# Argumentative Essay > An essay that takes a position on a debatable question and defends it with evidence and reasoning, answering the strongest objections along the way. Also known as persuasive essay, argument essay ## In practice An argumentative essay takes a position on a question reasonable people disagree about and defends it with evidence and reasoning. The question has to be debatable: "Should cities ban cars from downtown streets?" can be argued; "Cars produce exhaust" is a fact. The essay's thesis states the position, each body paragraph supports one reason for it, and at least one paragraph deals with the best case on the other side. Teachers often use argumentative and persuasive essay as the same assignment, but there is a difference in emphasis. A persuasive essay may lean on emotion and the writer's conviction to win a reader over. An argumentative essay is judged on its evidence: research, data, expert testimony and logic that a skeptical reader could check. Most school and college prompts that say "argue" want the second. A common structure has an introduction that ends with the thesis, two or three body paragraphs that each make a claim and support it, a [counterargument](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/counterargument) paragraph that states the opposing view and answers it, and a conclusion that says why the question matters. Longer essays add paragraphs, not new parts. The Toulmin model, which breaks an argument into claim, grounds, warrant, backing, qualifier and rebuttal, is a more detailed version of the same idea. ## An argument in a scene **A student argues for a later school start in front of the board** ``` INT. HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM - NIGHT A school board at a long table. MAYA (17) at the public microphone, one page of notes in her hand. MAYA Move first bell to 8:30. Seniors with first-period classes miss them twice as often as everyone else. That's our attendance office's number, not mine. A board member leans toward his microphone, already shaking his head. MAYA I know the buses cost more. Riverside paid for it by staggering routes, and their attendance went up the first year. ``` Maya gives a claim, evidence the board can check and an answer to the objection before it is spoken. That is an argumentative essay out loud: a position, proof and a counterargument handled on her terms. ## Argumentative essay examples School policy: "High schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m." Body paragraphs cite sleep research on teenagers, attendance records from districts that changed their schedules, and safety data on young drivers. The counterargument paragraph takes on bus costs and after-school jobs. Technology: "Phones should be locked away during the school day." The essay draws on test scores before and after a ban, teacher surveys and students' own accounts, then answers the objection that families need to reach their children in an emergency. Environment: "Cities should replace parking minimums with transit funding." It uses housing costs, traffic studies and a city that already did it, and concedes that suburbs without good transit may need a slower change. ## Argumentative essay structure Introduction: open with a [hook](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/hook) that shows why the question matters, give the context a reader needs, and end with a thesis that takes a clear side and previews your reasons. Body paragraphs: one reason per paragraph. Start with a [topic sentence](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/topic-sentence) that states the reason, give evidence, and explain how the evidence supports your thesis. A paragraph of quotes with no explanation is the most common weakness graders see. Counterargument and rebuttal: state the strongest objection fairly, then answer it. You can show it is mistaken, show your side still wins, or concede part of it and narrow your claim. Conclusion: return to the thesis in new words and tell the reader what follows if you are right. ## How to write an argumentative essay Pick a question, not a topic. "Social media" is a topic; "Should schools teach students how social media algorithms work?" is a question with two real sides. If no one could reasonably disagree with you, there is nothing to argue. Research before you decide your thesis. Read the best sources on both sides, note the evidence each one uses, and let the strongest evidence shape your position. Writing the thesis first and hunting for support afterward produces a one-sided essay. Draft a thesis with reasons: "Schools should teach algorithm literacy because it protects students from manipulation, improves research skills and costs almost nothing to add to existing classes." Each reason becomes a body paragraph. Write the counterargument paragraph before you think you are done. Finding the best objection often shows you which of your own reasons is weakest. Then revise for clarity, cut repetition and check every source is cited. ## Argumentative vs. persuasive essay Both take a side. An argumentative essay wins by evidence and logic and treats the other side as worth answering, so its tone is measured and its sources are central. A persuasive essay can rely more on emotion, personal experience and the writer's voice, and may give the opposing view less room. In practice, many teachers and tests use the two names for the same assignment. Read the prompt and rubric: if it asks for sources, citations or a counterargument, write an argumentative essay even if it is called persuasive. ## Official sources & context Sources reviewed Nov 7, 2026 - [The Writing Center, UNC Chapel Hill — Argument](https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/argument/) - [Merriam-Webster — Argumentative](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/argumentative) [Draft it in Canvas](https://www.inkwell.software/canvas) ## Common questions ### What is an argumentative essay? An essay that takes a clear position on a debatable question and supports it with evidence and reasoning, while answering the strongest objections to that position. ### How do you start an argumentative essay? With a hook that shows why the question matters, a sentence or two of context, and a thesis that states your position and your main reasons. ### How many paragraphs is an argumentative essay? Five or six paragraphs work for a short classroom essay: an introduction, two or three body paragraphs, a counterargument paragraph and a conclusion. Follow the length and structure your assignment asks for. ### What is a good argumentative essay topic? A question with two defensible sides and evidence available for both, such as whether schools should ban phones or whether cities should charge drivers to enter downtown. ### What is the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays? An argumentative essay relies on evidence and logic and answers the other side; a persuasive essay may lean more on emotion and conviction. Many teachers use the names interchangeably, so check the rubric. ### Does an argumentative essay need a counterargument? Almost always. Answering the strongest objection shows you understand the issue and makes your own position more convincing. Most rubrics reward it, and many require it. ### Can you use I in an argumentative essay? Usually not in formal academic writing, where the evidence should carry the argument. Some teachers allow it; when in doubt, state claims directly instead of writing "I think." ### How do you end an argumentative essay? Restate the thesis in fresh words, sum up your strongest reasons in a sentence and tell the reader what follows if you are right: a change to make, a cost to avoid or a question still open. ## Related terms - [Counterargument](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/counterargument): The strongest objection to your own claim, stated fairly in your essay and then answered, usually with a concession, a rebuttal or both. - [Thesis Statement](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/thesis-statement): The sentence that states the main claim of an essay, usually at the end of the introduction. A strong thesis takes a position someone could dispute, is specific enough to prove and gives a reason. - [Claim, Evidence, Reasoning](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/claim-evidence-reasoning): A three-part structure for an argument paragraph or answer: state a claim, give evidence that supports it, then explain how the evidence proves the claim. - [Ethos, Pathos & Logos](https://www.inkwell.software/glossary/ethos-pathos-logos): Aristotle's three ways to persuade. Ethos appeals to the speaker's credibility and character, pathos to the audience's emotions, and logos to logic and evidence. Strong arguments, speeches and pitches use all three. --- Canonical page: