debate essay conclusion

How to Write a Good Debate Essay

When the word “debate” occurs in an essay title, you are being asked to examine a subject in which there are opposing views. The aim is that your essay will lead to support for one side, based on clear argument, effective judgement and justification for the decisions presented and arguments presented. The foundation of a good debate essay is effectively completing research combined with being able to refer to facts and credible information. The biggest challenge is to remain unemotional, whilst still persuading your audience of the validity of the arguments you are making in support of your chosen side.

Writing your debate essay

Introduction.

Your introduction should ensure that your reader understands what topic is being debated and encourage them to read more. One effective way to start is with a question, which sets the stage for you to state your position on the subject (your thesis statement). For example, “Does online learning creates laziness in students?”.

The aim is that your readers will have an immediate answer to the question, and this then drives the arguments you are presenting. An alternative approach is to refute a statement, framing the subject negatively, for example, “There are studies which suggest online learning creates laziness, however, studies have shown that online learning actually increases motivation”. In this case you are encouraging the reader to support your argument. In both cases, you have set a foundation with your introduction which needs to be built on by effective arguments and evidence.

The body text of your debate essay should be separated into paragraphs, each one of which will cover a different reason / rationale for the viewpoint you set out in your introduction. For each point you should provide back-up information from credible sources, which demonstrates that you have evaluated evidence before drawing a conclusion and opinion. Each paragraph should introduce your argument for or against, depending on your perspective, and include where appropriate, statistical evidence, illustrative data and clearly referenced sources. A good tip with a debate essay is to also present the counterargument for your point and refute it with viable sources to demonstrate why it is incorrect, demonstrating your understanding of the subject. The structure of the body text should be logical, moving from one argument to another with effective connections such as “Furthermore”, “Notwithstanding”, “Moreover” or similar to ensure coherence of argument.

The conclusion to your debate essay should be a summing up of all the positive points you have made, reaffirming your stance on the issue and should refer back to your thesis statement or original question. This enables you to demonstrate that you have effectively provided a strong justification for your point of view and in so doing, persuaded the reader of the accuracy of your perspective and opinion.

Key Words for a Debate Essay

• In the same way
• On the other hand
• Nevertheless
• On the contrary
• Subsequently
• Specifically
• Furthermore
• In consequence

Tips For Writing A Debate Essay

An argumentative paper depends on various aspects that can either build the conversation or break it. Here is how to write a debate essay step by step and get your point through in a convincing manner:

• Choose the topic wisely. Make sure it is a controversial topic that can have a debate both ways. You can pick any topic from child education to medicinal marijuana. The topic itself needs to have a compelling pull to keep the audience involved.
• Once the topic is decided, figure out which side you are on. For topics like domestic violence, most people will be against it, but you can still create an argument around it confidently.
• Make sure you have done your research to articulate the facts and stats which go both in favour and against the topic. Your opponents may have a different perspective than you, but if you have solid grounds that can prove your stance, you can make them agree with you.
• Know your audience. The readers of your essay will be very crucial to you building your argument. If you are writing a term paper, you may focus more on sentence building, structuring, and formatting. But if you are drafting for a competition, you need solid supporting research which can be cited and argued.
• Have your facts ready. Without figures and numbers, a paper loses credibility. It becomes more of an opinion-piece than a debate essay grounded in facts.
• The last, the most important factor. Select an issue you are most passionate about. If you feel strongly about it, you will be able to express your thoughts and also be able to research it with dedication.

Consider these tips combined when you think about how to make a debate essay convincing and interesting. Don’t forget, your opponent may not agree at all with your verdict, but at least you would present your vision with strong arguments and leave a good impression on the readers.

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How To End a Debate: Learn to Conclude and Make a Closing Statement

• Post author: Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC
• Post published: December 25, 2021
• Post category: Scholarly Articles

How To End a Debate (Closing Statement): A debate speech is a well-written argument that seeks to refute an opponent’s claim while elaborating on your own. Debating may help you improve your critical thinking abilities, teamwork abilities, public speaking abilities, and persuasive abilities. Arguing with someone and winning may also be enjoyable. Some debates enable you to question your opponents while they are speaking.

You must wait for your turn to speak in other forms. Depending on the debate’s format, each debate is separated into several speeches. Simply review the debate rules ahead of time and practice debating in that format. When finishing your debate speech, you have the opportunity to reiterate your most important points, conclude your arguments, give the judges something to think about, and ultimately deliver a logical conclusion.

Recommended: How to Start a Debate Introduction

Table of Contents

Components Of Debate

a. Introductory Statements : Opening remarks are crucial to a successful discussion because they allow both sides – those in favor of a position and those opposed to it – to capture the attention of the audience. The positive side, also referred to as the side that supports the topic or circumstance, is always the first to make a comment.

Opening statements in structured talks have a limited time for both the positive and negative sides to express their cases. The opening words establish the tone for the dialogue and should include the viewpoint, claim, or notion you wish to defend as well as a brief summary of your supporting evidence.

Following the opening speeches, each party delivers its arguments in further depth, using statistical data, examples, and expert opinions to back up its claims. Once again, the positive side makes their case first.

2. Rebuttals: After both sides have clearly identified and explained their points, each side has the chance to indicate why they feel the other side’s arguments are weak or incorrect – this is known as the “ rebuttal .” The opposing party is the first to respond.

You may begin your response by saying, “ My opponent’s statements are incorrect for various reasons .” “ My study demonstrates that my opponent’s opinions lack credibility ,” for example.

Following each side’s rebuttal, and depending on the moderator or judge’s format for the debate, each side may be given another opportunity to offer a rebuttal – properly known as a “ second rebuttal .” During the rebuttal, neither side is permitted to offer fresh evidence to bolster its argument.

Also see: How to speak in public without fear

3. Sessions for Questions and Answers: Some debates include a question-and-answer session in which each side queries the other party. According to the International Debate Education Association, the objective of cross-examination is to explain your opponents’ arguments, push them to commit to a definite viewpoint on unclear matters, bring out any fallacies or flaws in their arguments, and examine deficiencies in their evidence.

Cross-examination usually occurs after each party has presented its arguments but before the rebuttal stage. Inquire with your teacher or the debate host about when and whether a question-and-answer session will take place.

“ May you perhaps restate and explain your initial argument? ” you could begin your cross-examination. “ Could you perhaps clarify where you obtained the statistical data to support your findings? ”

A Q&A session’s purpose is to guarantee that both parties fully comprehend the opposition’s arguments so that they can formulate and explain their best defense.

Also see: Famous Scientists and their Discoveries in the field

4. Statements of Closure: Closing speeches allow each side to summarize their significant arguments and highlight their most relevant issues. They also allow you to draw attention to your opponent’s flaws in front of the judges.

They have the benefit of making their closing arguments first. The goal is to persuade your audience that you have solid evidence to back up your statements and that your opponent’s ideas are inadequate. To make a lasting impact, conclude with an intriguing example of an eye-catching analogy. Include any negative consequences of your argument not being taken seriously or accepted.

Recommended: Important things to consider before starting a business

Interesting Ways to End a Debate

1. Use of quotation : If you have a quotation that wraps up your final argument or provides closure to your case, use it. Check your notes to ensure that you have addressed all of your opponent’s arguments and that you have concluded your case.

If you discover an unaddressed argument by your opponent, address it before concluding your speech.

2. Explain the most important points: An overview for your judges describes the most important points in your case. This can be accomplished by restating each of your main points or by making a general statement about your case.

For example, if you are arguing for basic human rights over national interests, you may want to make a quick general statement about the importance of human rights and society’s responsibility to prioritize them.

While your speech addressed this general statement with more specific information, the general statement shows your judges that you understand your issue and are concerned about your overall case.

Also see: How to become a better singer fast

3. Sing Song Ending: Request that the audience repeats a phrase from your speech that you used multiple times. Assume your slogan is “ Together, we can win. ” You keep repeating that sentence.

Then, right before you finish, you remark, “I know that all of you are brilliant, and all of you are determined.” I know none of us can accomplish it alone, but (pause) together (pause) we can (pause until the audience responds.)

4. Use specific vocal inflections: Use certain vocal inflections to indicate that you are nearing the end of your speech. While giving a summary of your case and explaining the holes in your opponent’s argument, move your notes away from you and gaze straight at the judges.

Speak slower than you did throughout your real speech, exploiting the difference in speed to make your final comments stay in the minds of your assessors. As you make your closing remarks, practice your final inflection, dropping your voice and slowing your words.

Recommended: How to become a successful lawyer: 10 Qualities you need

5. Third Party Close: The Third-Party close elevates the usage of a quote. Make use of a quotation in the context of your message.

Use the idea of that quotation to frame your conclusion so that it functions as a launching pad to elevate your message high enough for the audience to completely comprehend it.

6. Inform your judges on how to vote : Inform your judges on how to vote. Make a simple statement like, “ After reviewing the information about this topic, you must vote to affirm the topic. ” Continue by elaborating on the specific flaw in your opponent’s argument.

“ Our opponents today failed to contend with our most important point, about the value of human rights and their essential place in a virtuous society, ” for example. Be specific about which points your opponents did not address and emphasize the significance of these issues.

Also see: Causes, Effects and Solutions to low self-esteem

7. Connect the primary points to the core message: It is critical to plan out the primary concepts you will discuss at the start of your presentation. An audience that is unaware of the stages of the journey you are going to take them on will be less relaxed than one that is aware of what is to come.

At the end of your presentation, go through everything you’ve discussed, but don’t just list the many concepts you developed; illustrate how they are linked and how they support your primary thesis.

8. Thank the audience: After you’ve completed presenting the substance, the easiest approach to close a speech is to say, “ thank you .” This has the advantage of being understood by everybody.

It’s an excellent technique for anyone to indicate to the crowd that it’s time to applaud and then go.

Also see: Tips on how to improve your emotional intelligence

Your closing words should make it clear that your debate presentation is coming to an end. The audience should be able to read it and respond quickly. As previously stated, saying “ thank you ” is a good way to conclude. If there is no acclaim, stand tall and wait. Don’t wiggle, and don’t even bother to mumble, ‘ And that just about covers it .’ Thank you very much.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.

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How to Write a Clear and Strong Conclusion for Argumentative Essay

Table of contents

So, you've made it to the end of your argumentative essay. After pouring your efforts into researching and crafting compelling arguments in your introductory and body paragraphs, you're now left wondering, "What on earth do I write in the conclusion paragraph?"

Sound familiar? Well, you're not alone.

Writing conclusion paragraphs often feels like a daunting task. You might find yourself thinking, "What can I say that hasn’t already been said?" However, don't let this uncertainty trick you into undermining the value of a well-written conclusion.

Writing conclusions shouldn't be taken lightly. In fact, the conclusion paragraph is the finishing touch that packages your essay neatly, communicating to the reader that you have provided the closure your argument deserves.

Think about it: you wouldn't gift someone a present without wrapping it, right? Similarly, no matter how strong the arguments you've raised in your essay are, without a solid conclusion, your essay may seem incomplete or lackluster.

In this guide, we'll explore how to write a strong conclusion paragraph in an argumentative essay, ensuring your essay is wrapped up just as beautifully as it was crafted.

The Purpose of a Conclusion Paragraph in an Argumentative Essay

A conclusion paragraph is like the final bow in a performance—it's your last opportunity to impress the audience and leave a lasting impression. In an argumentative essay, this "final bow" serves a few critical roles.

Firstly , the conclusion reaffirms your thesis statement. It brings the reader back to your main argument and reminds them of the stance you've taken. It's not about introducing new ideas, but rather solidifying the ones you've already presented.

Secondly , it's a summary of your main points or arguments. It offers the reader a concise overview of the ground you've covered, tying together all the threads of your argument into a cohesive narrative.

Lastly , it presents a final statement—an impactful sentence or two that leaves the reader with something to ponder. This could be a thought-provoking question, a call to action, or a prediction about the future. It serves to cement your argument in the reader's mind and ensure your essay is memorable.

Now that we've established the critical roles of a conclusion, let's take a closer look at the structure of an argumentative essay, and specifically, how to build a strong conclusion paragraph.

Components of a Strong Conclusion Paragraph

A powerful conclusion to an argumentative essay contains several key elements. Let's break them down:

Restating the Thesis Statement : start by revisiting your thesis statement. This doesn't mean copying it word for word from your introduction, but rather, paraphrasing it in a new light. Given the evidence and arguments you've presented, this reaffirms your position and reminds your reader of the claim you've defended.

Summarizing Main Points/Arguments : next, offer a brief recap of the main points or arguments you've made in the body of your essay. This should be succinct and help tie everything together. Remember, it's a summary—avoid going into too much detail or bringing up any new information.

Presenting the Final Statement : the final statement is your last chance to leave a lasting impression or provoke thought in your reader. This could be a call to action, a quotation, or a forward-looking statement about the implications of your argument. Make sure it reinforces your thesis and wraps up your essay well.

Discussing Broader Implications or Significance : lastly, if appropriate, discuss the broader implications of your topic. How does your argument fit into the larger context? What impact might it have on the future? This helps your reader understand the relevance and potential influence of your argument.

Now that we understand the components let's move on to how to put them together to form an effective conclusion paragraph.

KEY POINTS : " In writing your conclusion, remember to restate your thesis in a fresh and interesting way. Then, summarize your main arguments concisely, ensuring they tie back to your thesis. Consider discussing broader implications or impact of your argument if relevant, to give your conclusion a strong finish. "

Writing a Strong Conclusion: Step-by-Step Approach

Crafting a strong conclusion isn't rocket science, but it does require some thoughtful effort. Follow this step-by-step approach to ensure your conclusion effectively wraps up your argument.

Step 1: Begin by Transitioning Smoothly

First and foremost, don’t abruptly jump into your conclusion. Use transitional phrases such as "in conclusion," "to sum up," or "finally" to signal to the reader that you are wrapping up your argument.

Step 2: Restate Your Thesis

Revisit your thesis statement in the light of the arguments you've made. Remember to paraphrase it—simply copy-pasting the statement won't do. Make it clear that the evidence and points you've presented support your thesis statement .

Step 3: Summarize Your Main Arguments

Next, briefly summarize the main points or arguments you've made in your essay. This is your opportunity to reinforce these points and remind the reader of their importance. Be succinct and avoid introducing any new information.

Step 4: Make Your Final Statement

Your final statement should leave a lasting impression. This could be a provocative question, a prediction, or a call to action—something that will resonate with your reader and encourage further thought or action.

Step 5: Discuss Broader Implications

If it fits your topic, consider discussing the broader implications or significance of your argument. This helps connect your argument to a larger context and can show your reader why your topic matters.

Step 6: Review and Polish

Finally, review your conclusion. Does it flow well? Does it provide a compelling and concise wrap-up of your argument? Make sure to polish your language and check for any errors.

Remember, the conclusion is your last opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader, so make it count. If you'd like to see how these steps look in practice, stay tuned for our examples of well-written conclusion paragraphs coming up next.

Examples of Well-Written Conclusion Paragraphs

There's nothing like good examples to illustrate a point. Here are a few well-written conclusion paragraphs from argumentative essays to help you better understand the process we just outlined.

Example 1 : Let's say our thesis statement was, "Despite some drawbacks, the benefits of online learning—such as flexibility and accessibility—make it a viable alternative to traditional education."

Conclusion paragraph : "In conclusion, the rise of online learning is not without its challenges. Technical glitches, lack of interpersonal communication, and the requirement for self-motivation can make it seem less appealing to some. However, when we consider the unmatched flexibility and accessibility it offers to learners worldwide, it's clear that online education is a powerful tool in our educational arsenal. It may not replace traditional education entirely, but it undoubtedly provides a viable alternative for many. As technology continues to advance, we can only anticipate the further enhancement of online learning experiences."

Example 2 : Suppose our thesis statement was, "Even though it is a source of renewable energy, the environmental and social costs of large-scale hydroelectric dams often outweigh their benefits."

Conclusion paragraph : "To sum up, while large-scale hydroelectric dams have long been hailed for their ability to generate renewable energy, we must also consider the significant environmental and social costs associated with them. The destruction of habitats, displacement of local communities, and the risk of catastrophic failure present serious challenges to their continued development. Though the quest for sustainable energy solutions is more critical than ever, it is essential that we weigh these concerns carefully and explore more environmentally and socially responsible alternatives."

These examples should give you a clear picture of how a well-crafted conclusion ties an argumentative essay together. Up next, we'll discuss some common pitfalls to avoid when writing your conclusion.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Writing Your Conclusion

As important as it is to know what to include in your conclusion, it's equally crucial to understand what to avoid. Below are some common pitfalls that can weaken your conclusion:

Introducing New Information : your conclusion is not the place to introduce new arguments or information. It should synthesize what you've already discussed, not open up new lines of debate.

Simply Restating the Introduction : while your conclusion should revisit your thesis statement and main points, avoid merely restating your introduction. Your conclusion should add value by providing a fresh perspective or highlighting the implications of your argument.

Making Unsupported Claims : your conclusion should be based on the evidence and arguments you've presented in your essay. Avoid making sweeping claims or statements that aren't backed by your essay's content.

Being Vague or Unclear : your conclusion should be clear and concise. Avoid using vague language or unclear statements that could confuse your reader.

Neglecting the Broader Significance : if it's relevant to your topic, your conclusion is an excellent place to discuss the broader significance or implications of your argument. Avoid missing this opportunity to show your reader why your argument matters.

By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can ensure your conclusion is strong, compelling, and effective. Now, you should be well-equipped to write a strong conclusion for your argumentative essay. But remember, practice makes perfect!

Final Thoughts

Writing a strong conclusion for your argumentative essay is crucial. It provides closure and drives home the main points of your argument one last time. Remember, your conclusion is your last chance to persuade your reader and leave a lasting impression.

Restate your thesis, summarize your main points, make a memorable final statement, and, if applicable, discuss the broader implications of your argument. Avoid common pitfalls like introducing new information or merely restating your introduction.

Take the time to practice this skill and consider utilizing the resources provided above for further learning and improvement. With persistence and patience, you will master the art of writing compelling conclusions.

However, if you find yourself struggling, remember that help is just a click away. At our argumentative essay writing service for students , we have a team of skilled writers who can deliver top-notch custom essays tailored to your specific needs. We're here to help you succeed.

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Conclusion for an Argumentative Essay

3-minute read

• 27th October 2023

You’ve spent hours researching and writing a compelling argumentative essay – now it’s finally time to write the conclusion. The conclusion may be the most significant part of your essay because it’s your final opportunity to make a lasting impression on your reader. Intimidated? Don’t be! In this post, we’ll show you how to write a strong conclusion for an argumentative essay.

Restate the Thesis and Summarize the Key Points

Begin by reiterating your thesis statement to emphasize your main point. However, to avoid sounding repetitive, it’s best to paraphrase the thesis and not use the exact wording from the introductory paragraph. You can also briefly recap the key points you’ve made throughout your essay. You don’t need to dive into too much detail here; the conclusion should be a concise reminder of your most critical arguments and avoid unnecessary repetition or commentary. Keep in mind that the conclusion is not the place to provide information or arguments you haven’t included in the body of your essay.

Emphasize the Significance of Your Arguments

The conclusion of your essay is a good place to highlight the importance of your argument and the implications of your findings. Briefly explain why your essay topic is significant and how your perspective relates to the wider context. For example, if you’re writing on the rising cost of medicine, you can discuss how this topic relates to the broader fields of health care and pharmaceutical sales.

Briefly Address Counterarguments

If you’ve discussed counterarguments in your essay, briefly acknowledge them in the conclusion. You can simply mention that although there are opposing views, you’ve supported your argument with the evidence presented in your essay.

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Maintain a Consistent Tone

Keep the tone of your conclusion consistent with the rest of the essay. For example, if your essay has been primarily formal and academic, maintain that tone in the conclusion (e.g., avoid closing with an informal anecdote or a witty observation).

End With a Thought-Provoking Statement

End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement or call to action . This could involve a recommendation or prediction, or you could pinpoint areas for further research or action related to the topic. For example, if your topic is the impact of technology on education, you could end your essay by recommending further research into the long-term effects of technology use on students beyond elementary school.

Ensure that your arguments take center stage by having our expert team proofread your essay. Our editors have experience with a wide variety of academic subjects and can ensure that your words make an impact. Send in your sample for free today to see for yourself!

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8 Effective Strategies to Write Argumentative Essays

In a bustling university town, there lived a student named Alex. Popular for creativity and wit, one challenge seemed insurmountable for Alex– the dreaded argumentative essay!

One gloomy afternoon, as the rain tapped against the window pane, Alex sat at his cluttered desk, staring at a blank document on the computer screen. The assignment loomed large: a 350-600-word argumentative essay on a topic of their choice . With a sigh, he decided to seek help of mentor, Professor Mitchell, who was known for his passion for writing.

Entering Professor Mitchell’s office was like stepping into a treasure of knowledge. Bookshelves lined every wall, faint aroma of old manuscripts in the air and sticky notes over the wall. Alex took a deep breath and knocked on his door.

“Ah, Alex,” Professor Mitchell greeted with a warm smile. “What brings you here today?”

Alex confessed his struggles with the argumentative essay. After hearing his concerns, Professor Mitchell said, “Ah, the argumentative essay! Don’t worry, Let’s take a look at it together.” As he guided Alex to the corner shelf, Alex asked,

Table of Contents

“What is an Argumentative Essay?”

The professor replied, “An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that presents a clear argument or a firm position on a contentious issue. Unlike other forms of essays, such as descriptive or narrative essays, these essays require you to take a stance, present evidence, and convince your audience of the validity of your viewpoint with supporting evidence. A well-crafted argumentative essay relies on concrete facts and supporting evidence rather than merely expressing the author’s personal opinions . Furthermore, these essays demand comprehensive research on the chosen topic and typically follows a structured format consisting of three primary sections: an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.”

He continued, “Argumentative essays are written in a wide range of subject areas, reflecting their applicability across disciplines. They are written in different subject areas like literature and philosophy, history, science and technology, political science, psychology, economics and so on.

Alex asked,

“When is an Argumentative Essay Written?”

The professor answered, “Argumentative essays are often assigned in academic settings, but they can also be written for various other purposes, such as editorials, opinion pieces, or blog posts. Some situations to write argumentative essays include:

1. Academic assignments

In school or college, teachers may assign argumentative essays as part of coursework. It help students to develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills .

2. Debates and discussions

Argumentative essays can serve as the basis for debates or discussions in academic or competitive settings. Moreover, they provide a structured way to present and defend your viewpoint.

3. Opinion pieces

Newspapers, magazines, and online publications often feature opinion pieces that present an argument on a current issue or topic to influence public opinion.

4. Policy proposals

In government and policy-related fields, argumentative essays are used to propose and defend specific policy changes or solutions to societal problems.

5. Persuasive speeches

Before delivering a persuasive speech, it’s common to prepare an argumentative essay as a foundation for your presentation.

Regardless of the context, an argumentative essay should present a clear thesis statement , provide evidence and reasoning to support your position, address counterarguments, and conclude with a compelling summary of your main points. The goal is to persuade readers or listeners to accept your viewpoint or at least consider it seriously.”

Handing over a book, the professor continued, “Take a look on the elements or structure of an argumentative essay.”

Elements of an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay comprises five essential components:

Claim in argumentative writing is the central argument or viewpoint that the writer aims to establish and defend throughout the essay. A claim must assert your position on an issue and must be arguable. It can guide the entire argument.

2. Evidence

Evidence must consist of factual information, data, examples, or expert opinions that support the claim. Also, it lends credibility by strengthening the writer’s position.

3. Counterarguments

Presenting a counterclaim demonstrates fairness and awareness of alternative perspectives.

4. Rebuttal

After presenting the counterclaim, the writer refutes it by offering counterarguments or providing evidence that weakens the opposing viewpoint. It shows that the writer has considered multiple perspectives and is prepared to defend their position.

The format of an argumentative essay typically follows the structure to ensure clarity and effectiveness in presenting an argument.

How to Write An Argumentative Essay

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an argumentative essay:

1. Introduction

• Begin with a compelling sentence or question to grab the reader’s attention.
• Provide context for the issue, including relevant facts, statistics, or historical background.
• Provide a concise thesis statement to present your position on the topic.

2. Body Paragraphs (usually three or more)

• Start each paragraph with a clear and focused topic sentence that relates to your thesis statement.
• Furthermore, provide evidence and explain the facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, and quotations from credible sources that supports your thesis.
• Use transition sentences to smoothly move from one point to the next.

3. Counterargument and Rebuttal

• Acknowledge opposing viewpoints or potential objections to your argument.
• Also, address these counterarguments with evidence and explain why they do not weaken your position.

4. Conclusion

• Restate your thesis statement and summarize the key points you’ve made in the body of the essay.
• Leave the reader with a final thought, call to action, or broader implication related to the topic.

5. Citations and References

• Properly cite all the sources you use in your essay using a consistent citation style.
• Also, include a bibliography or works cited at the end of your essay.

6. Formatting and Style

• Follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.
• Use a professional and academic tone in your writing and edit your essay to avoid content, spelling and grammar mistakes .

