The essays that you write will largely depend on what your professor asks you to do. If you are tasked to discuss about a certain topic, you use expository writing. If you are assigned, however, to write your own position about a certain event and defend it, you will need more than the use of explanations for this particular undertaking. You will have to apply the principles of argumentative writing in your essay.

Argumentative writing, also known as persuasive writing, is the type of writing that utilises logic and reason to prove that a certain idea is more justifiable than the other one. By disproving an idea, you are able to persuade a reader to adopt your point of view or to take a particular action in your side. For your position or argument to be more convincing, you have to make use of the skill of sound reasoning especially in your presentation of facts, logical reasons, examples, quotes, and other significant data.

An argumentative essay cannot stand alone without your position. In an issue, you have to choose which side you are going to take or the solution you want to propose. You must not also lose focus on the intent of your essay by structuring it according to your purpose, audience and topic. Predetermine what response you want to get from your audience and structure your essay to that direction. Take time to research about facts and data that can help you strengthen your claim. The more information that came from experts and are beyond your personal knowledge and experience, the better.

For you to be able to produce a convincing argument, you have to be well-informed about your topic. Research is one of the key points in having an effective argument—you have to master your topic by reading related literature from reliable sources. It is also equally important to master your opposing side’s stronger points and weaknesses. This way you can provide contrasting evidence on each strong point of the opposing view and choose which amongst your stronger points you need to emphasise to strengthen yours. You must also remember that in supporting your position, the evidence used must appeal to logic and reason.