Writing an Argumentative Essay What is DRAPES and FRESQA, and how can they help improve my writing? 1

What is a claim? The main argument of your essay Equivalent to a thesis statement Chooses a side to argue—no “fence sitters”

Evidence The facts you use to defend your claim The reader should be able to locate your evidence within the article It is the research you use to prove your point If you cannot find evidence for your claim, rethink your claim!

Rebuttal/Counter-Argument Think about the opposite opinion of your claim. Why would someone argue against your claim? Think ahead about someone’s argument against your claim. How could you prove them wrong? How could you address these arguments within your essay?

Sentence Starters and Transitions for Rebuttals/Counter-Arguments Despite… Although.. Even though… One might think… (Rebuttal)…yet (Rebuttal)…on the other hand (Rebuttal)…but

Specific Details Idea Development D ialouge-A conversation (can be real or fiction). R hetorical Question-A question that is asked to make a point rather than to be answered. A nalogy-A comparison without using like or as (metaphor). P ersonal Experience-Use a real-life experience to prove a point. E xample-Spell out a practical example that displays your argument. S tatistics- Percentages, numbers, and fractions are a good argumentative strategy. V9

Specific Details Idea Development F acts- Use proven research to articulate a point. R hetorical Question-A question that is asked to make a point rather than to be answered. E xample- Spell out a practical example that displays your argument. S tatistics-Percentages, numbers, and fractions are a good argumentative strategy. Q uote-Use someone who is an expert in that field and find a quote they said or published. A necdote-This is another way of saying a personal experience. Is there a real-life story you could share to prove your argument? V9

Using FRESQA… **Now, let’s practice using FRESQA to develop a paragraph… Your principal is seeking a new math teacher. In your opinion, what are some important qualities of a good math teacher? Practice using a fact and rhetorical question to write a paragraph that discusses one of those qualities. Let’s look at an example… V9

Using FRESQA… Many students struggle with math, so first of all, a good math teacher must be patient. If a teacher doesn’t take time to explain lessons so that students understand, they could give up. In fact, School Dayz Magazine recently reported that students are more likely to drop out of school because of frustrations with math. You do want BMS students to be successful and productive, right? Well, a hiring a patient math teacher is vital to student success! V9

Using FRESQA… Your principal is seeking a new math teacher. In your opinion, what are some important qualities of a good math teacher? Practice using an example and a statistic to write a paragraph that discusses another important quality. Let’s look at an example… V9

Using FRESQA… Along with patience, it is essential that math teachers are knowledgeable. Students learn in different ways, and teachers must know how to teach so that everyone can understand. For example, some students learn by memorizing songs, using manipulates, or by just seeing models. Even teachers in China have acknowledged this, and that’s why 98% of their students pass their math classes. Please hire a math teacher who will teach in a way that all students can learn. V9

Using FRESQA… Your principal is seeking a new math teacher. In your opinion, what are some important qualities of a good math teacher? Practice using a quote and an anecdote to write a paragraph that discusses one last important quality. Let’s look at an example… V9

Using FRESQA… Finally, our new math teacher needs to be enthusiastic. Let’s be honest, math is not the most exciting subject, but with the right teacher, it can be. I remember my 5th grade math teacher who actually made math pleasurable. In fact, I still have fond memories of doing the “Decimal Dance” and learning fractions with chocolate bars! She would always say, “math should be fun,” and she made it just that! I would be just tickled if you hired a math teacher who knows how to spice up this dull subject. V9