Argumentative Essay Conclusion: How to Write It

Writing an argumentative essay is like arguing a case in court where the lawyer is always looking to persuade the judge. However, Purdue OWL suggests that many students still struggle with argumentative essays, mainly with the conclusion, because the thesis statement is not revisited in a compelling manner; therefore, how do you write a conclusion for an argumentative essay that leaves a lasting impression?

So, you're staring at a blank page, ready to dive into the world of argumentative essays? Excellent! Think of this section as your launchpad, preparing you to craft an argument so compelling, so airtight, that your readers can't help but be swayed.

This is where you set the stage, introduce the key players, and ultimately, declare your intentions. Let's break down how to make this introduction a showstopper.

Grabbing Attention: The Power of the Hook

The hook is your first, best chance to captivate your audience. Think of it as the opening scene of a movie – it needs to be intriguing enough to make people want to keep watching.

What works well?

• A surprising fact: Something that challenges common assumptions.

• A thought-provoking question: Get your readers thinking from the start.

• A relevant anecdote: A short, personal story that connects to the topic.

Avoid clichés and generalizations. Be specific and make it count!

Setting the Scene: Background Information

After you've hooked your reader, it's time to provide some context. What is the issue you're tackling, and why should anyone care?

Keep it concise. Focus on the essential background information needed to understand the debate.

Consider:

• What are the different sides of the argument?

• What are the key terms or concepts your reader needs to know?

• Why is this issue important right now?

Remember, you're not writing a history lesson, just providing the necessary foundation for your argument.

The Grand Reveal: Crafting Your Thesis Statement

This is it: the heart and soul of your essay. Your thesis statement is a clear, concise declaration of your position on the issue. It's the roadmap for your entire essay, telling your reader exactly what you plan to argue.

A strong thesis statement should be:

• Debatable: It should take a clear stance that others could reasonably disagree with.

• Specific: Avoid vague language. Be precise about what you're arguing.

• Compelling: It should be interesting and make the reader want to learn more.

Think of it as the North Star guiding your entire essay. Everything you write should directly support and defend this central argument.

Don't bury the lede! Make sure your thesis statement is clear and easy to find, typically at the end of your introductory paragraph. With a strong introduction, you're not just starting an essay; you're launching a powerful argument!

Body Paragraphs: Building Your Argument, Brick by Brick

So, you're staring at a blank page, ready to dive into the world of argumentative essays? Excellent! Think of this section as your launchpad, preparing you to craft an argument so compelling, so airtight, that your readers can't help but be swayed.

This is where you set the stage, introduce the key players, and ultimately, declare your intentions. This is the "meat" of your essay, the place where you transform your thesis from a statement into a persuasive force.

The Foundation: Topic Sentences

Think of each body paragraph as a mini-essay, each with its own laser-like focus.

That focus is established right up front with a powerful topic sentence.

The topic sentence isn't just any sentence. It's a declaration, a promise to the reader about what the paragraph will prove.

It should directly relate to your thesis and clearly state the main point of the paragraph.

A strong topic sentence acts as a signpost, guiding your readers through your argument and ensuring they understand the purpose of each section.

Supplying the Bricks: Evidence is Everything

Now that you've set the stage with a killer topic sentence, it's time to back it up with hard evidence.

This is where you transform your opinion into a well-supported claim.

Think of evidence as the bricks that build your argumentative house.

Without it, your argument is just a flimsy structure that can be easily blown over.

• Facts and Statistics: Nothing beats cold, hard data to bolster your claims. Make sure your sources are credible and your data is up-to-date.
• Examples: Real-world examples bring your argument to life. Use specific and relevant examples to illustrate your points.
• Expert Opinions: Citing recognized authorities adds weight to your argument. Choose experts whose opinions are respected and relevant to the issue.

Remember, relevance is key. All evidence should directly support your topic sentence and, ultimately, your overall thesis.

Don't just throw in random facts; carefully select evidence that strengthens your argument and resonates with your target audience.

Laying the Mortar: Explanation and Analysis

Simply presenting evidence isn't enough. You need to explain how that evidence supports your topic sentence and your overall thesis.

This is where your analytical skills come into play.

Think of explanation as the mortar that holds your argumentative bricks together.

Without it, your evidence is just a pile of disconnected facts.

Don't assume your readers will automatically understand the connection between your evidence and your argument.

Spell it out for them. Explain the significance of the evidence and how it proves your point.

Walk your reader through the logic.

