Writing the Argumentative Essay

CHOOSING A TOPIC To begin an argumentative essay, you must first have an opinion you want others to share.

RESEARCH To be valid, an opinion or point of view must be supported by facts and information. Once you know what you will write about, you will need to do research on the topic. Research through interviewing people, or reading newspaper, book, journal or Internet articles.

THESIS STATEMENT The thesis statement  states your position on the topic + three reasons for your positions  sets up the structure for the paper.

SUPPORT THE THESIS Support your thesis with three reasons.  Write down each of the three main reasons that support your belief on a separate piece of paper.  These are your arguments.

COUNTER- ARGUMENTS  Every controversial issue has two sides.  Once you can support your position with research, you need to explore what others think.

PREPARING YOUR ARGUMENTS  Look at the three main reasons for your opinion.  What objections, or disagreements would others have to your opinion?  Write these down under each of your reasons. Now you have three arguments and three counter-arguments.

ANSWERING COUNTER- ARGUMENTS Write your answers/responses to the your three counter-arguments.

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH  The first sentence is your scenario hook, designed to attract the reader’s attention.  Imagine…. Picture this….  Second and perhaps third sentences restate the prompt and give background information.  The last sentence in the introduction must be your thesis.

INTRODUCTION Think of the introduction as having a funnel shape: Attention grabber (Scenario hook) Background information Thesis

BUILDING BODY PARAGRAPHS The first topic sentence of the first paragraph will be the first reason that supports your position. You may even wish to begin the sentence with the words “the first reason…”

THE BODY PARAGRAPHS Write a topic sentence stating your first reason. Add at least 3 details supporting this reason Introduce the counter-argument for this reason “Shoot down” the counter- argument with evidence/fact Do this for your other reasons, so that you have a total of 3 body paragraphs.

BUILDING PARAGRAPHS  The final sentence in each paragraph should sum up and make a transition to the main idea of the next paragraph.

Concluding Paragraph Restate your thesis statement. Include a powerful ending often relating to the introduction. Do not include any new information in a conclusion. If you have not mentioned something yet in the paper, it is now too late.

What is not effective Saying the opposing viewpoint is “stupid.” Good essays are clear, calm and factual. Prove it instead. Saying negative things about groups or individuals that have different view points. This does not support your position. You must use facts, details, and examples!

How many is that? 1.Intro Paragraph 1.Body Paragraph 1 + Counter Argument 2.Body Paragraph 2 + Counter Argument 3.Body Paragraph 3 + Counter Argument 1.Conclusion Paragraph

Reflecting on Your Paper Are you happy with what you have written? Have you made a convincing case for your position? Is it clear that research supports your position? Have you shown that you understand the objections to your position?