How to write an argumentative essay

1. Introduction: context and your claim.
2. Reason one + evidence.
3. Reason two + evidence.
4. Reason three + evidence (optional).
5. Counterargument and rebuttal.
6. Conclusion: why your claim stands, and what follows from it.

The counterargument can also come before your reasons, or be answered within each paragraph.

• Prefer specific evidence: a named study, a figure with its source, a precise example.
• Explain how each piece of evidence supports your reason; don't just drop it in.
• Use the most reliable sources you can find: official statistics, academic research, reputable news organisations.
• Cite sources in the format your teacher asks for.

A rebuttal can show that the opposing argument:

• rests on weak or outdated evidence;
• is true but less important than your point;
• leads to consequences its supporters wouldn't accept.

"Critics argue that banning phones removes a useful learning tool. While phones can support learning, schools can provide that through school devices without the distraction of notifications."

Don't just repeat your introduction. Show how the reasons work together, why the counterargument doesn't change your answer, and why the question matters. See how to write a conclusion.

• A claim nobody would disagree with.
• Reasons without evidence, or evidence without explanation.
• A "straw man": a weak version of the other side that's easy to beat.
• Sitting on the fence in the conclusion.

Start with a strong thesis statement.

Question: Should the school day start later for teenagers?

• Claim: Secondary schools should start later, because it would improve sleep, attention and wellbeing.
• Reason one: Teenagers' body clocks shift later in adolescence, so early starts cut sleep. Evidence: research on adolescent sleep from health organisations.
• Reason two: Better-rested students concentrate better in lessons. Evidence: findings from schools that changed their start times.
• Counterargument: A later start disrupts parents' work schedules and after-school activities.
• Rebuttal: The disruption is real but manageable (breakfast clubs, adjusted activity times), and is outweighed by the benefits to learning.
• Conclusion: Weigh the evidence and restate the claim with its wider significance.

Good argumentative questions have reasonable people on both sides and evidence available for each. "Is exercise healthy?" isn't debatable; "Should physical education be compulsory until 18?" is. If you choose your own topic, check you can find credible evidence before you commit.

Help the reader follow your reasoning with clear signposts at the start of each paragraph: "The strongest reason is…", "A further benefit is…", "Critics argue that…", "However, this overlooks…". Signposts show how each paragraph relates to your claim, so the reader never has to guess why it's there. Use them sparingly within paragraphs, where too many can make the writing feel mechanical.