Essential Elements of an Argumentative Essay:

• Includes a strong, clear thesis statement/opinion statement that tells the reader right away what your claim is on the specific topic you chose to argue and why.
• Is written formally rather than informally (no slang, no contractions, professional tone throughout, third-person point of view, no emotive punctuation, etc.).
• Uses a straightforward organizational method (claim—evidence—conclusion) to present a well-constructed argument.
• Uses the three rhetorical appeals (logos, pathos, and ethos) to strengthen your argument.
• Has solid introduction, body, and conclusion paragraphs that connect with the thesis and utilize topic sentences to guide the reader through your main ideas and supporting details.
• Has strong supporting details that persuade your reader that the argument is valid or at least worth strongly considering. If appropriate, the conclusion may include a call-to-action for your readers.
• Purpose, tone, and audience are taken into consideration from beginning to end.

• Has appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another or from one point to another.
• Uses consistent third-person point of view throughout (no “I,” “we,” or “you” should be used).
• Uses consistent verb tense throughout.
• Applies basic rules of grammar, spelling, usage, capitalization, and punctuation.