Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Argument paragraph tips?

I'm starting to work on my argumentative essay, but I'm not sure how to structure the paragraphs. Any advice or example paragraphs to help me out here, please?

a year ago

Sure! When writing an argument paragraph, it's important to keep a clear and well-organized structure. A general guideline would be to use the PEEL method: Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link. This can help in constructing a coherent and persuasive argument. Here's a breakdown of the method, with an example paragraph to illustrate:

1. Point (topic sentence): Begin your paragraph with a clear statement of the point you are trying to make. This sentence should convey the main argument of the paragraph.

- Example: "School uniforms should be mandatory because they promote equality among students."

2. Evidence: Provide a piece of evidence or data that supports your point. This can be a fact, statistic, or even an example from real life.

- Example: "In a study conducted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, schools with a uniform policy had a 63% decrease in student-reported bullying incidents compared to schools with no uniform requirement."

3. Explanation: Explain how your evidence connects to and supports your point. Make sure to delve into the significance of the evidence, demonstrating its relevance to your claim.

- Example: "The decrease in bullying incidents can be attributed to the elimination of visible differences in clothing and appearance, making it difficult for students to target others based on their socioeconomic background or fashion choices. This supports the idea that uniforms help create a more equal and inclusive environment for all students."

4. Link: End the paragraph with a sentence that links your argument to the next point or the broader context of your essay.

- Example: "Apart from promoting equality, school uniforms also provide a sense of identity and unity, further enhancing the school experience for students."

Remember to vary your sentence structure, maintain a logical flow, and ensure that your paragraphs are neither too long nor too short (usually between 5-8 sentences). Pay attention to transitions between sentences and paragraphs to maintain coherence and connectivity throughout your essay. Good luck with your argumentative essay!

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.