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• CPA British Championship
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CIRCUIT POWERBOAT ASSOCIATION

Lowestoft & oulton broad motor boat racing club.

The inaugural motorboat race meeting was held during Oulton Broad Regatta Week on Thursday 20th August 1903 as part of the sailing programme organised by the The Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club, under the auspices of the Norfolk Automobile & Launch Club. This was the third race meeting to be held in East Anglia, the two previous having been held during the Wroxham Broad Regatta. Six motorised launches competed in the single heat handicap race which was won by the steam launch Monarch driven by Mr. T. Jary.

In the same time a proposed offshore race off Lowestoft was cancelled due to rough conditions, but it eventually took place the following year. In 1905 this event was moved inshore to Oulton Broad and organised by the British Motor Boat Club. This first meeting entirely devoted to motorboats was won by Mr. F. Shepherd in his 19ft launch Betty powered by a 20hp Brooke inboard who took home the W. Brooke & Co. Trophy.

All racing was terminated on the outbreak of WW1, and it was not until September 1929 that offshore racing was resumed at Lowestoft with the first running of the Daily Mirror Trophy, but due to rough conditions the event was postponed for several years.

The Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club was founded in 1933 by local dentist Charlie Nichols and organised its first race meeting in September of that year. The Mirror newspaper was again persuaded to sponsor the trophy with a £100 first prize, and it was transferred to Oulton Broad in 1936. The starting gun was fired 4000 miles away in the USA from outside his boathouse by world water speed record holder Gar Wood, the sound being transmitted by transatlantic telephone. The winner was George Treglown in his 250cc Johnson powered hydroplane Black Magic. The American Treglown family, who lived on the edge of the Broad, were prominent pre-war racers and members of the first British team to compete in overseas outboard events in Europe and the USA during the late 1930’s. Edward Treglown also organised speed record attempts on the New Cut at Haddiscoe, setting a national 350cc B class record of 37.07 mph. In 1937 the Club organised its first international race which attracted a 3-boat team from Germany for the Daily Mirror Trophy. For the 6pentrance fee a crowd of 10,000 saw a fantastic speed of 32.23 mph reached by the winner Geoff Holt, a member of the Lancashire Club, who beat 23 entrants heats driving the 350cc Johnson powered Jeep.

Around 1948 one of the best known craft of the local racing scene appeared on the Broad Toby Suttons Lycoming powered Whisso-Bang. Her fame spread far and wide attracting visitors en-masse to the park. Whisso was superseded by another spectacular inboard hydroplane Rooster. This fiery boat was probably one of the biggest influences of many drivers. Big, noisy and fast, it had everything to appeal to spectators.

The Club received a boost at this time when Guy Batholomew, a director of the Daily Mirror newspaper, became interested in the racing whilst on holiday in the area. Keen to revive racing after the war, he commissioned Alan Darby to build six identical single step hydroplanes powered by British Anzani 350cc engines. These craft were hired at £10 for the season to local businessmen during the early 1950s. The idea proved a tremendous success because the following year these drivers went out and bought their own outfits. The popularity of inboard racing continued into the 1960’s thanks to the Albatross Marine concern at St Olaves who produced a range of aluminium runabouts.

By 1970 inboard runabout racing had disappeared although the Albatross is still very popular with members of the Classic Motor Boat Club. The inboards were superseded by outboard runabouts which were easily to maintain with numerous craft being constructed by the Yarmouth based Toby Marine (of Rooster fame) and by Yarecraft at Gorleston, owned by Frank and Francis Holmes. The 1960s also saw the introduction of inboard hydro racing with Nigel Bilton dominating the 1000ccImp powered category, finishing runner-up in the World R1 Championship at Nottingham in 1981.

At this time the runabout class saw a major change of direction in hull design when the first catamaran appeared on the Broad, when Pat Atkinson from Yarmouth acquired Akamo from Austrian boat builder Dieter Schulze. He was later joined by Bob Spalding and Tom Percival who went on to gain international success as works drivers for the major engine manufacturers. Bob became the Club’s first World Champion when he won the Formula 1 series in 1980. A major milestone in the Clubs history occurred in 1985 with a visit by Her Majesty the Queen and H.R.H. Prince Philip, who watched a drive-past of racing boats.

The outboard hydroplane section was revitalised in 1980 when Rex King introduced the 350cc Yamato motor from Japan, a class later adopted by the UIM (the world governing body) for international competition. Having organised several ordinary international races over the years, the Club was finally awarded its first major U.I.M. titled meeting when it successfully organised the World OSY.400 Championship in 1998. Competitors from as far afield as China, U.S.A. and Estonia competed in a outstanding event, with the overall title going to Marian Jung from Slovakia. The Club organised as second World OSY.400 Championship in 2007 with local driver Sean Barnard taking the title in spectacular style.

Cumbria House, Broad Street Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2AB

[email protected]

01539 446832

©  2024 CIRCUIT POWERBOAT ASSOCIATION. Built using WordPress and the One Page Express theme .

Lowestoft & Oulton Broad Motor Boat Club

Affiliated to the british power boat association.

– Race Info –

Oulton broad is the oldest motorboat racing venue in the world and the only venue to hold weekly race meetings..

The Oulton Broad Club is one of the few which caters for Hydroplanes, Catamarans, Monohulls and Juniors. Each category will race over 3 heats, 6 laps for Hydroplanes, GT30 and GT15 (over the short circuit) and 9 laps for Catamarans.

HANDICAPPING

Due to the variety of boats and engines competing, most races are started on an individual computer calculated handicap basis. This allows for the smaller and possibly home built craft to compete with larger and more powerful outfits. It may be that the slower boats will be well into their second or third lap before the scratch boats enter the race. Theoretically the handicap should allow the entire field to cross the finish line a dead-heat – a rare occurrence! Some hydroplane events are calculated on a group handicap basis, with boats starting in batches according to their engine capacity.

RACE CONTROL

The racing is controlled from the Clubhouse where there is a large diameter clock facing up the Broad  which is synchronised with our new computer timing system. Two minutes prior to the start of the heat a siren will sound and a series of coloured lights are displayed from the start-line. Three numbered discs are also displayed, these are turned at minute intervals. The clock commences to revolve one minute prior to the start, and continues to turn until the entire field has started. Competitors starting before their allocated handicap time may be disqualified or penalised a lap. Points are awarded to all competitors who receive the chequered flag.

THE CIRCUIT

The 2-buoy course is 1069 meters in circumference. The Wherry Buoy near the Yacht Station requires considerable throttle easing whilst the Top Buoy can be taken at a slightly faster pace. A very high tide may necessitate a shorter circuit.

Club Merchandise Caravan

Starting Clock

Clubhouse & Pits

Oulton Broad Power Boats

Oulton Broad is the oldest motorboat racing circuit in the world and the only venue to hold weekly race meetings.

RACE CONTROL The racing is controlled from the Clubhouse where there is a large diameter clock facing up the Broad  which is synchronised with our new computer timing system. Two minutes prior to the start of the heat a siren will sound and a series of coloured lights are displayed from the start-line. Three numbered discs are also displayed, these are turned at minute intervals. The clock commences to revolve one minute prior to the start, and continues to turn until the entire field has started. Competitors starting before their allocated handicap time may be disqualified or penalised a lap. Points are awarded to all competitors who receive the chequered flag.

THE CIRCUIT The 2-buoy course is 1069 meters in circumference. The Wherry Buoy near the Yacht Station requires considerable throttle easing whilst the Top Buoy can be taken at a slightly faster pace. A very high tide may necessitate a shorter circuit.

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Oulton Broad Powerboat Racing

By HardleyDistant January 1, 2023 in Broads Chat

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Hardleydistant.

I’m just after some advice around watching the Powerboat Racing from our Hire Boat in July this year as despite being Broads veterans by now we have never watched the Racing before.

Is there a time cut-off for entering the Broad before the Racing starts?  There is no racing on the Thursday evening we are there but we are looking at the Sunday 12:00pm racing slot but we assume at some point navigation will be suspended and we would need to get to a pre booked mooring much earlier?

Any other advice on the best viewing spots would be appreciated - I believe there are Pubs that also have moorings in addition to the Yacht Station.

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BrundallNavy

You can still transit the broad but need to keep to the edge and follow the rescue boat directions. 

The weekend you have chosen is the world OSY championship and is held over two days, the start jetty will be adjacent to the park just in front of the yacht station which would be a good place to enjoy the racing.

if you moor in the Yacht station you can walk through the park  to the pits and have a close look at the boats. they are a very friendly bunch.

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Racing Programme - 2024

Saturday afternoon : April thru till end October. 2 races a day.

Saturdays from April 6 th  to October 26 th , excluding July 6 th  and August 24 th

14.21   FAST HANDICAP     (PY numbers below 1250)                 

14.24   MIXED KEELBOATS           (BOD and Squibs)

14.27   WAVENEY OD Barrie Reeve Memorial Trophy

14.30   SLOW HANDICAP   (PY numbers 1250 and above)

15.45   FAST HANDICAP     (PY numbers below 1250)

15.51   MIXED KEELBOATS Holley Trophy                  

15.54   SLOW HANDICAP   (PY numbers 1250 and above)            

Sunday morning : Throughout the year. 2 races a day.

Sundays from April 14 th  to October 20 th , excluding May 5th, 26 th , July 7 th , August 18 th , August 25 th  and September 8 th .

10.15   FAST HANDICAP       (PY numbers below 1250)

10.18   MIXED KEELBOATS  (BODs and Squibs)

10.21   WAVENEY OD Silburn Trophy

10.24   SLOW HANDICAP  (PY numbers 1250 and above)

11.39   FAST HANDICAP (PY numbers below 1250)               

11.45   MIXED KEELBOATS Saatje Trophy

11.48   SLOW HANDICAP  (PY numbers 1250 and above)

Wednesday evening : Early May thru to early Sept. 2 races in the evening. Racing will start at 6.30 pm, with the keelboats starting 3 minutes ahead of the dinghies - and both races (if held) for each fleet will count for points.  

May 1 st  to September 4 th , excluding August 21 st .

18.30   MIXED KEELS   2 nd  race to follow as requested   

18.33   DINGHIES     2 nd  race to follow as requested                                          

Novices and Juniors welcome!

Oulton Week : The big Club event with over 100 boats taking part. Typically, the last full week of August.

Notes for this year

Dinghy handicap racing.

For club racing on Saturdays and Sundays (not Oulton Week) the normal format will be Average Lap racing. Competitors are reminded to pass through the start/finish line gate on each lap.

Boats with PY handicap numbers below 1250 race in the Fast Handicap; those with PY handicap numbers of 1250 or above (e.g. Toppers, Mirrors, RS Teras, and Optimists) race in the Slow Handicap fleet.

Boats with PY handicap numbers between 1190 and 1249 may seek permission of the OOD to sail in the Slow Handicap fleet if they prefer shorter races.

Saturday racing:

Fast and Slow Handicap series on Saturdays will again be divided into 3 sections and the trophies will be awarded as follows:

April to end of May: Fast Handicap races for The Festival Trophy; Slow Handicap races for David Brooke Shield.

June to end August:  Fast Handicap trophy for the Summer Tankard; Slow Handicap races for Summer Cup.

September and October:  Fast Handicap races for The Bob Niblett Trophy; Slow Handicap races for The Waterfront Shield.

Both races each Saturday will count towards the relevant trophy.

Waveney and main Mixed Keel series will run from April to October as in previous years.

Mixed Keels (racing at same time as Waveney's) will be split into 3 series: April to end May, June to end August, September + October.

Sunday racing: 

The start times for the second set of races this year have been altered slightly, to make the gap between races the same as on a Saturday and on a winter Sunday. The Fast and Slow Handicaps, and the 10:18 Mixed Keels for BODs and Squibs will be split into 3 series: Spring April and May; Summer June, July and August; and Autumn September and October.

Fast Handicap Spring series for the Alderson Trophy. Autumn Series for the Elton Trophy. Slow Handicap Spring series for the Nellie Crockett Trophy, Autumn Series for the WOBYC 1974 Trophy. Summer Series? We are hoping new trophies will be donated!

The Waveney Class and the 2nd Mixed Keel race will run from April to October.

Juniors in Slow Handicap club races:

Juniors may be coached during Slow Handicap races for club points. If a junior capsizes and receives help to recover or get into their boat, they may continue in the race if the safety boat driver agrees.

