How to Write an Argument Essay

There are five main steps. 
Step 1: Read the essay
Read the question. Decide what kind of essay it is - opinion, compare/contrast, problem and solution, cause and effect, or a mixture. The type of question will decide the layout and your ideas.

Step 2: Underline
Underline key vocabulary in the question and write words with the same or related meaning. This will really save you a lot of time later on. It will also help to avoid repetition of words, and will show that you understand the question.
Vocabulary
1: Read and Underline Key Words
Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first?
2: Write Down Other Words with the Same Meaning
Should governments spend money on space exploration, or should they spend the money on problems here first?
Governments =  nations, countries, authorities, politicians
Spend = allocate, give, allot, provide, budget, make available, waste, award
Space exploration = space program, trips to the moon, the international space station, planets, planetary voyages
Money =  budgets, taxes, resources, 
Problems =  concerns, issues, worries, disasters, threats, threatening, war, famine, poverty, education, homelessness, drugs, global warming
Here = on earth, in our own countries, closer to home, in developing countries, foreign aid, 
3: Use Your New Words in the Opening Sentences
With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people do not think that nations should waste money on exploring space. (One side) However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. (Other side) 
4: Add a Thesis
With many global concerns such as war, poverty, hunger and pollution, many people question whether nations should waste money on exploring space. However, others are convinced that expenditure on space programs is justified. This essay will examine some arguments for and against space exploration. (Thesis)

→ Exercise: Are zoos cruel to wild animals?

Step 3: Get Ideas
Decide if you are for or against the idea. Usually it is best to give both sides (for and against - one paragraph each) and then to give your opinion in the conclusion. However there are other ways of laying out your essay.

Two sides of an argument
Give the other side`s opinion, and then give YOUR opinion
Give the other side
Some people think that…  
Although many people feel that…  
It is claimed that…  
Some people feel that…  
One sentence (While, although)
While it is true that… … I believe…
Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke.
Although many people think that…., I feel that
Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true

Two sentences
It is undoubtedly true that… …However…
It is often argued that… However, it is
Some people say that… They claim… However, I feel…
Supporters of this viewpoint say that… However, it is
One sentence (While, although)
While it is true that… … I believe…
Despite the fact that millions of people die every year from lung cancer, many people think it is cool to smoke.
Although many people think that…., I feel that
Although it is often said that…, in fact the opposite is true


The 3773 Layout
The number 3773 just means three sentences in the introduction, seven in the second paragraph, and seven in the third paragraph and three in the conclusion. 
Either
Introduction
Body:
Paragraph For
Paragraph Against
Conclusion
Or 
Introduction
Body:
Paragraph Against
Paragraph For
Conclusion
Introduction: 
Three sentences
Present situation
Both sides of Argument
What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion (Thesis sentence)

Paragraph 2
Seven/eight sentences
 
 
 
Topic Sentence
Argument 1 or Reason 1
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail


Argument 2 or Reason 2
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail


Argument 3 or Reason 3
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail


Summary sentence for Para 2

Paragraph 3
Seven/eight sentences
 
 
 
Topic Sentence
Argument 1 or Reason 1
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail  


Argument 2 or Reason 2
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail


Argument 3 or Reason 3
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail


Summary sentence for Para 3

Conclusion
Summary
Present situation and your opinion
Future statement


Layout 35553
The number 35553 just means a five-paragraph essay with three sentences in the introduction, five sentences in the second, third and fourth paragraphs, and three in the conclusion. 
There are three paragraphs in the body because you should have three ideas (three is a magic number.) In each of the three body paragraphs you need about two or three examples and supporting information to back those ideas up.
Either
Introduction
For
For
For
Conclusion
Or 
Introduction
Against
Against
Against
Conclusion



The example below could be for or against.
Introduction: 
Three sentences
Present situation and/or Both sides of Argument (1-2 sentences)
What you are going to do in this essay / Your opinion (Thesis sentence)

Paragraph 2
Five Sentences
Topic Sentence: Argument 1 or Reason 1
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)

Paragraph 3
Five Sentences
 
Topic Sentence: Argument 2 or Reason 2
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)

Paragraph 4
Five Sentences
 
Topic Sentence: Argument 3 or Reason 3
Example, Explanation, or supporting detail (2-4 sentences)

Conclusion
Three Sentences
Summary
Present situation and your opinion
Future


Step 4: Decide Layout
You should decide on a layout. The easiest is 3773. That means four paragraphs: introduction (3 sentences) one side (7 sentences), the other side (7 sentences) and the conclusion (3 sentences). This will give you 20 sentences. An average of about 12 words each, that is 240 words. Perfect!

Introductions
One easy way to write the introduction for an argument or opinion essay is to write THREE sentences:  
two about the topic, one thesis sentence 
You can write either Situation or Opinion introductions. There`s not much difference between them.
Situation Introductions
Write two sentences to describe the two sides of the present situation. The third sentence -  the Thesis sentence - will describe what you are going do in your essay.
Sentence 1 One side of the present situation
Sentence 2 The other side of the present situation
Sentence 3 Thesis: What you are going to do in your essay
 
  Who should take care of our old people?
   
Sentence 1 In my country, most old people live happily with their children. 
Sentence 2 Increasingly however, many families cannot take care of their parents
Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will describe some of the problems involved with taking care of old people, and discuss who should be responsible.
 
  Does Aid to Poor Countries Work? 
   
Sentence(s) 1 For the last fifty years, poor countries have been receiving huge sums of money from rich donor countries.
Sentence 2 Some of this money has improved lives, while much of it has disappeared or made no difference.
Sentence 3 (Thesis) In this essay, I will discuss some arguments for and against foreign aid.
 
  Should dangerous sports be banned?
   
Sentence 1 Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in sports such as boxing or motor-racing.
Sentence 2 Because of this, many people are opposed to such sports, and want them to be stopped or controlled.
Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against banning dangerous sports.
 

Opinion Introductions
In this kind you give two opposite opinions in the first two sentences. The third sentence says what you are going to do. 
  Does space exploration benefit mankind? 
   
Sentence For Many people are excited about space exploration.
Sentence Against However, others feel it is a massive waste of money
Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space exploration. 
(32 words)
 
Does space exploration benefit mankind? 
   
Sentence For Space, for many people, really is the final frontier. They are excited by the exploration and potential of space. 
Sentence Against However, not everyone agrees that this money is well-spent. Many people feel that we should solve problems here on earth before beginning our journey to space
Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against space exploration.
(58 words)
  Do Athletes Deserve Their High Salaries?
   
Sentence(s) 1 Everyday, we read about new record contracts and salaries earned by sportsmen and women. Some people do not agree with these huge payments
Sentence 2 Others believe that our sports heroes deserve every penny.
Sentence 3 (Thesis) This essay will look at some of the arguments for and against the high salaries of athletes.

Finally, if you are having problem thinking about an introduction, leave some space and write it later - AFTER you write the body or conclusion.

Some examples
Are cash incentives a good way to motivate employees? 
(Some companies give their employees bonuses or cash awards for excellent work, in addition to salary. Do you think this is a good idea?)


Introductions
This page has six different introductions to the above topic. As you look at them, try to decide if they are opinion or situation openings. Also look at the thesis sentences, and guess if the writer agrees or disagrees.
Intro 1
Money makes the world go round, and nowhere is this truer than in the workplace. Employers know that money is one of the best motivators. However, are bonuses or cash awards always the best way to reward employees? In this essay, I will look at some of the arguments for cash as a reward. 
Intro 2
Money makes the world go round, and nowhere is this truer than in the workplace. Employers know that money is one of th