Write a Persuasive/Argumentative Essay:
Effective argumentative writing should be:
• Precise in both argument and use of terms.
• Grounded in relevant evidence.
• Use clear and concise prose.
First, you should investigate a topic. You should collect relevant evidence from the literature. You should take a position on the topic in a concise manner.
From your position you develop your argument which is announced in your thesis statement. Think of this as what you want the reader to do or believe after reading your essay. The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader.
You will support your argument through evidence. Evidence is the "because" of your argument. In essence, you are saying that you are making your claim/argument because of the sources you can point to. It is how you confirm the claim you are making. The evidence should come from the literature and be credible; evidence can also be data.
Use reasoning to bridge your evidence and your claim. If, for example, you claim that Teachers should not be allowed to carry handguns in schools; your evidence might be Handguns pose a safety risk to children; your reasoning might be Carrying a handgun should only be allowed in the presence of adults. You must back up your reasoning.
Since your thesis statement/argument is a debatable claim it is likely a counterargument exists. You can handle a counterargument one of three ways: agree; prove it wrong; compromise.