Before you begin constructing an argument, determine which aspect of an issue interests you most. The best written arguments are usually focused and narrow. Be wary of writing about something as broadly defined as climate change or ethics in politics. Instead, try to find a subtopic that you can manage in the space and time available to you. For example, if you’re interested in climate change, take a look at issues such as the carbon emissions that result from producing the batteries used in hybrid cars and trucks. Each of the following questions focuses your attention on a general issue in a different way, and each provides a useful starting point for an argumentative essay. Depending on the subject, you’ll find that some questions are more relevant than others.

As you narrow your focus, ask yourself one last question: Is your goal to convince your readers to agree with you, or to persuade them to act? Be aware that getting people to act can be a far greater challenge than getting them to agree with you. For example, it’s easy to convince someone that it’s a good idea to spend more time studying. It can be far more difficult to persuade that person to set aside two more hours each day to do so. As you consider how you’ll focus your argument, remember that it will take a strong argument to persuade your readers to act.