Writing an Argumentative Essay

2nd Year Bac · Unit 10 · Writing

Learn to take a clear position and defend it with strong arguments — the final writing skill of the year.

What the exam asks

In an argumentative essay, you take a clear position — for or against an idea — and defend it with solid arguments. Unlike a pros and cons essay, you don’t present both sides equally: you argue for one side, while briefly acknowledging the other.

ماذا يطلب الامتحان؟
في المقال الحجاجي، تتخذ موقفًا واضحًا — مع أو ضد فكرة معينة — وتدافع عنه بحجج قوية. على عكس مقال الإيجابيات والسلبيات، لا تعرض الجانبين بالتساوي: تُجادل لصالح جانب واحد، مع الإشارة بإيجاز إلى الجانب الآخر.

The structure

Introduction — introduce the topic and clearly state your position.

Arguments — present 2–3 strong reasons supporting your view, each explained.

Counter-argument — briefly acknowledge the opposing view, then respond to it.

Conclusion — restate your position and summarise your strongest point.

Golden order

Introduction with clear position → arguments → counter-argument → conclusion.

1) The introduction

Useful openers

Nobody denies that…It is undeniable that…In my opinion…I strongly believe that…I am convinced that…

Example

Nobody denies that brain drain is a growing concern for developing countries. In my opinion, governments should do more to encourage skilled workers to stay.

2) Presenting your arguments

Useful phrases

First and foremost…Moreover…Furthermore…In addition…What’s more…

Example

First and foremost, losing skilled professionals weakens a country’s healthcare and education systems. Moreover, the money invested in training these individuals is lost when they leave permanently.

3) Addressing a counter-argument

A strong essay briefly acknowledges the other side before responding — this shows mature, balanced thinking.

Example

Some people might argue that emigration is a personal right, and everyone deserves the freedom to seek better opportunities. However, without proper incentives to keep talent at home, entire sectors can suffer.

💡 Good to know

Including a counter-argument doesn’t weaken your position — it shows the reader you’ve thought carefully about the issue, which makes your own argument more convincing.

4) The conclusion

Useful phrases

To conclude…All in all…For all these reasons…Taking everything into account…

Example

To conclude, governments must invest in better opportunities at home. For all these reasons, I firmly believe that reducing brain drain should be a national priority.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Watch out

❌ Presenting both sides equally, like a pros and cons essay → take a clear position and defend it.

❌ No counter-argument at all → a brief acknowledgment of the other view makes your essay stronger, not weaker.

❌ A weak, vague conclusion — always restate your position clearly and end with conviction.

✏️

Your turn — test your understanding

1. An argumentative essay defends ___.
2. What should the introduction include?
3. Which phrase introduces an ARGUMENT?
4. Which phrase introduces a COUNTER-ARGUMENT?
5. Choose the correct sentence.
6. Including a counter-argument makes your essay ___.
7. A good conclusion should ___.
8. Which phrase fits the conclusion?
9. What’s a common mistake in this essay type?
10. Choose the correct sentence.
11. “However” after a counter-argument is used to ___.
12. This essay type differs from a pros/cons essay because ___.

✏️ Writing challenge ✍️

Write an argumentative essay (about 12–15 sentences) taking a clear position on ONE of these topics:

Should governments do more to prevent brain drain?
Is studying abroad more beneficial than studying at home?
Should social media be restricted for teenagers?

Follow the structure: introduction with your position → arguments (2–3) → a counter-argument you respond to → conclusion.

Watch: How to Write an Argumentative Essay

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Writing an Argumentative Essay — 2 Bac