Laser sailors should declare at the start of a points series which rig they intend to sail with. This will determine the handicap that is applied. For example, standard rig boats may use the radial or 4.7 rig but the standard handicap will still apply. If a 4.7 changes to the radial rig, or a radial changes to the standard rig, they will be scored as new entrants to the series.

Please note: Results are calculated by counting competitors scores in 50% + 1 of the races sailed in a series. 

Results for open meetings and regattas are calculated as per the notice of race for the event..

K1s and Flying Fifteens may compete in Fast Handicap races.

Additional Saturday races

June 1 st           Junior races       Race programme to be decided            (Junior Regatta)

June 15th           Streakers         Race programme to be decided            (Streaker open meeting)

June 29 th          Waveney OD     Race programme to be decided       (Waveney Championship)

Aug. 10 th          Mirrors         Race programme to be decided            (Mirror open meeting)

Aug. 17 th         River Cruisers Race programme to be decided            (River Cruiser Open)

Sept. 1 st           Broads OD      Start time to be decided.            (Sanderling and Jubilee Trophy race)

Sept. 14 th         Barts Bash race          12.30

Oct. 26 th          Phantoms        Race programme to be decided            (Phantom open meeting)

Lady Mayhew Trophy day

Sunday April 7 th

10.15   LADY MAYHEW RACE      (All comers handicap)

11.39   FAST HANDICAP     Alderson Trophy   (PY numbers below 1250)

11.45   MIXED KEELBOATS     Saatje Trophy

11.48   SLOW HANDICAP   Nellie Crockett Trophy     (PY numbers 1250 and above)

Lady Mayhew Trophy prize-giving is as soon as possible after all the racing.

Please note: the races other than the LMT race will count towards Sunday morning points series.

Condensed Programme B

Sundays May 5 th and May 26 th

Racing will take place before Powerboat racing starts. Start times to be decided. See club website.

Additional Sunday races

March 31st        Laser and Single Handers     Race programme to be decided

June 30 th          Waveney Championships  Race programme to be decided

Sept. 1 st           Broads O.D.    Race programme to be decided

Oct. 6 th             Laser       Race programme to be decided

Oct. 20th         Topper      Race programme to be decided

RIVER RACES

September 8 th (the OSBO Race)

10.45   ALLCOMERS HANDICAP RACE.

Start from the club or committee boat. All boats must round buoys laid near Burgh St Peter and Somerleyton swing bridge.

PROGRAMME EofS  (including Phantom open meeting)

Sunday october 27 th  end of season regatta.

2 out of 3 races to count for Special Club Points trophies. 

PHANTOM    10.12   11.33   12.42

FAST HANDICAP     10.15   11.36   12.45   (PY numbers below 1250)

LASERS         10.18   11.39   12.48

SQUIBS          10.21   11.42   12.51

WAVENEY OD         10.24   11.45   12.54

BROADS OD 10.27   11.48   12.57

SLOW HANDICAP   10.30   11.51   13.00   (PY numbers 1250 and above)

Prize-giving and buffet after racing.

Winter Season

Sundays from november 3 rd  2024 to march 23 rd  2025 except november 10 th .

Please note: the start times of the 2 nd Fast Handicap and subsequent races may be brought forward if requested by the fleets concerned.

10.15   FAST HANDICAP     (PY numbers below 1250)                       

10.21   SQUIBS

10.24   SLOW HANDICAP   (PY numbers 1250 and above)

11.39   FAST HANDICAP     (PY numbers below 1250)                       

11.45   SQUIBS

11.48   SLOW HANDICAP   (PY numbers 1250 and above)

November 10 th Remembrance Sunday

10.00   FAST HANDICAP     (PY numbers below 1250)                       

10.06   SQUIBS

10.09   SLOW HANDICAP   (PY numbers 1250 and above)

11.30   FAST HANDICAP     (PY numbers below 1250)                                   

11.36   SQUIBS                                 

11.39   SLOW HANDICAP   (PY numbers 1250 and above)

JONATHAN HOUSE MEMORIAL SALVER

Thursday december 26 th.

Allcomers Race at 10.45 followed by prize-giving, mince pies and mulled wine

Last updated 19:48 on 19 July 2024

oulton broad powerboat racing fixtures

day boat trips oulton broad

Waveney River Tours is a family owned company and we have been running cruises here on the Broads for over 50 years. We cater for everyone so there is no age restriction and you can walk around our smooth vessel underway without the need to wear a lifejacket. We have some capacity for manual wheelchairs and request these spaces are booked in ...

Circular Tour of Oulton Broad. This sightseeing cruise sails around Oulton Broad and the first stretch of Oulton Dyke. See the boatyards and boathouses built along the banks of the largest Broad in the National Park. No trip to this part of the country is complete without a visit to Oulton Broad and what better than to see it from the water.

If you would like to include some food a buffet can be brought on by arrangement or we can organise the catering. Private hire of the Waveney Princess available call for prices. For more information and bookings please call us on 01502 574903. Waveney River Tours have been sailing on the Broads & Rivers in Norfolk and Suffolk since 1970.

Minimum age of principle hirer is 18 and photo ID is required such as a driving licence or Passport. Attraction name: Oulton Broad Day Boat Hire. Contact: phone: 07933 662866. Address: Oulton Dayboats, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 9JS. Opening Hours: Daily 9am till 5pm.

Also available out of seasonPlease call us. Be your own Skipper with our self drive day boats full tuition given includes life jackets fuel and insurance. On the river Waveney in the Broads National Park. Visit Burgh St Peter, Berney Arms, Burgh Castle, Reedham, Beccles and Somerleyton from Oulton Broad Dayboats along the Norfolk Suffolk border.

phone: 01502 574903. Location: Mutford Lock, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, Suffolk, NR33 9JS. Opening Hours: See website for details. Website: www.waveneyrivertours.com. Conducted river tours and day boat hire through the Waveney Valley and the Broads National Park. Based at Oulton Broad on the Suffolk Coast.

Be your own Skipper with our self drive day boats full tuition given includes life jackets fuel and insurance. On the river Waveney in the Broads National Park. Visit Burgh St Peter, Berney Arms, Burgh Castle, Reedham, Beccles and Somerleyton from Oulton Broad along the Norfolk Suffolk border. Children and dogs welcome.

River Cruise To Somerleyton. River Waveney Boat Trip | From Oulton Broad. Enjoy a gentle river cruise from Oulton Broad, through the River Waveney, arriving at the beautiful village of Somerleyton just in time for lunch or a coffee at the Dukes Head Pub, before returning to Oulton Broad. Approx 3hrs | Starting £28.62pp.

1. Waveney River Tours. 69. Boat Tours. By Z4088LYstevee. The commentary picked out interesting landscape features and wildlife: several Marsh Harriers and lots of singing Ree... Oulton Broad. Hotels. Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in Oulton Broad.

Waveney River Tours have been sailing on Suffolk's Broads & Rivers since 1970. All cruises depart from Mutford Lock, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, NR33 9JS. You do not need to book in advance as Tickets are sold on the day when the booking office Opens at 10.00am. Or if you prefer to book ahead and reserve your space please call 01502 574903 and ...

Waveney River Tours. phone: 01502 574903. Mutford Lock, Bridge Road Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 9JS. Booking Office Opens at 10.00am Daily. Follow the A12 to Lowestoft. Just before Lowestoft take the A1117 which is signposted Oulton Broad. Follow the A1117 into Oulton Broad and follow the brown signs.

Waveney River Tours: Day Boat Hire - fun experience - See 69 traveller reviews, 30 candid photos, and great deals for Oulton Broad, UK, at Tripadvisor. ... Whilst staying on Oulton Broad we wanted to hire a boat and were able to hire one for 3 hours which for us was plenty. There was the option of the full day hire but we worried we would the ...

#1 of 1 Tours & Activities in Oulton Broad. Boat Tours. Closed now. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Monday. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Tuesday. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Wednesday. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM ... A 4 hour day boat self drive trip with lunch booked at a lovely gastro pub was supposed to be the highlight of our short break to the Suffolk/Norfolk borders.the boat ...

Enjoy trips for up to twelve passengers on both the Northern and Southern rivers during the season. Cruise from Oulton Broad Oulton Broad Yacht Station, Bridge Road, Lowestoft, NR33 9JS Oulton Broad Cruise Schedule 2024 Monday 3rd June to Friday 14th June Cruise from Oulton Broad starting from the Yacht Station.

Choose a Broads Tours river trip, sit back and do it in style with entertaining live commentary, light refreshments and a licensed bar. Alternatively, pack a picnic, hire one of our day boats, and enjoy the freedom of doing your own thing. Either way, we are sure it will leave you wanting to do it all over again! Wroxham is the perfect location ...

The boat has central heating. Charter Prices (no eligibility criteria, day and timings negotiable) As part of funding our subsidised cruises, we can operate a small number of 'Charter' cruises throughout the year subject to availability. Charters are available seven days a week including evenings and are tailored to individual requirements.

Day Boat Hire; Day Cruisers (with WC and galley) Electric Day Boats; Electric Day Boat Plus (with WC) Electric Launches; Standard Day Boats; ... Belle of the Broads - 2 Hour Trip. Thu 29th Aug, 2024 2:00pm. Select Tickets. Vintage Broadsman - 1.5 hour trip. Thu 29th Aug, 2024 3:00pm. Select Tickets. Join our mailing list. Subscribe.

Destin, located in the Florida Panhandle, is another great choice, especially for families. Destin's Labor Day Music Festival is a highlight, and Crab Island is a popular gathering spot where boaters anchor to join in the fun on the water. The area's clear waters make it perfect for a relaxed day out on the boat.

The holiday homes at Broadlands Park & Marina offer an idyllically peaceful setting on the banks of picturesque Oulton Broad. This friendly park is one of the finest in East Anglia. It has something for everyone, from leisurely marshland walks to thrilling water sport activities nearby. You can enjoy the superb indoor heated swimming pool, with children’s pool and viewing areas, or relax ...

Set sail on your destination's top-rated boat tours and cruises. Whether it's an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best Samara Oblast cruises around. Looking for something more adventurous? Check out our list of must-do water activities in Samara Oblast. See reviews and photos of boat tours & water sports in Samara Oblast on Tripadvisor.

Set sail on your destination's top-rated boat tours and cruises. Whether it's an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best Samara cruises around. Looking for something more adventurous? Check out our list of must-do water activities in Samara. See reviews and photos of boat tours & water sports in Samara on Tripadvisor.

A 4 hour day boat self drive trip with lunch booked at a lovely gastro pub was supposed to be the highlight of our short break to the Suffolk/Norfolk borders.the boat was old and nasty with a cramped uncomfortable driving position. ... Very informative two hour trip from Oulton Broad on their bigger boat with two decks. It was a warm day so a ...

Boat Tours & Water Sports in Samara Oblast. ... Family Fun 1 Day Costa Maya All Included Beach Break Bermuda Private Boat Charter: Snorkel, Cliff Jumping & Sightseeing Day Trip from Genoa to Milan Hilo Shore Excursion: Volcanoes National Park, ...

Here's a list of the best things to do while you're visiting Samara: 1. Enjoy a day at Samara Embankment. The embankment is a great public space along the Volga River. This is one of the most beautiful places in Samara and it's the best way to make a sunny day unforgettable.

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Sewage Spills in South Africa is a Serious Issue

Sewage spills in South Africa pose a significant threat to the environment, as they lead to the pollution of rivers, lakes, and other water sources, which in turn disrupts ecosystems and destroys habitats. A prime example of this is the ongoing contamination of the Vaal River, South Africa’s second-largest river, which has been severely polluted by sewage spills from the Emfuleni Local Municipality. The deterioration of water quality has resulted in massive fish kills, the loss of aquatic biodiversity, and the spread of invasive species such as the water hyacinth. Consequently, the contamination has had a ripple effect on the environment, disrupting the balance of ecosystems and threatening the survival of various species that depend on these water sources.

The public health risks associated with sewage spills in South Africa are another major cause for concern. The release of untreated sewage into water sources can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever, particularly in communities that rely on these sources for drinking, bathing, and other daily activities. For instance, the Sebokeng sewage spill in 2018 contaminated nearby water sources and posed serious health risks to local residents, who were exposed to harmful pathogens and bacteria present in the sewage. In such cases, communities often experience outbreaks of waterborne diseases, putting immense pressure on the already strained healthcare system in the country.

