Argumentative Writing Greetings future leaders of the world. Today we will take a look at the different components of an argumentative essay.

What we will look at today… Thesis and thesis statements Topic Sentences Evidence Counter Claims Conclusions

What you need to email me… Your thesis Outline your two main arguments to support your thesis Outline your main counter argument Your email needs to contain the subject “thesis”, a proper greeting and farewell, and you need to write in complete sentences.

Thesis A position stated or put forward for consideration Ex. School start time in Central Bucks should be moved back an hour. In argumentative or persuasive writing, the thesis (or claim) must be an arguable statement

Thesis Statement The thesis statement not only informs your audience of the position you will be taking and defending, but it also tells your audience what type of evidence you will be providing, as well as the order in which you will be providing it. School start times should be pushed back because it improves student brain function, morale, and overall achievement.

Topic Sentences A topic sentence is a sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea (or topic) of a paragraph. Ex. There have been many studies that show the positive effects that later school start times have on the brain functions of young people. Topic sentences relate back to the thesis and maintain focus

Evidence In argumentation, evidence refers to facts, documentation, or testimony used to strengthen a claim, support an argument, or reach a conclusion. Ex. A 2014 controlled study at Yale University showed that 82% of students showed increased brain function when given an extra hour of sleep on a nightly basis.

Counter-Claim Counter-claims are the same as claims in that they are debatable, but in an argument, counter claims refute (or counter) the original claim Ex. While there is plenty of evidence that supports later start times, there are those who defend earlier start times because it allows more time for after- school activities, and it is easier for the adults in the family because of work schedules.

Conclusions The conclusion of an argument does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided. Ex. In light of the extensive scientific research and the testimony given by students and teachers alike, it is clearer than ever that school start times need to be pushed back in order to improve the overall schooling experience. The conclusion is the last thing your audience will read, so review the main points, the thesis, and absolutely DO NOT INTRODUCE NEW RESEARCH/INFORMATION

Closure What are the necessary components of an argumentative essay?