This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the issue and demonstrate your critical thinking abilities.

Addressing the Opposition: The Power of Counterarguments

A truly compelling argument acknowledges and addresses opposing viewpoints.

Ignoring counterarguments makes your argument look weak and biased.

By acknowledging and refuting opposing claims, you demonstrate that you've considered all sides of the issue.

This shows intellectual honesty and strengthens your credibility.

Think of counterarguments as potential flaws in your argumentative structure.

By identifying and addressing them, you reinforce your argument and make it even more persuasive.

Demolishing the Doubt: The Art of Rebuttal

After presenting a counterargument, it's crucial to explain why it's weaker than your own.

This is where you demonstrate your critical thinking skills and solidify your position.

A strong rebuttal doesn't just dismiss the counterargument; it dismantles it.

• Highlight Flaws in Logic: Point out any logical fallacies in the counterargument.
• Present Contradictory Evidence: Offer evidence that directly contradicts the counterargument.
• Explain Why the Counterargument is Less Important: Argue that the counterargument is not as significant or relevant as your own claim.

The goal of a rebuttal is to leave the reader with no doubt that your argument is the stronger one.

Polishing and Refining: Ensuring a Flawless Argument

So, you've poured your heart and soul into crafting a persuasive argument, meticulously constructing each paragraph and supporting it with compelling evidence. But hold on, the journey isn't over yet! The final stage, polishing and refining, is where you transform a good essay into a truly exceptional one.

This is your opportunity to step back, adopt a critical eye, and ensure that your argument is not only convincing but also logically sound and impeccably presented. Let's dive into the essential steps for achieving that flawless finish.

Hunting Down Logical Fallacies: Become a Skeptic of Your Own Work

Logical fallacies are those sneaky flaws in reasoning that can undermine even the most well-intentioned arguments. They're like cracks in the foundation of your essay, weakening its overall structure. Identifying and eliminating these fallacies is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your argument.

But how do you spot them?

It starts with awareness. Familiarize yourself with common logical fallacies, such as:

• Ad Hominem: Attacking the person making the argument instead of the argument itself.
• Straw Man: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
• Bandwagon: Arguing that something is true because it's popular.
• False Dilemma: Presenting only two options when more exist.
• Hasty Generalization: Drawing a conclusion based on insufficient evidence.

Once you're armed with this knowledge, read your essay with a skeptical eye. Question every assumption, challenge every connection you've made, and be brutally honest about any weaknesses in your reasoning.

Imagine you are your most demanding reader.

Essay Type Checklist: Meeting the Requirements

Every essay assignment comes with its own unique set of requirements. Before submitting your masterpiece, carefully review the instructions to ensure that you've met all the criteria. This includes paying close attention to:

• Formatting: Adhere to the specified font, font size, margins, and spacing guidelines.
• Citation Style: Use the correct citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) consistently throughout the essay.
• Word Count: Stay within the specified word count limit.
• Specific Instructions: Address any specific questions or prompts outlined in the assignment.

Missing these requirements can negatively impact your grade, so take the time to double-check everything. Treat this step as seriously as writing the essay itself.

The Power of Proofreading: Catching the Little Things

While logical fallacies and essay requirements address the bigger picture, proofreading is all about the details. Even minor errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation can distract your reader and detract from the overall impact of your argument.

Read your essay slowly and carefully. Even better, ask a friend or classmate to proofread it for you. Fresh eyes can often catch mistakes that you've overlooked. Pay close attention to:

• Grammar: Ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and that your verb tenses are consistent.
• Spelling: Use a spell checker to identify and correct any spelling errors.
• Punctuation: Use commas, periods, semicolons, and other punctuation marks correctly.
• Clarity: Make sure your sentences are clear, concise, and easy to understand.

Readability Matters

Enhance your essay's readability by using transition words and phrases, which help guide your reader through your argument and highlight the connections between your ideas.

Short sentences and paragraphs prevent reader fatigue. Vary sentence structure to maintain engagement.

A Polished Final Product

By meticulously addressing logical fallacies, adhering to essay requirements, and proofreading for errors, you can transform your argumentative essay into a polished and persuasive final product. This final stage is not just about fixing mistakes; it's about elevating your work to its fullest potential. Embrace the power of refinement, and watch your arguments shine.

So, there you have it! Now you know how to write a conclusion for an argumentative essay that actually leaves a lasting impression. Go forth and conquer those arguments, and remember, a strong conclusion is the final mic drop that seals the deal. Good luck!