A key part of academic essay writing is constructing an argument.  You will know by now that this doesn’t mean that you pick a fight with anyone, but what exactly is an argument in an essay?

Essay Argument Definition

An argument is a statement that you make to persuade your readers to agree with your opinion.  In an essay you will back up each argument, or point within an argument, by supporting it with evidence.  Your evidence can be taken from printed primary and secondary sources (manuscripts, journals, books), web pages, transcriptions of interviews, or film clips, the results of experiments, questionnaires or other survey work.  If you can only find one piece of evidence then that is all you can use.  If there is so much material that you could fill a book, choose the strongest piece.

Critical Reading

Developing the ability to carry out critical reading is key to being able to argue effectively in the essay format.  You need to read all the material with a critical eye.  When an academic has made a claim in a book or paper always question it.  Automatically think “Prove it to me!” every time.

Do you know what you argument will be?  After you have completed the critical reading decide which line you will take.  If you find it hard, sit down with a friend and try to explain your viewpoint to them.  This can help you clarify your thoughts.

Objections to your essay argument

Your essay will look particularly strong if you also consider objections to your opinion.  If you can write about objections and explain why these are wrong – again, giving evidence – then it shows that your argument is robust.  You have considered the subject from all angles and you can dismiss these alternative opinions.

Don’t make any assumptions about your reader.  Sentences that begin “It is accepted that…”, “We all know that…”, “No one would argue that…” may antagonise the reader.  Substantiate every claim you make no matter how obvious or “true” you think it is.

Future uses for essay arguments

What’s the point in all this?  Learning to argue in an academic style is a key skill for the workplace.  It allows you to go to meetings and debate the usefulness of various ideas without taking it personally if your idea is rejected.  You will learn to back up your opinion with good evidence, but if someone has a stronger argument you will recognize this.

Did this essay writing tip help?  Are you still having issues with constructing an argument?  Let us know.  Post a comment below.