How to write an argumentative essay
Short answer: An argumentative essay defends a position with reasons and evidence. State your claim in the introduction, give each reason its own paragraph with evidence (a fact, an example or a statistic), answer one opposing view fairly, and close by restating your claim and what should happen next.
🎯 I can argue for my view.
At a glance
| Part | Job | Example |
|---|---|---|
| introduction | states the claim | Cities should plant more trees. |
| reason paragraphs | reason plus evidence | cleaner air, cooler streets |
| counter-argument | answers the other side | Trees cost money, but they save more. |
| conclusion | restates the claim | Planting trees is a wise choice. |
How to write it
- Write a clear claim you can defend.
- Choose two reasons and find evidence for each.
- Add a paragraph that answers one opposing view.
- Restate the claim and say what should happen next.
A model text
Cities should plant more trees.
First, trees clean the air. One large tree can absorb many kilograms of carbon dioxide each year.
Second, trees cool the streets. Neighborhoods with trees are often several degrees cooler in summer.
Some people say trees cost too much. However, shade lowers cooling costs, so the savings are greater than the price.
For these reasons, cities should plant more trees.
- The introduction states the claim.
- Each reason has evidence.
- The counter-argument is answered fairly.
Common mistakes
Trees are good. Everyone knows it.→ Trees cool streets by several degrees.
Use evidence, not “everyone knows”.Ignoring the other side.→ Add a paragraph that answers one opposing view.
Show you considered it.Attacking people who disagree.→ Answer the idea, not the person.
Stay respectful.
Argument and opinion
An opinion essay gives reasons. An argumentative essay adds evidence and answers the other side.
| Type | Support | Other side |
|---|---|---|
| opinion | reasons | not needed |
| argumentative | reasons and evidence | answered |
Check yourself
- What goes in the introduction?
Show the answer
A clear claim. One you can defend.
- What supports a reason?
Show the answer
Evidence. A fact, example or statistic.
- What is a counter-argument?
Show the answer
The other side’s view. Answer it fairly.
Sounds that help
- Sentence Stress: Stress the words that matter
- Rhythm & Chunking: Read in chunks
- Longer Word Stress: Long words: one big beat
Questions
How long is it?
Four to five paragraphs.
Must I include the other side?
Yes. It makes your argument stronger.
Where can I practice?
The articles and essays stone has argumentative lessons.
Part of 📰 Articles and essays (stone 4 of the Learning Path). See also the English writing guide. Đọc bằng tiếng Việt.
Written for English learners by the English for Fun team. How we write our lessons · Last updated 2026-11-05.
Reviewed by Chinh Q. Hoang, PhD, founder, English for Fun · 2026-10-30