Argumentative Writing
Structuring your text
1. Clear opening: Immediately display which side of the argument you’re on. It’s
important to clearly explain what the argument is about and your stance on it.
2. Zoom out: Provide wider context about the topic. Here’s your chance to show
your research and give your essay additional detail through body paragraphs that
present your debate through differing sides of the argument, linked to how your
viewpoint is the best one to take. Inject your essay with passion an d enthusiasm,
and show you really do care about the topic and harness it to give your writing a
unique spark.
3. A strong conclusion: Summarise the strongest point from each side of the
argument and conclude as to why you feel your own perspective is best,
supported with evidence. End with confidence and finish your answer with a
powerful sentence related to your argument.
4. Linking paragraphs: Avoid using overused words and phrases like
‘furthermore’ for each paragraph and try not to list your arguments by us ing
‘Firstly... Secondly... Thirdly’. This makes your essay monotonous. Instead, vary
the start of your paragraphs by using linking words such as ‘Similarly,
Conversely,
The secret toolkit
While planning your answer, be sure to include the following features into your writing:

Anecdotes: A brief account or a story, this could even be personal. An anecdote
in an effective way to back up your viewpoint

Clusters of three: Three phrases or describing words to emphasize a point. This
can create an impressive effect of emphasis on presenting your perspective. Eg:
This made me feel upset, outraged, and disappointed.

Contrast/ Counter argument: Present two opposing views, but in a way that
subtly shows your viewpoint as the stronger view.

Emotive words and Imagery: Bring your essay to life and resonate with the
examiner by using words that are deliberately designed to make the reader have
strong positive or negative feelings by using positive emotive words such as
‘love’ and ‘happiness’, or negative emotive words like ‘illnesses, or ‘poverty’ to
illustrate your point. Additionally, imagery can create a mental picture or feeling
in the reader’s mind and help understand your perspective.

Personal pronouns: Address the reader directly by using personal pronouns
such as ‘you, ‘me’, or ‘I’. This can help the reader to connect with your essay
and keep them engaged.

Rhetorical questions: This is also an effective method to engage with the reader
by stating a question in a way that presents a point of view, that also help s break
the monotony of your essay.

Evidence: Support your viewpoint with specific statistics, facts or quotations
that can bring a level of authenticity and detailed research to your essay, allowing
you to convince the reader with the support of evidence.