The economic costs associated with sewage spills cannot be overlooked. South Africa’s tourism industry, which contributes significantly to the national economy, can suffer greatly from the negative publicity associated with contaminated water sources and polluted environments. For example, the ongoing sewage spills in the Vaal River have discouraged recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and bird-watching, leading to the decline of tourism revenue in the area. Additionally, sewage spills can impact the agricultural sector, as polluted water used for irrigation can contaminate crops, rendering them unfit for consumption or sale. This not only affects the livelihoods of farmers but also contributes to food insecurity in the affected regions.

Sewage Spills in South Africa: An Argumentative Essay Guide

Introduction.

• Briefly introduce the topic of sewage spills in South Africa
• State the purpose of the essay: to present an argumentative essay on the causes, consequences, and possible solutions to sewage spills in South Africa
• Provide a roadmap of the main points that will be discussed in the essay

Causes of Sewage Spills

• Aging Infrastructure: Discuss how aging and poorly maintained infrastructure contributes to sewage spills (e.g., the 2018 Sebokeng sewage spill)
• Urbanization and Population Growth: Describe how rapid urbanization and population growth have put pressure on existing sewage systems (e.g., the expansion of informal settlements)
• Insufficient Funding and Resources: Explain how a lack of funding and resources has hindered the maintenance and improvement of sewage infrastructure

Consequences of Sewage Spills

• Environmental Impacts: Discuss the impacts of sewage spills on the environment, such as pollution of rivers and ecosystems (e.g., the contamination of the Vaal River)
• Public Health Risks: Explain how sewage spills can lead to waterborne diseases and other health risks for local populations (e.g., cholera outbreaks)
• Economic Costs: Describe the economic costs associated with sewage spills, including tourism and agricultural losses (e.g., the loss of recreational opportunities along the Vaal River)

Relevant Acts and Regulations

• National Water Act (1998): Explain the key provisions of the act and how they relate to sewage spills
• The Water Services Act (1997): Describe the responsibilities of local authorities and the national government in providing water services and managing wastewater
• National Environmental Management Act (1998): Discuss the environmental principles and pollution control measures outlined in the act

Examples of Sewage Spills in South Africa

• Sebokeng Sewage Spill (2018): Describe the spill, its causes, and consequences for the local community and environment
• Vaal River Contamination (ongoing): Discuss the ongoing contamination of the Vaal River due to sewage spills, and the consequences for the surrounding communities and ecosystems
• Durban Sewage Spill (2019): Explain the circumstances surrounding the spill and its impacts on the environment and public health

Proposed Solutions

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Argue for the need to invest in upgrading and maintaining sewage infrastructure to prevent future spills
• Environmental Education and Awareness: Advocate for increased education and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the consequences of sewage spills and the importance of proper waste disposal
• Strengthening Regulations and Enforcement: Make a case for stronger regulations and enforcement of existing laws to hold polluters accountable and prevent sewage spills
• Summarize the main points of the essay
• Emphasize the urgency of addressing sewage spills in South Africa to protect the environment, public health, and the economy
• End with a call to action for stakeholders to take immediate steps to address the issue

In conclusion, this article has provided students with a thorough guide for crafting an argumentative essay on sewage spills in South Africa. By exploring the complex factors that contribute to this issue, students are better positioned to understand the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention. As South Africa works towards a sustainable future, it is essential for young scholars to engage with pressing topics such as this and contribute to the discourse by articulating well-informed, evidence-based arguments. Through academic endeavors and public engagement, the next generation can play a vital role in addressing the challenges posed by sewage spills, safeguarding the environment, and ultimately improving the quality of life for all South Africans.

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The deadly effects of sewage pollution on nature

Sewage in Britain's waterways has been hitting the headlines recently. But what effect does raw waste have on our rivers, streams and oceans? 

Recent weeks have witnessed a public outcry after the House of Commons declined to force water companies to take all reasonable steps to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged into the UK's rivers.

The Government had argued that the amendment would have cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of pounds, although it later agreed to introduce changes to the law following a high-profile campaign.

Sewage is a danger to human health, but it also has a huge impact on the animals and plants living in waterways.

For instance, algal blooms are encouraged by the presence of sewage and can lead to the deaths of many other species.

Dr Anne Jungblut , Principal Researcher in algae, fungi and plants at the Museum, says algal blooms are 'a big problem.'

'Blooms can lead to a change in biodiversity,' she says, 'and can impact the functioning and richness of an ecosystem. Algae has a huge impact on an ecosystem and big blooms can change the whole river.'

Sewage may be released into waterways if there are no chemicals available to treat it. Image © Shutterstock / Silent Corners

The politics

To prevent sewers becoming overwhelmed, water companies are allowed to release sewage into rivers in emergencies. This generally occurs in times of heavy rain to prevent the sewers backing up into buildings.

In 2020, sewage was released into the UK's waterways on over 400,000 occasions , with wastewater overflow from utility firms lasting for over 3.1 million hours.

On average, each storm overflow the companies operate is in use for 11 days a year, rising to almost 20 for Thames Water.

These figures only encompass the events water companies have self-reported, with firms having broken the law in recent years. For instance, Southern Water was fined £90 million after admitting thousands of illegal discharges between 2010 and 2015.

While some releases may be partially treated, those from storm overflows are raw and diluted only by rainwater. As a result, these overflows can contain anything that goes down the drain, from human waste to household chemicals and plastics.

Following the impact on the UK's supply chains from Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic, the Government has also enabled companies to discharge sewage at any time if there are a lack of chemicals to treat it.

While the highest risk wastewater may not be released, medium and low risk substances may be discharged provided the use of chemicals is resumed 'as soon as is practicable.'

In recent weeks, concerns over these practices have spilled into the mainstream. Beyond simply being unpleasant, the wastewater can cause serious damage to fragile river ecosystems.

Algal blooms form as a result of an abundance of nutrients. Image © Shutterstock / Kit Leong

Algal blooms

Releasing sewage into rivers introduces a large amount of nutrients into the water. This process, known as eutrophication, can have serious consequences.

Anne explains, 'When sewage is released into rivers, it contains a lot of nitrogen and phosphorous. These can stimulate the growth of algae, such as phytoplankton in the water or mats known as biofilms in the sediments, which can lead to algal blooms.

'A large amount of algae has an impact on the rest of the ecosystem, such as blocking out the light that plants need for photosynthesis. When these plants, and the algae itself, start to die, they are eaten by a lot of bacteria which reduces oxygen in the water, killing fish and other organisms.'

One of the groups which is most badly affected by a lack of oxygen are freshwater insects , many of which spend large periods of their development in rivers.

Steve Brooks , who researches insects at the Museum, says, 'Insects are like a canary in a coal mine, providing an early warning system that something isn't right.

'Most aquatic invertebrates in a river depend on high oxygen levels because most don't have the option to swim to the surface as they'll be swept away. When this oxygen disappears because of sewage, then the species disappear too.

'The most affected insects are stoneflies and mayflies as they don't survive well without high oxygen. In turn, this can have a knock-on impact on fish . While fish can swim away from an area of sewage contamination, they can't escape if their prey has disappeared.'

Blue green algae produces a range of toxins that can prove fatal to wildlife. Image © Shutterstock / Stefan-Kadar

While algal blooms may harm some species, they provide a boon for others to grow at their expense.

For instance, insects like midges have haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying compound found in red blood cells. This allows them to tolerate low oxygen conditions, leading to an explosion in their populations. The same is also true of some algal groups, which are more prone to bloom than others.

'Eutrophication will lead to a shift of the composition of the algae,' Anne says. 'Some diatom species do really well and form blooms as they are particularly good at taking up lots of nutrients and growing really fast. This can then lead to a reduction of the river's overall biodiversity.'

The conditions of the river affect which groups prosper. Slower moving rivers, or those which have become blocked, can promote the growth of toxic algae which prefer these conditions.

'Stagnant water can lead to the formation of blue green cyanobacteria blooms,' Anne says. 'As well as contributing to eutrophication, they also produce toxins that are toxic not only to fish, but also to any humans or dogs that drink the water. 

'While I haven't seen any records that have specifically been linked to a sewage release in the UK, releasing large amounts of nutrients into stagnant waterways raises the probability of these kinds of blooms occurring.'

These toxic organisms come in addition to compounds already in treated wastewater, which can include heavy metals , microplastics and chemicals such as pesticides.

Some of these chemicals have been found to cause physiological changes in fish. Treated wastewater can cause male brown roaches to develop ovarian cavities , as well as induce changes in the kidneys and immune system.

Fish may also be drawn towards wastewater, especially in winter, as wastewater outflows can increase the temperature of the water by up to 9⁰C. However, contaminants are also at their highest at this time, with researchers describing these outflows as an 'ecological trap'.

Mayflies were wiped out in the River Way in 2014. Image © Ian Capper, licensed under  CC BY-SA 2.0 via  Geograph .

Restoring rivers

Once sewage has been released into a river, there is little that can be done to prevent its impact. However, the ecosystems can recover if they are not overwhelmed.

'The possibility of recovery depends on the nature of the spillage,' says Steve. 'An acute spill comes and goes, so while it might remove a lot of insects from the river, the recovery can be quicker. For instance, many freshwater insects tend to fly up the river as adults to lay their eggs, which are then washed back down. This allows recolonisation of the river to take place. 

'However, chronic pollution causes real problems as there is no possibility for recovery. In 2014, the River Wey in Surrey was polluted and the mayflies were wiped out. 

'There wasn't a natural recovery, as there was no opportunity to come back from the pollution.'

While the responsibility of treating sewage lies with utility companies, everyone can play their part in improving water quality. The River Wey was restored thanks to a project led by Dr Cyril Bennett , who reintroduced mayflies by moving juveniles from other rivers.

He is also involved in the Riverfly Partnership , a group which monitors the water quality of rivers to protect the habitat of a range of flies.  

Steve, who is helps to co-ordinate the partnership, says, 'We train volunteers to monitor biodiversity at a range of sites by taking a standardised sample from a river and giving scores to different groups of insects. 

'If the score falls below a certain trigger level then there is an issue so the Environment Agency gets contacted to look into it. Over the years, volunteers have detected dozens of incidents than can then be pinpointed to a specific site.'

Anyone spotting rivers containing algal blooms should keep themselves away from the water, and report it to the Environment Agency directly or through apps such as Bloomin' Algae . Though the bloom may not be toxic, it is always safest to assume it is.

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How Sewage Pollution Ends Up In Rivers

3.5 MILLION AMERICANS GET SICK EACH YEAR AFTER SWIMMING, BOATING, FISHING, OR OTHERWISE TOUCHING WATER THEY THOUGHT WAS SAFE.

Where does human waste mingle with household chemicals, personal hygiene products, pharmaceuticals, and everything else that goes down the drains in American homes and businesses?

And what can you get when rain, pesticides, fertilizers, automotive chemicals, and trash run off the streets and down the gutters into those very same sewers? Sewage backing up into people’s basements. Sewage spilling onto streets and parks. Sewage pouring into rivers and streams.

Each year, more than 860 billion gallons of this vile brew escapes sewer systems across the country. That’s enough to flood all of Pennsylvania ankle-deep. It’s enough for every American to take one bath each week for an entire year.

After bursting out of a pipe or manhole cover, this foul slurry pollutes the nearest body of water. Downstream, some of it may be pumped out, treated, and piped into more homes and businesses. From there, it goes back into a sewer system, and the cycle resumes.

A threat to human health

Untreated human sewage teems with salmonella, hepatitis, dysentery, cryptosporidium, and many other infectious diseases.

One hundred years ago, epidemics of these diseases helped limit the life expectancy of a U.S. citizen to about 50 years. Estimates vary for how many people sewage still sickens or kills each year, but they are all large.

Germs linger even after the stench of sewage has dispersed. Healthy adults may never realize that yesterday’s swim caused today’s cough, diarrhea, or ear infection. Young children, their grandparents, and people already weakened by illness are more likely to become seriously ill or die. Scientists believe as many as 3.5 million Americans get sick each year after swimming, boating, fishing, or otherwise touching water they thought was safe.

A 1998 study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology blamed water pollution for one-third of all reported gastroenteritis cases and two-thirds of all ear infections. It’s not just the people who play in and around the water who are at risk. Between 1985 and 2000, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) documented 251 separate disease outbreaks and nearly half a million cases of waterborne illness from polluted drinking water in the United States. Another study by the CDC and the National Academy of Sciences concluded that most illnesses caused by eating tainted seafood have human sewage as the root cause.

Outdated treatment plants

To understand why this is happening, it’s helpful to know some history. For centuries most American sewage poured into the nearest river or creek with little or no treatment, and few people gave it a second thought.

That changed when Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972 and the federal government began making significant investments to modernize sewage treatment infrastructure serving communities across the country.

Today, many of the plants built with that initial investment are undersized or are near the end of their effective lives.

There are 600,000 miles of sewer pipes across the country and the average age is 33 years. Some pipes in cities along the eastern seaboard are nearly 200 years old. Some are even made of wood. The American Society of Civil Engineers has given America’s wastewater infrastructure a “D” grade overall.

Runaway development

Today, poorly planned development compounds the problem of aging infrastructure. As urban areas sprawl into the countryside, new expanses of concrete and asphalt increase the amount of stormwater surging into sewers — and the amount of pollution spewing out.

[su_pullquote]A single acre of wetlands can hold up to 1.5 million gallons of rain or melting snow. Otherwise it winds up in the sewer system.[/su_pullquote] Trees help keep water out of sewer systems, too. In fact, the group American Forests estimates that as Washington, D.C.’s tree canopy thinned by 43 percent between 1973 and 1997, the amount of stormwater running into the city’s aging sewer system increased by 34 percent.

Older sewage systems combine stormwater with household sewage, but even in systems where they are separated some stormwater ends up in the sewer, where it contributes to raw sewage overflows.

All people deserve clean water free of the many dangerous pollutants found in sewage. The only way to ensure this is to stop sewage overflows and leaks and ensure that no sewage is released into our streams, rivers, and lakes untreated. It will cost hundreds of billions of dollars and take decades to update the nation’s wastewater infrastructure to this level.

But it isn’t enough to simply invest more. Protecting and expanding natural areas helps prevent stormwater from rushing into the sewer in the first place — stopping sewer overflows before they start.

That’s investing smarter.

In fact, planting trees, restoring wetlands, and creating green roofs are often the most cost-effective ways to expand the capacity of sewer systems.

A single mature tree with a thirty-foot crown can keep 4,600 gallons of water out of the sewer each year. For less than $300,000, it’s possible to construct an artificial wetland that can intercept 3.25 million gallons of stormwater otherwise destined for the sewer.

In June 2003, Ford Motor Company planted ten acres of vegetation on the roof of its Dearborn, MI truck factory, keeping as many as four million gallons of rain out of the sewer system each year. Projects like these prevent sewage overflows as surely as bigger pipes — and cost less.

Until we make significant progress towards reducing sewage in our water , there must be strong notification programs that will alert people when there is a danger of contacting raw sewage. Wastewater facilities should be required to notify the media, citizens, and environmental agencies when they release untreated sewage into the environment. American Rivers works for federal and state right-to-know policies that require citizens to be informed of sewage contamination in their waterways. Not only will such programs keep people healthy by avoiding raw sewage, but it will also galvanize further support for solutions to reduce sewage pollution.

Clean water. It’s essential. It’s irreplaceable. If Americans today want our children and grandchildren to splash along the shore at sunset or drink from the faucet without worry, then it’s time for us to act. It’s time to make the commitment to keep raw sewage out of our water.

Essay on Waste Management for Students and Teacher

500+ essay on waste management.

Essay on Waste Management -Waste management is essential in today’s society. Due to an increase in population, the generation of waste is getting doubled day by day. Moreover, the increase in waste is affecting the lives of many people.

For instance, people living in slums are very close to the waste disposal area. Therefore there are prone to various diseases. Hence, putting their lives in danger. In order to maintain a healthy life, proper hygiene and sanitation are necessary. Consequently, it is only possible with proper waste management .

The Meaning of Waste Management

Waste management is the managing of waste by disposal and recycling of it. Moreover, waste management needs proper techniques keeping in mind the environmental situations. For instance, there are various methods and techniques by which the waste is disposed of. Some of them are Landfills, Recycling , Composting, etc. Furthermore, these methods are much useful in disposing of the waste without causing any harm to the environment.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Methods for Waste Management

Recycling – Above all the most important method is the recycling of waste. This method does not need any resources. Therefore this is much useful in the management of waste . Recycling is the reusing of things that are scrapped of. Moreover, recycling is further converting waste into useful resources.

Landfills – Landfills is the most common method for waste management. The garbage gets buried in large pits in the ground and then covered by the layer of mud. As a result, the garbage gets decomposed inside the pits over the years. In conclusion, in this method elimination of the odor and area taken by the waste takes place.

Composting – Composting is the converting of organic waste into fertilizers. This method increases the fertility of the soil. As a result, it is helpful in more growth in plants. Furthermore it the useful conversion of waste management that is benefiting the environment.

Advantages of Waste Management

There are various advantages of waste management. Some of them are below:

Decrease bad odor – Waste produces a lot of bad odor which is harmful to the environment. Moreover, Bad odor is responsible for various diseases in children. As a result, it hampers their growth. So waste management eliminates all these problems in an efficient way.

Reduces pollution – Waste is the major cause of environmental degradation. For instance, the waste from industries and households pollute our rivers. Therefore waste management is essential. So that the environment may not get polluted. Furthermore, it increases the hygiene of the city so that people may get a better environment to live in.

Reduces the production of waste -Recycling of the products helps in reducing waste. Furthermore, it generates new products which are again useful. Moreover, recycling reduces the use of new products. So the companies will decrease their production rate.

It generates employment – The waste management system needs workers. These workers can do various jobs from collecting to the disposing of waste. Therefore it creates opportunities for the people that do not have any job. Furthermore, this will help them in contributing to society.

Produces Energy – Many waste products can be further used to produce energy. For instance, some products can generate heat by burning. Furthermore, some organic products are useful in fertilizers. Therefore it can increase the fertility of the soil.

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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Argumentative Essay About Sewage Spill

The repercussions of sewage spills are far-reaching, affecting both the environment and human well-being. This essay delves into the detrimental effects of sewage spills and presents a compelling argument for enhanced preventive measures to mitigate their devastating impacts.

Table of Contents

Essay: sewage spills – unveiling environmental threats and advocating prevention.

Unveiling the Negative Impacts of Sewage Spills: Sewage spills, often caused by inadequate infrastructure, natural disasters, or human neglect, give rise to multifaceted challenges. They pose a grave threat to human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the environment as a whole. These spills harbor a cocktail of harmful pathogens that can inflict severe illnesses upon human populations, particularly those who are more susceptible due to age or weakened immune systems.

Environmental Degradation

The Ripple Effect: The effects of sewage spills extend beyond human health, permeating aquatic ecosystems. The influx of nutrients from sewage can lead to the proliferation of algal blooms, which deplete oxygen levels in water bodies, endangering aquatic life. The far-reaching consequences of these spills encompass contaminating drinking water sources, jeopardizing the well-being of entire communities.

Economic Implications of Neglect

Beyond environmental harm, sewage spills also carry significant economic repercussions. The costs of spill clean-up, ecosystem remediation, and lost revenue for businesses can be staggering. Moreover, the adverse impact on public health amplifies healthcare costs and impairs workforce productivity. Sewage spills, thus, strike at the very heart of economic vitality.

Advocating for Prevention

1. Upgrading Infrastructure

Investing in the enhancement of sewage infrastructure is paramount in curbing spills. Overhauling aging sewer systems and augmenting wastewater treatment plant capacities can thwart overflows during rainfall and alleviate the risks associated with spills.

2. Promoting Public Awareness

A strategic educational campaign targeting the proper disposal of waste and the risks of flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet can significantly curtail the entry of pollutants into the sewer system.

3. Enforcement of Regulations

The enforcement of stringent regulations on waste disposal by businesses and industries is an essential deterrent against potential spills. This regulatory vigilance ensures accountability and prevents future transgressions.

Preserving Environmental and Human Health

The urgency of addressing sewage spills transcends the environmental domain, reaching the core of societal well-being. The collective responsibility to prevent spills necessitates a multi-pronged approach that spans infrastructure development, public engagement, and stringent regulatory frameworks. As stewards of our environment, it is our moral imperative to champion these measures and usher in a future where sewage spills are a rarity, not a norm.

Sewage spills cast a long shadow, encompassing health hazards, ecological disruption, and economic setbacks. The imperative to prevent such spills is undeniable, as their consequences reverberate across various dimensions of society. By bolstering infrastructure, raising public awareness, and enforcing regulations, we can alleviate the burdens imposed by sewage spills. In this concerted effort, we carve a path toward a cleaner environment, enhanced public health, and a sustainable future for generations to come.

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Pollution Problem: Sewage Spills in San Jose Presentation

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

The challenge, the solutions are expected to, sewer monitoring, purifying sewage water.

• Garbage and human waste is pouring into rivers and creeks are creating a pollution problem in the South Bay.
• All the polluted water from sewers flows through the creeks ends up in the Bay and carries whatever trash, debris and contaminants. Humans are exposed to untreated sewage through drinking contaminated water, water recreational activities, and/or ingesting contaminated fish. (Loosli et al., 2019, p. 769).

This study highlights the issue of controlling and cleaning of the pollutions in sewage.

Water is a crucial element for all known forms of life to be able to live. Groundwater quality and availability are essential for human consumption and social and economic activities. Most of the county’s portable drinking water comes from groundwater wells, reservoirs, streams, rivers, and lakes. Unfortunately, the impact of sewage on the environment is mostly negative. Treating sewage is a big environmental priority in every country because untreated sewage water can spill into rivers, lakes and seas, causing major pollution. Such dangerous chemicals as, for example, detergent chemicals, that are contained in sewage water, are dangerous not only for the natural habitat, but for humans as well since they consume this water. Unfortunately, sanitary sewer overflows are a common problem across the United States. All the water flows through the creeks ends up in the Bay and carries whatever trash, debris and contaminants. San Jose is a troubled spot for trash pollution and bacterial pollution that are spilled into the bay. Humans are exposed to untreated sewage through drinking contaminated water, water recreational activities, and/or ingesting contaminated fish. (Loosli et al., 2019, p. 769).

• Quick urbanization has enhanced the spills of of polluted sewage sludge in San Jose over the last few years.
• San Jose has more than 2,100 miles of sewage pipes.
• Considering that the sewage sludge contains toxic chemicals like nitrogen-containing compounds, organic matters and heavy metals, appropriate filtration and disposal should be utilized to prevent spills and following environmental problems (Lv et al., 2018).
• The new technology is expected to really improve the current inspection methodology by reducing the health risks for workers and making it affordable to public administrations, and also by reducing the pollution in sewage that can affect urban coastal areas.

Wastewater overflows (WWOs) are defined as a major public health issue, especially when there is a high possibility for citizens to come into direct contact with wastewater that has spilled into recreational water environments such as rivers, lakes, seas and oceans that are used for mainly recreational activities such as swimming. Infiltrated water from sewages can contain a number of pathogenic microorganisms including poisonous bacteria and viruses. Moreover, wastewater overflows have a significant effect on ecological situation of the region, creating a toxic environment for animals.

• Improve sewer workers health and safety measures
• Improve the public service given since it optimizes the sewer cleaning resources;
• Improve the quality of life of citizens since it will improve the sewer performance.

The goal of sewer monitoring is to develop the robot to the highest possible level of sensitivity which will let the sewer manager to manage the sewer efficiently without the need to move closer to dangerous and poisonous locations (Grau et al., 2017).

Among other reasons, robotized sewer monitoring is extremely useful:

• To keep the monitoring staff from going to sewers when there is a risky situation.
• To decide safety and health measures for staff.
• To track down any spills or leaks, which are usually unexpected and illegal,
• To make sure that sewer infrastructures are safe from abrasion, rust and aggressive spills.
• To define any patterns in sewage compounds (seasonal, daily, etc.).
• To use as an instrument for ecological investigations in sewers (David and Tobin, 2017, p. 172).
• Possibility to collect real-time data.
• Determining whether the system is consistently operating in free-flow conditions is easier.
• The information available from a flow-monitoring program saves collection system operators many times the cost of the flow monitoring.
• This method can be used in environmental research..
• The safety of staff is ensured as it does not require workers to go directly to sewage themselves.
• Lack of having a set of standardization develops problems with future integration.
• It will take some time to implement the robotic solution into the working routine of the staff.
• The development of the equipment demands high financial spending.
• This method provides the means of controlling, but not preventing unexpected spills.

This method of purifying water is complex, but effective. Every day, approximately 100 million gallons of raw sewage is treated by the Clark County Water Reclamation District (CCWRD), with roughly 90 million gallons of reclaimed water released daily into the Las Vegas Wash (Nguyen, 2019, p. 24).

The stages of purification process :

• Water from homes and businesses is flushed and streamed to nearby treatment facilities.
• Sludge is removed.
• Trash is trapper by using a mechanical rake.
• The primary treatment using rotating metal arms to skim surface scum into troughs.
• Toxic chemicals are removed through aeration process.
• Water is filtrated through sand.
• Energy consumption is reduced.
• Purified and filtrated water does not contain toxins.
• With clean water the habitat of South Bay is protected.
• Reclaimed water for industrial, commercial, and landscape irrigation requires less treatment than recycled water for drinking.
• Overall environmental impact is reduced.
• The complexity of such method.
• Increased need for additional facilities and pipes to transport water.
• High financial costs for the equipment.
• Some regions still lack water recycling piping, that is why the implementing of the purifying equipment will be time-consuming.

In recent years the problem of water sewage spills in San Jose has become more evident. The environmentalists are still trying to find efficient and low-cost solutions to the issue.

This presentation demonstrated two effective ways to control and prevent polluted water from spilling into South Bay.

Both methods that are described above have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Moreover, both methods have more benefits than costs. Nevertheless, purifying sewage water seems like a more appropriate solution since it provides quick positive results. That is why this solution is more efficient in managing sewage water as it prevents toxic spills from the start.

In conclusion it would appear that in order to maximize innovation, it’s compulsory to understand the significance of those innovations while breaking barriers in effective water management. In this case the risk of polluted spills will be greatly lowered.

Grau, A., Bolea, Y., Puig-Pey, A., & Sanfeliu, A. (2017). Robotic solutions for sewage systems in coastal urban environments. Proceedings of OCEANS 2017-Aberdeen, pp. 1-5.

David, R. B., & Tobin, G. A. (2017). Understanding water policy sustainability: A case study in San Francisco and San Jose California. Environmental Science & Policy, 78 , pp. 167-172.

Loosli, F., Wang, J., Rothenberg, S., Bizimis, M., Winkler, C., Borovinskaya, O., & Baalousha, M. (2019). Sewage spills are a major source of titanium dioxide engineered (nano)-particle release into the environment. Environmental Science: Nano, 6(3), pp . 763-777.

Lv, D., Zhu, T., Liu, R., Li, X., Zhao, Y., Sun, Y., & Zhao, Q. (2018). Effects of co-processing sewage sludge in the cement kiln on PAHs, heavy metals emissions and the surrounding environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public H ealth , 15(4), p. 698.

Nguyen, S. (2019). The South Bay water recycling program: an evaluation of water recycling outcomes in comparison to selected cities and countries. San Jose State University, Master’s Project.

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Impacts of a raw sewage spill on water and sediment quality in an urban estuary

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay

4-minute read

• 30th April 2022

An argumentative essay is a structured, compelling piece of writing where an author clearly defines their stance on a specific topic. This is a very popular style of writing assigned to students at schools, colleges, and universities. Learn the steps to researching, structuring, and writing an effective argumentative essay below.

Requirements of an Argumentative Essay

To effectively achieve its purpose, an argumentative essay must contain:

●  A concise thesis statement that introduces readers to the central argument of the essay

●  A clear, logical, argument that engages readers

●  Ample research and evidence that supports your argument

Approaches to Use in Your Argumentative Essay

1.   classical.

●  Clearly present the central argument.

●  Outline your opinion.

●  Provide enough evidence to support your theory.

2.   Toulmin

●  State your claim.

●  Supply the evidence for your stance.

●  Explain how these findings support the argument.

●  Include and discuss any limitations of your belief.

3.   Rogerian

●  Explain the opposing stance of your argument.

●  Discuss the problems with adopting this viewpoint.

●  Offer your position on the matter.

●  Provide reasons for why yours is the more beneficial stance.

●  Include a potential compromise for the topic at hand.

Tips for Writing a Well-Written Argumentative Essay

●  Introduce your topic in a bold, direct, and engaging manner to captivate your readers and encourage them to keep reading.

●  Provide sufficient evidence to justify your argument and convince readers to adopt this point of view.

●  Consider, include, and fairly present all sides of the topic.

●  Structure your argument in a clear, logical manner that helps your readers to understand your thought process.

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●  Discuss any counterarguments that might be posed.

●  Use persuasive writing that’s appropriate for your target audience and motivates them to agree with you.

Steps to Write an Argumentative Essay

Follow these basic steps to write a powerful and meaningful argumentative essay :

Step 1: Choose a topic that you’re passionate about

If you’ve already been given a topic to write about, pick a stance that resonates deeply with you. This will shine through in your writing, make the research process easier, and positively influence the outcome of your argument.

Step 2: Conduct ample research to prove the validity of your argument

To write an emotive argumentative essay , finding enough research to support your theory is a must. You’ll need solid evidence to convince readers to agree with your take on the matter. You’ll also need to logically organize the research so that it naturally convinces readers of your viewpoint and leaves no room for questioning.

Step 3: Follow a simple, easy-to-follow structure and compile your essay

A good structure to ensure a well-written and effective argumentative essay includes:

●  Introduce your topic.

●  Offer background information on the claim.

●  Discuss the evidence you’ll present to support your argument.

●  State your thesis statement, a one-to-two sentence summary of your claim.

●  This is the section where you’ll develop and expand on your argument.

●  It should be split into three or four coherent paragraphs, with each one presenting its own idea.

●  Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that indicates why readers should adopt your belief or stance.

●  Include your research, statistics, citations, and other supporting evidence.

●  Discuss opposing viewpoints and why they’re invalid.

●  This part typically consists of one paragraph.

●  Summarize your research and the findings that were presented.

●  Emphasize your initial thesis statement.

●  Persuade readers to agree with your stance.

We certainly hope that you feel inspired to use these tips when writing your next argumentative essay . And, if you’re currently elbow-deep in writing one, consider submitting a free sample to us once it’s completed. Our expert team of editors can help ensure that it’s concise, error-free, and effective!

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What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)

We define an argumentative essay as a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. The purpose is to convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or action. In an argumentative essay, the writer takes a stance on a controversial or debatable topic and supports their position with evidence, reasoning, and examples. The essay should also address counterarguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.

What is an argumentative essay?  

• Argumentative essay outline 
• Types of argument claims 

How to write an argumentative essay?

• Argumentative essay writing tips 
• Good argumentative essay example 

How to write a good thesis

• How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal? 

Frequently Asked Questions

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a coherent and logical analysis of a specific topic. 1 The goal is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or opinion on a particular issue. Here are the key elements of an argumentative essay: 

• Thesis Statement : The central claim or argument that the essay aims to prove. 
• Introduction : Provides background information and introduces the thesis statement. 
• Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph addresses a specific aspect of the argument, presents evidence, and may include counter arguments.  Articulate your thesis statement better with Paperpal. Start writing now!
• Evidence : Supports the main argument with relevant facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions.
• Counterarguments : Anticipates and addresses opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall argument.
• Conclusion : Summarizes the main points, reinforces the thesis, and may suggest implications or actions. 

Argumentative essay structure  

Aristotelian, Rogerian, and Toulmin are three distinct approaches to argumentative essay structures, each with its principles and methods. 2 The choice depends on the purpose and nature of the topic. Here’s an overview of each type of argumentative essay format.

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Argumentative essay outline  

An argumentative essay presents a specific claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning. Here’s an outline for an argumentative essay, along with examples for each section: 3  

1.  Introduction : 

• Hook : Start with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote to grab the reader’s attention. 

Example: “Did you know that plastic pollution is threatening marine life at an alarming rate?” 

• Background information : Provide brief context about the issue. 

Example: “Plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans yearly.” 

• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position. 

Example: “We must take immediate action to reduce plastic usage and implement more sustainable alternatives to protect our marine ecosystem.” 

2.  Body Paragraphs : 

• Topic sentence : Introduce the main idea of each paragraph. 

Example: “The first step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis is reducing single-use plastic consumption.” 

• Evidence/Support : Provide evidence, facts, statistics, or examples that support your argument. 

Example: “Research shows that plastic straws alone contribute to millions of tons of plastic waste annually, and many marine animals suffer from ingestion or entanglement.” 

• Counterargument/Refutation : Acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints. 

Example: “Some argue that banning plastic straws is inconvenient for consumers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.” 

• Transition : Connect each paragraph to the next. 

Example: “Having addressed the issue of single-use plastics, the focus must now shift to promoting sustainable alternatives.” 

3.  Counterargument Paragraph : 

• Acknowledgement of opposing views : Recognize alternative perspectives on the issue. 

Example: “While some may argue that individual actions cannot significantly impact global plastic pollution, the cumulative effect of collective efforts must be considered.” 

• Counterargument and rebuttal : Present and refute the main counterargument. 

Example: “However, individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can substantially reduce plastic waste. Small changes in behavior, such as using reusable bags and containers, can have a significant positive impact.” 

4.  Conclusion : 

• Restatement of thesis : Summarize your main argument. 

Example: “In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices and reducing single-use plastic is crucial for preserving our oceans and marine life.” 

• Call to action : Encourage the reader to take specific steps or consider the argument’s implications. 

Example: “It is our responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices and advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet. By collectively embracing sustainable alternatives, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.” 

Types of argument claims  

A claim is a statement or proposition a writer puts forward with evidence to persuade the reader. 4 Here are some common types of argument claims, along with examples: 

• Fact Claims : These claims assert that something is true or false and can often be verified through evidence.  Example: “Water boils at 100°C at sea level.”
• Value Claims : Value claims express judgments about the worth or morality of something, often based on personal beliefs or societal values. Example: “Organic farming is more ethical than conventional farming.” 
• Policy Claims : Policy claims propose a course of action or argue for a specific policy, law, or regulation change.  Example: “Schools should adopt a year-round education system to improve student learning outcomes.” 
• Cause and Effect Claims : These claims argue that one event or condition leads to another, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship.  Example: “Excessive use of social media is a leading cause of increased feelings of loneliness among young adults.” 
• Definition Claims : Definition claims assert the meaning or classification of a concept or term.  Example: “Artificial intelligence can be defined as machines exhibiting human-like cognitive functions.” 
• Comparative Claims : Comparative claims assert that one thing is better or worse than another in certain respects.  Example: “Online education is more cost-effective than traditional classroom learning.” 
• Evaluation Claims : Evaluation claims assess the quality, significance, or effectiveness of something based on specific criteria.  Example: “The new healthcare policy is more effective in providing affordable healthcare to all citizens.” 

Understanding these argument claims can help writers construct more persuasive and well-supported arguments tailored to the specific nature of the claim.  

If you’re wondering how to start an argumentative essay, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the argumentative essay format and writing process.

• Choose a Topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. Ensure that the topic is debatable and has two or more sides.
• Define Your Position: Clearly state your stance on the issue. Consider opposing viewpoints and be ready to counter them.
• Conduct Research: Gather relevant information from credible sources, such as books, articles, and academic journals. Take notes on key points and supporting evidence.
• Create a Thesis Statement: Develop a concise and clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument. Convey your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for the essay.
• Outline Your Argumentative Essay: Organize your ideas logically by creating an outline. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis.
• Write the Introduction: Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention (a quote, a question, a surprising fact). Provide background information on the topic. Present your thesis statement at the end of the introduction.
• Develop Body Paragraphs: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Support your points with evidence and examples. Address counterarguments and refute them to strengthen your position. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.
• Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints. Anticipate objections and provide evidence to counter them.
• Write the Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your argumentative essay. Reinforce the significance of your argument. End with a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking statement.
• Revise, Edit, and Share: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical and spelling errors. Share your essay with peers, friends, or instructors for constructive feedback.
• Finalize Your Argumentative Essay: Make final edits based on feedback received. Ensure that your essay follows the required formatting and citation style.

Struggling to start your argumentative essay? Paperpal can help – try now!   

Argumentative essay writing tips  

Here are eight strategies to craft a compelling argumentative essay: 

• Choose a Clear and Controversial Topic : Select a topic that sparks debate and has opposing viewpoints. A clear and controversial issue provides a solid foundation for a strong argument. 
• Conduct Thorough Research : Gather relevant information from reputable sources to support your argument. Use a variety of sources, such as academic journals, books, reputable websites, and expert opinions, to strengthen your position. 
• Create a Strong Thesis Statement : Clearly articulate your main argument in a concise thesis statement. Your thesis should convey your stance on the issue and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow your argument. 
• Develop a Logical Structure : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point of evidence that contributes to your overall argument. Ensure a logical flow from one point to the next. 
• Provide Strong Evidence : Support your claims with solid evidence. Use facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Be sure to cite your sources appropriately to maintain credibility. 
• Address Counterarguments : Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counterarguments. Addressing and refuting alternative perspectives strengthens your essay and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue. Be mindful of maintaining a respectful tone even when discussing opposing views. 
• Use Persuasive Language : Employ persuasive language to make your points effectively. Avoid emotional appeals without supporting evidence and strive for a respectful and professional tone. 
• Craft a Compelling Conclusion : Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression in your conclusion. Encourage readers to consider the implications of your argument and potentially take action. 

Good argumentative essay example  

Let’s consider a sample of argumentative essay on how social media enhances connectivity:

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform for an array of voices to be heard. While critics argue that social media fosters division and amplifies negativity, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of this digital revolution and how it enhances connectivity by providing a platform for diverse voices to flourish. One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to facilitate instant communication and connection across the globe. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram break down geographical barriers, enabling people to establish and maintain relationships regardless of physical location and fostering a sense of global community. Furthermore, social media has transformed how people stay connected with friends and family. Whether separated by miles or time zones, social media ensures that relationships remain dynamic and relevant, contributing to a more interconnected world. Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in giving voice to social justice movements and marginalized communities. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike have gained momentum through social media, allowing individuals to share their stories and advocate for change on a global scale. This digital activism can shape public opinion and hold institutions accountable. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space for open dialogue and discourse. Users can engage in discussions, share information, and challenge each other’s perspectives, fostering a culture of critical thinking. This open exchange of ideas contributes to a more informed and enlightened society where individuals can broaden their horizons and develop a nuanced understanding of complex issues. While criticisms of social media abound, it is crucial to recognize its positive impact on connectivity and the amplification of diverse voices. Social media transcends physical and cultural barriers, connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By fostering open dialogue and facilitating the exchange of ideas, social media contributes to a more interconnected and empowered society. Embracing the positive aspects of social media allows us to harness its potential for positive change and collective growth.

• Clearly Define Your Thesis Statement:   Your thesis statement is the core of your argumentative essay. Clearly articulate your main argument or position on the issue. Avoid vague or general statements.  
• Provide Strong Supporting Evidence:   Back up your thesis with solid evidence from reliable sources and examples. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, anecdotes, or real-life examples. Make sure your evidence is relevant to your argument, as it impacts the overall persuasiveness of your thesis.  
• Anticipate Counterarguments and Address Them:   Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen credibility. This also shows that you engage critically with the topic rather than presenting a one-sided argument. 

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?  

Writing a winning argumentative essay not only showcases your ability to critically analyze a topic but also demonstrates your skill in persuasively presenting your stance backed by evidence. Achieving this level of writing excellence can be time-consuming. This is where Paperpal, your AI academic writing assistant, steps in to revolutionize the way you approach argumentative essays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Paperpal to write your essay: 

Upgrade your essays with Paperpal

• Sign Up or Log In: Begin by creating an account or logging into paperpal.com .  
• Navigate to Paperpal Copilot: Once logged in, proceed to the Templates section from the side navigation bar.  
• Generate an essay outline: Under Templates, click on the ‘Outline’ tab and choose ‘Essay’ from the options and provide your topic to generate an outline.  
• Develop your essay: Use this structured outline as a guide to flesh out your essay. If you encounter any roadblocks, click on Brainstorm and get subject-specific assistance, ensuring you stay on track. 
• Refine your writing: To elevate the academic tone of your essay, select a paragraph and use the ‘Make Academic’ feature under the ‘Rewrite’ tab, ensuring your argumentative essay resonates with an academic audience. 
• Final Touches: Make your argumentative essay submission ready with Paperpal’s language, grammar, consistency and plagiarism checks, and improve your chances of acceptance.  

Paperpal not only simplifies the essay writing process but also ensures your argumentative essay is persuasive, well-structured, and academically rigorous. Sign up today and transform how you write argumentative essays. 

The length of an argumentative essay can vary, but it typically falls within the range of 1,000 to 2,500 words. However, the specific requirements may depend on the guidelines provided.

You might write an argumentative essay when:  1. You want to convince others of the validity of your position.  2. There is a controversial or debatable issue that requires discussion.  3. You need to present evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims.  4. You want to explore and critically analyze different perspectives on a topic. 

Argumentative Essay:  Purpose : An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a specific point of view or argument.  Structure : It follows a clear structure with an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, counterarguments and refutations, and a conclusion.  Tone : The tone is formal and relies on logical reasoning, evidence, and critical analysis.    Narrative/Descriptive Essay:  Purpose : These aim to tell a story or describe an experience, while a descriptive essay focuses on creating a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing.  Structure : They may have a more flexible structure. They often include an engaging introduction, a well-developed body that builds the story or description, and a conclusion.  Tone : The tone is more personal and expressive to evoke emotions or provide sensory details. 

• Gladd, J. (2020). Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays.  Write What Matters . 
• Nimehchisalem, V. (2018). Pyramid of argumentation: Towards an integrated model for teaching and assessing ESL writing.  Language & Communication ,  5 (2), 185-200. 
• Press, B. (2022).  Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide . Broadview Press. 
• Rieke, R. D., Sillars, M. O., & Peterson, T. R. (2005).  Argumentation and critical decision making . Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. 

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

Related Reads:

• Empirical Research: A Comprehensive Guide for Academics 
• How to Write a Scientific Paper in 10 Steps 
• What is a Literature Review? How to Write It (with Examples)
• How to Write a Hypothesis? Types and Examples 

Make Your Research Paper Error-Free with Paperpal’s Online Spell Checker 

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Argumentative Essay Examples & Analysis

July 20, 2023

Writing successful argumentative or persuasive essays is a sort of academic rite of passage: every student, at some point in their academic career, will have to do it. And not without reason—writing a good argumentative essay requires the ability to organize one’s thoughts, reason logically, and present evidence in support of claims. They even require empathy, as authors are forced to inhabit and then respond to viewpoints that run counter to their own. Here, we’ll look at some argumentative essay examples and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

What is an argumentative essay?

Before we turn to those argumentative essay examples, let’s get precise about what an argumentative essay is. An argumentative essay is an essay that advances a central point, thesis, or claim using evidence and facts. In other words, argumentative essays are essays that argue on behalf of a particular viewpoint. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader that the essay’s core idea is correct.

Good argumentative essays rely on facts and evidence. Personal anecdotes, appeals to emotion , and opinions that aren’t grounded in evidence just won’t fly. Let’s say I wanted to write an essay arguing that cats are the best pets. It wouldn’t be enough to say that I love having a cat as a pet. That’s just my opinion. Nor would it be enough to cite my downstairs neighbor Claudia, who also has a cat and who also prefers cats to dogs. That’s just an anecdote.

For the essay to have a chance at succeeding, I’d have to use evidence to support my argument. Maybe there are studies that compare the cost of cat ownership to dog ownership and conclude that cat ownership is less expensive. Perhaps there’s medical data that shows that more people are allergic to dogs than they are to cats. And maybe there are surveys that show that cat owners are more satisfied with their pets than are dog owners. I have no idea if any of that is true. The point is that successful argumentative essays use evidence from credible sources to back up their points.

Argumentative essay structure

Important to note before we examine a few argumentative essay examples: most argumentative essays will follow a standard 5-paragraph format. This format entails an introductory paragraph that lays out the essay’s central claim. Next, there are three body paragraphs that each advance sub-claims and evidence to support the central claim. Lastly, there is a conclusion that summarizes the points made. That’s not to say that every good argumentative essay will adhere strictly to the 5-paragraph format. And there is plenty of room for flexibility and creativity within the 5-paragraph format. For example, a good argumentative essay that follows the 5-paragraph template will also generally include counterarguments and rebuttals.

Introduction Example

Now let’s move on to those argumentative essay examples, and examine in particular a couple of introductions. The first takes on a common argumentative essay topic —capital punishment.

The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow the death penalty, while the other 26 have either banned the death penalty outright or issued moratoriums halting the practice. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it’s an effective deterrent against crime. Time and time again, however, this argument has been shown to be false. Capital punishment does not deter crime. But not only that—the death penalty is irreversible, which allows our imperfect justice system no room for error. Finally, the application of the death penalty is racially biased—the population of death row is over 41% Black , despite Black Americans making up just 13% of the U.S. population. For all these reasons, the death penalty should be outlawed across the board in the United States.

Why this introduction works: First, it’s clear. It lays out the essay’s thesis: that the death penalty should be outlawed in the United States. It also names the sub-arguments the author is going to use to support the thesis: (1), capital punishment does not deter crime, (2), it’s irreversible, and (3), it’s a racially biased practice. In laying out these three points, the author is also laying out the structure of the essay to follow. Each of the body paragraphs will take on one of the three sub-arguments presented in the introduction.

Argumentative Essay Examples (Continued)

Something else I like about this introduction is that it acknowledges and then refutes a common counterargument—the idea that the death penalty is a crime deterrent. Notice also the flow of the first two sentences. The first flags the essay’s topic. But it also makes a claim—that the issue of capital punishment is politically divisive. The following sentence backs this claim up. Essentially half of the country allows the practice; the other half has banned it. This is a feature not just of solid introductions but of good argumentative essays in general—all the essay’s claims will be backed up with evidence.

How it could be improved: Okay, I know I just got through singing the praises of the first pair of sentences, but if I were really nitpicking, I might take issue with them. Why? The first sentence is a bit of a placeholder. It’s a platitude, a way for the author to get a foothold in the piece. The essay isn’t about how divisive the death penalty is; it’s about why it ought to be abolished. When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, I always like to err on the side of blunt. There’s nothing wrong with starting an argumentative essay with the main idea: Capital punishment is an immoral and ineffective form of punishment, and the practice should be abolished .

Let’s move on to another argumentative essay example. Here’s an introduction that deals with the effects of technology on the brain:

Much of the critical discussion around technology today revolves around social media. Critics argue that social media has cut us off from our fellow citizens, trapping us in “information silos” and contributing to political polarization. Social media also promotes unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards, which can lead to anxiety and depression. What’s more, the social media apps themselves are designed to addict their users. These are all legitimate critiques of social media, and they ought to be taken seriously. But the problem of technology today goes deeper than social media. The internet itself is the problem. Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning. The internet is, quite literally, rewiring our brains.

Why this introduction works: This introduction hooks the reader by tying a topical debate about social media to the essay’s main subject—the problem of the internet itself. The introduction makes it clear what the essay is going to be about; the sentence, “But the problem of technology…” signals to the reader that the main idea is coming. I like the clarity with which the main idea is stated, and, as in the previous introduction, the main idea sets up the essay to follow.

How it could be improved: I like how direct this introduction is, but it might be improved by being a little more specific. Without getting too technical, the introduction might tell the reader what it means to “promote distracted thinking and superficial learning.” It might also hint as to why these are good arguments. For example, are there neurological or psychological studies that back this claim up? A simple fix might be: Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, countless studies have shown that the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning . The body paragraphs would then elaborate on those points. And the last sentence, while catchy, is a bit vague.

Body Paragraph Example

Let’s stick with our essay on capital punishment and continue on to the first body paragraph.

Proponents of the death penalty have long claimed that the practice is an effective deterrent to crime. It might not be pretty, they say, but its deterrent effects prevent further crime. Therefore, its continued use is justified. The problem is that this is just not borne out in the data. There is simply no evidence that the death penalty deters crime more than other forms of punishment, like long prison sentences. States, where the death penalty is still carried out, do not have lower crime rates than states where the practice has been abolished. States that have abandoned the death penalty likewise show no increase in crime or murder rates.

Body Paragraph (Continued)

For example, the state of Louisiana, where the death penalty is legal, has a murder rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents. In Iowa, where the death penalty was abolished in 1965, the murder rate is 3.2 per 100,000. In Kentucky the death penalty is legal and the murder rate is 9.6; in Michigan where it’s illegal, the murder rate is 8.7. The death penalty simply has no bearing on murder rates. If it did, we’d see markedly lower murder rates in states that maintain the practice. But that’s not the case. Capital punishment does not deter crime. Therefore, it should be abolished.

Why this paragraph works: This body paragraph is successful because it coheres with the main idea set out in the introduction. It supports the essay’s first sub-argument—that capital punishment does not deter crime—and in so doing, it supports the essay’s main idea—that capital punishment should be abolished. How does it do that? By appealing to the data. A nice feature of this paragraph is that it simultaneously debunks a common counterargument and advances the essay’s thesis. It also supplies a few direct examples (murder rates in states like Kentucky, Michigan, etc.) without getting too technical. Importantly, the last few sentences tie the data back to the main idea of the essay. It’s not enough to pepper your essay with statistics. A good argumentative essay will unpack the statistics, tell the reader why the statistics matter, and how they support or confirm the essay’s main idea.

How it could be improved: The author is missing one logical connection at the end of the paragraph. The author shows that capital punishment doesn’t deter crime, but then just jumps to their conclusion. They needed to establish a logical bridge to get from the sub-argument to the conclusion. That bridge might be: if the deterrent effect is being used as a justification to maintain the practice, but the deterrent effect doesn’t really exist, then , in the absence of some other justification, the death penalty should be abolished. The author almost got there, but just needed to make that one final logical connection.

Conclusion Example

Once we’ve supported each of our sub-arguments with a corresponding body paragraph, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

It might be nice to think that executing murderers prevents future murders from happening, that our justice system is infallible and no one is ever wrongly put to death, and that the application of the death penalty is free of bias. But as we have seen, each of those thoughts are just comforting fictions. The death penalty does not prevent future crime—if it did, we’d see higher crime rates in states that’ve done away with capital punishment. The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. And the death penalty disproportionately affects people of color. The death penalty is an unjustifiable practice—both practically and morally. Therefore, the United States should do away with the practice and join the more than 85 world nations that have already done so.

Why this conclusion works: It concisely summarizes the points made throughout the essay. But notice that it’s not identical to the introduction. The conclusion makes it clear that our understanding of the issue has changed with the essay. It not only revisits the sub-arguments, it expounds upon them. And to put a bow on everything, it restates the thesis—this time, though, with a little more emotional oomph.

How it could be improved: I’d love to see a little more specificity with regard to the sub-arguments. Instead of just rehashing the second sub-argument—that wrongful executions are unavoidable—the author could’ve included a quick statistic to give the argument more weight. For example: The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. Since 1973, at least 190 people have been put to death who were later found to be innocent.

An argumentative essay is a powerful way to convey one’s ideas. As an academic exercise, mastering the art of the argumentative essay requires students to hone their skills of critical thinking, rhetoric, and logical reasoning. The best argumentative essays communicate their ideas clearly and back up their claims with evidence.

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Dane Gebauer is a writer and teacher living in Miami, FL. He received his MFA in fiction from Columbia University, and his writing has appeared in Complex Magazine and Sinking City Review .

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How to Write an A+ Argumentative Essay

Miscellaneous

You'll no doubt have to write a number of argumentative essays in both high school and college, but what, exactly, is an argumentative essay and how do you write the best one possible? Let's take a look.

A great argumentative essay always combines the same basic elements: approaching an argument from a rational perspective, researching sources, supporting your claims using facts rather than opinion, and articulating your reasoning into the most cogent and reasoned points. Argumentative essays are great building blocks for all sorts of research and rhetoric, so your teachers will expect you to master the technique before long.

But if this sounds daunting, never fear! We'll show how an argumentative essay differs from other kinds of papers, how to research and write them, how to pick an argumentative essay topic, and where to find example essays. So let's get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay? How Is it Different from Other Kinds of Essays?

There are two basic requirements for any and all essays: to state a claim (a thesis statement) and to support that claim with evidence.

Though every essay is founded on these two ideas, there are several different types of essays, differentiated by the style of the writing, how the writer presents the thesis, and the types of evidence used to support the thesis statement.

Essays can be roughly divided into four different types:

#1: Argumentative #2: Persuasive #3: Expository #4: Analytical

So let's look at each type and what the differences are between them before we focus the rest of our time to argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays are what this article is all about, so let's talk about them first.

An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance.

An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the factually and logically correct one. This means that an argumentative essay must use only evidence-based support to back up a claim , rather than emotional or philosophical reasoning (which is often allowed in other types of essays). Thus, an argumentative essay has a burden of substantiated proof and sources , whereas some other types of essays (namely persuasive essays) do not.

You can write an argumentative essay on any topic, so long as there's room for argument. Generally, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one, so long as you support the argumentative essay with hard evidence.

Example topics of an argumentative essay:

• "Should farmers be allowed to shoot wolves if those wolves injure or kill farm animals?"
• "Should the drinking age be lowered in the United States?"
• "Are alternatives to democracy effective and/or feasible to implement?"

The next three types of essays are not argumentative essays, but you may have written them in school. We're going to cover them so you know what not to do for your argumentative essay.

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays, so it can be easy to get them confused. But knowing what makes an argumentative essay different than a persuasive essay can often mean the difference between an excellent grade and an average one.

Persuasive essays seek to persuade a reader to agree with the point of view of the writer, whether that point of view is based on factual evidence or not. The writer has much more flexibility in the evidence they can use, with the ability to use moral, cultural, or opinion-based reasoning as well as factual reasoning to persuade the reader to agree the writer's side of a given issue.

Instead of being forced to use "pure" reason as one would in an argumentative essay, the writer of a persuasive essay can manipulate or appeal to the reader's emotions. So long as the writer attempts to steer the readers into agreeing with the thesis statement, the writer doesn't necessarily need hard evidence in favor of the argument.

Often, you can use the same topics for both a persuasive essay or an argumentative one—the difference is all in the approach and the evidence you present.

Example topics of a persuasive essay:

• "Should children be responsible for their parents' debts?"
• "Should cheating on a test be automatic grounds for expulsion?"
• "How much should sports leagues be held accountable for player injuries and the long-term consequences of those injuries?"

Expository Essay

An expository essay is typically a short essay in which the writer explains an idea, issue, or theme , or discusses the history of a person, place, or idea.

This is typically a fact-forward essay with little argument or opinion one way or the other.

Example topics of an expository essay:

• "The History of the Philadelphia Liberty Bell"
• "The Reasons I Always Wanted to be a Doctor"
• "The Meaning Behind the Colloquialism ‘People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones'"

Analytical Essay

An analytical essay seeks to delve into the deeper meaning of a text or work of art, or unpack a complicated idea . These kinds of essays closely interpret a source and look into its meaning by analyzing it at both a macro and micro level.

This type of analysis can be augmented by historical context or other expert or widely-regarded opinions on the subject, but is mainly supported directly through the original source (the piece or art or text being analyzed) .

Example topics of an analytical essay:

• "Victory Gin in Place of Water: The Symbolism Behind Gin as the Only Potable Substance in George Orwell's 1984"
• "Amarna Period Art: The Meaning Behind the Shift from Rigid to Fluid Poses"
• "Adultery During WWII, as Told Through a Series of Letters to and from Soldiers"

There are many different types of essay and, over time, you'll be able to master them all.

A Typical Argumentative Essay Assignment

The average argumentative essay is between three to five pages, and will require at least three or four separate sources with which to back your claims . As for the essay topic , you'll most often be asked to write an argumentative essay in an English class on a "general" topic of your choice, ranging the gamut from science, to history, to literature.

But while the topics of an argumentative essay can span several different fields, the structure of an argumentative essay is always the same: you must support a claim—a claim that can reasonably have multiple sides—using multiple sources and using a standard essay format (which we'll talk about later on).

This is why many argumentative essay topics begin with the word "should," as in:

• "Should all students be required to learn chemistry in high school?"
• "Should children be required to learn a second language?"
• "Should schools or governments be allowed to ban books?"

These topics all have at least two sides of the argument: Yes or no. And you must support the side you choose with evidence as to why your side is the correct one.

But there are also plenty of other ways to frame an argumentative essay as well:

• "Does using social media do more to benefit or harm people?"
• "Does the legal status of artwork or its creators—graffiti and vandalism, pirated media, a creator who's in jail—have an impact on the art itself?"
• "Is or should anyone ever be ‘above the law?'"

Though these are worded differently than the first three, you're still essentially forced to pick between two sides of an issue: yes or no, for or against, benefit or detriment. Though your argument might not fall entirely into one side of the divide or another—for instance, you could claim that social media has positively impacted some aspects of modern life while being a detriment to others—your essay should still support one side of the argument above all. Your final stance would be that overall , social media is beneficial or overall , social media is harmful.

If your argument is one that is mostly text-based or backed by a single source (e.g., "How does Salinger show that Holden Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?" or "Does Gatsby personify the American Dream?"), then it's an analytical essay, rather than an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay will always be focused on more general topics so that you can use multiple sources to back up your claims.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

So you know the basic idea behind an argumentative essay, but what topic should you write about?

Again, almost always, you'll be asked to write an argumentative essay on a free topic of your choice, or you'll be asked to select between a few given topics . If you're given complete free reign of topics, then it'll be up to you to find an essay topic that no only appeals to you, but that you can turn into an A+ argumentative essay.

What makes a "good" argumentative essay topic depends on both the subject matter and your personal interest —it can be hard to give your best effort on something that bores you to tears! But it can also be near impossible to write an argumentative essay on a topic that has no room for debate.

As we said earlier, a good argumentative essay topic will be one that has the potential to reasonably go in at least two directions—for or against, yes or no, and why . For example, it's pretty hard to write an argumentative essay on whether or not people should be allowed to murder one another—not a whole lot of debate there for most people!—but writing an essay for or against the death penalty has a lot more wiggle room for evidence and argument.

A good topic is also one that can be substantiated through hard evidence and relevant sources . So be sure to pick a topic that other people have studied (or at least studied elements of) so that you can use their data in your argument. For example, if you're arguing that it should be mandatory for all middle school children to play a sport, you might have to apply smaller scientific data points to the larger picture you're trying to justify. There are probably several studies you could cite on the benefits of physical activity and the positive effect structure and teamwork has on young minds, but there's probably no study you could use where a group of scientists put all middle-schoolers in one jurisdiction into a mandatory sports program (since that's probably never happened). So long as your evidence is relevant to your point and you can extrapolate from it to form a larger whole, you can use it as a part of your resource material.

And if you need ideas on where to get started, or just want to see sample argumentative essay topics, then check out these links for hundreds of potential argumentative essay topics.

101 Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay and Speech Topics

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Top 50 Ideas for Argumentative/Persuasive Essay Writing

[Note: some of these say "persuasive essay topics," but just remember that the same topic can often be used for both a persuasive essay and an argumentative essay; the difference is in your writing style and the evidence you use to support your claims.]

KO! Find that one argumentative essay topic you can absolutely conquer.

Argumentative Essay Format

Argumentative Essays are composed of four main elements:

• A position (your argument)
• Your reasons
• Supporting evidence for those reasons (from reliable sources)
• Counterargument(s) (possible opposing arguments and reasons why those arguments are incorrect)

If you're familiar with essay writing in general, then you're also probably familiar with the five paragraph essay structure . This structure is a simple tool to show how one outlines an essay and breaks it down into its component parts, although it can be expanded into as many paragraphs as you want beyond the core five.

The standard argumentative essay is often 3-5 pages, which will usually mean a lot more than five paragraphs, but your overall structure will look the same as a much shorter essay.

An argumentative essay at its simplest structure will look like:

Paragraph 1: Intro

• Set up the story/problem/issue
• Thesis/claim

Paragraph 2: Support

• Reason #1 claim is correct
• Supporting evidence with sources

Paragraph 3: Support

• Reason #2 claim is correct

Paragraph 4: Counterargument

• Explanation of argument for the other side
• Refutation of opposing argument with supporting evidence

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Re-state claim
• Sum up reasons and support of claim from the essay to prove claim is correct

Now let's unpack each of these paragraph types to see how they work (with examples!), what goes into them, and why.

Paragraph 1—Set Up and Claim

Your first task is to introduce the reader to the topic at hand so they'll be prepared for your claim. Give a little background information, set the scene, and give the reader some stakes so that they care about the issue you're going to discuss.

Next, you absolutely must have a position on an argument and make that position clear to the readers. It's not an argumentative essay unless you're arguing for a specific claim, and this claim will be your thesis statement.

Your thesis CANNOT be a mere statement of fact (e.g., "Washington DC is the capital of the United States"). Your thesis must instead be an opinion which can be backed up with evidence and has the potential to be argued against (e.g., "New York should be the capital of the United States").

Paragraphs 2 and 3—Your Evidence

These are your body paragraphs in which you give the reasons why your argument is the best one and back up this reasoning with concrete evidence .

The argument supporting the thesis of an argumentative essay should be one that can be supported by facts and evidence, rather than personal opinion or cultural or religious mores.

For example, if you're arguing that New York should be the new capital of the US, you would have to back up that fact by discussing the factual contrasts between New York and DC in terms of location, population, revenue, and laws. You would then have to talk about the precedents for what makes for a good capital city and why New York fits the bill more than DC does.

Your argument can't simply be that a lot of people think New York is the best city ever and that you agree.

In addition to using concrete evidence, you always want to keep the tone of your essay passionate, but impersonal . Even though you're writing your argument from a single opinion, don't use first person language—"I think," "I feel," "I believe,"—to present your claims. Doing so is repetitive, since by writing the essay you're already telling the audience what you feel, and using first person language weakens your writing voice.

For example,

"I think that Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

"Washington DC is no longer suited to be the capital city of the United States."

The second statement sounds far stronger and more analytical.

Paragraph 4—Argument for the Other Side and Refutation

Even without a counter argument, you can make a pretty persuasive claim, but a counterargument will round out your essay into one that is much more persuasive and substantial.

By anticipating an argument against your claim and taking the initiative to counter it, you're allowing yourself to get ahead of the game. This way, you show that you've given great thought to all sides of the issue before choosing your position, and you demonstrate in multiple ways how yours is the more reasoned and supported side.

Paragraph 5—Conclusion

This paragraph is where you re-state your argument and summarize why it's the best claim.

Briefly touch on your supporting evidence and voila! A finished argumentative essay.

Your essay should have just as awesome a skeleton as this plesiosaur does. (In other words: a ridiculously awesome skeleton)

Argumentative Essay Example: 5-Paragraph Style

It always helps to have an example to learn from. I've written a full 5-paragraph argumentative essay here. Look at how I state my thesis in paragraph 1, give supporting evidence in paragraphs 2 and 3, address a counterargument in paragraph 4, and conclude in paragraph 5.

Topic: Is it possible to maintain conflicting loyalties?

Paragraph 1

It is almost impossible to go through life without encountering a situation where your loyalties to different people or causes come into conflict with each other. Maybe you have a loving relationship with your sister, but she disagrees with your decision to join the army, or you find yourself torn between your cultural beliefs and your scientific ones. These conflicting loyalties can often be maintained for a time, but as examples from both history and psychological theory illustrate, sooner or later, people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever.

The first two sentences set the scene and give some hypothetical examples and stakes for the reader to care about.

The third sentence finishes off the intro with the thesis statement, making very clear how the author stands on the issue ("people have to make a choice between competing loyalties, as no one can maintain a conflicting loyalty or belief system forever." )

Paragraphs 2 and 3

Psychological theory states that human beings are not equipped to maintain conflicting loyalties indefinitely and that attempting to do so leads to a state called "cognitive dissonance." Cognitive dissonance theory is the psychological idea that people undergo tremendous mental stress or anxiety when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or loyalties (Festinger, 1957). Even if human beings initially hold a conflicting loyalty, they will do their best to find a mental equilibrium by making a choice between those loyalties—stay stalwart to a belief system or change their beliefs. One of the earliest formal examples of cognitive dissonance theory comes from Leon Festinger's When Prophesy Fails . Members of an apocalyptic cult are told that the end of the world will occur on a specific date and that they alone will be spared the Earth's destruction. When that day comes and goes with no apocalypse, the cult members face a cognitive dissonance between what they see and what they've been led to believe (Festinger, 1956). Some choose to believe that the cult's beliefs are still correct, but that the Earth was simply spared from destruction by mercy, while others choose to believe that they were lied to and that the cult was fraudulent all along. Both beliefs cannot be correct at the same time, and so the cult members are forced to make their choice.

But even when conflicting loyalties can lead to potentially physical, rather than just mental, consequences, people will always make a choice to fall on one side or other of a dividing line. Take, for instance, Nicolaus Copernicus, a man born and raised in Catholic Poland (and educated in Catholic Italy). Though the Catholic church dictated specific scientific teachings, Copernicus' loyalty to his own observations and scientific evidence won out over his loyalty to his country's government and belief system. When he published his heliocentric model of the solar system--in opposition to the geocentric model that had been widely accepted for hundreds of years (Hannam, 2011)-- Copernicus was making a choice between his loyalties. In an attempt t o maintain his fealty both to the established system and to what he believed, h e sat on his findings for a number of years (Fantoli, 1994). But, ultimately, Copernicus made the choice to side with his beliefs and observations above all and published his work for the world to see (even though, in doing so, he risked both his reputation and personal freedoms).

These two paragraphs provide the reasons why the author supports the main argument and uses substantiated sources to back those reasons.

The paragraph on cognitive dissonance theory gives both broad supporting evidence and more narrow, detailed supporting evidence to show why the thesis statement is correct not just anecdotally but also scientifically and psychologically. First, we see why people in general have a difficult time accepting conflicting loyalties and desires and then how this applies to individuals through the example of the cult members from the Dr. Festinger's research.

The next paragraph continues to use more detailed examples from history to provide further evidence of why the thesis that people cannot indefinitely maintain conflicting loyalties is true.

Paragraph 4

Some will claim that it is possible to maintain conflicting beliefs or loyalties permanently, but this is often more a matter of people deluding themselves and still making a choice for one side or the other, rather than truly maintaining loyalty to both sides equally. For example, Lancelot du Lac typifies a person who claims to maintain a balanced loyalty between to two parties, but his attempt to do so fails (as all attempts to permanently maintain conflicting loyalties must). Lancelot tells himself and others that he is equally devoted to both King Arthur and his court and to being Queen Guinevere's knight (Malory, 2008). But he can neither be in two places at once to protect both the king and queen, nor can he help but let his romantic feelings for the queen to interfere with his duties to the king and the kingdom. Ultimately, he and Queen Guinevere give into their feelings for one another and Lancelot—though he denies it—chooses his loyalty to her over his loyalty to Arthur. This decision plunges the kingdom into a civil war, ages Lancelot prematurely, and ultimately leads to Camelot's ruin (Raabe, 1987). Though Lancelot claimed to have been loyal to both the king and the queen, this loyalty was ultimately in conflict, and he could not maintain it.

Here we have the acknowledgement of a potential counter-argument and the evidence as to why it isn't true.

The argument is that some people (or literary characters) have asserted that they give equal weight to their conflicting loyalties. The refutation is that, though some may claim to be able to maintain conflicting loyalties, they're either lying to others or deceiving themselves. The paragraph shows why this is true by providing an example of this in action.

Paragraph 5

Whether it be through literature or history, time and time again, people demonstrate the challenges of trying to manage conflicting loyalties and the inevitable consequences of doing so. Though belief systems are malleable and will often change over time, it is not possible to maintain two mutually exclusive loyalties or beliefs at once. In the end, people always make a choice, and loyalty for one party or one side of an issue will always trump loyalty to the other.

The concluding paragraph summarizes the essay, touches on the evidence presented, and re-states the thesis statement.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay: 8 Steps

Writing the best argumentative essay is all about the preparation, so let's talk steps:

#1: Preliminary Research

If you have the option to pick your own argumentative essay topic (which you most likely will), then choose one or two topics you find the most intriguing or that you have a vested interest in and do some preliminary research on both sides of the debate.

Do an open internet search just to see what the general chatter is on the topic and what the research trends are.

Did your preliminary reading influence you to pick a side or change your side? Without diving into all the scholarly articles at length, do you believe there's enough evidence to support your claim? Have there been scientific studies? Experiments? Does a noted scholar in the field agree with you? If not, you may need to pick another topic or side of the argument to support.

#2: Pick Your Side and Form Your Thesis

Now's the time to pick the side of the argument you feel you can support the best and summarize your main point into your thesis statement.

Your thesis will be the basis of your entire essay, so make sure you know which side you're on, that you've stated it clearly, and that you stick by your argument throughout the entire essay .

#3: Heavy-Duty Research Time

You've taken a gander at what the internet at large has to say on your argument, but now's the time to actually read those sources and take notes.

Check scholarly journals online at Google Scholar , the Directory of Open Access Journals , or JStor . You can also search individual university or school libraries and websites to see what kinds of academic articles you can access for free. Keep track of your important quotes and page numbers and put them somewhere that's easy to find later.

And don't forget to check your school or local libraries as well!

#4: Outline

Follow the five-paragraph outline structure from the previous section.

Fill in your topic, your reasons, and your supporting evidence into each of the categories.

Before you begin to flesh out the essay, take a look at what you've got. Is your thesis statement in the first paragraph? Is it clear? Is your argument logical? Does your supporting evidence support your reasoning?

By outlining your essay, you streamline your process and take care of any logic gaps before you dive headfirst into the writing. This will save you a lot of grief later on if you need to change your sources or your structure, so don't get too trigger-happy and skip this step.

Now that you've laid out exactly what you'll need for your essay and where, it's time to fill in all the gaps by writing it out.

Take it one step at a time and expand your ideas into complete sentences and substantiated claims. It may feel daunting to turn an outline into a complete draft, but just remember that you've already laid out all the groundwork; now you're just filling in the gaps.

If you have the time before deadline, give yourself a day or two (or even just an hour!) away from your essay . Looking it over with fresh eyes will allow you to see errors, both minor and major, that you likely would have missed had you tried to edit when it was still raw.

Take a first pass over the entire essay and try your best to ignore any minor spelling or grammar mistakes—you're just looking at the big picture right now. Does it make sense as a whole? Did the essay succeed in making an argument and backing that argument up logically? (Do you feel persuaded?)

If not, go back and make notes so that you can fix it for your final draft.

Once you've made your revisions to the overall structure, mark all your small errors and grammar problems so you can fix them in the next draft.

#7: Final Draft

Use the notes you made on the rough draft and go in and hack and smooth away until you're satisfied with the final result.

A checklist for your final draft:

• Formatting is correct according to your teacher's standards
• No errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Essay is the right length and size for the assignment
• The argument is present, consistent, and concise
• Each reason is supported by relevant evidence
• The essay makes sense overall

#8: Celebrate!

Once you've brought that final draft to a perfect polish and turned in your assignment, you're done! Go you!

Be prepared and ♪ you'll never go hungry again ♪, *cough*, or struggle with your argumentative essay-writing again. (Walt Disney Studios)

Good Examples of Argumentative Essays Online

Theory is all well and good, but examples are key. Just to get you started on what a fully-fleshed out argumentative essay looks like, let's see some examples in action.

Check out these two argumentative essay examples on the use of landmines and freons (and note the excellent use of concrete sources to back up their arguments!).

The Use of Landmines

A Shattered Sky

The Take-Aways: Keys to Writing an Argumentative Essay

At first, writing an argumentative essay may seem like a monstrous hurdle to overcome, but with the proper preparation and understanding, you'll be able to knock yours out of the park.

Remember the differences between a persuasive essay and an argumentative one, make sure your thesis is clear, and double-check that your supporting evidence is both relevant to your point and well-sourced . Pick your topic, do your research, make your outline, and fill in the gaps. Before you know it, you'll have yourself an A+ argumentative essay there, my friend.

What's Next?

Now you know the ins and outs of an argumentative essay, but how comfortable are you writing in other styles? Learn more about the four writing styles and when it makes sense to use each .

Understand how to make an argument, but still having trouble organizing your thoughts? Check out our guide to three popular essay formats and choose which one is right for you.

Ready to make your case, but not sure what to write about? We've created a list of 50 potential argumentative essay topics to spark your imagination.

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Courtney scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT in high school and went on to graduate from Stanford University with a degree in Cultural and Social Anthropology. She is passionate about bringing education and the tools to succeed to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, as she believes open education is one of the great societal equalizers. She has years of tutoring experience and writes creative works in her free time.

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