should students do part time job argumentative essay

Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs? Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Advantages of part-time jobs for students, disadvantages of part-time jobs for students, works cited.

The supreme desire of every parent to take their children to school is for them to get the best education and excel at their studies. Despite this fact, there comes a point in time when the student needs to supplement the income from their parents or rather source funds to even cater for their education (Sloman, 652).

As a result, most students end up engaging in part-time jobs. It can be due to the necessity or desire to have some extra money to spend. The decision to engage in part-time jobs is entirely the student’s choice. Some get support from their parents, tutors, and friends, while others don’t.

But should students have part-time jobs? This essay tries to answer this question.

Before any decision to engage in part-time jobs is reached, three things have to be critically considered. These are the students themselves, their financial situation, and, finally, the type of work. The listed factors will allow a person to make decisions that they will not live to regret.

Therefore, this part-time job essay is an in-depth analysis of the advantages of students having jobs and a little discussion on the disadvantages.

Part-time jobs are of great essentiality since students are able to earn while at the same time studying. Most part-time jobs require that one works for about three to four hours a day, something that is manageable by almost every student, given the fact that lessons don’t take the entire day. Some of the benefits associated with part-time jobs for students include the following;

Relief of financial burden

Students who engage in part-time jobs get paid for the services offered; hence the earnings obtained can be used to partly relieve the students’ financial burden they could have.

This is because the cost of education has in the recent past sky-rated, making students from poor families not able to afford yet the banking systems have also failed to loan such students; therefore, engaging in part-time jobs makes such students meet their education expenses (Somoski 1). In addition, part-time jobs give students pocket money that they can spend on their own without nagging their parents with money.

Promotion of education

Students who undertake part-time jobs are able to upgrade their studies, making them understand whatever they learn in school even better. For instance, an accounting student who gets a part-time job in an accounting firm will be able to experience the theory learned in school practically hence having a better understanding of the course. The same applies to medicine, engineering, law, and biology students, among others (Pickett 1).

Accumulation of work experience

Engaging in part-time jobs enables the students to gain experience in their field of work hence boosting their resumes. This is important when it comes to job hunting after completion of studies.

Research has shown that students that have undertaken part-time jobs and gained relevant experience have the upper hand when it comes to getting jobs, unlike those that are just fresh from school. On the other hand, working part-time for recognized organizations increases one’s chances of landing a better job.

Time Management Skills

Having a part-time job helps students to acquire time management skills in the sense that they treasure every time they get and use it efficiently. This happens because their study time is now preoccupied with the job, thus having to restructure their schedule to fit in the study time, work time, leisure time, etc.

Learn the value of money

Most parents have complained that their children who are students do not know the value of money until they get jobs. Therefore, students who take part in part-time jobs while in school are in a position to understand the value of money, thus using it well in the future (Pickett 1). For instance, they are now able to refrain from impulse buying and resulting in smart shopping hence making their money last longer than before. This, as a result, makes them responsible adults even in the future.

Other benefits associated with part-time jobs are that the students get new ideas while in the workplace (Somoski 1). This happens mostly for challenging courses that need great minds, such as web design, whereby the students learn new technologies as soon as they are generated. Last but not least is the improvement in communication skills since the student interacts with different people at the workplace.

As mentioned above, the decision to engage in part-time jobs is wholly dependent on the student. This is because there are disadvantages that come in handy with a student engaging in part-time jobs.

Among them is the effect it has on students’ performance, given the less time allocated for study (Anti Essays 1). Other students may be overwhelmed by their greed for money and end up forgoing their studies to indulge in full-time jobs hence affecting their education.

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that the pros of part-time jobs for students outweigh the cons. From the discussion above, the benefits that a student gets on deciding to engage in part-time jobs are endless. The good thing is that the disadvantages attached to part-time jobs for students are manageable depending on the mind and focus of the students in their education and life.

Anti Essays. Benefits of Part-Time Jobs . 2011. Web.

Pickett, Theresa. What are the Benefits of Part-Time Jobs for Students? 1999-2011. Web.

Sloman, John. Economics . 2004- Penguin.

Somoski, Nick. Should students work part-time during the school year ? 2010-2011. Web.

• Amitai Etzioni: Youth Issues in “Working at McDonald’s”
• Lawfty Hotel Accounts and Taxation
• Labor Market Changes and in Australia since the Mid 1980s
• All You Need to Know about Long-Term Care Insurance
• Improving Economic Opportunity of the US
• China’s Bad Growth Bet by Nouriel Roubini
• Economics of Integrity and Profit Maximizing
• Rapidly Developing Macroeconomics in Chile
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, June 5). Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs? Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/benefit-of-students-who-have-part-time-jobs/

"Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs? Essay." IvyPanda , 5 June 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/benefit-of-students-who-have-part-time-jobs/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs? Essay'. 5 June.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs? Essay." June 5, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/benefit-of-students-who-have-part-time-jobs/.

1. IvyPanda . "Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs? Essay." June 5, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/benefit-of-students-who-have-part-time-jobs/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Should Students Have Part-Time Jobs? Essay." June 5, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/benefit-of-students-who-have-part-time-jobs/.

Argumentative Essay Sample: High School Students Should Have a Part Time Job

As life is getting more expensive and teenagers yearn for independence, it would be a good compromise for high school students to get a part time job. Getting a part time job would allow students to learn responsibility, the value of money, and how the real world works. 

Firstly, getting a part time job in high school forces students to be responsible and learn how to balance their school life and their work life. As students are at school during the day and work part time at night, they will have to exhibit responsibility to be dedicated to both their commitments. As well, they need to develop good time management skills in order to not only attend work but find time to do their homework and study for school. Whatsmore, getting a job for the first time is not easy and students will have to learn the duties they must complete at work, how to work alongside co workers, interact with customers, and have a good attitude. With all this responsibility, students will undoubtedly need to know how to prioritize school and work. Though it will be a very difficult situation, there is no doubt that it will also give students more life experience and force them to be more adult-like as they now have newfound responsibilities they have to juggle. 

Secondly, working while in school let’s students learn the value of money. As students now work and make an earning, they can use this money to buy the things they otherwise would have bought with their parents' money. With a job of their own, students will learn firsthand how many hours of labour it costs them to buy the things they want, which will encourage them to spend their money more sensibly. Whatsmore, it will prompt students to open a bank account and divide their paycheck into a spending and savings account.    

Finally, if high school students have a part time job they can get work experience and learn more street smart skills. Students are in school for most of the day and are stuck in classrooms learning from a textbook. School mainly focuses on teaching kids academic knowledge such as math, english, science, and more. However, it is also important for students to hone skills that will help them in the real world after school, such as teamwork, communication, efficiency, productivity, management, and more. All of these street smart skills can be taught at a part time job for the first time, as instead of a classroom setting, you are in a hands on work environment. By working at McDonald’s, you can learn procedure, how to interact with customers, how to work productively, and how to work in unison with coworkers. As you can see, working teaches you a lot of things that school can’t. 