Remember that the specific requirements for formatting an argumentative essay may vary depending on your instructor’s guidelines or the citation style you’re using (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Always check the assignment instructions or style guide for any additional requirements or variations in formatting.

Did you understand what Prof. Mitchell explained Alex? Check it now!

Fill the Details to Check Your Score

Prof. Mitchell continued, “An argumentative essay can adopt various approaches when dealing with opposing perspectives. It may offer a balanced presentation of both sides, providing equal weight to each, or it may advocate more strongly for one side while still acknowledging the existence of opposing views.” As Alex listened carefully to the Professor’s thoughts, his eyes fell on a page with examples of argumentative essay.

Example of an Argumentative Essay

Alex picked the book and read the example. It helped him to understand the concept. Furthermore, he could now connect better to the elements and steps of the essay which Prof. Mitchell had mentioned earlier. Aren’t you keen to know how an argumentative essay should be like? Here is an example of a well-crafted argumentative essay , which was read by Alex. After Alex finished reading the example, the professor turned the page and continued, “Check this page to know the importance of writing an argumentative essay in developing skills of an individual.”

Importance of an Argumentative Essay

After understanding the benefits, Alex was convinced by the ability of the argumentative essays in advocating one’s beliefs and favor the author’s position. Alex asked,

“How are argumentative essays different from the other types?”

Prof. Mitchell answered, “Argumentative essays differ from other types of essays primarily in their purpose, structure, and approach in presenting information. Unlike expository essays, argumentative essays persuade the reader to adopt a particular point of view or take a specific action on a controversial issue. Furthermore, they differ from descriptive essays by not focusing vividly on describing a topic. Also, they are less engaging through storytelling as compared to the narrative essays.

Alex said, “Given the direct and persuasive nature of argumentative essays, can you suggest some strategies to write an effective argumentative essay?

Turning the pages of the book, Prof. Mitchell replied, “Sure! You can check this infographic to get some tips for writing an argumentative essay.”

Effective Strategies to Write an Argumentative Essay

As days turned into weeks, Alex diligently worked on his essay. He researched, gathered evidence, and refined his thesis. It was a long and challenging journey, filled with countless drafts and revisions.

Finally, the day arrived when Alex submitted their essay. As he clicked the “Submit” button, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He realized that the argumentative essay, while challenging, had improved his critical thinking and transformed him into a more confident writer. Furthermore, Alex received feedback from his professor, a mix of praise and constructive criticism. It was a humbling experience, a reminder that every journey has its obstacles and opportunities for growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

An argumentative essay can be written as follows- 1. Choose a Topic 2. Research and Collect Evidences 3. Develop a Clear Thesis Statement 4. Outline Your Essay- Introduction, Body Paragraphs and Conclusion 5. Revise and Edit 6. Format and Cite Sources 7. Final Review

One must choose a clear, concise and specific statement as a claim. It must be debatable and establish your position. Avoid using ambiguous or unclear while making a claim. To strengthen your claim, address potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Additionally, use persuasive language and rhetoric to make your claim more compelling

Starting an argument essay effectively is crucial to engage your readers and establish the context for your argument. Here’s how you can start an argument essay are: 1. Begin With an Engaging Hook 2. Provide Background Information 3. Present Your Thesis Statement 4. Briefly Outline Your Main 5. Establish Your Credibility

The key features of an argumentative essay are: 1. Clear and Specific Thesis Statement 2. Credible Evidence 3. Counterarguments 4. Structured Body Paragraph 5. Logical Flow 6. Use of Persuasive Techniques 7. Formal Language

An argumentative essay typically consists of the following main parts or sections: 1. Introduction 2. Body Paragraphs 3. Counterargument and Rebuttal 4. Conclusion 5. References (if applicable)

The main purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a particular viewpoint or position on a controversial or debatable topic. In other words, the primary goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the audience that the author's argument or thesis statement is valid, logical, and well-supported by evidence and reasoning.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Learn the best strategies and tips on how to write an effective and persuasive debate essay for your academic success.

When it comes to expressing opinions, engaging in a debate can be an effective way to communicate and support your stance on a particular issue. A debate essay, or argumentative essay, allows you to showcase your critical thinking skills and present a well-reasoned argument. This type of essay requires careful planning and organization to effectively persuade your audience. By following a step-by-step approach, you can develop a strong debate essay that presents your point of view clearly and convincingly.

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to understand the purpose of a debate essay. The goal is not only to express your own opinion but also to address counterarguments and anticipate potential objections. Your aim is to convince your audience to understand and accept your perspective by presenting strong evidence and logical reasoning. To achieve this, you need to research and gather relevant information on the topic, evaluate different viewpoints, and outline a clear structure for your essay.

One of the key components of a successful debate essay is a strong thesis statement. This statement presents the main argument or claim that you will be defending throughout your essay. It should be clear, concise, and impactful. Your thesis statement should express your position on the topic and provide a preview of the main points you will be discussing. A well-crafted thesis statement sets the tone for your essay and helps guide your writing process, ensuring that every point you make supports and strengthens your overall argument.

Understand the topic and choose a side

Before diving into the debate essay writing process, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the topic at hand and carefully consider which side you will argue for. This step is essential as it sets the foundation for a well-reasoned and persuasive argument.

Take the time to read and research extensively on the topic to gain a comprehensive understanding of its different aspects and perspectives. Look for reliable sources such as books, scholarly articles, and reputable websites to gather information and insights. By doing so, you will be able to familiarize yourself with various arguments, counterarguments, and evidence presented by experts in the field.

Once you have gained a deep understanding of the topic, it is time to choose a side. Consider the different arguments presented by both sides and evaluate which one aligns with your own beliefs, values, and knowledge. Think about the strengths and weaknesses of each argument, as well as the evidence supporting them. Reflect on your own experiences and personal views to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing a side does not necessarily mean that you have to agree with it wholeheartedly. It simply means that you will be presenting and defending that particular perspective in your debate essay. Keep in mind that choosing a side does not imply being closed-minded or dismissive of the opposing viewpoint. A well-rounded debate essay will acknowledge and address counterarguments, showing a balanced and thoughtful approach to the topic.

Once you understand the topic and have chosen a side, you can move on to the next step of the debate essay writing process: gathering evidence and constructing a persuasive argument.

Research and gather supporting evidence

In order to write a strong and convincing debate essay, it is essential to conduct thorough research and gather relevant supporting evidence. Research serves as the foundation for an effective argument, providing credible information that strengthens your position and persuades your audience.

When conducting research, it is important to explore multiple sources to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topic. This can include peer-reviewed articles, academic journals, books, and reputable websites. By utilizing a variety of sources, you can gain different perspectives and enhance the credibility of your argument.

During the research process, it is crucial to critically analyze the information you gather. This involves evaluating the credibility and reliability of your sources. Look for evidence that is backed by reputable experts, institutions, or organizations. Additionally, consider the timeliness of the information to ensure that you are presenting the most current and relevant data.

As you gather evidence, it is also important to keep track of your sources. This will allow you to properly cite and reference your information in your debate essay. Utilize a citation style guide, such as APA or MLA, to ensure consistency and accuracy in your citations.

When selecting evidence to support your argument, consider the strengths and weaknesses of each piece of information. Choose evidence that is logical, well-reasoned, and directly relevant to your argument. Avoid using biased or unreliable sources that may weaken your position.

In conclusion, research and gathering supporting evidence is a critical step in writing a debate essay. Thorough research and careful evaluation of sources will strengthen your argument and enhance your credibility. By selecting well-reasoned and relevant evidence, you can effectively persuade your audience and present a compelling debate essay.

Organize your arguments

When writing a debate essay, it is crucial to organize your arguments in a clear and logical manner. By doing so, you will be able to effectively present your ideas and support your stance on the given topic. Organizing your arguments not only helps you convey your message more effectively, but it also makes it easier for your readers to comprehend and follow your line of thinking.

One way to organize your arguments is to group them based on similarities or themes. This can be done by identifying common elements or ideas among your arguments and grouping them together. For example, if you are arguing in favor of stricter gun control laws, you might have separate arguments related to reducing gun violence, preventing accidental shootings, and deterring criminals. By grouping these arguments together, you can present a more cohesive and convincing case.

Another way to organize your arguments is by presenting them in a logical order. This can be done by arranging your arguments from the strongest to the weakest or from the most general to the most specific. By structuring your arguments in this way, you can build a strong foundation and gradually persuade your readers as they progress through your essay. Additionally, presenting your arguments in a logical order makes it easier for your readers to follow your reasoning and understand the progression of your ideas.

Furthermore, it is important to provide evidence and examples to support your arguments. This can be done by incorporating research findings, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples into your essay. By including evidence, you not only strengthen your arguments but also make them more persuasive and credible. However, it is crucial to ensure that the evidence you present is reliable and relevant to your topic. Additionally, you should clearly explain how the evidence supports your arguments so that your readers can understand the connection.

In conclusion, organizing your arguments is a crucial step in writing a debate essay. By grouping your arguments based on similarities or themes, presenting them in a logical order, and providing evidence to support them, you can effectively convey your ideas and persuade your readers. Remember to stay focused on your main point and to present your arguments in a clear and concise manner. With proper organization, your debate essay will be more impactful and convincing.

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Argumentative Essays

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What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

• A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

• Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

• Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

• Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

• A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

So much is at stake in writing a conclusion. This is, after all, your last chance to persuade your readers to your point of view, to impress yourself upon them as a writer and thinker. And the impression you create in your conclusion will shape the impression that stays with your readers after they've finished the essay.

The end of an essay should therefore convey a sense of completeness and closure as well as a sense of the lingering possibilities of the topic, its larger meaning, its implications: the final paragraph should close the discussion without closing it off.

To establish a sense of closure, you might do one or more of the following:

• Conclude by linking the last paragraph to the first, perhaps by reiterating a word or phrase you used at the beginning.
• Conclude with a sentence composed mainly of one-syllable words. Simple language can help create an effect of understated drama.
• Conclude with a sentence that's compound or parallel in structure; such sentences can establish a sense of balance or order that may feel just right at the end of a complex discussion.

To close the discussion without closing it off, you might do one or more of the following:

• Conclude with a quotation from or reference to a primary or secondary source, one that amplifies your main point or puts it in a different perspective. A quotation from, say, the novel or poem you're writing about can add texture and specificity to your discussion; a critic or scholar can help confirm or complicate your final point. For example, you might conclude an essay on the idea of home in James Joyce's short story collection,  Dubliners , with information about Joyce's own complex feelings towards Dublin, his home. Or you might end with a biographer's statement about Joyce's attitude toward Dublin, which could illuminate his characters' responses to the city. Just be cautious, especially about using secondary material: make sure that you get the last word.
• Conclude by setting your discussion into a different, perhaps larger, context. For example, you might end an essay on nineteenth-century muckraking journalism by linking it to a current news magazine program like  60 Minutes .
• Conclude by redefining one of the key terms of your argument. For example, an essay on Marx's treatment of the conflict between wage labor and capital might begin with Marx's claim that the "capitalist economy is . . . a gigantic enterprise of dehumanization "; the essay might end by suggesting that Marxist analysis is itself dehumanizing because it construes everything in economic -- rather than moral or ethical-- terms.
• Conclude by considering the implications of your argument (or analysis or discussion). What does your argument imply, or involve, or suggest? For example, an essay on the novel  Ambiguous Adventure , by the Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, might open with the idea that the protagonist's development suggests Kane's belief in the need to integrate Western materialism and Sufi spirituality in modern Senegal. The conclusion might make the new but related point that the novel on the whole suggests that such an integration is (or isn't) possible.

Finally, some advice on how not to end an essay:

• Don't simply summarize your essay. A brief summary of your argument may be useful, especially if your essay is long--more than ten pages or so. But shorter essays tend not to require a restatement of your main ideas.
• Avoid phrases like "in conclusion," "to conclude," "in summary," and "to sum up." These phrases can be useful--even welcome--in oral presentations. But readers can see, by the tell-tale compression of the pages, when an essay is about to end. You'll irritate your audience if you belabor the obvious.
• Resist the urge to apologize. If you've immersed yourself in your subject, you now know a good deal more about it than you can possibly include in a five- or ten- or 20-page essay. As a result, by the time you've finished writing, you may be having some doubts about what you've produced. (And if you haven't immersed yourself in your subject, you may be feeling even more doubtful about your essay as you approach the conclusion.) Repress those doubts. Don't undercut your authority by saying things like, "this is just one approach to the subject; there may be other, better approaches. . ."

Copyright 1998, Pat Bellanca, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

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How to Structure a Debate Essay in 5 Easy Steps

Table of Contents

Learning how to structure a debate essay is a fundamental skill for anyone who wishes to be successful in their academic careers.

