What is an argumentative essay?

Answer 1

For an argumentative essay you must collect, generate, and evaluate evidence based on a topic. Once you have this information you take a position on it usually you are for the topic or against it. Once you have your position you write an essay about it an supply information that supports your position.

Answer 2

Do you mean a polemic?

a polemic is a spoken or written argument that is strongly against something

eg. for homework i wrote a polemic about homework.

These essays require the author to substantiate his/her stand in favour or against the argument specified with statements supported by examples in a structured manner often leading to a conclusion.

These type of essays are a part of international exams such as the GMAT.

One can build skills in such type of essay writing using various resoures avaiable on the internet particularly pertaining to GMAT AWA (Analytical Writing Assignment) section. Also one can use free online essay grading tools such as that available on http://www.gmatawa.com to analyse their performance and progress in argument essay writing.