In conclusion, high school students should have a part time job because it will teach them how to be responsible, spend their money more wisely, and real life work skills. For students looking for a challenge and to earn some cash, it is highly recommended that they take on a part time job.

Related Samples

• My Host Family Letter Example
• The Impact of Alarm Clocks Tone on Your Mood
• Personal Essay Sample: Person Who Influenced Me the Most
• Research Paper on an Education System for Advanced Learners
• Narrative Essay on The Great Halloween Escape
• My Personal Experience Of God Essay Example
• Reflective Essay on Life Course
• Exploitation Of College Athletes Research Paper
• Argumentative Essay Sample: Community College Should Be Free
• Narrative Essay Sample: Mood Enhancement Through Media

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Student Life

• Feb 6, 2024
• 10 min read

10 Benefits of Part-Time Jobs (and 10 Drawbacks)

Part-time work: yay or nay?

Denny Nesbitt

Career Coach and Careers Writer

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

In today’s fast-paced world, part-time jobs have become more than just a gig; they are a lifestyle choice.

Whether you’re a student looking to gain valuable work experience or someone seeking flexibility, part-time employment offers a compelling array of advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of part-time jobs , examining the pros and cons that come with this employment arrangement, helping you to figure out if it’s the right fit for you.

Let’s dig right in!

What is a part-time job?

Part-time jobs are a form of employment where individuals work for a reduced number of hours compared to full-time positions; a part-time job is anything less than 35 hours per week.

Jobs with part-time hours vary across industries, and while they’re traditionally associated with areas such as retail and hospitality, today’s changing nature of work means there is potential for part-time work in all sectors.

The pros of a part-time job

While full-time work might be seen as the most secure and well-paid choice of employment, there are advantages and disadvantages to this type of working arrangement. And for some individuals, at certain times of life, part-time work may be a more attractive option.

Why would you go part time? Some of the key advantages are outlined below.

1. You can work flexible hours

Part-time jobs often offer flexible schedules, such as split shifts, school hours or weekend and evening work. This allows individuals to tailor their work hours to accommodate personal responsibilities and interests outside of work.

It’s for this reason that part-time jobs are popular with students or professionals with caring responsibilities, allowing them to strike a balance between work and personal life while still contributing to the workforce.

2. You maintain a healthy work–life balance

Balancing long hours at work with personal commitments is often a juggle and can lead to stress, burnout and health concerns.

With fewer hours at work and a more flexible schedule, part-time workers have the potential for greater work–life balance. They may have more time for hobbies, exercise and friends, contributing to their overall wellbeing.

3. You can manage your wellbeing better

Part-time work can provide individuals dealing with health concerns the flexibility to manage their wellbeing more effectively. It allows for necessary medical appointments, treatment sessions and recovery periods, without the pressure of a full-time workload, all while keeping income coming in.

Flexible scheduling can allow the individual to increase their working hours gradually as their health improves.

4. You develop your skill set

Part-time roles provide opportunities for skill development and enhancement. Employees can gain practical experience, especially in entry-level positions, fostering professional growth.

For students, this is important and provides a way to demonstrate their professional skills in a résumé. Additionally, for career changers, part-time work provides a low-risk way of developing skills in a new field.

5. You gain diverse work experience

Working part time in different roles or industries exposes individuals to diverse work environments, which helps them increase their skills, experience and network.

Not only does it keep boredom at bay, but it also makes individuals more adaptable to change because they have diverse skills and experience to fall back on, as well as a wider network.

6. They’re more accessible

Part-time jobs often have lower entry barriers due to their more casual nature. Employers are more likely to take a chance on someone new to the career or industry when it’s a part-time position.

This makes it easier for individuals, especially students or those with limited experience, to enter the workforce. This is important for career changers who may face barriers in entering a new industry.

7. You improve your income

While not always lucrative, part-time jobs contribute to financial stability by providing an income stream, helping individuals meet their basic needs. This is advantageous for students who are not able to commit to full-time work due to their studies.

They can also be a way for people to improve their income. For example, some individuals may freelance on a part-time basis alongside a full-time job in order to bring in extra cash.

8. They provide networking opportunities

Part-time work offers a unique networking advantage, fostering connections in various professional circles. With a diverse range of colleagues and industries, individuals can expand their professional network, gaining valuable contacts and insights.

These connections may lead to new opportunities, collaborations or mentorships , enhancing career prospects and providing a robust foundation for future professional growth.

9. They reduce commuting stress and costs

Part-time work reduces commuting stress and costs by minimizing the frequency of travel to and from the workplace. With fewer commuting days, individuals experience less traffic, saving time and lowering transportation expenses.

This not only contributes to improved work–life balance but also reduces environmental impact. The convenience of part-time arrangements alleviates the burden of daily commuting, enhancing overall job satisfaction.

10. They’re great for testing the waters

Part-time work serves as a valuable trial period for individuals exploring new career paths . By offering a reduced time commitment, it allows individuals to gain hands-on experience, assess job satisfaction and evaluate cultural fit without making a full-time commitment.

This flexibility enables informed career decisions, empowering individuals to make well-informed choices before fully committing to a new profession.

The cons of a part-time job

While the flexible nature of part-time jobs can be appealing, there are some disadvantages that warrant careful consideration.

1. They offer limited benefits

Part-time employees often receive fewer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off compared to their full-time counterparts.

Before stepping into this type of employment, you need to make yourself aware of your employee rights and consider how important these benefits are to you at this point in your life.

2. The money’s not always good

Simply put, less hours at work usually mean less pay. Not only does this impact your ability to budget and pay your bills on a day-to-day basis, but it can also have an impact on long-term savings for retirement or other important financial goals.

If you’re considering part-time work, you need to carefully consider the short- and long-term financial impact.

3. You have limited career advancement opportunities

Climbing the ladder may be a bit trickier. Some part-time gigs have limited growth opportunities, which could slow down your career train.

There can also be a perception, rightly or wrongly, that senior-level positions can’t be performed part time, so be prepared for this if you are a part-timer who is aiming for promotion.

4. Job security is low

Part-time work often comes with job insecurity, as employees may face uncertainty regarding hours, benefits and long-term stability. Part-time jobs are also more susceptible to economic downturns.

This lack of job security can lead to financial stress and hinder career advancement. Limited access to benefits like health insurance and retirement plans further compounds the challenges.

5. It’s difficult to manage multiple jobs

While part-time work is often associated with work–life balance, for those who are balancing multiple part-time jobs it can be challenging. Juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to increased stress and potential burnout, as individuals never feel like they can switch off.

If you have multiple part-time jobs on the go, it’s important to consider how this might affect you, both professionally and personally.

6. You’ll have fewer training opportunities

Part-time workers may have fewer opportunities for training and professional development, which could impact their overall career growth.