The student can learn about the subject of debate and its different points of view by doing a lot of research. This enables the student choose a point of view and back it up with evidence.

Empirical research, in which the student gathers data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments, is often required for argumentative tasks.

This article advises on the 5-step technique to structure a debate essay. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Debate Essay?

Debate essays are the same as argumentative essays. An argumentative essay is a scientific paper that presents, argues, and defends a particular point of view supported by evidence, facts, and examples.

These essays are written to persuade others that your point of view is worth sharing. Students must use a first-person perspective to produce an excellent debate essay.

Regardless of the depth or breadth of their study, argumentative essays are obligated to develop a strong thesis and adhere to logical reasoning.

5 Steps to Structure a Debate Essay

Structuring a debate essay can be the most challenging task for students due to the difficulties of making an argument.

Knowing where to start your essay will give you confidence and assurance that you can successfully map out your essay . These are the structures upon which a debate essay rests.

1. Specific Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is well-stated, specific, and located in the essay’s first paragraph.

Students should provide background information by reviewing the issue broadly in the introductory paragraph of an argument essay.

The next step is for the writer to establish the necessity of or interest in the topic (exigence). This thesis statement needs to focus on the right way to meet the assignment’s requirements.

It will be challenging for students to write a compelling essay if they do not comprehend this section.

2. Proper Transitioning

There should be smooth progressions between the paper’s introduction, main body, and conclusion.

In an essay, transitions serve as the cement between paragraphs. Without a consistent line of reasoning, the reader will become confused, and the essay will fall apart.

A good transition should summarize the prior section’s ideas and set the stage for the new ideas in the subsequent section.

4. Provide Proof to Back Your Thesis

Your proof can be factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal. The information obtained to support your thesis statement in an argumentative essay must be current, accurate, and comprehensive.

The thesis statement needs to be backed up by evidence, be it factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal. However, students should think about more than one perspective when gathering evidence.

An effective and well-rounded argumentative essay will also cover the thesis’s counterarguments.

Dismissing data that might disprove a thesis is immoral. It isn’t the student’s responsibility to demonstrate why opposing viewpoints are incorrect. However, they should explain why contrary viewpoints may lack updated information.

3. Provide Evidence-Based Paragraphs

Start by discussing a broad notion in each paragraph. This will help the essay stay focused and organized throughout. In addition, the clarity that results from brevity will be appreciated by the reader.

Each paragraph of the essay’s body should flow from and support the thesis statement introduced in the essay’s introduction.

Your thesis statement should be backed up by research in some paragraphs, which should be appropriately labeled. It should also detail why and how the evidence backs up the premise.

Arguing an issue requires thinking and explaining the other side of the argument. Students writing debate essays should devote one or two paragraphs to addressing opposing viewpoints, depending on the length of the assignment.

Students do not need to demonstrate why the contrary ideas are incorrect. They should instead show how opinions that do not coincide with their thesis may be poorly informed or outdated.

5. Proper Conclusion

Give a summary that revisits the thesis in light of the evidence presented rather than merely restating it.

This is where some students may start to have trouble with the essay. This section of the essay will most strongly impact the reader’s thoughts. It needs to do its job and make sense.

Avoid introducing new material in the conclusion and focus on synthesizing what you’ve discussed in the essay’s main body.

Justify the topic’s relevance, recap its essential ideas, and restate your thesis. Depending on the paper’s length, you should discuss some follow-up research that makes sense in light of your findings.

Final Words

One must know how to structure a debate essay before writing it. It is vital to have proper transitions and essential points. Remember to be persuasive in your approach.

This means showing convincing arguments rather than arguing with the opposition. A well-structured debate essay needs to be able to shift the reader’s perspective and change it radically.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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17 Essay Conclusion Examples (Copy and Paste)

Essay conclusions are not just extra filler. They are important because they tie together your arguments, then give you the chance to forcefully drive your point home.

I created the 5 Cs conclusion method to help you write essay conclusions:

I’ve previously produced the video below on how to write a conclusion that goes over the above image.

The video follows the 5 C’s method ( you can read about it in this post ), which doesn’t perfectly match each of the below copy-and-paste conclusion examples, but the principles are similar, and can help you to write your own strong conclusion:

💡 New! Try this AI Prompt to Generate a Sample 5Cs Conclusion This is my essay: [INSERT ESSAY WITHOUT THE CONCLUSION]. I want you to write a conclusion for this essay. In the first sentence of the conclusion, return to a statement I made in the introduction. In the second sentence, reiterate the thesis statement I have used. In the third sentence, clarify how my final position is relevant to the Essay Question, which is [ESSAY QUESTION]. In the fourth sentence, explain who should be interested in my findings. In the fifth sentence, end by noting in one final, engaging sentence why this topic is of such importance.

Remember: The prompt can help you generate samples but you can’t submit AI text for assessment. Make sure you write your conclusion in your own words.

Essay Conclusion Examples

Below is a range of copy-and-paste essay conclusions with gaps for you to fill-in your topic and key arguments. Browse through for one you like (there are 17 for argumentative, expository, compare and contrast, and critical essays). Once you’ve found one you like, copy it and add-in the key points to make it your own.

1. Argumentative Essay Conclusions

The arguments presented in this essay demonstrate the significant importance of _____________. While there are some strong counterarguments, such as ____________, it remains clear that the benefits/merits of _____________ far outweigh the potential downsides. The evidence presented throughout the essay strongly support _____________. In the coming years, _____________ will be increasingly important. Therefore, continual advocacy for the position presented in this essay will be necessary, especially due to its significant implications for _____________.

Version 1 Filled-In

The arguments presented in this essay demonstrate the significant importance of fighting climate change. While there are some strong counterarguments, such as the claim that it is too late to stop catastrophic change, it remains clear that the merits of taking drastic action far outweigh the potential downsides. The evidence presented throughout the essay strongly support the claim that we can at least mitigate the worst effects. In the coming years, intergovernmental worldwide agreements will be increasingly important. Therefore, continual advocacy for the position presented in this essay will be necessary, especially due to its significant implications for humankind.

As this essay has shown, it is clear that the debate surrounding _____________ is multifaceted and highly complex. While there are strong arguments opposing the position that _____________, there remains overwhelming evidence to support the claim that _____________. A careful analysis of the empirical evidence suggests that _____________ not only leads to ____________, but it may also be a necessity for _____________. Moving forward, _____________ should be a priority for all stakeholders involved, as it promises a better future for _____________. The focus should now shift towards how best to integrate _____________ more effectively into society.

Version 2 Filled-In

As this essay has shown, it is clear that the debate surrounding climate change is multifaceted and highly complex. While there are strong arguments opposing the position that we should fight climate change, there remains overwhelming evidence to support the claim that action can mitigate the worst effects. A careful analysis of the empirical evidence suggests that strong action not only leads to better economic outcomes in the long term, but it may also be a necessity for preventing climate-related deaths. Moving forward, carbon emission mitigation should be a priority for all stakeholders involved, as it promises a better future for all. The focus should now shift towards how best to integrate smart climate policies more effectively into society.

Based upon the preponderance of evidence, it is evident that _____________ holds the potential to significantly alter/improve _____________. The counterarguments, while noteworthy, fail to diminish the compelling case for _____________. Following an examination of both sides of the argument, it has become clear that _____________ presents the most effective solution/approach to _____________. Consequently, it is imperative that society acknowledge the value of _____________ for developing a better  _____________. Failing to address this topic could lead to negative outcomes, including _____________.

Version 3 Filled-In

Based upon the preponderance of evidence, it is evident that addressing climate change holds the potential to significantly improve the future of society. The counterarguments, while noteworthy, fail to diminish the compelling case for immediate climate action. Following an examination of both sides of the argument, it has become clear that widespread and urgent social action presents the most effective solution to this pressing problem. Consequently, it is imperative that society acknowledge the value of taking immediate action for developing a better environment for future generations. Failing to address this topic could lead to negative outcomes, including more extreme climate events and greater economic externalities.

See Also: Examples of Counterarguments

On the balance of evidence, there is an overwhelming case for _____________. While the counterarguments offer valid points that are worth examining, they do not outweigh or overcome the argument that _____________. An evaluation of both perspectives on this topic concludes that _____________ is the most sufficient option for  _____________. The implications of embracing _____________ do not only have immediate benefits, but they also pave the way for a more _____________. Therefore, the solution of _____________ should be actively pursued by _____________.

Version 4 Filled-In

On the balance of evidence, there is an overwhelming case for immediate tax-based action to mitigate the effects of climate change. While the counterarguments offer valid points that are worth examining, they do not outweigh or overcome the argument that action is urgently necessary. An evaluation of both perspectives on this topic concludes that taking societal-wide action is the most sufficient option for  achieving the best results. The implications of embracing a society-wide approach like a carbon tax do not only have immediate benefits, but they also pave the way for a more healthy future. Therefore, the solution of a carbon tax or equivalent policy should be actively pursued by governments.

2. Expository Essay Conclusions

Overall, it is evident that _____________ plays a crucial role in _____________. The analysis presented in this essay demonstrates the clear impact of _____________ on _____________. By understanding the key facts about _____________, practitioners/society are better equipped to navigate _____________. Moving forward, further exploration of _____________ will yield additional insights and information about _____________. As such, _____________ should remain a focal point for further discussions and studies on _____________.

Overall, it is evident that social media plays a crucial role in harming teenagers’ mental health. The analysis presented in this essay demonstrates the clear impact of social media on young people. By understanding the key facts about the ways social media cause young people to experience body dysmorphia, teachers and parents are better equipped to help young people navigate online spaces. Moving forward, further exploration of the ways social media cause harm will yield additional insights and information about how it can be more sufficiently regulated. As such, the effects of social media on youth should remain a focal point for further discussions and studies on youth mental health.

To conclude, this essay has explored the multi-faceted aspects of _____________. Through a careful examination of _____________, this essay has illuminated its significant influence on _____________. This understanding allows society to appreciate the idea that _____________. As research continues to emerge, the importance of _____________ will only continue to grow. Therefore, an understanding of _____________ is not merely desirable, but imperative for _____________.

To conclude, this essay has explored the multi-faceted aspects of globalization. Through a careful examination of globalization, this essay has illuminated its significant influence on the economy, cultures, and society. This understanding allows society to appreciate the idea that globalization has both positive and negative effects. As research continues to emerge, the importance of studying globalization will only continue to grow. Therefore, an understanding of globalization’s effects is not merely desirable, but imperative for judging whether it is good or bad.

Reflecting on the discussion, it is clear that _____________ serves a pivotal role in _____________. By delving into the intricacies of _____________, we have gained valuable insights into its impact and significance. This knowledge will undoubtedly serve as a guiding principle in _____________. Moving forward, it is paramount to remain open to further explorations and studies on _____________. In this way, our understanding and appreciation of _____________ can only deepen and expand.

Reflecting on the discussion, it is clear that mass media serves a pivotal role in shaping public opinion. By delving into the intricacies of mass media, we have gained valuable insights into its impact and significance. This knowledge will undoubtedly serve as a guiding principle in shaping the media landscape. Moving forward, it is paramount to remain open to further explorations and studies on how mass media impacts society. In this way, our understanding and appreciation of mass media’s impacts can only deepen and expand.

In conclusion, this essay has shed light on the importance of _____________ in the context of _____________. The evidence and analysis provided underscore the profound effect _____________ has on _____________. The knowledge gained from exploring _____________ will undoubtedly contribute to more informed and effective decisions in _____________. As we continue to progress, the significance of understanding _____________ will remain paramount. Hence, we should strive to deepen our knowledge of _____________ to better navigate and influence _____________.

In conclusion, this essay has shed light on the importance of bedside manner in the context of nursing. The evidence and analysis provided underscore the profound effect compassionate bedside manner has on patient outcome. The knowledge gained from exploring nurses’ bedside manner will undoubtedly contribute to more informed and effective decisions in nursing practice. As we continue to progress, the significance of understanding nurses’ bedside manner will remain paramount. Hence, we should strive to deepen our knowledge of this topic to better navigate and influence patient outcomes.

See More: How to Write an Expository Essay

3. Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion

While both _____________ and _____________ have similarities such as _____________, they also have some very important differences in areas like _____________. Through this comparative analysis, a broader understanding of _____________ and _____________ has been attained. The choice between the two will largely depend on _____________. For example, as highlighted in the essay, ____________. Despite their differences, both _____________ and _____________ have value in different situations.

While both macrosociology and microsociology have similarities such as their foci on how society is structured, they also have some very important differences in areas like their differing approaches to research methodologies. Through this comparative analysis, a broader understanding of macrosociology and microsociology has been attained. The choice between the two will largely depend on the researcher’s perspective on how society works. For example, as highlighted in the essay, microsociology is much more concerned with individuals’ experiences while macrosociology is more concerned with social structures. Despite their differences, both macrosociology and microsociology have value in different situations.

