This foldout reference provides a portable, scannable, and simple guide to the basics of argumentative essay writing. Designed to complement in-depth classroom instruction, it serves as a portable resource that students can use on their own or in class for quick, step-by-step guidance on how to plan, research, write, and edit argumentative essays. Advice on avoiding plagiarism and documenting sources is included, with up-to-date MLA and APA citation guidelines and a sample essay. Additional resources, including an essay outline tool and grammar exercises, are provided on a free companion website.
Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get Started
- Tips for Brainstorming and Pre-Writing
- Choose an Arguable Topic
- Thesis Statements
Step 2: Conduct Research
- Where to Find Sources
- Library databases
- Wikipedia
- Google Scholar
- Academic Books
- How to Assess Sources
- Taking Notes
- Keeping Track of Sources
- Note-Taking Tips
Step 3: Construct an Argument
- Modes of Persuasion
- Support Your Thesis
- Counter-Arguments
- Fallacies of Reasoning
Step 4: Sketch an Outline
- Tips for Writing Outlines
Step 5: Create a First Draft
- Parts of the Essay
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs
- Conclusion
Step 6: Integrate Sources
- Quoting Directly
- Summarizing main ideas and arguments
- Paraphrasing
Step 7: Document Your Sources
- Modern Language Association (MLA) Format
- In-Text Citations (MLA)
- Works Cited (MLA)
- American Psychological Association (APA) Format
- In-Text Citations (APA)
- References (APA)
Step 8: Revise and Edit
- Checklist: Content
- Checklist: Mechanics
Sample Essay
- • Simple but specific advice for planning, drafting, and revising argumentative essays
- • Clear, step-by-step organization
- • Current MLA and APA citation guide, including MLA 2021 updates
- • Emphasis on common challenges for beginner students, including avoiding plagiarism, refining a thesis statement, and incorporating sources
- • Additional resources, including an essay outline tool and grammar exercises, are provided on a free companion website