Consider how important this is to you, and take responsibility for your own personal development and training plan. Short course providers like Udemy and Coursera can be a low-cost way to keep developing vital skills.

7. They can result in decreased job satisfaction

Part-time workers can miss out on social and team events due to their shift pattern. They may also be overlooked for strategic projects and be less involved in long term planning in the workplace due to the more casual nature of their role.

This can make them feel less committed or engaged, leading to overall job dissatisfaction.

8. Your earnings may be inconsistent

The inconsistency of income is a notable drawback of part-time work, as earnings fluctuate based on variable hours. This instability can create financial challenges, making it difficult for individuals to budget and plan.

The absence of a consistent income stream may lead to financial stress and also can affect the ability to gain credit for loans, such as a mortgage.

9. You won’t always have set hours

Part-time work is often unpredictable, as it usually involves shift work.

As well as creating uncertainty of income, as noted above, this can also make it difficult for individuals to plan other aspects of their life such as social arrangements. They may need to cancel plans at the last minute if work requests arise and this can create stress and impact relationships.

10. You could be excluded from company culture

Part-time workers often find themselves excluded from the complete immersion in a company’s culture. Full-time employees may engage in team-building activities, social events and collaborative projects that part-time workers miss out on.

This exclusion can lead to a sense of detachment, and it can hinder the development of strong interpersonal connections within the workplace, potentially impacting job satisfaction and a sense of belonging in the organizational community.

Why students should work part-time

Part-time employment holds unique career benefits for students, offering them a chance to gain work experience, apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings and develop employability skills .

This provides experience for their résumé and gives them a foundation for their future careers. Additionally, part-time work contributes to financial independence, helping students cover educational expenses and reducing the burden of student loans .

While students may be concerned about the impact that part-time work can have on grades, it’s always possible to incorporate some form of part-time work into a busy student schedule. Students should see this as an opportunity to develop time management skills and get creative about the multitude of ways that they can earn income.

Key takeaways

Part-time jobs offer a diverse range of advantages and disadvantages, catering to individuals with various needs and preferences. As with everything, it depends on the person and their situation in life.

Whether you’re a student, a parent or someone seeking a more flexible work arrangement, weighing the pros against the cons is important in making informed decisions about your career path.

• Strike the right balance. Part-time work can provide the illusive work–life balance, but it does come with compromises.
• Evaluate benefits. Individuals should carefully evaluate the benefits offered by potential employers, ensuring they align with their needs.
• Consider the money. Consider both the short-term and long-term financial impact of working part-time.
• Plan for the long term. While part-time jobs can be a steppingstone, or offer flexibility in the short-term, individuals should also consider their long-term career goals.

Can you think of any other benefits or drawbacks of part-time jobs? Let us know in the comments section below.

Originally published on February 5, 2015.

Work Experience

Working Hours

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved June 14, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/argumentative-essay/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, how to write an expository essay, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to write an a+ argumentative essay.

Miscellaneous

You'll no doubt have to write a number of argumentative essays in both high school and college, but what, exactly, is an argumentative essay and how do you write the best one possible? Let's take a look.

A great argumentative essay always combines the same basic elements: approaching an argument from a rational perspective, researching sources, supporting your claims using facts rather than opinion, and articulating your reasoning into the most cogent and reasoned points. Argumentative essays are great building blocks for all sorts of research and rhetoric, so your teachers will expect you to master the technique before long.

But if this sounds daunting, never fear! We'll show how an argumentative essay differs from other kinds of papers, how to research and write them, how to pick an argumentative essay topic, and where to find example essays. So let's get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?

There are two basic requirements for any and all essays: to state a claim (a thesis statement) and to support that claim with evidence.

Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement.

Essays can be roughly divided into four different types:

#1: Argumentative #2: Persuasive #3: Expository #4: Analytical

So let's look at each type and what the differences are between them before we focus the rest of our time to argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are what this article is all about, so let's talk about them first.

An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance.

An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the factually and logically correct one. This means that an argumentative essay must use only evidence-based support to back up a claim , rather than emotional or philosophical reasoning (which is often allowed in other types of essays). Thus, an argumentative essay has a burden of substantiated proof and sources , whereas some other types of essays (namely persuasive essays) do not.

You can write an argumentative essay on any topic, so long as there's room for argument. Generally, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one, so long as you support the argumentative essay with hard evidence.

Example topics of an argumentative essay:

• "Should farmers be allowed to shoot wolves if those wolves injure or kill farm animals?"
• "Should the drinking age be lowered in the United States?"
• "Are alternatives to democracy effective and/or feasible to implement?"

The next three types of essays are not argumentative essays, but you may have written them in school. We're going to cover them so you know what not to do for your argumentative essay.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, so it can be easy to get them confused. But knowing what makes an argumentative essay different than a persuasive essay can often mean the difference between an excellent grade and an average one.

Persuasive essays seek to persuade a reader to agree with the point of view of the writer, whether that point of view is based on factual evidence or not. The writer has much more flexibility in the evidence they can use, with the ability to use moral, cultural, or opinion-based reasoning as well as factual reasoning to persuade the reader to agree the writer's side of a given issue.

Instead of being forced to use "pure" reason as one would in an argumentative essay, the writer of a persuasive essay can manipulate or appeal to the reader's emotions. So long as the writer attempts to steer the readers into agreeing with the thesis statement, the writer doesn't necessarily need hard evidence in favor of the argument.

Often, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one—the difference is all in the approach and the evidence you present.

Example topics of a persuasive essay:

• "Should children be responsible for their parents' debts?"
• "Should cheating on a test be automatic grounds for expulsion?"
• "How much should sports leagues be held accountable for player injuries and the long-term consequences of those injuries?"

Expository Essay

An expository essay is typically a short essay in which the writer explains an idea, issue, or theme , or discusses the history of a person, place, or idea.

This is typically a fact-forward essay with little argument or opinion one way or the other.

Example topics of an expository essay:

• "The History of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell"
• "The Reasons I Always Wanted to be a Doctor"
• "The Meaning Behind the Colloquialism ‘People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones'"

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay seeks to delve into the deeper meaning of a text or work of art, or unpack a complicated idea . These kinds of essays closely interpret a source and look into its meaning by analyzing it at both a macro and micro level.

This type of analysis can be augmented by historical context or other expert or widely-regarded opinions on the subject, but is mainly supported directly through the original source (the piece or art or text being analyzed) .

Example topics of an analytical essay:

• "Victory Gin in Place of Water: The Symbolism Behind Gin as the Only Potable Substance in George Orwell's 1984"
• "Amarna Period Art: The Meaning Behind the Shift from Rigid to Fluid Poses"
• "Adultery During WWII, as Told Through a Series of Letters to and from Soldiers"

There are many different types of essay and, over time, you'll be able to master them all.

A Typical Argumentative Essay Assignment

The average argumentative essay is between three to five pages, and will require at least three or four separate sources with which to back your claims . As for the essay topic , you'll most often be asked to write an argumentative essay in an English class on a "general" topic of your choice, ranging the gamut from science, to history, to literature.

But while the topics of an argumentative essay can span several different fields, the structure of an argumentative essay is always the same: you must support a claim—a claim that can reasonably have multiple sides—using multiple sources and using a standard essay format (which we'll talk about later on).

This is why many argumentative essay topics begin with the word "should," as in:

• "Should all students be required to learn chemistry in high school?"
• "Should children be required to learn a second language?"
• "Should schools or governments be allowed to ban books?"

These topics all have at least two sides of the argument: Yes or no. And you must support the side you choose with evidence as to why your side is the correct one.

But there are also plenty of other ways to frame an argumentative essay as well:

• "Does using social media do more to benefit or harm people?"
• "Does the legal status of artwork or its creators—graffiti and vandalism, pirated media, a creator who's in jail—have an impact on the art itself?"
• "Is or should anyone ever be ‘above the law?'"

Though these are worded differently than the first three, you're still essentially forced to pick between two sides of an issue: yes or no, for or against, benefit or detriment. Though your argument might not fall entirely into one side of the divide or another—for instance, you could claim that social media has positively impacted some aspects of modern life while being a detriment to others—your essay should still support one side of the argument above all. Your final stance would be that overall , social media is beneficial or overall , social media is harmful.

If your argument is one that is mostly text-based or backed by a single source (e.g., "How does Salinger show that Holden Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?" or "Does Gatsby personify the American Dream?"), then it's an analytical essay, rather than an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay will always be focused on more general topics so that you can use multiple sources to back up your claims.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

So you know the basic idea behind an argumentative essay, but what topic should you write about?

Again, almost always, you'll be asked to write an argumentative essay on a free topic of your choice, or you'll be asked to select between a few given topics . If you're given complete free reign of topics, then it'll be up to you to find an essay topic that no only appeals to you, but that you can turn into an A+ argumentative essay.

What makes a "good" argumentative essay topic depends on both the subject matter and your personal interest —it can be hard to give your best effort on something that bores you to tears! But it can also be near impossible to write an argumentative essay on a topic that has no room for debate.

As we said earlier, a good argumentative essay topic will be one that has the potential to reasonably go in at least two directions—for or against, yes or no, and why . For example, it's pretty hard to write an argumentative essay on whether or not people should be allowed to murder one another—not a whole lot of debate there for most people!—but writing an essay for or against the death penalty has a lot more wiggle room for evidence and argument.

A good topic is also one that can be substantiated through hard evidence and relevant sources . So be sure to pick a topic that other people have studied (or at least studied elements of) so that you can use their data in your argument. For example, if you're arguing that it should be mandatory for all middle school children to play a sport, you might have to apply smaller scientific data points to the larger picture you're trying to justify. There are probably several studies you could cite on the benefits of physical activity and the positive effect structure and teamwork has on young minds, but there's probably no study you could use where a group of scientists put all middle-schoolers in one jurisdiction into a mandatory sports program (since that's probably never happened). So long as your evidence is relevant to your point and you can extrapolate from it to form a larger whole, you can use it as a part of your resource material.

And if you need ideas on where to get started, or just want to see sample argumentative essay topics, then check out these links for hundreds of potential argumentative essay topics.

101 Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay and Speech Topics

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Top 50 Ideas for Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Writing

[Note: some of these say "persuasive essay topics," but just remember that the same topic can often be used for both a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay; the difference is in your writing style and the evidence you use to support your claims.]

KO! Find that one argumentative essay topic you can absolutely conquer.

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essays are composed of four main elements:

• A position (your argument)
• Your reasons
• Supporting evidence for those reasons (from reliable sources)
• Counterargument(s) (possible opposing arguments and reasons why those arguments are incorrect)

If you're familiar with essay writing in general, then you're also probably familiar with the five paragraph essay structure . This structure is a simple tool to show how one outlines an essay and breaks it down into its component parts, although it can be expanded into as many paragraphs as you want beyond the core five.

The standard argumentative essay is often 3-5 pages, which will usually mean a lot more than five paragraphs, but your overall structure will look the same as a much shorter essay.

An argumentative essay at its simplest structure will look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro

• Set up the story/problem/issue
• Thesis/claim

Paragraph 2: Support

• Reason #1 claim is correct
• Supporting evidence with sources

Paragraph 3: Support

• Reason #2 claim is correct

Paragraph 4: Counterargument

• Explanation of argument for the other side
• Refutation of opposing argument with supporting evidence

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Re-state claim
• Sum up reasons and support of claim from the essay to prove claim is correct

Now let's unpack each of these paragraph types to see how they work (with examples!), what goes into them, and why.

Paragraph 1—Set Up and Claim

Your first task is to introduce the reader to the topic at hand so they'll be prepared for your claim. Give a little background information, set the scene, and give the reader some stakes so that they care about the issue you're going to discuss.

Next, you absolutely must have a position on an argument and make that position clear to the readers. It's not an argumentative essay unless you're arguing for a specific claim, and this claim will be your thesis statement.

Your thesis CANNOT be a mere statement of fact (e.g., "Washington DC is the capital of the United States"). Your thesis must instead be an opinion which can be backed up with evidence and has the potential to be argued against (e.g., "New York should be the capital of the United States").

Paragraphs 2 and 3—Your Evidence

These are your body paragraphs in which you give the reasons why your argument is the best one and back up this reasoning with concrete evidence .

The argument supporting the thesis of an argumentative essay should be one that can be supported by facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or cultural or religious mores.

For example, if you're arguing that New York should be the new capital of the US, you would have to back up that fact by discussing the factual contrasts between New York and DC in terms of location, population, revenue, and laws. You would then have to talk about the precedents for what makes for a good capital city and why New York fits the bill more than DC does.

Your argument can't simply be that a lot of people think New York is the best city ever and that you agree.

In addition to using concrete evidence, you always want to keep the tone of your essay passionate, but impersonal . Even though you're writing your argument from a single opinion, don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.

For example,

"I think that Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

"Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

The second statement sounds far stronger and more analytical.

Paragraph 4—Argument for the Other Side and Refutation

Even without a counter argument, you can make a pretty persuasive claim, but a counterargument will round out your essay into one that is much more persuasive and substantial.

By anticipating an argument against your claim and taking the initiative to counter it, you're allowing yourself to get ahead of the game. This way, you show that you've given great thought to all sides of the issue before choosing your position, and you demonstrate in multiple ways how yours is the more reasoned and supported side.

Paragraph 5—Conclusion

This paragraph is where you re-state your argument and summarize why it's the best claim.

Briefly touch on your supporting evidence and voila! A finished argumentative essay.

