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Unfortunately, you can't just say "This is my opinion and that is that." You must have solid, factual evidence to support your statements.

Step 3. Research. Once you know what you need to look for, it's time to gather your evidence. Find at least one (two or more would be even better) solid, scholarly, citable sources for each of your arguments.

Let's say you are arguing that white bread is better than wheat, and your reasons for this are because it tastes better, it looks prettier, and it is softer than wheat. So, you could find a university or national survey that was done on the taste of white bread vs. wheat as evidence to support your first argument. And you could include a report from a Nobel Peace prize winner on the effects of the color white on the brain. Or maybe include quotations from an article on the texture of different refinements of wheat.you get the idea. :)

You also need to know which opposing statements you will be using and find evidence to refute those arguments. For example, some people may argue that wheat bread is healthier than white, and therefore is better. That is your opposing argument. You can refute this by pointing out that this information is outdated and add a quote from an article that states how white bread is just as healthy as wheat bread.

Step 4. Write Your Essay

What are the elements you will need to include in your essay?

You have four main components:

1. Thesis Statement

2. Supporting Arguments and evidence backing them up

3. Opposing Arguments and evidence backing up why these are wrong

4. Conclusion

Let's take a look at these elements a little closer. I have listed them in outline form, the way you would present them in your essay.

I. Introduction

The introduction must include a solid thesis statement that firmly states the position the essay will be taking. (i.e. Though the debate has raged on for decades, the evidence shows that white bread is better than wheat bread.) Then add a summary of your arguments. (White bread is better than wheat bread because it tastes better, it is prettier, and it is softer.)

II. Body of Essay

This is where you list your supporting arguments and the evidence supporting your statements.

A. Statement 1. White bread tastes better than wheat

1. source cited evidence supporting this statement National Survey

B. Statement 2. White bread is prettier than wheat

1. source cited evidence supporting this statement information from Nobel Peace winner's report

C. Statement 3. White bread is softer than wheat

1. source cited evidence supporting this statement a chart showing how softness increases the more wheat is refined

D. Opposing Statement 1 (list an argument someone might use against your position). Wheat is healthier than white

1. Refute this statement (Some may argue that wheat is healthier than white bread because blah blah blah. However, this is not the case because this information is outdated. New techniques have insured that white is just as healthy as shown in this article, etc)

D. Opposing Statement 2

1. Refute this statement and so on

III. Conclusion

Your conclusion shouldn't just restate the introduction but should summarize your essay, restate your position and some of the evidence, maybe add a sentence on how more research can be done or where your reader can find more information.

So, with a few convincing arguments, a little research, and some evidence to back your statements up, you've got yourself a nice, well documented argumentative essay.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Mclean.
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