5 Common Mistakes to Avoid For Writing an Effective Argumentative Essay

Many students struggle with writing effective argumentative essays, and often make common mistakes that weaken their arguments.

These mistakes can lead to poor grades and a lack of persuasiveness in communicating ideas.

By understanding what to avoid in argumentative essay writing, students can create more convincing and impactful essays.

In this blog, we'll cover some of these most common mistakes and will also tell you how to avoid them. 

By learning how to avoid these mistakes, you'll be able to strengthen your arguments and communicate your ideas more effectively.

So let's dive in!

Mistake #1: Unclear or Weak Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the writer's argument or position on a given topic. 

A strong thesis statement is essential to a successful argumentative essay. It guides the reader and sets the tone for the entire essay.

A weak thesis statement does not effectively communicate the main argument or position on the topic. It may lack clarity, focus, or specificity, making it difficult for the reader to understand the intended message.

How to Write a Clear and Focused Thesis Statement

To write a clear and focused thesis statement, first identify their position on the topic.  

The thesis statement should be specific and concise, and should clearly state your position on the topic.

Examples of Weak and Strong Thesis Statements

Weak Thesis Statement: "Global warming is a problem that affects many people."

This thesis statement is too broad and vague. It does not clearly state the writer's position or provide any specific points to support their argument.

Strong Thesis Statement: "The use of fossil fuels is the main contributor to global warming, and immediate action must be taken to transition to renewable energy sources."

This thesis statement clearly states the writer's position on the topic. It provides specific points to support their argument, and sets the tone for the rest of the essay.

Mistake #2: Lack of Evidence

This type of essay often involves a mistake where the writer fails to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims or arguments.

Providing evidence is crucial in argumentative essay writing, as it demonstrates the validity of your argument. It helps persuade the reader to agree with their position.

What Happens When There is a Lack of Evidence

A lack of evidence can weaken an argument and make it less persuasive to the reader. 

For example, you argue that a particular policy is harmful. But fail to provide any evidence to support their claim, the reader may not be convinced of the argument.

How to Avoid Lack of Evidence in your Argumentative Essay

Using credible sources effectively in an argumentative essay helps you avoid this mistake. For that, first identify reputable sources related to their topic. 

These sources can include academic journals, books, government reports, and reputable news sources. 

Then evaluate the credibility of each source and choose the most reliable and relevant ones. Once credible sources are identified,integrate them effectively into their essay. This can be done by providing a brief summary of the source's main points. 

It should cite the source properly, and use quotes or paraphrases to support your claims.

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Mistake #3: Committing Logical Fallacies

Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can weaken an argument and reduce its persuasive power. 

These fallacies can take many forms, but they generally involve mistakes in the way that evidence or reasoning is presented or interpreted.

In argumentative essay writing, it is important to avoid these fallacies to ensure a strong and convincing argument.

How to Avoid These Fallacies

To avoid logical fallacies, carefully evaluate the arguments and consider how they could be misinterpreted or challenged. 

It is important to understand the type of arguments, address counterarguments and use credible evidence to support claims. 

Additionally, using clear and precise language can help prevent misunderstandings and misrepresentations of the argument.

Examples of Logical Fallacies

Ad Hominem Fallacy: It occurs when the writer attacks the character or credibility of the person. He makes an argument, rather than addressing the argument itself. 

To avoid this fallacy, focus on the argument itself and avoid personal attacks.

Straw Man Fallacy: This is when the writer misrepresents an opponent's argument in order to make it easier to attack. 

To avoid this fallacy, accurately represent your opponent's argument and address it directly.

Circular Reasoning Fallacy: This fallacy occurs when you use the conclusion of an argument as evidence to support the argument itself. 

To avoid this fallacy, use external evidence and logical reasoning to support your argument.

Mistake # 4: Overgeneralization in Writing

Overgeneralization is when you  make a broad statement without providing specific evidence or examples to support their claim. 

This can weaken the argument and reduce its persuasive power.

Overgeneralization can be dangerous because it can lead to generalizations about people or situations that may not be accurate or fair. 

How to Avoid Overgeneralization

Avoid making broad statements without providing specific evidence to avoid overgeneralization.

They should take the time to research and find relevant examples that support their claims. 

Examples of Overgeneralization

• All teenagers are lazy and don't care about anything except their phones.
  
• The United States is the most corrupt country in the world.
  
• Everyone knows that the death penalty is the best way to deter crime.
  

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Mistake #5: Writing Abruptive Essay Conclusion

An abruptive essay conclusion is a common mistake in argumentative essay writing. 

The essay fails to provide a clear and concise summary of the main points and leaves the reader feeling unsatisfied. 

This can weaken the impact of the argument and reduce its overall persuasive power.

Importance of a Strong Conclusion

A strong conclusion is important because it provides closure to the essay and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. 

It should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis in a clear and concise way. It can also provide an opportunity to offer a final thought or call to action.

How to Write a Clear and Concise Conclusion

To write a clear and concise conclusion, first review the main points of the essay. 

Then summarize these points in a way that highlights their significance and relevance to the topic. The conclusion should be brief and to the point, avoiding any new information or arguments.

Examples of Weak and Strong Essay Conclusions

Weak Conclusion: "In conclusion, there are many different viewpoints on this topic. It is important to consider all perspectives when making a decision."

Strong Conclusion: "In conclusion, the evidence presented supports the thesis that [restatement of thesis]. By [summarize main points], we can see that [highlight significance of argument]. Therefore, it is clear that [final thought or call to action]."

In conclusion, argumentative essay writing can be a powerful tool for persuading others and sharing one's own viewpoint. 

However, there are several common mistakes that you should avoid. 

By understanding these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can improve the persuasiveness and impact of their argumentative essays.

Avoiding common errors is vital in essay writing. If you need assistance, check out our argumentative essay writing service.

Our team of experienced writers can assist you with crafting a strong thesis statement, and creating a powerful conclusion. 

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