Your essay should have just as awesome a skeleton as this plesiosaur does. (In other words: a ridiculously awesome skeleton)

Argumentative Essay Example: 5-Paragraph Style

It always helps to have an example to learn from. I've written a full 5-paragraph argumentative essay here. Look at how I state my thesis in paragraph 1, give supporting evidence in paragraphs 2 and 3, address a counterargument in paragraph 4, and conclude in paragraph 5.

Topic: Is it possible to maintain conflicting loyalties?

Paragraph 1

It is almost impossible to go through life without encountering a situation where your loyalties to different people or causes come into conflict with each other. Maybe you have a loving relationship with your sister, but she disagrees with your decision to join the army, or you find yourself torn between your cultural beliefs and your scientific ones. These conflicting loyalties can often be maintained for a time, but as examples from both history and psychological theory illustrate, sooner or later, people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever.

The first two sentences set the scene and give some hypothetical examples and stakes for the reader to care about.

The third sentence finishes off the intro with the thesis statement, making very clear how the author stands on the issue ("people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever." )

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Psychological theory states that human beings are not equipped to maintain conflicting loyalties indefinitely and that attempting to do so leads to a state called "cognitive dissonance." Cognitive dissonance theory is the psychological idea that people undergo tremendous mental stress or anxiety when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or loyalties (Festinger, 1957). Even if human beings initially hold a conflicting loyalty, they will do their best to find a mental equilibrium by making a choice between those loyalties—stay stalwart to a belief system or change their beliefs. One of the earliest formal examples of cognitive dissonance theory comes from Leon Festinger's When Prophesy Fails . Members of an apocalyptic cult are told that the end of the world will occur on a specific date and that they alone will be spared the Earth's destruction. When that day comes and goes with no apocalypse, the cult members face a cognitive dissonance between what they see and what they've been led to believe (Festinger, 1956). Some choose to believe that the cult's beliefs are still correct, but that the Earth was simply spared from destruction by mercy, while others choose to believe that they were lied to and that the cult was fraudulent all along. Both beliefs cannot be correct at the same time, and so the cult members are forced to make their choice.

But even when conflicting loyalties can lead to potentially physical, rather than just mental, consequences, people will always make a choice to fall on one side or other of a dividing line. Take, for instance, Nicolaus Copernicus, a man born and raised in Catholic Poland (and educated in Catholic Italy). Though the Catholic church dictated specific scientific teachings, Copernicus' loyalty to his own observations and scientific evidence won out over his loyalty to his country's government and belief system. When he published his heliocentric model of the solar system--in opposition to the geocentric model that had been widely accepted for hundreds of years (Hannam, 2011)-- Copernicus was making a choice between his loyalties. In an attempt t o maintain his fealty both to the established system and to what he believed, h e sat on his findings for a number of years (Fantoli, 1994). But, ultimately, Copernicus made the choice to side with his beliefs and observations above all and published his work for the world to see (even though, in doing so, he risked both his reputation and personal freedoms).

These two paragraphs provide the reasons why the author supports the main argument and uses substantiated sources to back those reasons.

The paragraph on cognitive dissonance theory gives both broad supporting evidence and more narrow, detailed supporting evidence to show why the thesis statement is correct not just anecdotally but also scientifically and psychologically. First, we see why people in general have a difficult time accepting conflicting loyalties and desires and then how this applies to individuals through the example of the cult members from the Dr. Festinger's research.

The next paragraph continues to use more detailed examples from history to provide further evidence of why the thesis that people cannot indefinitely maintain conflicting loyalties is true.

Paragraph 4

Some will claim that it is possible to maintain conflicting beliefs or loyalties permanently, but this is often more a matter of people deluding themselves and still making a choice for one side or the other, rather than truly maintaining loyalty to both sides equally. For example, Lancelot du Lac typifies a person who claims to maintain a balanced loyalty between to two parties, but his attempt to do so fails (as all attempts to permanently maintain conflicting loyalties must). Lancelot tells himself and others that he is equally devoted to both King Arthur and his court and to being Queen Guinevere's knight (Malory, 2008). But he can neither be in two places at once to protect both the king and queen, nor can he help but let his romantic feelings for the queen to interfere with his duties to the king and the kingdom. Ultimately, he and Queen Guinevere give into their feelings for one another and Lancelot—though he denies it—chooses his loyalty to her over his loyalty to Arthur. This decision plunges the kingdom into a civil war, ages Lancelot prematurely, and ultimately leads to Camelot's ruin (Raabe, 1987). Though Lancelot claimed to have been loyal to both the king and the queen, this loyalty was ultimately in conflict, and he could not maintain it.

Here we have the acknowledgement of a potential counter-argument and the evidence as to why it isn't true.

The argument is that some people (or literary characters) have asserted that they give equal weight to their conflicting loyalties. The refutation is that, though some may claim to be able to maintain conflicting loyalties, they're either lying to others or deceiving themselves. The paragraph shows why this is true by providing an example of this in action.

Paragraph 5

Whether it be through literature or history, time and time again, people demonstrate the challenges of trying to manage conflicting loyalties and the inevitable consequences of doing so. Though belief systems are malleable and will often change over time, it is not possible to maintain two mutually exclusive loyalties or beliefs at once. In the end, people always make a choice, and loyalty for one party or one side of an issue will always trump loyalty to the other.

The concluding paragraph summarizes the essay, touches on the evidence presented, and re-states the thesis statement.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: 8 Steps

Writing the best argumentative essay is all about the preparation, so let's talk steps:

#1: Preliminary Research

If you have the option to pick your own argumentative essay topic (which you most likely will), then choose one or two topics you find the most intriguing or that you have a vested interest in and do some preliminary research on both sides of the debate.

Do an open internet search just to see what the general chatter is on the topic and what the research trends are.

Did your preliminary reading influence you to pick a side or change your side? Without diving into all the scholarly articles at length, do you believe there's enough evidence to support your claim? Have there been scientific studies? Experiments? Does a noted scholar in the field agree with you? If not, you may need to pick another topic or side of the argument to support.

#2: Pick Your Side and Form Your Thesis

Now's the time to pick the side of the argument you feel you can support the best and summarize your main point into your thesis statement.

Your thesis will be the basis of your entire essay, so make sure you know which side you're on, that you've stated it clearly, and that you stick by your argument throughout the entire essay .

#3: Heavy-Duty Research Time

You've taken a gander at what the internet at large has to say on your argument, but now's the time to actually read those sources and take notes.

Check scholarly journals online at Google Scholar , the Directory of Open Access Journals , or JStor . You can also search individual university or school libraries and websites to see what kinds of academic articles you can access for free. Keep track of your important quotes and page numbers and put them somewhere that's easy to find later.

And don't forget to check your school or local libraries as well!

#4: Outline

Follow the five-paragraph outline structure from the previous section.

Fill in your topic, your reasons, and your supporting evidence into each of the categories.

