argumentative essay must contain:

●  A concise thesis statement that introduces readers to the central argument of the essay

●  A clear, logical, argument that engages readers

●  Ample research and evidence that supports your argument

Approaches to Use in Your Argumentative Essay

1.   classical.

●  Clearly present the central argument.

●  Outline your opinion.

●  Provide enough evidence to support your theory.

2.   Toulmin

●  State your claim.

●  Supply the evidence for your stance.

●  Explain how these findings support the argument.

●  Include and discuss any limitations of your belief.

3.   Rogerian

●  Explain the opposing stance of your argument.

●  Discuss the problems with adopting this viewpoint.

●  Offer your position on the matter.

●  Provide reasons for why yours is the more beneficial stance.

●  Include a potential compromise for the topic at hand.

Tips for Writing a Well-Written Argumentative Essay

●  Introduce your topic in a bold, direct, and engaging manner to captivate your readers and encourage them to keep reading.

●  Provide sufficient evidence to justify your argument and convince readers to adopt this point of view.

●  Consider, include, and fairly present all sides of the topic.

●  Structure your argument in a clear, logical manner that helps your readers to understand your thought process.

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●  Discuss any counterarguments that might be posed.

●  Use persuasive writing that’s appropriate for your target audience and motivates them to agree with you.

Steps to Write an Argumentative Essay

Follow these basic steps to write a powerful and meaningful argumentative essay :

Step 1: Choose a topic that you’re passionate about

If you’ve already been given a topic to write about, pick a stance that resonates deeply with you. This will shine through in your writing, make the research process easier, and positively influence the outcome of your argument.

Step 2: Conduct ample research to prove the validity of your argument

To write an emotive argumentative essay , finding enough research to support your theory is a must. You’ll need solid evidence to convince readers to agree with your take on the matter. You’ll also need to logically organize the research so that it naturally convinces readers of your viewpoint and leaves no room for questioning.

Step 3: Follow a simple, easy-to-follow structure and compile your essay

A good structure to ensure a well-written and effective argumentative essay includes:

Introduction

●  Introduce your topic.

●  Offer background information on the claim.

●  Discuss the evidence you’ll present to support your argument.

●  State your thesis statement, a one-to-two sentence summary of your claim.

●  This is the section where you’ll develop and expand on your argument.

●  It should be split into three or four coherent paragraphs, with each one presenting its own idea.

●  Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that indicates why readers should adopt your belief or stance.

●  Include your research, statistics, citations, and other supporting evidence.

●  Discuss opposing viewpoints and why they’re invalid.

●  This part typically consists of one paragraph.

●  Summarize your research and the findings that were presented.

●  Emphasize your initial thesis statement.

●  Persuade readers to agree with your stance.

We certainly hope that you feel inspired to use these tips when writing your next argumentative essay . And, if you’re currently elbow-deep in writing one, consider submitting a free sample to us once it’s completed. Our expert team of editors can help ensure that it’s concise, error-free, and effective!

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