It is clear that _____________ and _____________, while seeming to be different, have shared characteristics in _____________. On the other hand, their contrasts in _____________ shed light on their unique features. The analysis provides a more nuanced comprehension of these subjects. In choosing between the two, consideration should be given to _____________. Despite their disparities, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of both when it comes to _____________.

It is clear that behaviorism and consructivism, while seeming to be different, have shared characteristics in their foci on knowledge acquisition over time. On the other hand, their contrasts in ideas about the role of experience in learning shed light on their unique features. The analysis provides a more nuanced comprehension of these subjects. In choosing between the two, consideration should be given to which approach works best in which situation. Despite their disparities, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of both when it comes to student education.

Reflecting on the points discussed, it’s evident that _____________ and _____________ share similarities such as _____________, while also demonstrating unique differences, particularly in _____________. The preference for one over the other would typically depend on factors such as _____________. Yet, regardless of their distinctions, both _____________ and _____________ play integral roles in their respective areas, significantly contributing to _____________.

Reflecting on the points discussed, it’s evident that red and orange share similarities such as the fact they are both ‘hot colors’, while also demonstrating unique differences, particularly in their social meaning (red meaning danger and orange warmth). The preference for one over the other would typically depend on factors such as personal taste. Yet, regardless of their distinctions, both red and orange play integral roles in their respective areas, significantly contributing to color theory.

Ultimately, the comparison and contrast of _____________ and _____________ have revealed intriguing similarities and notable differences. Differences such as _____________ give deeper insights into their unique and shared qualities. When it comes to choosing between them, _____________ will likely be a deciding factor. Despite these differences, it is important to remember that both _____________ and _____________ hold significant value within the context of _____________, and each contributes to _____________ in its own unique way.

Ultimately, the comparison and contrast of driving and flying have revealed intriguing similarities and notable differences. Differences such as their differing speed to destination give deeper insights into their unique and shared qualities. When it comes to choosing between them, urgency to arrive at the destination will likely be a deciding factor. Despite these differences, it is important to remember that both driving and flying hold significant value within the context of air transit, and each contributes to facilitating movement in its own unique way.

See Here for More Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

4. Critical Essay Conclusion

In conclusion, the analysis of _____________ has unveiled critical aspects related to _____________. While there are strengths in _____________, its limitations are equally telling. This critique provides a more informed perspective on _____________, revealing that there is much more beneath the surface. Moving forward, the understanding of _____________ should evolve, considering both its merits and flaws.

In conclusion, the analysis of flow theory has unveiled critical aspects related to motivation and focus. While there are strengths in achieving a flow state, its limitations are equally telling. This critique provides a more informed perspective on how humans achieve motivation, revealing that there is much more beneath the surface. Moving forward, the understanding of flow theory of motivation should evolve, considering both its merits and flaws.

To conclude, this critical examination of _____________ sheds light on its multi-dimensional nature. While _____________ presents notable advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. This in-depth critique offers a comprehensive understanding of _____________. Therefore, future engagements with _____________ should involve a balanced consideration of its strengths and weaknesses.

To conclude, this critical examination of postmodern art sheds light on its multi-dimensional nature. While postmodernism presents notable advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. This in-depth critique offers a comprehensive understanding of how it has contributed to the arts over the past 50 years. Therefore, future engagements with postmodern art should involve a balanced consideration of its strengths and weaknesses.

Upon reflection, the critique of _____________ uncovers profound insights into its underlying intricacies. Despite its positive aspects such as ________, it’s impossible to overlook its shortcomings. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of _____________, highlighting the necessity for a balanced approach in future interactions. Indeed, both the strengths and weaknesses of _____________ should be taken into account when considering ____________.

Upon reflection, the critique of marxism uncovers profound insights into its underlying intricacies. Despite its positive aspects such as its ability to critique exploitation of labor, it’s impossible to overlook its shortcomings. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of marxism’s harmful effects when used as an economic theory, highlighting the necessity for a balanced approach in future interactions. Indeed, both the strengths and weaknesses of marxism should be taken into account when considering the use of its ideas in real life.

Ultimately, this critique of _____________ offers a detailed look into its advantages and disadvantages. The strengths of _____________ such as __________ are significant, yet its limitations such as _________ are not insignificant. This balanced analysis not only offers a deeper understanding of _____________ but also underscores the importance of critical evaluation. Hence, it’s crucial that future discussions around _____________ continue to embrace this balanced approach.

Ultimately, this critique of artificial intelligence offers a detailed look into its advantages and disadvantages. The strengths of artificial intelligence, such as its ability to improve productivity are significant, yet its limitations such as the possibility of mass job losses are not insignificant. This balanced analysis not only offers a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence but also underscores the importance of critical evaluation. Hence, it’s crucial that future discussions around the regulation of artificial intelligence continue to embrace this balanced approach.

This article promised 17 essay conclusions, and this one you are reading now is the twenty-first. This last conclusion demonstrates that the very best essay conclusions are written uniquely, from scratch, in order to perfectly cater the conclusion to the topic. A good conclusion will tie together all the key points you made in your essay and forcefully drive home the importance or relevance of your argument, thesis statement, or simply your topic so the reader is left with one strong final point to ponder.

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Writing Academic Essays: Tips and Support: Argumentative Essay

• Informative Process Analysis
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Compare and Contrast Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Newspapers, Databases & Articles
• MLA Help, Grammar and Writing

What is an Argumentative Essay?

• Writing a Argumentative essay (video)

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• Counterarguments
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Argument Essay Assignment- Revised from LearningStudio assignment

Argumentative Essay.

Any time you try to persuade someone, you are doing argumentative writing - an argumentative essay can be cause and effect, persuasive, compare and contrast, etc. In an argumentative or persuasive essay, you i dentify something that you think is a problem, then propose a solution.

You discuss several possible solutions to it, and then argue that one solution is much better better than the others.  

  Steps:

·           Identifying the problem .  Early in your essay, you will need to identify the problem under consideration.  This will require describing, defining and/or limiting the problem for background support.  For example, if homelessness is the problem in the book, you may want to focus on homelessness in the U.S., or perhaps even more narrowly, on homelessness affecting U.S. children.  In this part of the essay, it may also be necessary to establish the problem, to argue that it really exists and that it's really a problem. Before discussing solutions, you may have to argue that the problem is both real and worthy of our attention.

·         Discussing possible solutions.  Once the problem has been identified, you will turn to a discussion of possible solutions to the problem.  You should discuss at least two or three alternative solutions, and each should be plausible (believable) and feasible (workable).  Far-fetched or oversimplified solutions are of no use in this essay.  

·         Arguing that one solution is better than others .  Your discussion of possible solutions will consist of examining the pros and cons of each and, by the end of the essay, it should be clear that one solution is better than all the others.  As in the position paper, it is vital that you not only assert your own arguments , but also present and respond to counterarguments.  Once you have asserted that this one solution is the best, the bulk of your paper will be including reasons why it is the best, again incorporating research into this section whenever possible. (See video)

·       Including Counterarguments, to address the opposing viewpoint that the thing you are calling a problem may not be a problem for others.  Due to the fact that all the solutions you discuss in the essay will be plausible and feasible, it is unlikely that you will be able to utterly and entirely refute all of them.  In fact, you may be tempted to suggest that all the solutions should be used at once.  Don't do this.  In order to pass this essay, your thesis must state that, even though all the solutions might be helpful, one solution is definitely better than the others.   However, this raises the question of what constitutes “better”?  There are a variety of criteria.  Perhaps one solution would solve the problem more thoroughly, more quickly, less expensively, or with less risk.  

Details: The essay should be approximately 500 words.  Please write about something you know about firsthand (meaning nothing that has to be researched by either you or me to be understood). Topics should come from your life and may be related to your job, family, or social situations.  Some off-the-top-of-my-head examples are how to get kids to do chores, how to lower the speed of cars through your neighborhood, getting children to nap, getting your college roommate to be neater, etc. Again, stick to topics you know. DO NOT USE OUTSIDE SOURCES FOR ANY REASON. Please also use MLA format, as your grade depends on it.  You must have a 25% or lower similarity score as usual; if not, you will be turned in as a violation of the Honor Code of Saint Leo University for plagiarism. Please ask me for help if you have questions. 

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 50 great argumentative essay topics for any assignment.

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At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
• Do GMOs help or harm people?
• Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
• Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
• Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
• Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
• Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

• Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
• Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
• Should sports be segregated by gender?
• Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
• Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
• Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
• Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
• Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
• Should religion be taught in schools?
• Should clergy be allowed to marry?
• Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
• Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
• Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

• Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
• Should Puerto Rico become a state?
• Should voter registration be automatic?
• Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
• Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
• Should sex work be legalized?
• Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
• Should the death penalty be legal?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should drug possession be decriminalized?

• Should unpaid internships be legal?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Should monopolies be allowed?
• Is universal basic income a good idea?
• Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
• Are school uniforms a good idea?
• Should PE affect a student’s grades?
• Should college be free?
• Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
• Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should books with objectionable words be banned?
• Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
• Is art education important?
• Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject. Otherwise, you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. You don't need to know everything, though; part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay , opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is the U.S. election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society ?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

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Paano Sumulat ng Mabuting Konklusyon (May mga Halimbawa) 

• Koponan ng Editoryal ng Smodin
• Nai-publish: Mayo 31, 2024
• Pangkalahatan

Ang mga mag-aaral ay madalas na gumugugol ng maraming oras sa paggawa ng mga pagpapakilala ng sanaysay habang iniiwan ang konklusyon bilang isang nahuling pag-iisip. Habang ang panimula ay isa sa pinakamahalagang aspeto ng isang sanaysay, ang isang mahusay na konklusyon ay maaaring magkaroon ng kasing dami ng epekto sa pagiging epektibo nito. Ang pag-alam kung paano magsulat ng isang mahusay na konklusyon ay mahalaga, dahil ito ay nakapaloob sa iyong mga pangunahing punto at nag-iiwan ng isang pangmatagalang impresyon sa mambabasa.

Ang isang mahusay na ginawang konklusyon ay dapat magsilbing panghuling pitch para sa iyong mga argumento. Ang iyong mambabasa ay dapat lumayo nang may malinaw na pag-unawa sa kung ano ang kanilang nabasa at kung paano ito nalalapat sa core ng iyong thesis. Gamit ang tamang diskarte, ang iyong konklusyon ay maaaring baguhin ang isang mahusay na sanaysay sa isang mahusay, ginagawa itong parehong hindi malilimutan at may epekto.

Gagabayan ka ng artikulong ito sa apat na simpleng hakbang ng pagsulat ng mga nakakahimok na konklusyon. Ang bawat hakbang ay idinisenyo upang tulungan kang palakasin ang iyong thesis at ipahayag ang iyong mga huling iniisip sa paraang makakatugon sa iyong guro o propesor. Sa kaunting pagsasanay, matututuhan mo kung paano idikit ang landing at bigyan ang bawat sanaysay ng finale na nararapat dito.

Ano ang Layunin ng Konklusyon na Talata?

Ang pag-unawa sa layunin ng konklusyon na talata ay mahalaga para sa mabisang pagsulat ng sanaysay. Ang konklusyon na talata ay dapat na higit pa sa isang buod ng iyong sanaysay. Dapat itong pagsamahin lahat iyong mga argumento at itali ang mga ito sa iyong thesis.

Tandaan, lahat ng mabuting pagsulat ay nagbibigay inspirasyon sa damdamin. Nasa iyo kung magbibigay-inspirasyon, pukawin, o makikipag-ugnayan, ngunit ang konklusyon ay dapat palaging mag-iwan ng pangmatagalang impresyon.

Kung may pagdududa, AI Chat ni Smodin Ang tool ay maaaring maging madaling gamitin para sa pagsukat ng emosyonal na epekto ng iyong konklusyon.

Sa pamamagitan ng pag-master ng sining ng pagsulat ng isang malakas na konklusyon, nilagyan mo ang iyong sarili ng mga tool upang matiyak na namumukod-tangi ang iyong mga sanaysay. Ito man ang una o huling sanaysay na iyong isinusulat para sa klase, pagkakataon mo na itong mag-iwan ng tiyak na marka sa iyong mambabasa.

Paano Sumulat ng Magandang Konklusyon

Tinitiyak ng diskarteng ito na ang iyong konklusyon ay nagdaragdag ng halaga at pinatitibay ang pagkakaugnay ng iyong mga argumento. Narito ang tatlong simple at epektibong kasanayan upang matulungan kang gumawa ng isang matatag na konklusyon.

