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WRITING AN ARGUMENTATIVE PAPER can either be a success or a total disaster, depending on how you present your argument to your audience. You'll need to be passionate, write well, and use facts to back up your reasoning.

Your article will be a lot easier to write with an outline. Make bullet points on a sheet of paper describing your main argument and supporting reasoning. Also make a list of points why people would be opposed to your opinion. Make sure you don't skip over anything important.

In your FIRST PARAGRAPH, introduce the topic and state your opinion. You can give your main reason for your argument here as well. EXAMPLE: If you are writing an argumentative paper describing why the NFL commissioner should add cruelty to animals on it's personal conduct policy, you could start with something like this: "Being cruel to animals is against the law. The NFL, a league of professional athletes, should add this to their personal conduct policy. Adding a clause to their policy will illustrate clearly to athletes that there will be firm consequences for their actions if they are cruel to animals."

In the SECOND PARAGRAPH, discuss the root of the issue. Why has this problem not resolved itself or already been solved. Have other people attempted to find a solution to the problem?

NEXT, address the arguments of "the other side." Use facts and logical reasoning to find the flaw in the opposing side's argument. If you are serious about banning cell phones while driving, you'll need to address the arguments for allowing cell phones while driving (convenience, etc).

FINALLY, tell your audience why they should join forces with you. Why should they feel the same way you do? Use your best persuasive language, and back it up with real facts. If prominent people share your views, include a quote or two.

If you are writing a paper for a college assignment and have your choice of topic, stay away from controversial issues like abortion, gun control, or the war in Iraq. These are important issues, but your professor is probably sick of hearing about them, regardless of how he or she feels about the issues.

Be original, and pick a topic you are truly passionate about. Here are five possible topics:

1. Should people be allowed to talk on a cell phone while driving?
2. Should smoking be banned in public places?
3. Is plastic surgery good or bad for women?
4. Does violence in movies prevent violence in real life?
5. Is Los Angeles or New York a better city and why?

Before you turn in your article, have somebody read it who doesn't necessarily feel passionate about the issue. Ask them if they see any flaws, or disagree and why. Can you address their concerns?

Learn more about this author, Caroline Atkins.
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