ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY OVERVIEW

ARGUMENT
INTRODUCTION The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the learner to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise (short and to the point) manner. Keep in mind: while we are looking at argumentation as a rhetorical mode, in fact, ALL writing is an argument you are always trying to convince the readers that you are right. So pay attention to these explanations and review/remember them!

Watch the following video:

how to write a good argument

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

BEFORE WRITING
1. 2.

3.

Choose a specific issue to discuss. Research BOTH sides of the topic thoroughly. Develop a working thesis.

INTRODUCTION
1.

2.

The hook: take notes on the following video Provide background on the topic
Summarize the topics basic knowledge Acknowledge both sides of the argument

3.

Thesis Statement: Claim

MUST answer the prompt

Should take a position challenge defend or qualify

Take notes on how to construct a good thesis based on video

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY BODY PARAGRAPHS

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE
1.

Begin with a clear topic sentence

A topic sentence is like a thesis statement for a paragraph It tells the reader what you will talk about in that paragraph It needs to be an argument/reason that supports your thesis statement

2.

Use strong evidence to back up your argument

3.
4.

Expand evidence to clarify its importance for your argument

Should end with a closing transition phrase

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

BODY PARAGRAPHS
SENTENCE STRUCTURE
1. 2. 3. 4.

Use sentence patterns for effect Use transition phrases (further instruction at end of powerpoint) Use snippets of quotations blended into your own analysis Be sure to cite all evidence according to MLA

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY BODY PARAGRAPHS

PARAGRAPH CONTENT Provide various sources of support Select the strongest evidence from you research Explain one or two opposing sides points to show how readers might object to your argument Show how others arguments are unreasonable, not logical, or not effective

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY CONCLUSION

Revisit your strongest reasons for your position End with a call to action or recommendation for

how to respond

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

FINAL STEPS: REVISE AND EDIT
Review your essay as one of your readers
Pretend that your readers are skeptical experts or jurors. Convince them by using plenty of evidence typesfacts, statistics,

examples, expert opinions, or even personal experience.

Cite your sources! Know the other sides strongest arguments to defend

against those who disagree with you

APPEALING TO YOUR READERS: ETHOS, PATHOS AND LOGOS

Watch the following video, pausing

often to take notes

Write down not just what is written, but what

is said!

1st sentence: attention grabber / hook

CHOOSE POSITION
REASON 1 REASON 2 EVIDENCE & EXAMPLES Strong and thorough -- state other sides argument --explain why theyre wrong with new appeals REASON 1 EVIDENCE & EXAMPLES Strong and thorough --state other sides argument --explain why theyre wrong with new appeals

EVIDENCE & EXAMPLES Strong and thorough --state other sides argument --explain why theyre wrong with new appeals Restate topic.

Call to action, or your recommendation for how to respond

NOTE ON TRANSITIONS
TRANSITIONS guide the reader through your essay from

one idea to another

They allow your reader to understand the connection between your ideas

to understand your thought process

You can transition from one idea to the next using

transition words (list on following slide, and available as handout in class supplies section of classroom) Later, you will complete the PowerPoint activity for transitions to show you understand how to use transitions (you may do so now if you like) . You will be required in your writing to highlight transitions so pay attention.

A SAMPLE OUTLINE OF AN ARGUMENT IS AVAILABLE IN ARGUMENTATIVE FOLDER ON THE RHETORICAL MODES BOARD IN C3. REVIEW THE GOAL IN AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS SECTIONS OF YOUR HANDOUT THEN, READ THROUGH A LEVEL 3-QUALITY ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY, ACCORDING TO THE RUBRIC. FILL IN THE MISSING PIECES ON YOUR HANDOUT.