Overview of the argumentative essay: Throughout the course, you will build a 4-5-page argumentative essay. An argumentative essay requires writers to explore a topic (issue), collect and consider evidence, and establish an opinion on the topic in a brief way. The complete essay must incorporate research (quotes, summarization, and paraphrasing), and you must cite the research using APA in-text citations and a corresponding References page. The final product, written in five phases, requires the following: Research the issue, and analyze evidence to form an opinion. Write a claim (thesis statement) that is supported with reasons from credible sources. Write an introduction that announces your purpose and hooks readers.