Argumentative essays
Write persuasive argumentative essays: take a clear position, support it with reasons and evidence, and refute the opposing view.
In this lesson you will
- Take and maintain a clear position
- Support claims with reasons and evidence
- Acknowledge and refute counter-arguments
Learn
An argumentative essay takes a side and keeps it throughout. State it in the introduction: I strongly believe that…; This essay will argue that…
Support: each body paragraph = one reason + explanation + evidence (example, statistic, expert view, logical consequence).
Counter-argument + refutation makes you more persuasive: Opponents argue that… However, this view overlooks… / While it is true that…, this does not mean that…
Persuasive but academic: use strong verbs (demonstrates, undermines), hedge where needed (is likely to), and avoid emotional language (It’s totally stupid) or overgeneralising (Everyone knows).
Examples
- Opponents argue that a sugar tax punishes the poor. However, this overlooks the health benefits for low-income families.
- There is strong evidence that exercise improves academic performance.
- While it is true that cars offer convenience, this does not justify the damage they cause to cities.
- It could be argued that…
Vocabulary
refute
prove an argument wrong
counter-argument
an argument against your view
overlook
fail to notice or consider
undermine
make weaker
justify
give a good reason for
Practice
An argumentative essay should…
Speaking
Argue for 90 seconds that schools should start later in the morning. Include one counter-argument and refute it.
Writing
Write an argumentative essay (250 words): “Cars should be banned from city centres.” Include one counter-argument and refute it.
- ☐ Clear position in the introduction
- ☐ Two supporting reasons with evidence
- ☐ A counter-argument
- ☐ A refutation
- ☐ Consistent position in the conclusion
Lesson quiz
“Refute” means…
Review
Key points
- Take a clear side and keep it.
- Reason + explanation + evidence.
- Counter-argument + refutation.
- Persuasive but academic tone.
What you learned
- ✓ I can write argumentative essays.
- ✓ I can refute opposing views.
- ✓ I keep an academic tone.
Grammar reference: Conjunctions and linking words