argumentative essay about death penalty with introduction body conclusion

The Death Penalty Essay, with Outline

Published by gudwriter on May 24, 2018 May 24, 2018

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Death Penalty Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: The death penalty should be abolished because it is not one of the best methods of punishing criminals and addressing crime.

Paragraph 1:  

Capital punishment is not an effective way of deterring crime contrary to arguments of those who support it.

• It lacks the deterrent effect to which its advocates commonly refer.
• “There is no conclusive evidence of the deterrent value of the death penalty”
• An increasing number of law professionals are seriously questioning the effectiveness of the penalty in preventing crime.

Paragraph 2:

The penalty is not in order because there is no humane way to kill.

• In 2006, a lethal injection was used to execute Angel Nieves Diaz.
• It took a whopping 34 minutes and was administered in two doses.
• According to doctors’ opinion, it is likely that Diaz underwent a painful death.

Paragraph 3:  

The penalty makes a public spectacle out of the death of an individual.

• Victims are often executed in a manner that is extremely public.
• There is no legitimate purpose served by public executions which only increases the punishment’s degrading, inhuman, and cruel nature.
• Executions “carried out publicly are a gross affront to human dignity which cannot be tolerated.”

Paragraph 4:

The penalty does not apply fairly to all criminals as some people are left sentenced to death due to poor quality defense.

• Ineffective assistance of counsel is one of the factors that frequently cause reversals in death penalty cases.
• Whether or not one gets the death sentence largely lies in their ability to afford high quality defense.

Paragraph 5:

The death penalty cannot be taken back once it is executed.

• People may end up paying for crimes they never committed are a result of absolute judgments.
• A Texas man was found innocent after being executed.
• Criminal justice systems should apply punishment methods that allow for the setting free of individuals should further evidence prove them innocent after they are punished.

Paragraph 6: 

Capital punishment is also overly controversial in terms of its ethicality and morality, in light of the Consequentialist Ethical Framework.

• As per this framework, an action passes the ethical test only if it yields the best consequences for everyone.
• In capital punishment, a person is killed with the apparent hope that his or her death will serve justice to the offended.
• From the Consequentialist Ethical Framework angle, this may not be the case.

The death penalty does not address crime effectively as it is purported to. Instead, it tramples upon the human right of undergoing a dignified death and dying peacefully and out of public’s attention.

The Death Penalty Essay Example

The death penalty is one criminal justice area that has attracted a serious debate about whether or not it should be abolished. The penalty enjoys a strong support from the public as people believe that it serves to deter crime as criminals are afraid of dying just like other humans. However, those opposed to it believe that there are enough reasons to warrant its abolishment. For instance, they argue that it does not deter crime as it does not address what motivates people to act criminally. This paper argues that the death penalty should be abolished because it is not one of the best methods of punishing criminals and addressing crime.

Capital punishment is not an effective way of deterring crime contrary to arguments of those who support it. This is because it lacks the deterrent effect to which its advocates commonly refer. “As recently stated by the General Assembly of the United Nations, “there is no conclusive evidence of the deterrent value of the death penalty”” (International Commission against Death Penalty, 2013). This is why a continuously increasing number of law professionals are seriously questioning the effectiveness of the penalty in preventing crime. It is wrongly assumed that one would not want to commit crime since it would possibly land them into the capital punishment. There is however no evidence to support this assumption. Even if one was to fear dying as is assumed here, they might choose to engage in crime that does not attract the death penalty.

The penalty is also not in order because there is no humane way to kill. In 2006 for instance, a lethal injection that was used to execute Angel Nieves Diaz and was deemed ‘humane’ took a whopping 34 minutes and was administered in two doses (Amnesty International Australia, 2018). According to doctors’ opinion on the case, it is likely that Diaz underwent a painful death and thus the procedure could not have been humane in any way. Other brutal execution methods used across the globe include beheading, shooting, and hanging. The nature of these deaths is such that they only continue to perpetuate the violence cycle. In addition, they add onto the pain the victims’ family would have already suffered upon a member of theirs being taken into custody.

Further, the penalty makes a public spectacle out of the death of an individual. Victims are often executed in a manner that is extremely public, with lethal injections live broadcasts in the United States or public hangings in Iran. UN human rights experts hold that there is no legitimate purpose served by public executions which according them, only increase the punishment’s degrading, inhuman, and cruel nature. According to Hadj Sahraoui, an Amnesty International official , executions “carried out publicly are a gross affront to human dignity which cannot be tolerated” (Amnesty International Australia, 2018). Normally, a human being should be allowed the right to die in a dignified manner and ‘privately’ so they may have peace during the transition. It is a right that not even law should take away.

Contrary to the death penalty proponents’ argument that it applies fairly to all criminals, this is not the case as some people are left sentenced to death due to poor quality defense. As observed by OADP (2018), ineffective assistance of counsel is one of the factors that frequently cause reversals in death penalty cases. “Columbia University found that 68% of all death penalty cases were reversed on appeal, with inadequate defense as one of the main reasons requiring reversal” (OADP, 2018). Thus, it follows that whether or not one gets the death sentence largely lies in their ability to afford high quality defense. This makes this punishment method unfair.

Further, the death penalty cannot be taken back once it is executed. People may end up paying for crimes they never committed are a result of absolute judgments. “Texas man Cameron Todd Willingham was executed in Texas in 2004 for allegedly setting a fire that killed his three daughters” (Amnesty International Australia, 2018). However, it would later be revealed through evidence that he was not the one who set that fire. Mr. Willingham, an innocent citizen, had paid with his life a crime he never knew anything about nor committed. As is clear here, being declared innocent was of no use for him since it could not bring him back to life. As such, criminal justice systems should apply punishment methods that allow for the setting free of individuals should further evidence prove them innocent after they are punished.

Capital punishment is also overly controversial in terms of its ethicality and morality, in light of the Consequentialist Ethical Framework. As per this framework, an action passes the ethical test only if it yields the best consequences for everyone (Bonde, et al., 2013). The results of such an action should be such that those involved get the most good out of it. From the onset, it is the intent of any person using this framework to achieve results that would benefit all the people entangled in an ethical dilemma or issue. The framework is advantageous in the sense that it pragmatically focuses on the results of an action before the action is performed. It ensures nobody is treated unfairly in the aftermath of the action. In capital punishment, a person is killed with the apparent hope that his or her death will serve justice to the offended. From the Consequentialist Ethical Framework angle, this may not be the case.

The death penalty does not address crime effectively as it is purported to, and is also unethical. Instead, it tramples upon the human right of undergoing a dignified death and dying peacefully and out of public’s attention. There can never be a humane way to kill and no matter the crime one has committed, they should not be subjected to this painful process of dying. The punishment is also not fair as some people might while others might not afford to hire quality lawyers to defend them. Moreover, it cannot be taken back and this means once persecuted, one can never regain their innocence as well as their life.

Amnesty International Australia. (2018). “Five reasons to abolish the death penalty”. Amnesty International Australia . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from https://www.amnesty.org.au/5-reasons-abolish-death-penalty/#

Bonde, S., et al. (2013). “A framework for making ethical decisions”. Brow University . Retrieved July 3, 2020 from https://www.brown.edu/academics/science-and-technology-studies/framework-making-ethical-decisions .

International Commission against death penalty. (2013). “Why the death penalty should be abolished”. International Commission against Death Penalty . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from http://www.icomdp.org/arguments-against-the-death-penalty/

OADP. (2018). “The facts: 13 reasons to oppose the death penalty”. Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from https://oadp.org/facts/13-reasons

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Argumentative Paper on the Pros of the Death Penalty

Introduction, a case for the death penalty, works cited.