Before you begin to flesh out the essay, take a look at what you've got. Is your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Is it clear? Is your argument logical? Does your supporting evidence support your reasoning?

By outlining your essay, you streamline your process and take care of any logic gaps before you dive headfirst into the writing. This will save you a lot of grief later on if you need to change your sources or your structure, so don't get too trigger-happy and skip this step.

Now that you've laid out exactly what you'll need for your essay and where, it's time to fill in all the gaps by writing it out.

Take it one step at a time and expand your ideas into complete sentences and substantiated claims. It may feel daunting to turn an outline into a complete draft, but just remember that you've already laid out all the groundwork; now you're just filling in the gaps.

If you have the time before deadline, give yourself a day or two (or even just an hour!) away from your essay . Looking it over with fresh eyes will allow you to see errors, both minor and major, that you likely would have missed had you tried to edit when it was still raw.

Take a first pass over the entire essay and try your best to ignore any minor spelling or grammar mistakes—you're just looking at the big picture right now. Does it make sense as a whole? Did the essay succeed in making an argument and backing that argument up logically? (Do you feel persuaded?)

If not, go back and make notes so that you can fix it for your final draft.

Once you've made your revisions to the overall structure, mark all your small errors and grammar problems so you can fix them in the next draft.

#7: Final Draft

Use the notes you made on the rough draft and go in and hack and smooth away until you're satisfied with the final result.

A checklist for your final draft:

• Formatting is correct according to your teacher's standards
• No errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Essay is the right length and size for the assignment
• The argument is present, consistent, and concise
• Each reason is supported by relevant evidence
• The essay makes sense overall

#8: Celebrate!

Once you've brought that final draft to a perfect polish and turned in your assignment, you're done! Go you!

Be prepared and ♪ you'll never go hungry again ♪, *cough*, or struggle with your argumentative essay-writing again. (Walt Disney Studios)

Good Examples of Argumentative Essays Online

Theory is all well and good, but examples are key. Just to get you started on what a fully-fleshed out argumentative essay looks like, let's see some examples in action.

Check out these two argumentative essay examples on the use of landmines and freons (and note the excellent use of concrete sources to back up their arguments!).

The Use of Landmines

A Shattered Sky

The Take-Aways: Keys to Writing an Argumentative Essay

At first, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a monstrous hurdle to overcome, but with the proper preparation and understanding, you'll be able to knock yours out of the park.

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced . Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative essay there, my friend.

What's Next?

Now you know the ins and outs of an argumentative essay, but how comfortable are you writing in other styles? Learn more about the four writing styles and when it makes sense to use each .

Understand how to make an argument, but still having trouble organizing your thoughts? Check out our guide to three popular essay formats and choose which one is right for you.

Ready to make your case, but not sure what to write about? We've created a list of 50 potential argumentative essay topics to spark your imagination.

Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT in high school and went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She is passionate about bringing education and the tools to succeed to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as she believes open education is one of the great societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring experience and writes creative works in her free time.

Ask a Question Below

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

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

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

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

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?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Student should be encouraged to work part-time. Do you agree or disagree?

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

• Paragraph 1 - Introduction
• Sentence 1 - Background statement
• Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
• Sentence 3 - Thesis
• Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
• Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
• Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
• Sentence 2 - Example
• Sentence 3 - Discussion
• Sentence 4 - Conclusion
• Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
• Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
• Sentence 1 - Summary
• Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
• Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ » — a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

• Check your IELTS essay »
• Find essays with the same topic
• View collections of IELTS Writing Samples
• Show IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Some people believe that children should be banned from using their phones during the school day. Others believe that children should be allowed to use their phones. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

In some cultures,older people are valued most highly. in other cultures,youth is value more than experience. discuss both views and give your opinion as to which age should be most valued., some university students want to learn about other subjects in addition to their main subjects. others believe it is more important to give all their time and attention to studying for a qualification. discuss both these views and give your opinion., you are studying overseas. you need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. write a letter to your supervisor. in your letter - request time off - explain why you need to leave early - reassure him/her that your studies will not suffer, the chart shows the percentage of women and men in one asian country who passed when they took their driving test between 1980 and 2010..

24/7 writing help on your phone

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

The Impact of Part-Time Jobs on High School Students

Save to my list

Remove from my list

Inadequate Maturity and Legal Vulnerability

Erosion of academic focus and essential skills.

The Importance of Balance and Personal Development

The Impact of Part-Time Jobs on High School Students. (2016, Mar 13). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/should-high-school-student-work-part-time-essay

"The Impact of Part-Time Jobs on High School Students." StudyMoose , 13 Mar 2016, https://studymoose.com/should-high-school-student-work-part-time-essay

StudyMoose. (2016). The Impact of Part-Time Jobs on High School Students . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/should-high-school-student-work-part-time-essay [Accessed: 15 Jun. 2024]

"The Impact of Part-Time Jobs on High School Students." StudyMoose, Mar 13, 2016. Accessed June 15, 2024. https://studymoose.com/should-high-school-student-work-part-time-essay

"The Impact of Part-Time Jobs on High School Students," StudyMoose , 13-Mar-2016. [Online]. Available: https://studymoose.com/should-high-school-student-work-part-time-essay. [Accessed: 15-Jun-2024]

StudyMoose. (2016). The Impact of Part-Time Jobs on High School Students . [Online]. Available at: https://studymoose.com/should-high-school-student-work-part-time-essay [Accessed: 15-Jun-2024]

• Part Time Jobs for Students Pages: 2 (538 words)
• Why College Students in Metro Manila Take Up Part-Time Jobs? Pages: 5 (1348 words)
• Online Jobs Vs Traditional jobs Pages: 3 (887 words)
• Advantages Of Private Jobs Over Government Jobs Pages: 3 (684 words)
• High School Musical Movie Review: Unrealistic Expectations for High School Pages: 2 (516 words)
• The Impact and Importance of Technology on High School Students Like Me Pages: 6 (1692 words)
• Color Impact On Short-term Memory And Long-term Learning Of High School Students Pages: 10 (2976 words)
• The Impact Of Body Image To The Mental Health Of Senior High School Students Pages: 3 (635 words)
• Unpaid Community Service Should Be a Compulsory Part of High School Programmes Pages: 2 (351 words)
• The Proud Affiliation: Exploring the High-Risk Jobs of the United States Army Pages: 2 (343 words)

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

Students should work part time work during their studying or not.

