The Structure of an Argumentative Essay

 The argumentative essay is structured in two possible ways. The first method is to construct all of your own arguments and then refute (argue back against and defeat) your opponent’s arguments. The second method is to take your opponent’s arguments one-by-one and prove them wrong individually.

Method 1.                                                                                  Method 2.

Hook

   Hook

Background

   Background

Thesis Statement

   Thesis Statement
Argument 1 Argument 2 Argument 3   Opponent’s Argument 1
Evidence 1a Evidence 2a Evidence 3a   Refutation 1
Evidence 1b Evidence 2b Evidence 3c   Opponent’s Argument 2
Evidence 1c Evidence 2c Evidence 3c   Refutation 2
Opponent’s Argument 1 Opponent’s Argument 2   Opponent’s Argument 3
Refutation 1 Refutation 2   Refutation 3

Conclusion

   Conclusion

In the first model it is clear that more weight is given to your arguments than your opponent’s by a factor of 3:2. In the second model the opponent’s arguments and your refutations have equal weight which means that your refutations have to be particularly strong to defeat your opponent. If you do not include your opponent’s claims, it will make your arguments seem one-sided and biased. It is OK to concede some points to your opponent as you may not completely disagree with them. This makes your writing appear more objective and logically sound.