The survival of any civilization hinges on the establishment of laws and codes of conduct and the subsequent obeying of the same by the society’s members. Due to the fact that not all members of the society are going to follow the law on their own accord, forms of punishment for wrongs done may be used both for retribution and deterrence purposes. In the United States, capital punishment has been used as the most harsh form of retribution for the society’s most vicious offences.

However, not all people believe that the death sentence is justifiable notwithstanding the brutality of the crime that a person may have perpetrated. This paper argues that the death penalty is not only necessary but also the most efficient means for deterring future offenders. The paper will reinforce this proposition by delving into the merits of the death penalty.

An article on “Public Support for the Death Penalty” indicates that the support for capital punishment has risen over the years with 77% of Americans supporting capital punishment. While this statistics do not in any way offer justification for the death penalty, they do show that many Americans are of the opinion that the death penalty is a just retribution for the evils perpetrated by the accused.

In most of the states, capital punishment is only issued when the accused party is convicted of crimes such as first degree murder or treason. Capital punishment therefore affords the federal state with a means of dispensing justice. The public and the parties affected by the accused actions can therefore find some solace in the fact justice has been served.

The most desirable function of punishments should be to act as a deterrence to would be criminals. In an ideal environment, punishments should never have to be executed but their mere presence should cause all to abide to the rules and regulations in place therefore peacefully coexist. Capital punishment presents the highest level of deterrence since death is indeed the ultimate punishment. This is especially so in cases where the criminal feels immune to the other forms of punishment such as restriction on freedom of movement or even hard labor.

“Televised Executions” indicates that executions, in this case televised ones, serviced an important social purpose of deterrence as the public is afforded a glimpse as to the fate that awaits those who engage in despicable acts thus making would be future offenders think twice about the results of their acts.

According to “Update: Death Penalty”, one of the most unique attributes of capital punishment is that it irrevocably protects the society from repeat offenders. This is an especially significant point since convicts have been known to reenter society either as a result of parole or more dramatic happenings such as jail breaks.

The death penalty ensures that some of the society’s most vicious criminals; murderers, arsons, etc. are rid off the society for good. The society can therefore continue without fear of there undesirable elements every coming back and causing chaos.

From an economic point on view, the cost of maintaining prisoners in the correctional facilities is fairly expensive. Opponents of the death penalty propose that in its place, life imprisonment without parole should be implemented. What this boils down to is that the prisoner will have to be maintained in the penitentiary for his entire life. This is a very costly affair and the brunt of it is bore by the taxpayer.

Capital punishment as executed by methods such as the lethal injection is not only radically cheaper but it also spares the state of the resources it would have utilized to ensure that the prisoner is maintained for a lifetime. While most of the opponents of the death penalty point to its execution being inhumane and hence torturous to the victim, a report on “lethal injection” indicates that not only is the lethal injection method (which is greatly favored by most states) almost entirely painless but the method presents a great advancement from past methods such as hanging and the use of the gas chamber. As such, capital punishment provides a cheap and human and relatively human method of dealing with criminals.

This paper has argued that the death penalty possess numerous advantages that make it a necessary tool in the justice system. It has been articulated that through the death penalty, retribution is served and the society is purged off its most vicious criminals. In addition to this, capital punishment presents the strongest form of deterrence to would be offenders as an example is made of those who have already been convicted.

While some people do contend that the death penalty should never be imposed on anyone, regardless of their crimes, it can be authoritatively stated from the above discussions that capital punishment does serve a significant role in the society and as such, it’s use should be perpetuated albeit with a lot of caution so as to avoid subjecting innocent parties to this ultimate form of punishment.

“Lethal Injection.” Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 19 Oct. 2007. Web.

“Public Support for the Death Penalty Remains Strong (sidebar).” Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 29 Dec. 1995. Web.

“Televised Executions.” Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 11 May 2001. Web.

“Update: Death Penalty.” Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 1 Apr. 2004. Web.

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5 Death Penalty Essays Everyone Should Know

Capital punishment is an ancient practice. It’s one that human rights defenders strongly oppose and consider as inhumane and cruel. In 2019, Amnesty International reported the lowest number of executions in about a decade. Most executions occurred in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt . The United States is the only developed western country still using capital punishment. What does this say about the US? Here are five essays about the death penalty everyone should read:

“When We Kill”

By: Nicholas Kristof | From: The New York Times 2019

In this excellent essay, Pulitizer-winner Nicholas Kristof explains how he first became interested in the death penalty. He failed to write about a man on death row in Texas. The man, Cameron Todd Willingham, was executed in 2004. Later evidence showed that the crime he supposedly committed – lighting his house on fire and killing his three kids – was more likely an accident. In “When We Kill,” Kristof puts preconceived notions about the death penalty under the microscope. These include opinions such as only guilty people are executed, that those guilty people “deserve” to die, and the death penalty deters crime and saves money. Based on his investigations, Kristof concludes that they are all wrong.

Nicholas Kristof has been a Times columnist since 2001. He’s the winner of two Pulitizer Prices for his coverage of China and the Darfur genocide.

“An Inhumane Way of Death”

By: Willie Jasper Darden, Jr.

Willie Jasper Darden, Jr. was on death row for 14 years. In his essay, he opens with the line, “Ironically, there is probably more hope on death row than would be found in most other places.” He states that everyone is capable of murder, questioning if people who support capital punishment are just as guilty as the people they execute. Darden goes on to say that if every murderer was executed, there would be 20,000 killed per day. Instead, a person is put on death row for something like flawed wording in an appeal. Darden feels like he was picked at random, like someone who gets a terminal illness. This essay is important to read as it gives readers a deeper, more personal insight into death row.

Willie Jasper Darden, Jr. was sentenced to death in 1974 for murder. During his time on death row, he advocated for his innocence and pointed out problems with his trial, such as the jury pool that excluded black people. Despite worldwide support for Darden from public figures like the Pope, Darden was executed in 1988.

“We Need To Talk About An Injustice”

By: Bryan Stevenson | From: TED 2012

This piece is a transcript of Bryan Stevenson’s 2012 TED talk, but we feel it’s important to include because of Stevenson’s contributions to criminal justice. In the talk, Stevenson discusses the death penalty at several points. He points out that for years, we’ve been taught to ask the question, “Do people deserve to die for their crimes?” Stevenson brings up another question we should ask: “Do we deserve to kill?” He also describes the American death penalty system as defined by “error.” Somehow, society has been able to disconnect itself from this problem even as minorities are disproportionately executed in a country with a history of slavery.

Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, and author. He’s argued in courts, including the Supreme Court, on behalf of the poor, minorities, and children. A film based on his book Just Mercy was released in 2019 starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx.

“I Know What It’s Like To Carry Out Executions”

By: S. Frank Thompson | From: The Atlantic 2019

In the death penalty debate, we often hear from the family of the victims and sometimes from those on death row. What about those responsible for facilitating an execution? In this opinion piece, a former superintendent from the Oregon State Penitentiary outlines his background. He carried out the only two executions in Oregon in the past 55 years, describing it as having a “profound and traumatic effect” on him. In his decades working as a correctional officer, he concluded that the death penalty is not working . The United States should not enact federal capital punishment.

Frank Thompson served as the superintendent of OSP from 1994-1998. Before that, he served in the military and law enforcement. When he first started at OSP, he supported the death penalty. He changed his mind when he observed the protocols firsthand and then had to conduct an execution.

“There Is No Such Thing As Closure on Death Row”

By: Paul Brown | From: The Marshall Project 2019

This essay is from Paul Brown, a death row inmate in Raleigh, North Carolina. He recalls the moment of his sentencing in a cold courtroom in August. The prosecutor used the term “closure” when justifying a death sentence. Who is this closure for? Brown theorizes that the prosecutors are getting closure as they end another case, but even then, the cases are just a way to further their careers. Is it for victims’ families? Brown is doubtful, as the death sentence is pursued even when the families don’t support it. There is no closure for Brown or his family as they wait for his execution. Vivid and deeply-personal, this essay is a must-read for anyone who wonders what it’s like inside the mind of a death row inmate.

Paul Brown has been on death row since 2000 for a double murder. He is a contributing writer to Prison Writers and shares essays on topics such as his childhood, his life as a prisoner, and more.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Death Penalty — The Death Penalty: An Argument for its Advantages

The Death Penalty: an Argument for Its Advantages

• Categories: Death Penalty

About this sample

Words: 859 |

Published: Jan 30, 2024

Words: 859 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, historical context of the death penalty, deterrence effect of the death penalty, justice for the victims and society, cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the death penalty, fairness and due process of the death penalty, possible reforms and improvements, counterarguments and rebuttals, ix. conclusion.

• Marzilli Eric, J. (2019). The death penalty deters crime and saves lives. Boston Herald. Retrieved from https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/08/28/the-death-penalty-deters-crime-and-saves-lives/
• McGuigan, K. (2020). The facts: The death penalty is necessary. The Daily Signal. Retrieved from https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/06/30/the-facts-the-death-penalty-is-necessary
• Olcott, E. (2018). The death penalty is flawed but necessary. The Hill. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/420817-the-death-penalty-is-flawed-but-necessary

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Death Penalty Essay Introduction — a Quick Guide

Table of Contents

The death penalty is a state-sanctioned practice where an individual is executed for an offense punishable through such means. Death penalty essay is a common topic given to students where the essay writer argues this controversial issue and takes a stand. The death penalty essay intro consists of the opening sentence, the background information, and the thesis statement.

Writing a compelling introduction isn’t easy. But with the tips and examples in this guide, you’ll be able to write a captivating introduction.

What Is a Death Penalty Essay?

The death penalty is the practice of executing a person guilty of capital murder, a crime in which the loss of life is intentional. This method of punishment has been around for as long as human civilization.

The death penalty has been controversial for a long time, with people on both sides of the fence. Supporters claim it works to deter crime, but there is no evidence to prove it. Opposers claim it is cruel and is not the best way to serve justice. 

A death penalty essay argues for or against the death penalty. This essay topic is a typical assignment given to college students. Common death penalty essay topics are as follows:

• About the Death Penalty
• Does the Death Penalty effectively deter crime?
• The Death Penalty should not be legal
• The Death Penalty should be abolished.
• Death Penalty and Justice
• Pro-Death Penalty
• Is the Death Penalty Morally Right?
• Death Penalty is Immoral
• Religious Values and Death Penalty
• Ineffectiveness of Death Penalty
• Punishment and the Nature of the Crime
• The Death Penalty and Juveniles.
• Is the Death Penalty Effective?
• The Death Penalty is Politically Just
• The Death Penalty: Right or Wrong?
• Abolishment of the Death Penalty
• The Death Penalty and People’s Opinions
• Is Death Penalty Humane?

How to Write an Interesting Death Penalty Essay Intro

Like other essays, the death penalty essay intro comprises three parts. The hook, a strong opening sentence, grips the reader, sparks their curiosity, and compels them to read the rest of the piece.

Subsequent sentences provide background information on the topic and define the argument’s terms. The last part is the thesis statement, which summarizes the central focus of the essay.

1. the Opening Sentence/Hook

The hook is a statement that grips the reader’s attention and makes them want to read on . The hook should be an exciting statement that sparks the readers’ curiosity, and sets the tone for the essay. It should give an overview of the topic. You could begin with a thought-provoking question, an interesting quote, an exciting anecdote, or a shocking statistic or fact. 

2. Background Information

Provide more information about the subject you are discussing. Create context and give background information on the topic. It could be a social or historical context. Define key terms that the reader might find confusing and clearly but concisely state why the issue is important.

3. Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the overarching idea – the central focus of the essay. It summarizes the idea that you’ll be explaining throughout the entirety of the piece. Once this statement has been established, you’ll smoothly transition into the main body of your essay. Make the thesis clear and concise. 

Death Penalty Essay Introduction Example

Does the death penalty deter crime, especially murder? The death penalty has been controversial for years. Over the years, public opinion about the death penalty seems to have changed. But there are still people who think it is a proper punishment. I have heard the phrase “An eye for an eye” most of my life. Most people firmly believe that if a criminal took someone’s life, their lives should be taken away too. But I don’t think that will discourage anyone from committing crimes. I believe that the criminal should be given a lighter punishment. 

The death penalty or capital punishment is the execution of a criminal by a government as punishment for a crime. In the United States, the death penalty is the most common form of sentence in murder cases.

A death penalty essay argues for or against the death penalty. The essay introduction begins with an attention-grabber , followed by background information on the topic and then the thesis statement.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Argumentative essay on The death penalty

2016, Argumentative essay on The death penalty

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Society has always used punishment to discourage would-be criminals from unlawful action. Since society has the highest interest in preventing murder, it should use the strongest punishment available to deter murder, and that is the death penalty. If murderers are sentenced to death and executed, potential murderers will think twice before killing for fear of losing their own life. For years, criminologists analyzed murder rates to see if they fluctuated with the likelihood of convicted murderers being executed, but the results were inconclusive. Then in 1973 Isaac Ehrlich employed a new kind of analysis which produced results showing that for every inmate who was executed, 7 lives were spared because others were deterred from committing murder. Similar results have been produced by disciples of Ehrlich in follow-up studies. Moreover, even if some studies regarding deterrence are inconclusive, that is only because the death penalty is rarely used and takes years before an execution is actually carried out. Punishments which are swift and sure are the best deterrent. The fact that some states or countries which do not use the death penalty have lower murder rates than jurisdictions which do is not evidence of the failure of deterrence. States with high murder rates would have even higher rates if they did not use the death penalty. Ernest van den Haag, a Professor of Jurisprudence at Fordham University who has studied the question of deterrence closely, wrote: "Even though statistical demonstrations are not conclusive, and perhaps cannot be, capital punishment is likely to deter more than other punishments because people fear death more than anything else. They fear most death deliberately inflicted by law and scheduled by the courts. Whatever people fear most is likely to deter most. Hence, the threat of the death penalty may deter some murderers who otherwise might not have been deterred. And surely the death penalty is the only penalty that could deter prisoners already serving a life sentence and tempted to kill a guard, or offenders about to be arrested and facing a life sentence. Perhaps they will not be deterred. But they would certainly not be deterred by anything else. We owe all the protection we can give to law enforcers exposed to special risks." Finally, the death penalty certainly "deters" the murderer who is executed. Strictly speaking, this is a form of incapacitation, similar to the way a robber put in prison is prevented from robbing on the streets. Vicious murderers must be killed to prevent them from murdering again, either in

Meray Maddah

" No crime goes unpunished " ; we are probably familiar with this quote where anyone who is guilty of any committed crime they should be prosecuted for it before the law and be held responsible for the actions that generated such crime. What people are also familiar with is the Universal Deceleration of Human Rights and the number of articles that it calls for, but distinctively the right to liberty, freedom and personal security. This right something that states and their sovereigns, at least most of them, aspire to accomplish in respect to their nationals' own security, well-being and livelihood; because after all what good is a state if it is not able to make its citizens enjoy the type of life that every human being is entitled on the expense of a certain political agenda from the state's part. In this sense, the state in such scenario will be the responsible party for not only distributing these rights but also following up with the citizens' utilization of these rights and making that each one does have the bare minimum of each right; meaning the entire right itself and not to settle with anything less. That said, what if the state in this case was the party that not only did it not allow the enjoyment of the before mentioned right; but also was the reason why that person is no longer alive? Capital punishment or the application of the different methods of death penalty are still part of many states' judiciary systems and are still until the present day categorically practiced based upon the crime committed by the defendant. No matter how heinous a crime maybe or the fact that numerous of these crimes claim other people's lives, but in the process what good and what type of benefit can we justify ourselves with when we are producing the same end result, that is death, through different procedures that fall under the label of " law application " ? Most importantly, how can we distinguish ourselves from these same criminals and why is acceptable to kill in the name of a perceived justice if such death penalty is agreed upon by a judiciary commission, than to reject

Joseph U C H E Anyebe

The issues as touching death penalty is as topical as they come. This Work seeks to address some of those issues and proffer solutions to some of those identified therein

Charadine Pich

Indian Journal of Legal Philosophy, ISSN:2347-4963,

Ashay Anand

Since the ancient ages ‘Death Penalty’ has been used as a means of deterring crime and eliminating criminals, but it has always been fraught with issues that have been hotly debated between its supporters and antagonists. In the contemporary era ‘Death Penalty’ faces severe challenges mainly regarding the shadow of arbitrariness looming over its applicability, its ability to be an effective deterrent and the serious issue of innocent people continuously in a danger of being sentenced to capital punishment under questionable circumstances which are still an integral part of this process. Moreover it also faces a continual threat of acting as a tool of retribution under pressure of public opinion and mass media. As such should death penalty be scrapped or should it be allowed to function as a necessary evil or an invisible scepter that keeps the perverse from doing heinous acts is an issue worth consideration.

Ines Manoylova

David Von Drehle

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Argumentative, Exploratory, or Rhetorical Analysis Essays on “Death Penalty”

6 July 2023

last updated

Learning institutions require students to present outstanding essays on specific topics. In particular, the topic “Death Penalty” is an example of such a theme that learners may encounter during the writing process. Also, students may opt to use this topic when writing argumentative, exploratory, and rhetorical analysis essays. Basically, the three essay types follow a unique format that enhances the need to communicate with readers effectively. Despite the difference in formats, authors should use outlines before writing their essays. In this case, the process helps to organize ideas in a logical manner that enhances the communication of the intended message. Then, other important activities that one should consider are proofreading a paper and following a sandwich rule when writing body paragraphs. In turn, these activities help one to improve the quality of writing an essay on “Death Penalty.” Hence, students need to learn how to write an argumentative essay on “Death Penalty” or basic principles of using exploratory or rhetorical analysis formats for such a paper with examples to follow.

General Guidelines of Writing an Essay on “Death Penalty” for Argumentative, Exploratory, and Rhetorical Analysis Formats

Students must complete different types of essays during their studies. Basically, some of the common types of scholarly papers include argumentative, exploratory, and rhetorical analysis essays, which rely on varying rules irrespective of their topics. In this case, one can write about the topic “Death Penalty” in different ways based on the essay’s type. Moreover, learners must understand the necessary rules, formats, and structures for each essay type to prepare a paper that meets the necessary academic standards. In turn, the topic “Death Penalty” requires one to give an evaluation of the existing facts and provide compelling arguments that allow target readers to develop a better understanding. Hence, authors should write argumentative, exploratory, and rhetorical analysis papers by following specific rules. 

How to Write a “Death Penalty” Essay in Argumentative, Exploratory, and Rhetorical Analysis Formats

An essay on the topic “Death Penalty” should appear different when it is written as argumentative, explanatory, or rhetorical analysis formats. Basically, each of these essay types has different expectations and grading standards that learners must observe at all times. In turn, failing to meet specific requirements may lead to low grades for essays on “Death Penalty”. Hence, specific factors that one should observe when preparing an academic paper on “Death Penalty” are:

1. How to Write an Argumentative Essay on “Death Penalty”

One should rely on extensive research when writing an argumentative essay on the topic “Death Penalty.” For instance, argumentative essays require students to give different perspectives on an issue. In this case, learners must rely on extensive research to understand their topics and present viable arguments. Also, this approach enables writers to make claims that support a thesis statement , counterarguments that oppose the central claim, and refutations. In turn, this strategy allows an argumentative essay on “Death Penalty” to meet the necessary criteria for convincing readers to accept a particular perspective. Then, quality argumentative papers must contain clear and logical transitions between body paragraphs. In particular, authors must ensure that an essay on “Death Penalty” contains a unique flow of ideas between the introduction, body, and conclusion. In turn, transitions act as words that ensure a logical progression of thoughts in a paragraph.

2. How to Write an Exploratory Essay on “Death Penalty”

An exploratory essay on “Death Penalty” allows writers to find out about a problem and develop preliminary conclusions on potential solutions. Basically, quality exploratory essays represent the author’s perspective of the writing and thinking process. In this case, an exploratory essay on “Death Penalty” describes “when,” “how,” and “why” a writer complete specific types of research. Besides, a persuasive paper should identify the problem and possible causes and solutions that readers may establish. In turn, prudent writers give a reflection of how credible sources analyzed helped them to develop different thoughts about a study problem. Also, suitable reflections may indicate how writers fell short of expectations that led to new research directions.

3. How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on “Death Penalty”

Rhetorical analysis papers on “Death Penalty” allow authors to show how a topic appeals to readers. In this case, a suitable paper must show how a topic appeals to logic, emotions, and credibility. Also, writers must present information that influences the reader’s thoughts. Then, learners must examine their topics in greater detail and prove their perspectives by using rhetorical devices . Besides, a rhetorical analysis essay on “Death Penalty” analyzes a specific source and examines its effectiveness in communicating the intended message.

Structure for Argumentative, Exploratory, and Rhetorical Analysis Essays on “Death Penalty”

Writers have to follow a specific essay structure when preparing an essay on “Death Penalty.” In this case, argumentative, explanatory, and rhetorical analysis formats follow different structures. Hence, an essay outline for these formats are:

Outline Sample Template for Writing an Argumentative Essay on “Death Penalty”

A student must follow a well-organized outline for writing an argumentative essay on “Death Penalty” to score higher grades.

I. Introduction

A. A catchphrase that makes the opening paragraph interesting. Basically, the first sentence must draw readers into an argumentative essay. B. A few sentences that provide background information of an argument being discussed. C. A thesis statement that presents the main claim for an essay.

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Background Paragraph

• This paragraph should lay the foundation for providing the intended argument.
• One should include a summary of the topic, definition of terms, and an explanation of leading theories.

B. Supporting Paragraph – This paragraph should support an argumentative thesis statement. One should include:

• A topic sentence that responds to a central claim made in the introduction paragraph.
• Evidence that supports this central claim. In practice, the evidence may contain reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and quotations. Also, writers should provide an in-text citation to support the evidence presented.
• Students must include an accurate explanation of the evidence. In particular, suitable explanations explain how the audience should read and interpret the evidence provided in the text. Besides, the opinion-based explanation provided should prove the writer’s point.
• This body paragraph should end with a concluding sentence that reasserts a topic sentence provided.

C. Opposing Paragraph – It is a counterargument paragraph that anticipates the reader’s opposition. Basically, authors should sound objective and reasonable when writing this paragraph. Hence, some of the elements that one should include are:

• A topic sentence should state a possible counterargument that readers might pose against a thesis statement.
• Writers need to include objective evidence to support counterarguments.
• Explanations should provide reasonable and justifiable explanations that may help to understand this counterargument.
• This body paragraph should end with a sentence that reasserts a counterargument.

D. Refutation Paragraph – This paragraph reveals the weakness of a counterargument. Hence, some of the factors that one should consider when refuting a counterargument are:

• A topic sentence states the weakness of a counterargument.
• The evidence presented should prove why this counterargument appears weak.
• Explanations should prove why a central argument holds when compared to a counterclaim.
• A concluding sentence reasserts the essay’s central argument.

III. Conclusion

The conclusion usually sums up the main points discussed in an argumentative essay on “Death Penalty.” Hence, some of the points that one should consider are:

• One should restate the paper’s overall claim and relevant supporting evidence.
• The conclusion should reflect a thoughtful and analytical understanding of a topic.
• The conclusion should not contain new evidence.

Important Points to Note

Students should not limit an argumentative essay on “Death Penalty” to five paragraphs only. For instance, a thesis statement should guide the length of an argumentative essay that one must write. In this case, a good essay on “Death Penalty” may have several supporting and counterargument paragraphs. Moreover, the primary goal is to provide an exhaustive explanation of the main topic. In some instances, one may combine the introduction and background information paragraph. Besides, writers may decide to combine a counterargument and a refutation into one paragraph.

Outline Sample Template for Writing an Exploratory Essay on “Death Penalty”

A. The introduction should set the context for readers to understand the main topic. In this case, students should begin writing an exploratory essay on “Death Penalty” with a paragraph that gives the general background information. Besides, one should set up the ideas discussed throughout a paper.

B. The introduction should reveal the importance of a topic under evaluation. Basically, the presented details should motivate the audience to read further. In this case, writers should ensure that the introduction creates unique interests in reading a paper.

C. The introduction of an exploratory essay on “Death Penalty” should state the question or topic of exploration. For instance, one should use one or several sentences that give more information about intended goals. In turn, readers should also find out “why” and “how” authors intend to explore it.

A. The body section should have different paragraphs that focus on supporting the central claim of an argument. 

B. Each paragraph should give a detailed explanation of a source used. In this case, writers should include the source’s information and explain why it sounds essential.

C. Each body paragraph should give the writer’s reflection on a source and its information. 

A. The conclusion should give a general overview of the concepts discussed.

B. Students should provide information that ties up loose ends. In this case, one should restate the main question and emphasize important points left out in body paragraphs.

Important Points

Learners should vary the body paragraph’s structure to enhance the communication of the main ideas. For instance, writers should intend to communicate the main message instead of following the structure discussed previously strictly.

Outline Sample Template for Writing a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on “Death Penalty”

A. Learners should identify an author of a source under analysis. For example, students should use a positive phrase to establish the author’s reliability and expert. Then, other essential details include the source’s title and a suitable rhetorical verb. Moreover, some of the unique verbs include “assert,” “argue,” “suggest,” “imply,” and “claim.” Finally, the first sentence should end with a “that” clause, which asserts its thesis statement. 

B. Writers should explain how an author develops or supports a thesis. Basically, this explanation should follow a chronological order to enhance the essay’s quality.

C. Students should include a statement that shows the author’s purpose, followed by an “in order” phrase.

D. Scholars should describe the apparent relationship that the source’s author establishes with targeted readers.

E. The last sentence in the introduction contains the writer’s central claim or thesis statement.

A. Topic sentence – The first sentence in a paragraph contains claims about strategies that address its purpose or prompt.

B. Specific examples and supporting idea – Students provide explicit textual support that supports their claims. Also, writers should discuss their examples thoroughly while providing supporting details. 

C. Discussion – Learners should discuss how provided examples support the central idea.

D. Concluding sentence – Students need to end each paragraph with a statement that sums up a single paragraph and connects an example to the introduction’s claim. 

A. Restating a thesis statement – Scholars must restate a thesis statement and dig deeper into the text’s overall intended meaning. Basically, this approach must help scholars to develop a deeper understanding than they establish in the opening paragraph.

B. Reflection – Learners should reflect on examples and main ideas discussed in the essay’s body. In turn, this aspect should state the meaning of the primary persuasive strategies utilized in the source analyzed.

C. Effectiveness – Writers should state if persuasive strategies used effectively communicated the intended message.

D. Closing thoughts – Students should include final remarks that show the primary purpose of a source under analysis.

Additional Points

Learners should ensure that rhetorical analysis papers show the source’s effectiveness in explaining the main argument. In this case, one should provide a seamless transition of ideas presented in a rhetorical analysis essay on “Death Penalty.” Also, topic sentences in second and subsequent body paragraphs should contain a transitioning statement. In turn, this method helps to communicate the intended message without creating avoidable obstructions to readers.

Strategies on How to Improve an Essay on “Death Penalty”

Students focus on achieving better grades in their studies. For instance, scholars must ensure that their argumentative, exploratory, or rhetorical analysis essays on “Death Penalty” meet the necessary quality and set requirements. However, many learners fail to achieve this objective due to various flaws. Therefore, some of the strategies that writers should use to improve the overall quality of their essays are:

Step 1: Proofreading

Learners must proofread their works to ensure that such papers meet the necessary quality. Basically, the primary purpose of proofreading an essay is to remove spelling mistakes, typos, and grammatical errors that may affect the essay’s readability levels. Then, prudent students request their peers to read through their works to provide suitable critiques. In turn, this strategy allows authors to identify all the writing mechanisms that may distort the intended meaning. Besides, writers should make the necessary corrections and revisions to ensure that their essays on “Death Penalty” meet the necessary quality.

Step 2: Use of Terminologies

Students should use specific terms effectively when writing argumentative, exploratory, and rhetorical analysis essays on the topic “Death Penalty.” In most cases, effective use of the necessary terms enhances one’s ability to communicate the intended message with clarity. Hence, some of the terms that one should consider when preparing an essay on “Death Penalty” are:

• Analyze – One should use this term when referring to the process of breaking an issue into fundamental parts using the supporting arguments. Also, this term applies when scholars refer to the evidence provided to support or oppose the main claim.
• Assess – The term “assess” refers to the process of evaluating the extent that something remains valid. In this case, one should persuade readers by providing relevant citations from reliable sources . Besides, suitable assessments must end with a clear statement that shows how one agrees or opposes the original claim.
• Clarify – Students should use the term “clarify” when making a concept clearer. For instance, the term “clarify” alludes to the process of explaining a complicated process, concept, theory, or connection between two variables or factors. In turn, failing to establish necessary explanations may lower one’s ability to communicate the intended message.
• Elaborate – The term “elaborate” refers to the process of providing more details or information.
• Evaluate – The term “evaluate” refers to the process of appraising a statement to establish the intended meaning. 

Step 3: Making an Outline Before Writing

Learners should create an outline before writing the actual essay. Unfortunately, many students make mistakes by writing their essays without planning or organizing ideas first. Basically, such mistakes lead to weaker essays on “Death Penalty” that fail to achieve a seamless flow of the main ideas. In this case, an outline helps authors to organize all the relevant ideas in chronological order. Then, prudent scholars must create an outline and make necessary revisions to ensure that they capture all the essential ideas. In turn, the process of revising an essay outline should involve the addition of more substantial evidence, removal of weaker sources, and inclusion of more explicit concepts that relate to the topic on “Death Penalty.”  

Step 4: Following a Sandwich Rule

All body paragraphs of argumentative, exploratory, or rhetorical analysis essays on “Death Penalty” must follow a sandwich rule. For example, one should provide a topic sentence, evidence, relevant explanation, and concluding sentences in each paragraph. Firstly, a topic sentence should connect to a thesis statement presented in the introduction. Then, students should use relevant and robust evidence to support topic sentences. In this case, some of the acceptable forms of evidence include examples, illustrations, and opinions. Besides, one should cite any evidence to enhance the essay’s credibility levels. After that, suitable explanations enable readers to develop a better understanding of connections between the topic sentences and supporting evidence. Finally, the last sentence in a paragraph should sum up all the ideas presented in the section.

Example of an Argumentative Essay on “Death Penalty”

I. introduction sample for an argumentative essay on “death penalty”.

The death penalty remains a contested topic among scholars in the twenty-first century. Basically, legal experts give moral justification that supports the existence of the death penalty. However, people who advocate for human rights maintain that the death penalty lacks moral justification. Although scholars disagree on the death penalty’s legality, the current justice system provides the necessary protocols to avoid the convicted criminals’ inexcusable execution.

II. Examples of Body Paragraphs in an Argumentative Essay on “Death Penalty”

A. argument.

The justice system of the United States provides the necessary protocols to ensure that the death penalty promotes justice. For example, the criminal justice system requires judges to sentence convicts found guilty of first-degree murder into a death sentence (Garrett & Kovarsky, 2018). In this case, the ruling in first-degree murder relies on objective evidence and a justifiable prosecution process. Besides, the convicted individual receives an opportunity to appeal. Hence, people charged with first-degree murder receive a death penalty after going through a fair legal process.

B. Counterargument

On the other hand, some people state that the death penalty does not meet moral justification. Basically, contenders maintain that executing a first-degree murderer fails to give him a chance to change (Brown, 2020). Also, the death penalty violates the convict’s fundamental right to life. However, such claims fail to consider that people charged for first-degree murder violated their fundamental rights. In turn, sentencing such people to death eliminates possible threats to public lives.

III. Conclusion Sample for an Argumentative Essay on “Death Penalty”

Though scholars disagree on the legality of the death penalty, criminal justice provides the convicts with a chance to receive a fair hearing. In this case, the current justice system provides the necessary protocols to avoid inexcusable execution. Thus, the counterargument presented fails to consider that first-degree murderers violate other people’s fundamental right to life. 

Defining Features

The second paragraph in the essay above contains the main claim. However, the third paragraph contains a counterargument and the necessary refutations. Finally, the conclusion sums up the main points presented in an argumentative essay on “Death Penalty.” In turn, this paper is only an example and does not force to consider any position.

Example of an Exploratory Essay on “Death Penalty”

I. introduction sample for an exploratory essay on “death penalty”.

Many scholars disagree on the most effective strategies that the criminal justice system should use to promote justice for first-degree murder victims. Different knowledge levels and personal interests influence such disagreements. Findings from recent research by Garrett and Kovarsky prove that creating awareness about capital punishment can reduce disagreements on the death penalty’s effectiveness.

II. Example of a Body Paragraph in an Exploratory Essay on “Death Penalty”

The book “The Death Penalty” shows that disagreements about the death penalty’s legality and effectiveness arise due to various ignorance levels. For example, non-lawyer fails to access legal documents about capital punishments (Garrett & Kovarsky, 2018). In turn, this problem leads to higher ignorance levels, where scholars with inadequate knowledge in legal matters oppose the death penalty’s effectiveness. Therefore, the government can deal with such challenges by creating awareness about capital punishment and its purpose in the twenty-first century.

III. Conclusion Sample for an Exploratory Essay on “Death Penalty”

Though many experts oppose the legality and effectiveness of the death penalty, ignorance in legal matters remains the primary cause. In this case, non-lawyer scholars tend to oppose the application of the death penalty in promoting justice. Thus, creating public awareness can lead to a sustainable solution to the problem.  

This example of writing an exploratory essay on “Death Penalty” consists of three paragraphs. However, the length of such a paper may be higher by considering the necessary points needed to be discussed in a paper. Hence, writers may use as many paragraphs as they need to explore their topics.

Example of a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on “Death Penalty”

I. introduction sample for a rhetorical analysis essay on “death penalty”.

The book “The Death Penalty,” authored by Garrett and Kovarsky, provides suitable explanations on the death penalty’s effectiveness to promote justice. In particular, the authors use logos and pathos appeals to provide suitable explanations. Because Garrett and Kovarsky present details that appeal to readers’ reasoning and emotional senses, they justify the legality of using the death penalty for first-degree murders. 

II. Example of a Body Paragraph in a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on “Death Penalty”

Garrett and Kovarsky rely on pathos and logos appeals to justify applying the United States’ death sentence. According to Garrett and Kovarsky (2018), criminal justice requires first-degree murders to receive a death penalty sentence for violating the victim’s right to life. Basically, this statement appeals to the reader’s emotions because it brings into context the rights of the people killed in cold blood. In turn, Garrett and Kovarsky (2018) maintain that people convicted with the death penalty receive an opportunity to make their appeals before execution. Moreover, such claims appeal to the reader’s logic because all criminals have a chance to express themselves and seek intervention when they feel that the court violated their rights. Hence, Garrett and Kovarsky rely on healthy emotional and logical appeals to justify using the death penalty.

III. Conclusion Sample for a Rhetorical Analysis Essay on “Death Penalty”

Though many thinkers disagree on the death penalty’s effectiveness, Garrett and Kovarsky use strong emotional and logical appeals to prove otherwise. In turn, these two authors present details that appeal to readers’ rational and emotional senses to justify the legitimacy of using the death penalty for first-degree murders. As a result, the strategy motivates people to change their attitude toward the topic.

The second paragraph shows the use of pathos and logos in the source identified. For instance, this body paragraph provides an accurate explanation of how two authors used rhetorical aspects to communicate the main idea. Besides, the section relies on sensible evidence. In turn, the number of body paragraphs can be more than one, and it depends on the writer’s needs.

Summing Up on Writing Argumentative, Exploratory, or Rhetorical Analysis Essays on “Death Penalty”

The topic “Death Penalty” obliges one to give an evaluation of the existing facts and provide convincing opinions that allow target readers to develop a better comprehension. In this case, one may opt to write argumentative, exploratory, and rhetorical analysis essays on the topic “Death Penalty.” However, each of these types of essays follows different guidelines. Hence, some of the points that one should remember are:

• Argumentative essays on “Death Penalty” must present viable claims, counterarguments, and relevant refutations.
• Exploratory essays on “Death Penalty” must identify an existing problem and propose a viable solution.
• Rhetorical analysis essays on “Death Penalty” must reveal the use of pathos, logos, and ethos.  

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Death Penalty Argumentative Essay.edited

Persuasive Essay

Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty

Last updated on: Jan 2, 2024

Crafting a Compelling Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty

By: Donna C.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jan 27, 2023

Writing a persuasive essay about the death penalty can be difficult. You want to make sure that your argument is convincing and well-reasoned. 

It's important to get your persuasive essay about death row right because it's a topic that people feel passionately about. 

You don't want to risk alienating your readers with a poorly written argument.

We can help you write an excellent persuasive essay about the death penalty. Our experienced writers know how to craft an argument to persuade your readers.

Let’s get started!

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What is a Persuasive Essay? 

A persuasive essay is used to convince a reader about a particular idea or focus that you believe in. Your persuasive essay could be based on anything about which you can make a clear argument.  

Whether you're arguing against junk food at school or petitioning for the removal of the death penalty, persuasive skills are essential. 

When writing a persuasive essay, you need to think about what kind of evidence can support the death penalty argument. 

Depending on your topic, this could include facts and data, examples from real life, or quotes from experts. 

You want to convince them that your opinion is the one that matters most. After all, persuasion is at the heart of any successful essay. 

So make sure you research and think carefully about presenting your argument! 

Take a look at these persuasive essay topics and select the one that interests you the most!

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Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty Examples

The death penalty is a highly controversial and polarizing topic. It is an issue that has been debated for centuries, with passionate advocates on both sides of the debate. 

Unfortunately, there are still many countries in the world that practice capital crimes. This raises some very important ethical and moral questions for society. 

One of the best ways to share their opinions is through persuasive essays. You can use the following essay samples as inspiration for writing an essay.

Example of a Persuasive essay about death penalty

Persuasive essay about death penalty in the Philippines

Short Persuasive essay about death penalty

Persuasive essay about death penalty should be abolished

The death penalty pros and cons essay

Argumentative Essay About Death Penalty Examples

In some countries, death penalties are still used as capital punishment to deter crimes. 

However, there are also many people who argue that the death penalty should be abolished because it's inhumane.

The easiest way is to convey your thoughts through an argumentative essay. Check out these examples to see how you can structure your arguments.

Argumentative essay about death penalty in the Philippines

Argumentative essay about death penalty with introduction body conclusion

Argumentative essay about death penalty should be abolished

Argumentative essay about death penalty conclusion

Need more samples? Check out these persuasive essay examples !

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Persuasive Essay Writing Tips

Writing a persuasive essay is all about making sure your opinion is heard. Be sure to create a persuasive essay outline before you start writing!

Here are some tips to help you make your argument convincing.

• First, always start with an interesting introduction.  Use creative language to capture the reader's attention and introduce the subject of your essay. 
• Second, back up your opinion with solid evidence.  Provide facts, statistics, and quotes from reliable sources that can help strengthen your argument. 
• Third, make sure your prose is clear and concise.  Don’t let long-winded sentences or complex language get in the way of getting your point across. 
• Finally, create a strong conclusion.   Restate your argument and provide a call to action if appropriate. Ensure the reader knows exactly what you want them to do with this essay. 

Need help with facts? Check out this video debate about the death penalty.

Time to wrap it up!

Writing a persuasive essay about the death penalty can be difficult, but it's important to get it right. 

Since people feel passionate about the issue on both sides of the argument, your argument needs to be convincing. 

If you're unsure how to do this, you can use our examples as inspiration. 

Are you looking to create a powerful argument that will captivate your readers? 

Our experienced writers will work with you to craft an argument to convince your readers.

SharkPapers.com is here to help! 

Our essay writing service provides persuasive essays crafted by expert writers backed up with compelling evidence and research.

Our essay writer will create arguments that can make your reader understand and agree with your narrative. 

We understand how important it is to ensure your essay is persuasive. As a result, we guarantee high-quality work every time. 

Let our persuasive essay writer craft the perfect argument for you today! We guarantee that your writing will be persuasive and effective. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most persuasive argument for the death penalty.

When it comes to the death penalty, few arguments are as persuasive as this: 

"Innocent persons have been put to death before - and it might continue to happen unless we do something about it". 

That's why proponents of the death penalty often bring up the concept of "just deserts." This asserts that those guilty of a heinous crime deserve to receive a cruel and unusual punishment. 

How do you start a persuasive speech on the death penalty?

You can start a persuasive speech through a hook statement, this will help pique the listeners attention. However, be sure to avoid biasness.   

To start, establish why the audience should care about this. Present facts that highlight how unjust form of punishment it is.

What are good topics for persuasive essays?

Here is a list of inspiring persuasive essay topics:

• Should people be punished for the crimes committed in rage?
• Should unjustly arrested people be sentenced to death without getting the benefit of doubt?
• Should government-funded jails in the United States stop considering a death penalty as morally just? 
• Do the wrongly executed people deserve an eye for an eye? 
• Is gun control necessary in society today?  

Law, Education

Donna writes on a broad range of topics, but she is mostly passionate about social issues, current events, and human-interest stories. She has received high praise for her writing from both colleagues and readers alike. Donna is known in her field for creating content that is not only professional but also captivating.

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Plain english nuclear

Death penalty.

Death penalty, commonly known as capital punishment is a process by the law where an individual is killed for an offence punishable by the state through such means. The judicial directive that an individual be given a death penalty leads to an execution in the actual enforcement. Many crime offenders are being executed all over the world by their own states for various offenses. It is such a pity when some people are given this punishment through things that should not be outlawed. Some cases are very controversial in some countries where they can be cases of the person you sleep with while others are given for murder and terror acts. There has been a lot of argument revolving around this matter. In some regions, people under the age of 18 have been executed and other astonishing cases of executing people with mental disabilities. Before the death can be carried out, the accused usually serves some sentence for some years on what is known as a “death row”. They don’t get to know when their time will be over or when they will ever see their loved ones for the last time.

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This type of sentence has been with us for a long time now. However, this has not been without receiving challenges from different sources. The opponents to this judicial decree believe that it is a cruel and degrading matter to be executed in this modern world. With all human rights and freedoms, it is unfortunate that we still have such laws that have populated our courts as enacted by the state. Amnesty adamantly opposes death penalty at all levels. It is unfortunate that the efficacy by amnesty international has not been felt collectively across the globe. Siding with other human rights activists, Amnesty believes that people don’t deserve this kind of execution despite their crime and guilt. In almost all nations of the world, everyone has a right to life and therefore, it is a belief among the opponents that a crime of murder cannot get justice through another murder in the event where a death penalty is given on such grounds.

Death penalty has been opposed over the years and some countries had abolished it by 1977. Such efforts have seen an increase in that number around the world. It seems that the efficacy of the opponents is being felt and a huge progress has been made. Therefore, we all wait in anticipation that this matter will no longer be in our debates anymore once it is fully abolished across the universe.

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Argumentative Essay Examples & Analysis

July 20, 2023

Writing successful argumentative or persuasive essays is a sort of academic rite of passage: every student, at some point in their academic career, will have to do it. And not without reason—writing a good argumentative essay requires the ability to organize one’s thoughts, reason logically, and present evidence in support of claims. They even require empathy, as authors are forced to inhabit and then respond to viewpoints that run counter to their own. Here, we’ll look at some argumentative essay examples and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.

What is an argumentative essay?

Before we turn to those argumentative essay examples, let’s get precise about what an argumentative essay is. An argumentative essay is an essay that advances a central point, thesis, or claim using evidence and facts. In other words, argumentative essays are essays that argue on behalf of a particular viewpoint. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince the reader that the essay’s core idea is correct.

Good argumentative essays rely on facts and evidence. Personal anecdotes, appeals to emotion , and opinions that aren’t grounded in evidence just won’t fly. Let’s say I wanted to write an essay arguing that cats are the best pets. It wouldn’t be enough to say that I love having a cat as a pet. That’s just my opinion. Nor would it be enough to cite my downstairs neighbor Claudia, who also has a cat and who also prefers cats to dogs. That’s just an anecdote.

For the essay to have a chance at succeeding, I’d have to use evidence to support my argument. Maybe there are studies that compare the cost of cat ownership to dog ownership and conclude that cat ownership is less expensive. Perhaps there’s medical data that shows that more people are allergic to dogs than they are to cats. And maybe there are surveys that show that cat owners are more satisfied with their pets than are dog owners. I have no idea if any of that is true. The point is that successful argumentative essays use evidence from credible sources to back up their points.

Argumentative essay structure

Important to note before we examine a few argumentative essay examples: most argumentative essays will follow a standard 5-paragraph format. This format entails an introductory paragraph that lays out the essay’s central claim. Next, there are three body paragraphs that each advance sub-claims and evidence to support the central claim. Lastly, there is a conclusion that summarizes the points made. That’s not to say that every good argumentative essay will adhere strictly to the 5-paragraph format. And there is plenty of room for flexibility and creativity within the 5-paragraph format. For example, a good argumentative essay that follows the 5-paragraph template will also generally include counterarguments and rebuttals.

Introduction Example

Now let’s move on to those argumentative essay examples, and examine in particular a couple of introductions. The first takes on a common argumentative essay topic —capital punishment.

The death penalty has long been a divisive issue in the United States. 24 states allow the death penalty, while the other 26 have either banned the death penalty outright or issued moratoriums halting the practice. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it’s an effective deterrent against crime. Time and time again, however, this argument has been shown to be false. Capital punishment does not deter crime. But not only that—the death penalty is irreversible, which allows our imperfect justice system no room for error. Finally, the application of the death penalty is racially biased—the population of death row is over 41% Black , despite Black Americans making up just 13% of the U.S. population. For all these reasons, the death penalty should be outlawed across the board in the United States.

Why this introduction works: First, it’s clear. It lays out the essay’s thesis: that the death penalty should be outlawed in the United States. It also names the sub-arguments the author is going to use to support the thesis: (1), capital punishment does not deter crime, (2), it’s irreversible, and (3), it’s a racially biased practice. In laying out these three points, the author is also laying out the structure of the essay to follow. Each of the body paragraphs will take on one of the three sub-arguments presented in the introduction.

Argumentative Essay Examples (Continued)

Something else I like about this introduction is that it acknowledges and then refutes a common counterargument—the idea that the death penalty is a crime deterrent. Notice also the flow of the first two sentences. The first flags the essay’s topic. But it also makes a claim—that the issue of capital punishment is politically divisive. The following sentence backs this claim up. Essentially half of the country allows the practice; the other half has banned it. This is a feature not just of solid introductions but of good argumentative essays in general—all the essay’s claims will be backed up with evidence.

How it could be improved: Okay, I know I just got through singing the praises of the first pair of sentences, but if I were really nitpicking, I might take issue with them. Why? The first sentence is a bit of a placeholder. It’s a platitude, a way for the author to get a foothold in the piece. The essay isn’t about how divisive the death penalty is; it’s about why it ought to be abolished. When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, I always like to err on the side of blunt. There’s nothing wrong with starting an argumentative essay with the main idea: Capital punishment is an immoral and ineffective form of punishment, and the practice should be abolished .

Let’s move on to another argumentative essay example. Here’s an introduction that deals with the effects of technology on the brain:

Much of the critical discussion around technology today revolves around social media. Critics argue that social media has cut us off from our fellow citizens, trapping us in “information silos” and contributing to political polarization. Social media also promotes unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards, which can lead to anxiety and depression. What’s more, the social media apps themselves are designed to addict their users. These are all legitimate critiques of social media, and they ought to be taken seriously. But the problem of technology today goes deeper than social media. The internet itself is the problem. Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning. The internet is, quite literally, rewiring our brains.

Why this introduction works: This introduction hooks the reader by tying a topical debate about social media to the essay’s main subject—the problem of the internet itself. The introduction makes it clear what the essay is going to be about; the sentence, “But the problem of technology…” signals to the reader that the main idea is coming. I like the clarity with which the main idea is stated, and, as in the previous introduction, the main idea sets up the essay to follow.

How it could be improved: I like how direct this introduction is, but it might be improved by being a little more specific. Without getting too technical, the introduction might tell the reader what it means to “promote distracted thinking and superficial learning.” It might also hint as to why these are good arguments. For example, are there neurological or psychological studies that back this claim up? A simple fix might be: Whether it’s on our phones or our laptops, on a social media app, or doing a Google search, countless studies have shown that the internet promotes distracted thinking and superficial learning . The body paragraphs would then elaborate on those points. And the last sentence, while catchy, is a bit vague.

Body Paragraph Example

Let’s stick with our essay on capital punishment and continue on to the first body paragraph.

Proponents of the death penalty have long claimed that the practice is an effective deterrent to crime. It might not be pretty, they say, but its deterrent effects prevent further crime. Therefore, its continued use is justified. The problem is that this is just not borne out in the data. There is simply no evidence that the death penalty deters crime more than other forms of punishment, like long prison sentences. States, where the death penalty is still carried out, do not have lower crime rates than states where the practice has been abolished. States that have abandoned the death penalty likewise show no increase in crime or murder rates.

Body Paragraph (Continued)

For example, the state of Louisiana, where the death penalty is legal, has a murder rate of 21.3 per 100,000 residents. In Iowa, where the death penalty was abolished in 1965, the murder rate is 3.2 per 100,000. In Kentucky the death penalty is legal and the murder rate is 9.6; in Michigan where it’s illegal, the murder rate is 8.7. The death penalty simply has no bearing on murder rates. If it did, we’d see markedly lower murder rates in states that maintain the practice. But that’s not the case. Capital punishment does not deter crime. Therefore, it should be abolished.

Why this paragraph works: This body paragraph is successful because it coheres with the main idea set out in the introduction. It supports the essay’s first sub-argument—that capital punishment does not deter crime—and in so doing, it supports the essay’s main idea—that capital punishment should be abolished. How does it do that? By appealing to the data. A nice feature of this paragraph is that it simultaneously debunks a common counterargument and advances the essay’s thesis. It also supplies a few direct examples (murder rates in states like Kentucky, Michigan, etc.) without getting too technical. Importantly, the last few sentences tie the data back to the main idea of the essay. It’s not enough to pepper your essay with statistics. A good argumentative essay will unpack the statistics, tell the reader why the statistics matter, and how they support or confirm the essay’s main idea.

How it could be improved: The author is missing one logical connection at the end of the paragraph. The author shows that capital punishment doesn’t deter crime, but then just jumps to their conclusion. They needed to establish a logical bridge to get from the sub-argument to the conclusion. That bridge might be: if the deterrent effect is being used as a justification to maintain the practice, but the deterrent effect doesn’t really exist, then , in the absence of some other justification, the death penalty should be abolished. The author almost got there, but just needed to make that one final logical connection.

Conclusion Example

Once we’ve supported each of our sub-arguments with a corresponding body paragraph, it’s time to move on to the conclusion.

It might be nice to think that executing murderers prevents future murders from happening, that our justice system is infallible and no one is ever wrongly put to death, and that the application of the death penalty is free of bias. But as we have seen, each of those thoughts are just comforting fictions. The death penalty does not prevent future crime—if it did, we’d see higher crime rates in states that’ve done away with capital punishment. The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. And the death penalty disproportionately affects people of color. The death penalty is an unjustifiable practice—both practically and morally. Therefore, the United States should do away with the practice and join the more than 85 world nations that have already done so.

Why this conclusion works: It concisely summarizes the points made throughout the essay. But notice that it’s not identical to the introduction. The conclusion makes it clear that our understanding of the issue has changed with the essay. It not only revisits the sub-arguments, it expounds upon them. And to put a bow on everything, it restates the thesis—this time, though, with a little more emotional oomph.

How it could be improved: I’d love to see a little more specificity with regard to the sub-arguments. Instead of just rehashing the second sub-argument—that wrongful executions are unavoidable—the author could’ve included a quick statistic to give the argument more weight. For example: The death penalty is an irreversible punishment meted out by an imperfect justice system—as a result, wrongful executions are unavoidable. Since 1973, at least 190 people have been put to death who were later found to be innocent.

An argumentative essay is a powerful way to convey one’s ideas. As an academic exercise, mastering the art of the argumentative essay requires students to hone their skills of critical thinking, rhetoric, and logical reasoning. The best argumentative essays communicate their ideas clearly and back up their claims with evidence.

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Dane Gebauer

Dane Gebauer is a writer and teacher living in Miami, FL. He received his MFA in fiction from Columbia University, and his writing has appeared in Complex Magazine and Sinking City Review .

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