bahareh 18 / 50   Jan 19, 2012   #1 It is true that, with the economic and social development, the number of students who work part-time during school time is increasing remarkably. As a result, it has become one of the most controversial issues among students. Some hold the view that students can face certain challenges with a part-time job; meanwhile, others argue that working part-time can bring students some benefits. Through this essay, I am going to discuss both sides of this argument, and its advantages and disadvantages. On one side, those people who stand for the idea that students should not work part-time usually claim that students should save time for their lessons and experiences rather than work part-time. They find more concentration while they don't have to be worried about their job and responsibility that keep pressure on them in the work-place. Furthermore, they need to maintain a good health for their study, and it may risk their life while working in an insecure environment. Many jobs like hands-on jobs require special skills to avoid dangerous situation that may happen while working with, for example drilling machines. Therefore, it takes students' time and energy to do their work carefully. On the other hand, others who advocate that part-time job is beneficial for students believe that students can get more practical experiences for their future business. In fact, formal training at college or universities only provides students with a basic background. In this case, it is no doubt that working part-time seems to be more helpful as it helps students learn more about responsibilities as well as real business challenges, which reinforces what they are learning at school. According to the news, some studies show that undergraduates working part-time are more confident than the others when they start a job after graduation. In addition, students can earn some money in order to afford their expenses through studying time. They have to pay for their accommodation and course fee during taking some credits at school. Thus, students can overcome their issue related to financial burdens during their education time by working. To sum up, learners have options to choose part-time job through their studying time at school, but I think it would be better for them to focus on their academic studying to approach their goals of education and finally successful future. PLEASE SEE MY TOEFL ESSAY AND HOW IT LOOKS. THANKYOU

Thors Hammer 5 / 60   Jan 19, 2012   #2 The common news that students now work part time through school has been compelled by economic and social change. Remarkably, it has become... Some see students excelling at school while having to work... on the other hand... first we will examine (put your first point here) followed by a discussion on (second point) them moving into (last point) Both sides of the argument will be shown in separate and sequential paragraphs followed by the conclusion. You have good arguments but need to present your point in a more predictable way to your teacher. I would suggest that you try to follow a more structured format like above. But this is just my humble opinion

OP bahareh 18 / 50   Jan 26, 2012   #3 Hi Thors Hammer; Thankyou for your comment, but I couldn't understant how I should put my first point for the second paragragraph (second argument). Would you please explain it more? Thaknyou bahareh

IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Part-Time Jobs (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | General Training | 0 Comment

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of part-time or hourly paid jobs from the real exam.

In the U.S.A., people typically say part-time work and in the U.K., hourly paid.

Employment is a really common topic on IELTS so reading this answer will help prepare you for similar questions on the real exam.

Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!

In many countries, teenagers are encouraged to find part-time jobs. Some think this is a good development while others disagree. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion. Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

Some believe that teenagers ought to take part in hourly paid work while others feel this is not a good idea. In my opinion, though this can be an added burden for teenagers, it offers a host of benefits related to life experience.

Opponents of part-time work for teenagers seize on the mental repercussions of stress. Teenagers already deal with so many life problems ranging from the chemical changes inherent in puberty to social stress to academic pressure. There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the academic workload rarely allows for recreation time, let alone paid work. Adding in a job and its encumbent concerns can only worsen a teenager’s mental health and, in the most extreme cases, lead to depression and nervous breakdowns. Even students not affected as deeply are sure to be less happy due to stress.

Regardless, working is a maturing experience. Work continues and hastens the lifelong process of negotiating one’s own priorities against the expectations of others. Most high schoolers start with a low-paying part-time position and that may educate them about the importance of having a good education. They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will serve them well in a variety of future workplaces including teamwork skills, organisation, and perseverance. The experience will also give them a window into an industry and help them make more informed choices for their future career.

In conclusion, though work can take a toll on mental well-being it is a positive, overall maturing experience. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a clear overview of possible working environments.

1. Some believe that teenagers ought to take part in hourly paid work while others feel this is not a good idea. 2. In my opinion, though this can be an added burden for teenagers, it offers a host of benefits related to life experience.

• Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
• Write your opinion – be clear!

1. Opponents of part-time work for teenagers seize on the mental repercussions of stress. 2. Teenagers already deal with so many life problems ranging from the chemical changes inherent in puberty to social stress to academic pressure. 3. There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the academic workload rarely allows for recreation time, let alone paid work. 4. Adding in a job and its encumbent concerns can only worsen a teenager’s mental health and, in the most extreme cases, lead to depression and nervous breakdowns. 5. Even students not affected as deeply are sure to be less happy due to stress.

• Write a topic sentence with a single, clear main idea at the end.
• Begin to develop your main idea with specific ideas.
• Be as specific as possible – use real countries!
• Develop your specific examples.
• State the final result to conclude the paragraph.

1. Regardless, working is a maturing experience. 2. Work continues and hastens the lifelong process of negotiating one’s own priorities against the expectations of others. 3. Most high schoolers start with a low-paying part-time position and that may educate them about the importance of having a good education. 4. They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will serve them well in a variety of future workplaces including teamwork skills, organisation, and perseverance. 5. The experience will also give them a window into an industry and help them make more informed choices for their future career.

• Write another topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
• Explain your main idea.
• My example here is hypothetical.
• Develop the example.
• Finish developing your main idea.

1. In conclusion, though work can take a toll on mental well-being it is a positive, overall maturing experience. 2. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a clear overview of possible working environments.

• Repeat your opinion.
• Add in a final thought at the end.

What do the words in bold below mean?

Opponents of part-time work for teenagers seize on the mental repercussions of stress. Teenagers already deal with so many life problems ranging from the chemical changes inherent in puberty to social stress to academic pressure . There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the academic workload rarely allows for recreation time , let alone paid work . Adding in a job and its encumbent concerns can only worsen a teenager’s mental health and, in the most extreme cases , lead to depression and nervous breakdowns . Even students not affected as deeply are sure to be less happy due to stress.

Regardless , working is a maturing experience . Work continues and hastens the lifelong process of negotiating one’s own priorities against the expectations of others . Most high schoolers start with a low-paying part-time position and that may educate them about the importance of having a good education . They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will serve them well in a variety of future workplaces including teamwork skills , organisation , and perseverance . The experience will also give them a window into an industry and help them make more informed choices for their future career .

In conclusion, though work can take a toll on mental well-being it is a positive, overall maturing experience. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a clear overview of possible working environments .

take part in do

added burden more pressure

host of benefits many advantages

part-time work hourly paid jobs

seize on point out

mental repercussions psychological effects

deal with handle

ranging from including

chemical changes inherent in puberty body changing as you become a teenager

social stress social anxiety

academic pressure stress to get good grades

academic workload amount of schoolwork you have

recreation time free time

let alone paid work not mentioning a real job

adding in also including

encumbent concerns related worries

worsen become bad

in the most extreme cases rare situations

nervous breakdowns losing your mind for a bit

deeply not superficially

regardless nonetheless

maturing experience makes you more of an adult

hastens speeds up

lifelong process over the course of your life

negotiating one’s own priorities bargaining your interests

expectations of others the interests of other people

low-paying part-time position menial work

importance of having a good education why you should get a degree

serve them well helps them later

future workplaces where you might work later

teamwork skills working together in a group

organisation keeping things in order

perseverance trying hard

give them a window into show them

industry economic sector

informed choices good decisions

future career what you will do for work later in life

take a toll on mental well-being psychological problems

clear overview good idea of

possible working environments potential jobs

Pronunciation

teɪk pɑːt ɪn   ˈædɪd ˈbɜːdn   həʊst ɒv ˈbɛnɪfɪts   pɑːt-taɪm wɜːk   siːz ɒn   ˈmɛntl ˌriːpɜːˈkʌʃənz   diːl wɪð   ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm   ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈʧeɪnʤɪz ɪnˈhɪərənt ɪn ˈpjuːbəti   ˈsəʊʃəl strɛs   ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˈprɛʃə ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˈwɜːkˌləʊd   ˌriːkrɪˈeɪʃən taɪm lɛt əˈləʊn peɪd wɜːk ˈædɪŋ ɪn   ˈɛnkʌmbɛnt kənˈsɜːnz   ˈwɜːsn   ɪn ðə məʊst ɪksˈtriːm ˈkeɪsɪz ˈnɜːvəs ˈbreɪkˌdaʊnz ˈdiːpli   rɪˈgɑːdlɪs məˈtjʊərɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns ˈheɪsnz   ˈlaɪflɒŋ ˈprəʊsɛs   nɪˈgəʊʃɪeɪtɪŋ wʌnz əʊn praɪˈɒrɪtiz   ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃənz ɒv ˈʌðəz ləʊ-ˈpeɪɪŋ pɑːt-taɪm pəˈzɪʃən   ɪmˈpɔːtəns ɒv ˈhævɪŋ ə gʊd ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən sɜːv ðɛm wɛl   ˈfjuːʧə ˈwɜːkˌpleɪsɪz   ˈtiːmwɜːk skɪlz ˌɔːgənaɪˈzeɪʃən ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns gɪv ðɛm ə ˈwɪndəʊ ˈɪntuː   ˈɪndəstri   ɪnˈfɔːmd ˈʧɔɪsɪz   ˈfjuːʧə kəˈrɪə teɪk ə təʊl ɒn ˈmɛntl wɛl-ˈbiːɪŋ   klɪər ˈəʊvəvjuː   ˈpɒsəbl ˈwɜːkɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪərənmənts

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Some believe that teenagers ought to t______________n hourly paid work while others feel this is not a good idea. In my opinion, though this can be an a________________n for teenagers, it offers a h_________________s related to life experience.

Opponents of p_________________k for teenagers s_________n the m____________________s of stress. Teenagers already d__________h so many life problems r____________m the c___________________________________y to s_______________s to a_________________________e . There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the a__________________d rarely allows for r___________________e , l______________________k . A________________n a job and its e____________________s can only w_____________n a teenager’s mental health and, i______________________________s , lead to depression and n__________________________s . Even students not affected as d____________y are sure to be less happy due to stress.

R_____________s , working is a m_________________e . Work continues and h_____________s the l_______________s of n____________________________s against the e________________________s . Most high schoolers start with a l_____________________________n and that may educate them about the i_________________________________________n . They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will s______________l in a variety of f_____________________________s including t_____________________s , o__________________n , and p_________________e . The experience will also g_________________________o an i_____________y and help them make more i_____________________s for their f__________________r .

In conclusion, though work can t___________________________________g it is a positive, overall maturing experience. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a c_______________w of p_________________________________s .

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch a Ted Talk on this subject below:

Reading Practice

Read from The New York Times on this subject:

https://www.southernphone.com.au/Blog/2018/Apr/part-time-jobs-for-teenagers-complete-guide

Speaking Practice

Answer the questions from the real speaking booklet below:

Why did you choose your job? How much work do you do in a week? Do you have to work on weekends as well?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related question below then read my sample answer:

Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Job Satisfaction/Security (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

Recommended For You

Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2024 (Graphs, Charts, Maps, Processes)

by Dave | Sample Answers | 147 Comments

These are the most recent/latest IELTS Writing Task 1 Task topics and questions starting in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and continuing into 2024. ...

Recent IELTS Writing Topics and Questions 2024

by Dave | Sample Answers | 342 Comments

Read here all the newest IELTS questions and topics from 2024 and previous years with sample answers/essays. Be sure to check out my ...

Find my Newest IELTS Post Here – Updated Daily!

by Dave | IELTS FAQ | 18 Comments

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Crime & Technology (Real Past Tests)

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 4 Comments

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer essay on the topic of crime and technology. This is really efficient, important practice ...

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Tourism and Culture (Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams)

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 14 Comments

This is a tough question for me because it depends on a lot of factors! I've known a lot of people from others ...

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Studying Science (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 0 Comment

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of studying science from the real IELTS exam. Topics about ...

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Exclusive Ebooks, PDFs and more from me!

Sign up for patreon.

Don't miss out!

"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"

Minh, Vietnam

Hi, I’m Dave! Welcome to my IELTS exclusive resources! Before you commit I want to explain very clearly why there’s no one better to help you learn about IELTS and improve your English at the same time... Read more

Patreon Exclusive Ebooks Available Now!

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The Online Writing Lab (the Purdue OWL) at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service at Purdue. Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects. Teachers and trainers may use this material for in-class and out-of-class instruction.

The On-Campus and Online versions of Purdue OWL assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue OWL serves the Purdue West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses and coordinates with local literacy initiatives. The Purdue OWL offers global support through online reference materials and services.

Social Media

Facebook twitter.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

How Will Employers Regard Today’s Student Activists?

Readers discuss a column by Pamela Paul about college protesters’ job prospects and future careers.

To the Editor:

Re “ And Now, a Real-Life Lesson for Student Activists ,” by Pamela Paul (column, May 31):

Ms. Paul tells us that students who took part in recent protests may face reduced job prospects because of their actions: “Corporate America is fundamentally risk averse.” The prospects for these students are dim. Or are they?

These are students who have the courage of their convictions, who are willing to stand up for what they feel is right and make their own judgments. They are leaders. If they can’t get jobs they will start their own firms — and they will thrive.

Let corporate America hire the other students, the timid, conformist followers who accept what they are told without question and “fit into the company culture.” Let’s see where that gets them in five or 10 years.

Walter Williams New York

I wouldn’t want to work in an organization full of people who did nothing wrong as children and adolescents. For one thing, I imagine that office parties would be dull and water cooler conversations bland.

Adolescence is inherently rebellious. Creativity is disruptive. But although I feel like an old fogey for saying this, what I find lacking in the younger generation is a sense of responsibility, of ownership for one’s actions. We learn character and courage when we face the consequences of our choices, whether it’s repaying school loans or justifying, defending, regretting, apologizing or atoning for our deeds.

As an employer, I’m willing to forgive and provide second chances. What I’m reluctant to do is hire those incapable of admitting or acknowledging that they might be wrong and unwilling to accept accountability.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .