Organizing an argument essay can be done with the help of a six-step process.
The aim of writing an argument essay, or persuasive essay, is to convince a reader that your stance on a particular issue is the correct one. With this six-step system, the writing task is broken down into manageable chunks to help you focus in on the topic without being overwhelmed.
Select a Topic
The first step in writing an argument essay is choosing a topic. Choose a topic that has readily available research on multiple sides of the argument. The more focused the topic is, the easier it will be to focus the essay. A good topic is one that hasn't been written about to a great extent but does have interest in the community in which you are writing. For example, a writer in a particular television market may choose to compare the television services available -- cable, satellite dish, etc. -- and explain why one choice is better than the rest for that particular area.
Research
Research your topic from both sides. The quality of your research is very important in establishing credibility for your argument. It is important to use well-respected journals and information from experts in the fields pertinent to your essay. When you think you have enough information for your essay, continue to research and get two or three more sources of information. This will help you flesh out your essay.
Identify the Audience
Focus your writing toward the audience you wish to address. If you are writing for an academic audience, use college-level language and don't bother explaining rudimentary terms. Take the knowledge of your audience into account whenever a technical term or industry jargon come into play. Laymen will need further explanation where industry professionals may dismiss your argument based on unnecessary explanations.
Outline
Create an outline to help organize the actual writing of the essay. This outline should include a heading for your introduction, a first argument, a rebuttal, an answer to the rebuttal, and a conclusion. If you have multiple points, the outline can have more than five sections.
Write the First Draft
The first draft should be a well thought out expansion of the points in your outline. Here you will flesh out the outline. Don't focus on punctuation or grammar in this draft, just get the ideas out on paper and flowing the way you want them to.
Revise the Essay
Revise your essay to remove all grammatical and spelling errors. Read it for flow, making sure that your readers will be able to follow the logic in your argument from start to finish. Read the article out loud to catch any places that don't flow. Finish the revision by checking that you have followed the formatting standards for whatever style guide is required for your paper, such as MLA, APA, or another style.
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