The English Corner at Richland College
Ten Tips for a Successful Argument Essay
1. Write in the present tense
Use past tense for real history. Use present for ideas. Ideas never die.
One of the prevailing social issues of today, and one that presses most strenuously upon
the fabric of our society, is the right of same sex couples to marry.
2. Write in the third person
Use I sparingly. It’s clear that “you think” something because it’s your essay. I is acceptable for
personal narratives or when you want to be emphatic. In other words, save your I statements for
times when you want to really emphasize a point or be clear about where you stand.
Additionally, you is inappropriate in an academic essay. Instead of using you, try to figure out
exactly to whom you are referring and then replace the you with that word. For example, you in
an essay might refer to society, Americans, or simply readers. It might refer to students, men, or
women.
First Person: I think marijuana should be legal because I see that it has been legalized in
three states already.
Second Person: Marijuana should be legal because, as you can see, no one has died from
a marijuana overdose.
Third Person: Since marijuana has already been legalized in three states and no one has
ever died from an overdose, the US should consider legalizing it.
3. Include a clear thesis statement that takes a stance on a subject
Thesis statements are not facts or summaries, not questions, not issues of faith or personal belief,
and not matters of opinion or personal taste. See the handout Creating Thesis Statements for
more help.
Faith/Personal Belief: Smoking marijuana is immoral.
Opinion: I think smoking marijuana is a good idea.
Fact: Marijuana is a drug.
Question: Should marijuana be legalized?
4. Qualify your thesis statement
Qualifying a claim means that under certain conditions, or in certain circumstances, or with
certain limitations, you concede that “they” are correct. An argument is rarely only two-sided:
right or wrong. Your thesis and argument should represent your qualified claim (mixed feelings
paper).
Too Broad: The government should legalize marijuana.
Qualified: Marijuana should be legalized with the same restrictions as alcohol.
The second statement concedes that some people shouldn’t smoke (under 21), and smoking
should remain illegal in some situations (in the car, at work, at school, in public places).
Handout created by Justine White
www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner
5. Use a variety of evidence
Using a variety of evidence appeals to a variety of readers. Not all readers will be persuaded by
the same type of evidence. Appeal to the readers’ emotions (pathos) but not to the point of
manipulation. Appeal to the readers’ logic (logos), and express your credibility (ethos) through
reliable sources and formal register. The following is a list of the different types of evidence you
might want to consider using as support in your essay.
Facts—ideas that can be proven true: observations, scholarly research that is accepted as
true
Statistics—numerical data produced through research, surveys, or polls
Examples—specific instances that illustrate general statements
Authorities—experts on your subject; interviews, surveys, questionnaires can be used as
experts
Anecdotes—brief narratives that your audience will find believable: your personal
experience or the personal experiences of others that can support your argument
Scenarios—hypothetical situations that describe a possible effect or a new way of
looking at a situation or subject “What if?”
Case studies and observations—detailed reporting or in-depth examinations of a
situation, group, or person
Textual evidence—quotes, paraphrases, and summaries from experts or primary and
secondary sources
Visuals—charts, graphs, photos, drawings, or other visual texts
6. Use the Tell, Show, Share method for paragraph development
Paragraphs have three main parts: the topic sentence, the evidence, and the analysis or
explanation. See the handout Paragraphing and the Tell, Show, Share Method for more help with
this process.
Tell the claim or thesis statement, sometimes called a topic sentence. Your claim should
invite discussion and be debatable.
Show the evidence (see examples above) to support your claim
Share the So what? Who cares? Why does it matter? Explain or analyze how your
evidence or quote relates back to your thesis. Share your own ideas!
7. Use the quote sandwich method with a variety of quotes, paraphrases, and
summaries
The quote sandwich model includes an introduction, the quote, an explanation, and commentary.
The first time you introduce an author be sure to use his/her full name and title to introduce the
quote or paraphrase. Link your words with the source material using a signal verb. After that,
you can use the author’s last name in the introduction or following it in an in-text citation. Then
explain the quote if necessary. Follow your explanation with commentary. Share how the quote
relates to your thesis or reason. Don’t leave the reader hanging! Explain and comment after your
quote; provide your own ideas. See the handout Integrating Source Material for more help with
this process.
Dr. Kim Jones of the University of Texas at Dallas confirms “students need a strong
disposition to earn a degree” (25). By this, Jones means that being smart is not enough.
Hard work is needed to graduate college with a degree.
Handout created by Justine White
www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner
Here are some common signal verbs. See the handout Signal Verbs for more.
Argues
argues
contradicts
criticizes
disagrees
negates
denies
Agrees
admits
agrees
emulates
concurs
supports
grants
Suggests
advises
analyzes
asserts
affects
assesses
concludes
Neutral
acknowledges
illustrates
believes
comments
points out
writes
Unfavorable
belittles
laments
bemoans
complains
charges
discounts
8. Introduce naysayers or objections
In other words, what types of arguments would the other side bring up? Don’t forget to
acknowledge the other side of your issue and overcome any arguments against your issue;
otherwise, your paper becomes biased and one-sided. But be fair and unbiased when
acknowledging what they say. Refuting objections makes your argument stronger and more
believable, allowing those of differing beliefs the ability to access your argument, so you can
change their minds. See the handout Counterarguments and Refutations for more help writing
these paragraphs.
9. Use clear transitions
Transitions help readers move from thought to thought—from sentence to sentence, paragraph to
paragraph. Transitions can be used to show causes and effects, to show comparisons, to show
contrast or exceptions, to show examples, to show place or position, to show sequence or
addition, to show time, to elaborate, to concede, or to signal a summary or conclusion. Here are a
few transitions to help your get started. For even more transitions and their purposes, see the
handout Transitions.
Cause and Effect
accordingly
as a result
because
consequently
hence
then
Comparison
also
in the same way
like
likewise
similarly
along the same
lines
Contrast
although
however
in contrast
instead
nevertheless
even though
Example
for instance
indeed
specifically
after all
as an illustration
to take a case in
point
Addition
furthermore
moreover
in addition
indeed
in fact
finally
10. Use MLA citation and style
Avoid plagiarism by citing with MLA, in-text and with a Works Cited page following your
essay. See the handout MLA Quick Tips and Style Guide, eCampus, your book’s section on
MLA, or Purdue OWL for more help with citations.
Handout created by Justine White
www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner