Answer:
Well usually, arguments are supported by quotes as evidence. However, what you can do is, depending on what the topic is, (and depending on whether they let you or not) you can use your own experiences as well. If you use a quote, you can add on with the personal experience, or simply use common sense or simple scientifically-proven facts that most of the human race knows.
But yes, don't fill your whole essay with quotes. My teachers used to take out points for that, because all that would be doing is just restating what was already said.
BUT REMEMBER:
Informative and Argumentative are almost complete opposites.
- Informative essays are just to educate the reader without bias; you only state the facts, no opinions. Personal experiences in this category are not recommended; by doing this, it may show signs of bias.
- Argumentative essays on the other hand, are to try and persuade the reader to agree with you on a certain topic. Here, you state your opinions, and support them using the facts. Personal experiences in this category are somewhat recommended. Like previously stated, you can use personal experiences as evidence to support your claim. HOWEVER, there is a fine line between what can make, or break your essay.
You can watch the video, "Argument Essay: Using Personal Experiences" to better explain how and when to use personal experiences.
(P.S. Hope you do well on your exam :D)