Isinasauli muli ang Iyong Thesis

Ang pagbabalik ng iyong thesis sa konklusyon ay isang karaniwang kasanayan sa pagsulat ng sanaysay, at para sa magandang dahilan. Nakakatulong ito na bigyang-diin kung paano lumalim o nagbago ang iyong pang-unawa batay sa ebidensyang ibinigay mo.

Intindihin mo na lang yan a muling pagsasalaysay ng iyong orihinal na thesis ay hindi nangangahulugang kumpleto salita-sa-salitang ulitin. Dapat mong i-rephrase ang iyong orihinal na thesis upang maipaliwanag nito ang mga insight na nahawakan mo sa kabuuan ng sanaysay. Ang AI Rewriter ni Smodin ay maaaring makatulong na pinuhin ang iyong muling paglalahad upang matiyak na ito ay sariwa at may epekto.

Narito ang ilang mga tip upang epektibong maipahayag muli ang iyong thesis

• Ipakita ang pagiging kumplikado : Kung ang iyong sanaysay ay nagdagdag ng mga layer o nuances sa orihinal na pahayag, siguraduhing ipahayag iyon nang malinaw.
• Isama ang Mga Pangunahing Natuklasan : Isama ang mga pangunahing natuklasan ng iyong sanaysay upang palakasin kung paano nila sinuportahan o pinino ang iyong thesis.
• Panatilihin itong Sariwa : Muli, gusto mong iwasang ulitin ang parehong mga bagay nang dalawang beses. Gumamit ng iba't ibang mga salita na nagpapakita ng isang nuanced na pananaw.

Panghuli, laging tiyakin na ang muling isinaad na thesis ay magkakaugnay nang walang putol sa natitirang bahagi ng iyong sanaysay. Palaging subukang ipakita ang pagkakaugnay ng iyong pagsulat upang mabigyan ang mambabasa ng isang malakas na pakiramdam ng pagsasara.

Paggamit ng mga tool ng AI tulad ng Smodin's Outliner at Essay Writer masisigurong maayos ang daloy ng iyong pagsulat at madaling sundin.

Pagbibigay ng Epektibong Synthesis

Ang pagbibigay ng mabisang synthesis ay dapat magpahusay sa iyong orihinal na thesis. Ang lahat ng magagandang argumento ay dapat na umunlad at lumipat sa buong sanaysay. Sa halip na ibuod lamang ang mga natuklasang ito, dapat mong pagsamahin ang mga kritikal na pananaw at ebidensya upang magpakita ng mas malalim o mas nuanced na pag-unawa.

Gumuhit ng mga koneksyon sa pagitan ng mga pangunahing puntong tinalakay at ipakita kung paano sila sama-samang sumusuporta sa iyong thesis. Gayundin, pag-isipan ang mga implikasyon ng mga insight na ito para sa mas malawak na konteksto ng iyong paksa. At muli, laging gumamit ng sariwa at nakakaengganyong wika upang mapanatili ang interes ng mambabasa.

Ang huling bagay na gusto mo ay para sa iyong mambabasa na tingnan ang iyong sanaysay bilang isang koleksyon ng mga indibidwal na puntos. Ang isang mahusay na sanaysay ay dapat basahin bilang isang pinag-isang kabuuan, na ang lahat ng mga piraso ay natural na nagsasama-sama. Pinagtitibay mo ang kahalagahan ng iyong argumento kapag pinagsama mo ang lahat ng mga piraso sa iyong konklusyon.

Pagbibigay ng Mga Bagong Insight

Gayundin, isipin ang hakbang na ito bilang iyong pagkakataon na magmungkahi ng mga direksyon sa pananaliksik sa hinaharap batay sa iyong mga natuklasan. Ano ang susunod na maaaring pag-aralan ng isang mag-aaral o mananaliksik? Anong mga tanong na hindi pa nasasagot? Kung nagkakaproblema ka sa pagsagot sa mga tanong na ito, isaalang-alang ang paggamit Mga tool sa pananaliksik ni Smodin upang mapalawak ang iyong kaalaman sa paksa.

Hindi ibig sabihin na maaari kang mag-iwan ng bukas o hindi nasagot na mga tanong tungkol sa iyong sariling thesis. Sa kabaligtaran, ang iyong konklusyon ay dapat na matatag na maitatag ang bisa ng iyong argumento. Sabi nga, anumang malalim at insightful na pagsusuri ay natural na humahantong sa karagdagang paggalugad. Bigyan ng pansin ang mga potensyal na lugar na ito ng pagtatanong.

(Opsyonal) Bumuo ng Personal na Koneksyon sa Nagbabasa

Ang pagbuo ng isang koneksyon sa mambabasa sa konklusyon ay maaaring mag-personalize at palakasin ang epekto ng iyong sanaysay. Ang diskarteng ito ay maaaring maging makapangyarihan kung ipinatupad nang tama, na ginagawang mas relatable, pantao, at hindi malilimutan ang iyong pagsusulat.

Sabi nga, hindi hinihikayat ng slime academics ang paggamit ng "I" sa mga pormal na sanaysay. Laging pinakamahusay na linawin ang paninindigan ng iyong guro o propesor bago pagsusumite ng iyong huling draft.

Kung ito ay pinahihintulutan, isaalang-alang ang pagbabahagi ng maikling personal na pagmumuni-muni o anekdota na nauugnay sa mga pangunahing tema ng iyong sanaysay. Malaki ang maitutulong ng isang personal na ugnayan sa paggawa ng tao sa iyong mga argumento at paglikha ng koneksyon sa mambabasa.

Anuman ang iyong pipiliin, tandaan na ang iyong konklusyon ay dapat palaging umakma sa analytical na mga natuklasan ng iyong sanaysay. Huwag kailanman magsabi ng anumang bagay na nakakabawas sa iyong thesis o sa mga natuklasan na iyong ipinakita.

Mga Halimbawa ng Mabuting Konklusyon

Tuklasin natin ang ilang halimbawa upang ilarawan kung ano ang hitsura at tunog ng isang mahusay na ginawang konklusyon. Ang sumusunod ay dalawang hypothetical thesis essay mula sa larangan ng agham at panitikan.

• Paksa ng Thesis: Ang Epekto ng Pagbabago ng Klima sa Mga Coral Reef
• Panimula: “Ang mga coral reef ay nagsisilbing tagapag-alaga ng biodiversity ng karagatan. Ang mga underwater ecosystem na ito ay kabilang sa mga pinaka-masigla at mahalaga sa buong planeta. Gayunpaman, ang lumalalang epekto ng pagbabago ng klima ay nagdudulot ng matinding banta sa kanilang kalusugan at kaligtasan. Ang sanaysay na ito ay naglalayong i-dissect ang mga partikular na pagbabago sa kapaligiran na nag-aambag sa pagkasira ng coral habang nagmumungkahi ng mga hakbang para sa pagpapagaan."
• Paghihinuha: "Ang pagsisiyasat na ito sa epekto ng pagbabago ng klima sa mga coral reef ay nagsiwalat ng isang nakakagambalang pagbilis ng mga kaganapan sa pagpapaputi ng coral at isang makabuluhang pagbaba ng biodiversity ng reef. Ang mga natuklasan na ipinakita sa pag-aaral na ito ay nagtatag ng isang malinaw na ugnayan sa pagitan ng tumaas na temperatura ng dagat at pagkamatay ng coral reef. Ang pananaliksik sa hinaharap ay dapat tumuon sa mga mekanismo ng katatagan ng mga species ng coral na maaaring maka-impluwensya sa mga estratehiya sa konserbasyon. Ang kapalaran ng mga coral reef ay nakasalalay sa kagyat at puro aksyon ng sangkatauhan upang pigilan ang mga pandaigdigang emisyon at mapanatili ang mahahalagang ecosystem na ito para sa mga susunod na henerasyon."

Pansinin kung paano ang konklusyon ay hindi lamang muling isinasaad ang thesis. Sa halip, itinatampok nito ang tiyak na koneksyon sa pagitan ng pagbabago ng klima at kalusugan ng coral. Inuulit din nito ang pagkaapurahan ng isyu at nagpapalawak ng isang tawag ng aksyon para sa patuloy na interbensyon. Ang huling pangungusap ay direkta, sa punto, at nag-iiwan ng pangmatagalang impresyon sa mambabasa.

Kung nahihirapan ka sa iyong pangwakas na pangungusap (o anumang pangungusap, sa bagay na iyon), Smodin's Rewriter ay maaaring lumikha ng daan-daang iba't ibang mga pangungusap sa mga segundo. Pagkatapos, piliin ang mga pangungusap at parirala na pinakamatunog at gamitin ang mga ito upang makagawa ng isang nakakahimok na konklusyon.

• Paksa ng Thesis: Ang Ebolusyon ng American Dream sa 20th-Century American Literature
• Panimula: "Ang American Dream ay minsang tinukoy ng kasaganaan at tagumpay. Gayunpaman, sa buong ika-20 siglo, ang representasyon ng American Dream sa popular na panitikan ay sumailalim sa mga makabuluhang pagbabago. Ang mga representasyon bang ito ay nagpapahiwatig ng isang malawak na damdamin na natutulog sa gitna ng publikong Amerikano? O ang mga akdang ito ba ay bunga lamang ng mga dismayadong manunulat na tumutugon sa umuusbong na mga hamon ng panahon?”
• Paghihinuha: “Ang mga gawa nina F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, at Toni Morrison ay naglalarawan ng ebolusyon ng American Dream mula sa walang pigil na optimismo tungo sa isang mas kritikal na pagsusuri ng American etos. Sa buong modernista at post-modernistang panitikan, ang American Dream ay madalas na salungat sa mga pangunahing halaga ng Amerikano. Ang mga nobelang ito ay sumasalamin sa mas malawak na pagbabago sa lipunan na patuloy na humuhubog sa pambansang kamalayan. Ang karagdagang pananaliksik sa kontemporaryong panitikan ay maaaring magbigay ng higit na pananaw sa mga kumplikado ng konseptong ito.

Malalaman mo nang eksakto kung ano ang saklaw ng sanaysay na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa lamang ng panimula at konklusyon. Binubuod nito ang ebolusyon ng American Dream sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri sa mga gawa ng tatlong natatanging may-akda. Pagkatapos ay sinusuri nito ang mga gawang ito upang ipakita kung paano ipinapakita ng mga ito ang mas malawak na pagbabago sa lipunan. Ang konklusyon ay gumagana bilang parehong capstone at isang tulay upang itakda ang yugto para sa mga katanungan sa hinaharap.

Sumulat ng Mas Mabuting Konklusyon Kasama si Smodin

Laging tandaan ang elemento ng tao sa likod ng proseso ng pagmamarka kapag gumagawa ng iyong sanaysay. Ang iyong mga guro o propesor ay tao at malamang na gumugol ng hindi mabilang na oras sa pagrepaso ng mga sanaysay sa mga katulad na paksa. Ang proseso ng pagmamarka ay maaaring mahaba at kumpleto. Ang iyong konklusyon ay dapat na naglalayong gawing mas madali ang kanilang gawain, hindi mas mahirap.

Ang isang mahusay na ginawang konklusyon ay nagsisilbing huling piraso sa iyong argumento. Dapat nitong i-recap ang mga kritikal na insight na tinalakay sa itaas habang nagbibigay ng bagong liwanag sa paksa. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng mga makabagong elemento at insightful na mga obserbasyon, ang iyong konklusyon ay makakatulong sa iyong sanaysay na maging kakaiba sa karamihan.

Siguraduhin na ang iyong sanaysay ay nagtatapos sa isang mataas na tala upang i-maximize ang iyong mga pagkakataong makakuha ng mas mahusay na marka ngayon at sa hinaharap. Ang komprehensibong suite ng AI tool ng Smodin makakatulong sa iyo na mapahusay ang bawat aspeto ng iyong pagsulat ng sanaysay. Mula sa paunang pananaliksik hanggang sa pagbubuo, ang mga tool na ito ay maaaring i-streamline ang proseso at mapabuti ang kalidad ng iyong mga sanaysay.

The lights of Warsaw, Poland (foreground) and Copenhagen, Denmark (top) from the International Space Station. Courtesy Thomas Pesquet/ESA

To take care of the Earth, humans must recognise that we are both a part of the animal kingdom and its dominant power

by Hugh Desmond   + BIO

For aeons, life has fundamentally reorganised Earth. This process began roughly 2 billion years ago, when a tiny form of microbial algae, cyanobacteria, chanced on a way to live off sunlight and became so numerous that its toxic waste products caused a mass extinction. The survivors were forced to adapt to a gas that we now call ‘oxygen’. Today, one species that descended from those survivors, Homo sapiens, may be causing another mass extinction by expropriating massive amounts of Earth’s biological resources. In our short time on this planet, we have transformed plants, animals and vast tracts of habitable land. Our waste products have taken on a geological scale. Like tiny oxygen-producing microbes more than 2 billion years ago, life is once again fundamentally reorganising Earth.

