Serial Argumentative Essay Literature and Rhetoric A

Purpose of an Argumentative Essay The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Prompt Take a stand on whether Adnan Syed is guilty or innocent of the murder of Hae Min Lee: Is Adnan Syed guilty or innocent? TAKE A STAND!

Constructing a Thesis It is an arguable statement It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation It establishes a direction for your entire essay It does NOT include any personal pronouns

Statement of Order The “road map” of your essay Claim __1st paragraph topic__, __2nd paragraph topic__, and __3rd paragraph topic__. In Sarah Koenig’s Serial, Adnan Syed is guilty of killing Hae Min Lee because he lies, manipulates, and claims to have no memory of the very significant day. Adnan Syed is clearly innocent because of his great character, spotless record, and the lack of any physical evidence.

Introductory Paragraphs Hook Quote Shocking statement Anecdote NO QUESTIONS! Give short and concise background on the characteristics of Serial and the case (critical context) Include the title and the author of the text State your thesis and statement of order

Topic Sentences Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph.

Citing Textual Evidence Sandwich Analogy Claim- Adnan Syed has not shown any signs of aggression since his arrest (top bun) Quotation/Specific Example that backs up your claim (the meat) Analysis (bottom bun)

Integrating Quotes Adnan explains, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”). Sarah proclaims, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”). Jay laments, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”). Rabia says, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”). Sarah tells, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”). Aisha writes, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”).

Types of Evidence Quotations must be identical to the original, using a narrow segment of the source. They must match the source document word for word and must be attributed to the original author. Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly. Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s). Once again, it is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a broad overview of the source material.

Transitional Sentences Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section. moreover as well as together with of course likewise comparatively correspondingly similarly furthermore additionally

Review of Body Paragraph Requirements Topic Sentence Very broad explanation of what the paragraph is going to be about Claim Narrow down your topic sentence to a specific example Quote Direct quote from text that supports your claim Analysis Explain quote and how it supports your claim Repeat Transitional Sentence Connect current paragraph to the next body paragraph

Rebuttal Paragraph The rebuttal paragraph shows your readers that you’re being fair, and that you’ve carefully thought about both sides of a debate before making up your mind. Introduce the Opposing Argument One could say...  One may argue that... Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid (briefly) Counter the Argument Nevertheless, However, Give strong evidence to support your counterargument Rebuttal needs to be strong and convincing to show your claim is superior

Conclusion Restate why the topic is important Review the main points of your essay Restate your claim End with: Include a brief summary of the paper's main points Use a quotation Evoke a vivid image Call for some sort of action End with a warning Universalize (compare to other situations) Suggest results or consequences

MLA Formatting Title (centered) Citation (Author Episode Title) Creative Relevant It should NOT be “Serial Argumentative Essay” Do NOT underline Citation (Author Episode Title) THERE IS NO COMMA Proper MLA Heading (left aligned) Name Instructor’s Name (Ms. Dombrow) Class (Eng. 9A) Date

For Those Who Finish Their Rough Draft In Class Finish labeling your rough draft looking for the following essay elements: Opposing argument Counter argument With evidence Restated claim Reviewing main points Strong and meaningful ending