Research and gather evidence.
Here's why this is crucial:
* Supporting your claims: You need strong evidence to back up your arguments and convince your reader. This could come from credible sources like scholarly articles, books, reputable websites, or even statistics.
* Understanding the opposing side: You need to be aware of opposing arguments to effectively address them and strengthen your own position.
* Building your knowledge: Research helps you develop a deeper understanding of the topic, ensuring your essay is informed and insightful.
How to do it:
* Identify key sources: Start with reputable sources like academic journals, government websites, and established news organizations.
* Use keywords effectively: Search for relevant keywords to refine your research and find specific information.
* Take thorough notes: Organize your research into categories, summarize key points, and include proper citations.
While research is often considered the second step, other steps like outlining or brainstorming may come before or after it, depending on your personal writing process. The important thing is to understand the role of research and its importance for a compelling argumentative essay.