How to Write an Argumentative Thesis

Many people struggle with how to write an argumentative thesis. Many younger writers mistake “argumentative” for hostile or negative. An argumentative essay should include negative points, but it should not take a negative tone or attitude. Let the facts do the arguing.

Let’s back up a little. There are a few ways to approach an argumentative essay. You can argue for something. You can argue against something. Let’s say that you want to argue that cats should rule the world and humans should be required to live a cat-based life.

• You can argue for cats, describing how they can inspire humans to have good hygiene and maintain a stretching routine.
• You can argue against human self-governance, pointing to war, racism, genocide, sexism, rape, and torture, as examples of human inability to direct their own lives in a sane way.
• You can do both.

A common mistake for people just learning how to write an argumentative essay is to ignore the negatives of your chosen position. For example, do not ignore that cats sometimes scratch furniture or that the transition will be difficult. You want to address negatives and explain how to avoid them or cope with them. You could say that adequate exercise and scratching posts, along with positive reinforcement, prevent or minimize scratched furniture.

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