However, unlike our unicellular ancestors, we are ethically conflicted about our looming fate. How much more should we grow as a species? Do we have an obligation to leave future generations with a biosphere that is as rich and diverse as the one we inherited? How should we distribute the associated costs between poor and rich nations, between producers and consumers, and between institutions and individuals? These are important, pressing issues. Beneath many of these questions lies a more fundamental ethical quandary: what should we do about our ability to so easily dominate other species and the environment? It is a problem that has become urgent. Should we disavow our dominance and attempt to minimise it? Or should we embrace our powers to alter Earth and its inhabitants?

Perhaps we shouldn’t do either.

O nce upon a time, when human dominance was still relatively new, humanity rushed to embrace it. In the first book of Genesis, God says:

Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

This early narrative of our superiority is a declaration: humans have the capabilities to control other species, and this is natural and good.

In representing humans as distinct creations, with their place in nature partially defined by their hunting or control of other animals, the Hebrew creation myth is not entirely different from many other creation myths across the world. For the Iroquoian-speaking Seneca peoples of North America, the Sky Woman taught a young boy how to hunt; for the Yao, from the Bantu peoples of Malawi and Mozambique, the Chameleon (under instruction from the creator god Mulungu) allowed humans to learn to make fire and hunt. One can imagine why these stories took hold. For our Bronze Age relatives more than 3,500 years ago, the dangers posed by nonhuman species were real and acutely felt. In those times, achieving some degree of dominance over nonhuman nature was seen as a gift. Today, hunting, gathering and farming have become industrial operations. Once so crucial to our way of life on Earth, they no longer collectively define us. But it is not only our ways of life that have radically shifted.

Today, it is impossible to believe we are privileged creatures literally created by divine powers or spiritual forces. We know too much. As the theory of evolution tells us: go back far enough, and our ancestors were not ‘human’ but merely human- like . In fact, many of the traits we once thought made us unique have shown up in other species. Other animals can problem-solve creatively, communicate using symbolic language, become indignant when treated unfairly, and mourn the dead. These evolutionary discoveries have profound implications for the stories our species tells itself. Instead of being divine creations, we are part of a sprawling family of life, replete with family resemblances. This narrative implies that, rather than dominating other species, we should care for them like family members.

The egalitarian narrative selectively frames the scientific facts and skirts difficult moral questions

And so, the story of moral superiority in Genesis gives way to a different moral tale from science. This is an egalitarian narrative teaching us that humans are just another species, with a duty to fight our tendency to dominate Earth and its inhabitants. The narrative goes something like this:

Human beings are a part of the animal kingdom, not apart from it. The separation of ‘us’ from ‘them’ creates a false picture and is responsible for much suffering. It is part of the in-group/out-group mentality that leads to human oppression of the weak by the strong as in ethnic, religious, political, and social conflicts. Let us open our hearts to two-way relationships with other animals, each giving and receiving. This brings pure and uncomplicated joy.

The behavioural scientists Marc Bekoff and Jane Goodall wrote that in 1999, in Why Dogs Hump and Bees Get Depressed . But just as the Genesis story travelled far and wide, the egalitarian narrative has spread far beyond the realms of science. It inspires the names of animal rights organisations (eg, Animal Equality) and their mission statements (‘PETA opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview’). It drives legislation, which has moved towards ever-increasing protection of nonhumans from humans. And it induces a general moral ethos of guilt about humans acting against other species, whether that concerns the shame of eating meat or air travel (what the Swedish call flygskam or ‘flight shame’).

The egalitarian narrative has become the definitive narrative for our times in the Anthropocene. It seems to tick the boxes of being secular, science-based and morally responsible. However, when we look closer, the narrative selectively frames the scientific facts and skirts difficult moral questions. Its blind spot lies in representing human dominance as an optional trait we can suppress, as long as we are moral enough.

To move forward, we must find a way to come clean with our dominance, while also caring for other species. This may seem like a tall order, but backgrounding it, as the egalitarian narrative currently does, has done little to positively inspire widespread behaviour changes.

H ow effective has the egalitarian narrative really been at changing our behaviour? In Animal Liberation (1975), Peter Singer laments that ‘most human beings are speciesists’ partially because of their enthusiastic carnivory. In the late 20th century, as the animal liberation movement grew, a rejection of meat-eating became one of the ethical priorities of the egalitarian narrative. How have our habits fared since the views of Singer and other egalitarian thinkers began spreading?

The truth is that the animal liberation movement has not moved the needle much, if at all. Humans continue to eat meat on a massive scale, even in countries where inhabitants are wealthy and comfortable enough to have satisfactory substitutes for meat. People in the United States, Australia and Argentina are big meat-eaters, consuming more than 100 kg per person per year, and these numbers are roughly as big today as they were in 1970 . In Europe, the average person eats around 70 kg of meat per year, which is a slight increase from 1970. No matter how one calculates average meat consumption in developed countries, there is simply no evidence of a decrease. There is no evidence even of a downward trend.

Should we be more patient, and persist in educating the public about animal egalitarianism? Some studies suggest reasons for optimism: meat consumption in student cafeterias drops by about a quarter after students follow a course on animal ethics. However, if one looks more closely at those studies, the ethics courses did not eliminate meat consumption. They only reduced it during the semester, with unknown impact on longer-term eating habits. Did the courses persuade the students of the realities of animal suffering, or simply reduce their consumption through ‘meat-shaming’?

Consider another area of systematic animal suffering: scientific research. In the 1980s, organisations such as PETA cast light on some disturbing scientific practices, such as severing the spinal nerves of macaque monkeys, who were then allowed to chew on their own limbs (since they could feel no pain). Regulations are much stricter now, and credit is due both to animal rights organisations and the egalitarian narrative. But how fundamentally have we changed our use of laboratory animals?

We might believe in ‘two-way relationships with other animals’, but only when we deem it feasible

In 2005 , an estimated 115 million animals were used worldwide for scientific research. Ten years later, that number was suspected to have risen by two-thirds, to an estimated 192 million animals. Even in countries with the strictest animal welfare legislation, use of animals was up 5 per cent over the same period. Methods of killing and using laboratory animals are more humane today, but we still kill and use animals as never before.

Should we ban animal testing? The problem is that ‘model organisms’ – zebrafish, chicken, sheep, pigs and nonhuman primates – remain methodologically necessary. As uncomfortable as it is to admit, experiments on some of these organisms, particularly primates, apparently allow ‘unparalleled insight’ for researchers. For some interventions, like the development of a new moisturising cream, a ban would be relatively inconsequential. But what about a new chemotherapy? Or a new surgical technique? If we were to ban animal testing, one of two things would need to happen. Either we would have to test new medical interventions directly on humans, and periodically cause a handful of human deaths, or we would have to abandon risky new medical interventions altogether, risking the possibility of even more human deaths.

Neither is desirable. In fact, medical researchers who have carried out risky interventions on humans without prior testing on animals can be criminally prosecuted (and some have already received prison sentences ). And so, we choose to continue animal testing on a massive scale. We might believe in what Bekoff and Goodall described as ‘two-way relationships with other animals’, but only when we deem it feasible.

It is important not to generalise too much here: people differ greatly on how much they will go out of their way to minimise animal suffering. A growing minority avoids eating meat, and concerned scientists continually search for new substitutes for living organisms, such as digital or organoid models. However, we all draw a line somewhere. When push comes to shove, and reality brutally forces us to choose between nonhuman and human lives – or even between nonhuman lives and small improvements in human health – we tend choose the latter, time and again.

Meat consumption and animal testing illustrate the ways that our dominance is pervasive, inescapable. It is so complete that, like the air we breathe, we may not be aware of it. The choices our urbanised environments normalise presuppose dominance. Those of us who eat meat buy it from supermarkets in forms that have no visual resemblance to the animals it came from. It doesn’t ‘feel like’ we’re killing an animal, but that’s only because specialised humans do the killing for us. We also expect our food and clothing to be reasonably priced, not realising that maintaining cheap prices depends on the industrial appropriation of landscapes that would have otherwise supported diverse ecosystems. When we buy medicines, we fully expect them to be safe for human use, failing to acknowledge (or realise) the many animals that needed to die to ensure that safety. And the list goes on: we expect to inhabit spacious and warm homes, get to work by train or car, and generally have the services of schools, hospitals and restaurants close by. Many of the standards of living we take for granted today – even those we might see as basic rights – presuppose our ecological domination of Earth. We don’t realise that this, too, is space that has been appropriated by one species to the detriment of others.

Our behaviour falls woefully short of the ideals of the egalitarian narrative. This alone may seem like cause for despondency and despair. However, the problems for this narrative go deeper. Indeed, our dominance has become entirely normalised – it’s invisible. It is also inevitable. There is no way we can even avoid exhibiting dominance.

I n any two-way relationship with other animals, we are vastly more powerful. We are the ones who make decisions, and nonhuman animals are the ones who undergo our decisions. Though animals may inadvertently influence human culture, they don’t systematically set schemes in motion to control us. Consider breeding. There is no dog that gets up in the morning and dreams about controlling how humans reproduce to create a kinder, more dog-friendly human. Similarly, humans take ownership over animals as companions, not the other way around. Animals can befriend humans, but companion animals undergo the decisions of their human owners.

Antagonistic relations are even more asymmetrical: humans will sometimes attempt to exterminate an entire species they deem a ‘pest’. Individual humans can be killed by many other animals, from mosquitos to rhinos, but these species don’t set out to kill humans by engineering entire environments. Humans, however, will organise and take systematic measures to make an environment as inhospitable as possible to ‘pests’, whether that is a ‘weed’ growing in a garden or an undesired animal that has entered a farm or an ecosystem humans want to protect.

Compared with other animals, we have god-like powers. We are demiurges who can turn our desires into reality and mould other species to suit our purposes. Just think of our control over dogs. Across millennia, we sculpted the Eurasian wolf into thousands of anatomical varieties, each tailored to specific human needs. And today, we have the power to reshape the lives of millions of other animals, using gene-manipulation techniques like CRISPR. Our agency – our freedom of action, our capacity for choice and deliberation – is of a vastly higher degree.

Every environmentally conscious decision we make for animal wellbeing is paternalistic

We weren’t always like this. Our ancestors such as Homo erectus started out, around 2 million years ago, as marginal predators in East Africa. Over time, they managed to control fire, use rudimentary stone tools and migrate to new environments in Asia. These are extraordinary feats, but their inventiveness did not weigh particularly strongly in the struggle for survival. Being smart was still not a great ecological advantage over running fast, having sharp claws or a powerful bite.

Soon, the inventiveness of hominins began to snowball. The more our ancestors learned about how the world worked, and the better tools and know-how they developed, the more they flourished. As a result, populations grew, allowing more freedom for experimentation and reflection. We began engaging in sustained symbolic communication around 40,000 to 50,000 years ago; we figured out how to domesticate animals and grains around 10,000 years ago; and we learned how to harness fire to power machines about 250 years ago. The great trends in human history have been driven by new ways of exploiting the environment and turning these resources to ends of our choosing. There is no turning back.

Today, through environmental laws, nature reserves, sanctuaries and endangered-species lists, we have begun to deliberately curtail some of our domination of the environment. But even when attempting to protect animals from the detrimental effects of human dominance, we cannot help but exert our agency and dominance in other ways. Every environmentally conscious decision we make for animal wellbeing is paternalistic. Constructs such as nature reserves or endangered species lists are the result of human agency: humans deciding which nonhumans need protection and how they should be protected. We decide what is best for animals based on our ideas, not their ideas. We rule over other living creatures, sometimes benevolently, sometimes not so benevolently – this is one point where contemporary science would not judge the Bible entirely wrong.

It may be jarring to point to human dominance in this way. Pointing to what is always raises the question of what ought to be. Should we not hasten to add that our dominance is a bad thing?

W e rarely set out to dominate other animals for the sake of domination itself. Instead, our all-consuming concern is to improve human life: to treat diseases, fight poverty, raise our children as best we can, help our neighbours, and seek economic prosperity. Animal suffering is, unfortunately, a byproduct of our struggle to better our lives. Our flourishing has come at the expense of other species.

