Author’s Position

 An author’s position on a topic refers to what the author thinks about the topic, his or her perspective on the subject.

Example: Author’s Position Topic: Homework (For HW)  One author may write about how grades improve with homework and other positive aspects of it.  This author’s position is that homework is beneficial. Topic: Homework (Against HW)  Another author may write that students can succeed without homework and there are other ways for students to practice.  This author’s position is that homework should be banned.

Argumentative Essay 4 parts to Introduction 1.Introduces the topic 2.States why the topic is important 3.States that there is a difference of opinion about this topic 4.Describes how the assignment will be structured and clearly states the writer's main idea/position (thesis)

Introduction When people think of the circus, one of the first images they think of is the elephants. These magnificent animals are amazing to watch, and for many, they are the highlight of the circus. Recently however, reports have surfaced that show that the life of a circus elephant is filled with pain and trauma. This has caused many people to call for a boycott of the circus. The training of circus elephants often involves physical punishment. Further, the living conditions of a circus elephant are inhumane. The conditions and treatment of elephants in the circus is cruel and unnatural, therefore the circus should eliminate the use of elephants in its shows.

Introduction When people think of the circus, one of the first images they think of is the elephants. (introduced the topic of circus elephants). These magnificent animals are amazing to watch, and for many, they are the highlight of the circus. (reference the other position to this argument) Recently however, reports have surfaced that show that the life of a circus elephant is filled with pain and trauma. This has caused many people to call for a boycott of the circus. (why it’s important) The training of circus elephants often involves physical punishment.(Claim) Further, the living conditions of a circus elephant are inhumane. ( Claim). The conditions and treatment of elephants in the circus is cruel and unnatural, therefore the circus should eliminate the use of elephants in its shows. (Thesis, what the rest of the essay will talk about).

When people think about the circus, one of the first things that comes to mind is the elephants. These magnificent animals are amazing to watch, and for many people, they are the highlight of the circus. Recently however, people have begun to question whether or not it is humane to use elephants to enterain

Your turn! Write a thesis!  Look back at the position statement you wrote about the use of cellphone in schools. You will turn this statement into a thesis.  Your thesis statement should show your opinion, what you are trying to persuade the reader about, but you do not need to use the words “I think” or “in my opinion”  Your thesis statement should include your main claims (reasons) that will support your position.

Thesis  a single sentence in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. (Usually the last sentence of the introduction)  In argumentative writing, your thesis is developed from your position.  The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.  Example: The conditions and treatment of elephants in the circus is cruel and unnatural, therefore the circus should eliminate the use of elephants in its shows.

Claims- What is a claim?  Claims are bold statements that support your position  Claims are the “reasons” we brainstormed in class  Example: The conditions of circus elephants are cruel and unnatural.  Once you develop a claim, you need to back it up with evidence “examples”  For example, elephants are crammed into boxcars for up to 100 hours a day straight, they’re kept on the road for 11 months of the year. However, in the wild, elephants roam up to 30 miles a day and function best in wide, open spaces.

Body (Where your claims should go)  The body of your essay is where you will explore and explain the reasons why you you’ve taken a certain position on your topic. In other words, the body of your essay is your chance to explain WHY you think what you think!  Your three claims need to be broken up throughout the body of your essay. You should have at LEAST one paragraph for each of your claims.  Don’t forget to use in text citations when providing evidence to support your claims!

How to write your claim in a main body paragraph Even if an elephant does not endure physical abuse, they will still suffer because the living conditions of the circus are the wrong environment for them. In the wild, elephants roam up to 30 miles a day (Smith 3). Elephants need room to be able to walk and exercise. Not only are elephants in the circus not provided enough space to walk, their conditions often prevent them from moving at all. Elephants are kept in boxcars for up to 11 hours a day (Hill, 10). This is torture for an animal whose natural instinct is to roam.

Writing a conclusion  The conclusion is the final place for you to persuade your reader to agree with your position! You need to be as convincing as possible. A conclusion should tie up any loose ends while also leaving your reader with a final PERSUASIVE thought about your position. Each conclusion has three parts.  1.Restate your position.  2.Presents one or two general sentences which accurately summarize your overall argument.  3. Provides a general warning of the consequences of not following the premise that you put forward and/or a general statement of how your position would be beneficial or contribute to the greater good of the community.

Conclusion Example The circus brings to mind magical images. It is show that is filled with wonder and excitement. Beneath this impressive shows lies a dark truth: the elephants used to entertain us suffer from physical abuse and unnatural living conditions. Simply put, the circus is the wrong environment for any elephant. All living creatures deserve the right to a healthy and happy life. It is only by removing elephants from the circus that we can begin to give them the life they deserve. The circus will continue to be a wonderful experience without the elephant show. Removing the elephants ensures that it is wonderful for everyone.