Writing Great Argumentative Essays In 5 Easy Steps

Argumentative essays are commonplace in many college classes. Professors utilize them to test a student’s true understanding of the topic. But just because they’re commonplace, doesn’t mean they’re easy to do. Follow the below five steps to make sure your paper is the best it can be.

1. Understand the assignment: Your essay stands no chance if you don’t understand the assignment. Read it and re-read it. Then ask questions of your professor to make sure you comprehend all of it. Even if you don’t have questions, it’s not a bad idea to ask for some clarification. This shows the professor you care. Also, make sure you look outside the assignment for help. There’s a good chance things your professor or other students have brought up in class can guide you to a better paper.
2. Don’t pick a boring topic: It’s easy to pick the safe topic when it comes to argumentative essays. Picking anything controversial can seem like a risky move. But also consider how many papers your professor is going to end up reading and how many of them are going to be safe topics. Give your professor something interesting to read, something that shows you’re confident in your knowledge and you will most likely be rewarded.
3. Utilize all your resources: As with any paper you write, take advantage of all the resources your college makes available. This means your Teaching Assistants, for one. Chances are they had to do the paper before you did. Ask them for assistance. Utilize a fellow student to read over your paper and provide feedback. You should do the same for them as compensation, but also because it will help you write a better paper as well.
4. Start early: Again, as with any paper, make sure you start early and have a finished product long before the deadline. Professors can generally tell when a paper has been rushed. They come off as piecemeal and sloppy. Finish well before it’s due and review it often to make sure the argument you’re making comes across clearly. An argument that is confusing is easily misunderstood.
5. Fight for the grade you deserve: Just because your paper is done and turned in doesn’t mean the work is over. If you receive less than the grade you think you deserve, make sure to respectfully bring it up with your professor. Show him or her that you take it seriously and you might end up with a better grade. If nothing else, they’ll know they can expect you back in the future if your grade isn’t all it could be.