The core problem with the egalitarian narrative is that it imagines a world where there is no conflict of interest between humans and nonhumans. That world is nonexistent, at least for the foreseeable future. Space on this Earth is finite, and making room for our own cities and farms has meant displacing and destroying ecosystems. Energy must come from somewhere, and assuming we will never evolve the ability to photosynthesise, we will need to kill living organisms for our sustenance. And much biomedical knowledge can only be achieved by experimenting on living systems: sometimes we really do need to experiment on animals if we want to spare human test subjects from the worst risks. Yet the egalitarian narrative doesn’t acknowledge the reality of these tradeoffs. It creates the expectation that we can one day live in perfect equality with other species and avoid subordinating animal interests to human interests. The egalitarian narrative, focused on the idea that we are connected to all living creatures, often ignores the inevitability of conflicts and competing interests that arise. Often, the result of this perspective is guilt, shame and despondence.

The progress narrative illustrates why we continue to cling so dearly to the egalitarian narrative

Instead, we need a worldview that acknowledges that humans, for the foreseeable future, will always be the powerful party, deciding what needs to be done. We need a narrative that brings together two seemingly contradictory facts. The first is that we are part of the animal kingdom: our evolutionary ancestors were nonhumans; we care about other animals; we feel their pain; and we can feel a deep attachment to nature as our home, the place we came from, and where we belong. The second is that we are not just any part of the animal kingdom: we dominate other animals, in so many ways; we domesticate them, carry out tests on them, take them as companions or work animals; we clear out ecosystems for farmland or houses. So we care about animals in some ways, but we also compete with them in other ways.

The egalitarian narrative highlights the first fact, but papers over the second. It says that we are part of nature, but seeks to obscure how humans continue to dominate other species. Yet we should proceed carefully, because history – particularly the history of ‘progress’ during the 20th century – points to the dangers in highlighting the second fact but papering over the first. The progress narrative illustrates why we continue to cling so dearly to the egalitarian narrative, despite its shortcomings.

O nly a few generations ago, biologists and intellectuals of all colours adhered to the notion of progress . Society had to progress, and all the different ideologies – liberalism, communism, fascism – had different strategies for achieving this. Likewise, biologists looked at the history of life, and saw it as a slow onward march towards biological progress, with the human species at the apex of evolution.

It is hard to overemphasise how influential this ‘progress narrative’ was. In 1946, the first director general of UNESCO, Julian Huxley, wrote the following preparatory text :

There is one other general implication of the fact of evolutionary progress, which Unesco must take into account – the importance of quality as against quantity … [T]here are over a million separate species of plants and animals as against one in the human sector; but this single species Man is the only one in which evolution has produced the full flowering of mind and spirit.

Nowhere in Huxley’s reasoning does one find an explicit endorsement of animal cruelty. His reasoning was that an overarching theory of evolutionary progress would give a scientific basis to sound policy initiatives so as to ensure moral progress. Nonetheless, there is something unsettling in the way the interests of one species are simply, without further ado, posited as weightier than the interests of millions of others.

Nazi ideologues interpreted ‘breeding’ to mean the extermination of the ‘worst specimens’

Part of the backstory here is that Huxley was also a eugenicist. As a movement, eugenics was very much taken with ideas of biological or evolutionary progress. In the eugenicist vision, the main obstacle to progress was that the ‘best specimens’ of humanity were producing fewer offspring than the ‘worst specimens’, largely because of developments like modern medicine and the welfare state. This needed to be stopped to avoid catastrophic genetic consequences down the line. Hence, according to the eugenicist rationale, it was necessary to apply the same systematic breeding methods that humans had applied to other animals. In the UK, eugenics had a predominantly classist bent (the ‘best’ specimens tended to be upper-class men and women) and, in the US, a predominantly racist bent (the ‘best’ tended to be white).

Eugenicist logic was radicalised by Nazi ideologues, who interpreted ‘breeding’ to mean not just forcible sterilisation but the extermination of the ‘worst specimens’. This is where the progress narrative led us and, ever since, the perceived connotations of this perspective have been strongly anti-egalitarian. These perceptions are what underlies statements such as that of PETA: ‘Bigotry begins when categories such as race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or species are used to justify discrimination.’ In this view, opposition to animal cruelty and exploitation is just one part of the wider opposition to bigotry – in fact, PETA once ran an exhibition called Holocaust on Your Plate that compared the meat industry with the Holocaust.

Our attachment to the egalitarian narrative, then, is not just motivated by scientific considerations, it is also a reaction to the moral catastrophes of the 20th century. We cling to this narrative – despite the yawning gap with reality – because we fear where the alternative might lead us. Perhaps we should consider a different story, one about human success ?

B ased on metrics such as population size, geographic range and ecological dominance, our species is unique compared with other large-bodied animals. Scientists sometimes describe us as an ecological ‘success’. This is a very different way of narrating the science. It acknowledges human dominance, but in a morally positive way: we must have done something right to be where we are today. Our ‘success’ is a reason for pride. We can be proud of having grappled with environmental uncertainty and unpredictability, including drought and deadly diseases. We can be proud of building communities, caring for the next generation. We can be proud of our flourishing.

Microscopic water bears (tardigrades) or Argentine ants have found their niches across the globe, and are ‘successful’ in their own ways, but no other primates have chanced upon the combination of prosociality, culture and problem-solving that allowed us to spread far from our equatorial origins. We are an evolutionary ‘success story’.

However, success can sow the seeds for future failure. By exploiting ecosystems, we are simply hastening our downfall. Like Icarus, we fly too close to the sun; or perhaps we are more like Prometheus, and have stolen fire from the gods, who will punish us once they find out. As our populations grow, requiring more and more energy, we increasingly resemble an elephant in a porcelain shop, and need to tread ever more nimbly. Our ‘success’, in other words, cannot be a justification for unbridled exploitation.

It’s never the orangutan who decides how they should be best protected but human ecologists and conservationists

The success narrative offers a way of understanding our place on Earth in a different way. Humans are an offshoot of the family of life, but owe their success to that family and have a duty of care for that family. This is the kind of familial care that motivated the egalitarian view – the view that we are all animals, part of a wider evolutionary family. However, through the success narrative, the care for animals adopts a more explicitly paternalistic shape. We are not the equals of animals, nor should we pretend to be, but that does not at all imply a justification of rapacious exploitation. Instead, think of the asymmetrical relationship between a human adult and child. Think of the care and sacrifice that an adult brings to that relationship. We need a similar type of care for animals when our interests conflict with theirs.

In fact, we cannot avoid being paternalistic towards animals. If a tiger at the zoo needs a more varied environment, it’s never the tiger who will take the matter in hand and make the requisite purchases to ensure a high-quality habitat. The zookeeper will decide for the tiger. If an endangered orangutan needs protection, it is never the orangutan who decides how they should be best protected; it is human ecologists and conservationists. Animals can sometimes communicate their direct needs to us (food, danger, companionship) but, as a rule, they cannot share their fundamental interests, let alone enter into a political debate to shape collective decision-making. It must be humans who take the lead. This means that the moral weight lies in a duty to take this leadership seriously: we must observe and reason what contributes to the wellbeing of other animals, and make decisions that anticipate their needs.

In the 20th century, horrors were wrought on human society by forms of inegalitarian thinking that placed humans (and certain groups of humans, in particular) at the apex of progress. Since then, ethical and political thinking in the West has strongly shifted towards egalitarianism, including towards nonhuman animals, and talk of human superiority is eschewed as a first step towards justifying animal cruelty – or worse. Yet, many inegalitarian behaviours towards animals remain, inducing in many a mixture of guilt and despondence, which in turn does not inspire the majority with a positive message to change their behaviour.

At some collective tipping point, will we tire of pretending that humans and nonhumans are moral equals? Failing to acknowledge this reality sets unrealistic expectations and does not hold water: we dominate animals in so many ways, even when we try not to. When that tipping point will come is impossible to say. However, we need an ethically plausible alternative narrative before we ever give up on the egalitarian one, a narrative that is more honest about human dominance, and also gives guidance on our moral responsibilities towards other species. Thinking about humans as a successful species holds some promise, especially when success is combined with an egalitarian view of the family of life.

Humans are part of the animal kingdom, and we have also come to dominate that kingdom. Denying either reality will prevent us from ever taking full responsibility to care for it.

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Inquiry into the Ethnic Heritage of the Renowned Explorer: Christopher Columbus’ Italian Connection

This essay about Christopher Columbus explores the complexities of his ethnic heritage, particularly his Italian connection. It into the debates surrounding his origins, including speculation about possible Jewish ancestry. Through examining his impact on history and the legacy of his voyages, it highlights the ongoing fascination and controversy surrounding Columbus. Despite the ambiguity, his Italian roots remain a source of pride for many, underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of his identity and historical significance.

How it works

In the annals of history, few names evoke as much controversy, fascination, and debate as that of Christopher Columbus. Revered as a pioneering explorer by some and reviled as a harbinger of colonialism and oppression by others, Columbus occupies a complex and contentious place in the collective consciousness. Amidst the myriad discussions surrounding his legacy, one aspect often overlooked is his ethnic heritage and, in particular, his purported Italian connection.

The traditional narrative portrays Columbus as an intrepid Genoese mariner, fueled by a relentless desire to reach the fabled shores of Asia by sailing westward.

Born in the Republic of Genoa, now part of modern-day Italy, Columbus is celebrated in Italian-American communities as a symbol of pride and accomplishment. Yet, delving deeper into his origins reveals a tapestry of conjecture, ambiguity, and conjecture shrouding his ethnic identity.

Central to the inquiry into Columbus’ ethnic heritage is the question of his Italian lineage. While historical consensus affirms his Genoese origins, scholars and historians have long debated the precise nature of his ancestry. Some contend that Columbus hailed from humble beginnings, born to a family of wool weavers in the bustling port city of Genoa. Others suggest more illustrious lineage, tracing his roots to noble or even royal descent.

Adding to the intrigue is the persistent speculation surrounding Columbus’ possible Jewish heritage. Over the centuries, numerous theories have emerged linking Columbus to the Sephardic Jewish community expelled from Spain in 1492. Proponents of this hypothesis point to his purported use of Hebrew in personal correspondence and the presence of Jewish symbols in his navigational charts. While speculative, the notion of Columbus as a crypto-Jew offers a tantalizing glimpse into the complexities of his identity.

Equally contentious is the question of Columbus’ ethnic identity within the context of 15th-century Europe. At a time of shifting borders, rival city-states, and fluid allegiances, notions of nationality and ethnicity were far from fixed. While Columbus identified as Genoese, his travels and exploits transcended regional boundaries, aligning him more closely with the cosmopolitan ethos of Renaissance Europe than with any singular national identity.

Complicating matters further is the legacy of Columbus’ voyages and their impact on the indigenous peoples of the Americas. While celebrated in the Western world as a visionary explorer, Columbus’ arrival heralded centuries of colonization, exploitation, and cultural upheaval for the indigenous populations of the Americas. This complex legacy underscores the need for a nuanced examination of Columbus’ ethnic heritage and its implications for understanding his role in history.

Despite the ambiguity surrounding his origins, Columbus’ Italian connection remains a source of pride for many. From his purported birthplace in Genoa to the countless statues, monuments, and celebrations honoring his legacy, Columbus continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Italians and Italian-Americans alike. Yet, as our understanding of history evolves and new evidence comes to light, the true nature of Columbus’ ethnic heritage may remain forever shrouded in mystery.

In conclusion, the inquiry into the ethnic heritage of Christopher Columbus offers a compelling lens through which to explore the complexities of identity, ethnicity, and historical interpretation. From his purported Genoese roots to the tantalizing speculation surrounding his possible Jewish ancestry, Columbus’ origins continue to captivate the imagination and spark debate centuries after his death. As we grapple with the enduring legacy of Columbus and his impact on the world, a deeper understanding of his ethnic heritage may provide valuable insights into the man behind the myth.

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Inquiry into the Ethnic Heritage of the Renowned Explorer: Christopher Columbus' Italian Connection. (2024, Jun 01). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/inquiry-into-the-ethnic-heritage-of-the-renowned-explorer-christopher-columbus-italian-connection/

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Inquiry into the Ethnic Heritage of the Renowned Explorer: Christopher Columbus' Italian Connection . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/inquiry-into-the-ethnic-heritage-of-the-renowned-explorer-christopher-columbus-italian-connection/ [Accessed: 1 Jun. 2024]

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"Inquiry into the Ethnic Heritage of the Renowned Explorer: Christopher Columbus' Italian Connection," PapersOwl.com , 01-Jun-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/inquiry-into-the-ethnic-heritage-of-the-renowned-explorer-christopher-columbus-italian-connection/. [Accessed: 1-Jun-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Inquiry into the Ethnic Heritage of the Renowned Explorer: Christopher Columbus' Italian Connection . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/inquiry-into-the-ethnic-heritage-of-the-renowned-explorer-christopher-columbus-italian-connection/ [Accessed: 1-Jun-2024]

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