Argumentative Writing A Guide

What Is it? Argumentative Writing is writing that proves a point with evidence. It also includes poking holes in the other side of the argument. Your topic should also have at least two sides (be controversial). No one should argue that the grass is green. Includes several parts: Claim Argument(s) Evidence Explanations So What? Counter-Argument Rebuttal Conclusion

Thesis Claim | Argument(s) | Evidence | Explanations | So What? Counter-Argument | Rebuttal | Conclusion The thesis is the blueprint to your paper. It gives a glimpse as to what your paper is going to be about. It is important because it lets your reader know what you’re going to be arguing, and it keeps you organized. In the world, there is no set way to write a thesis. However, for our purposes in this class, we will be following a strict formula until I deem it okay to go without it. As a general rule, thesis statements should be placed at the end of the introductory paragraph. It is only one sentence long.

+ + + + + + , Formula Although Even though Though Counter-Claim Your Claim + + + and Reason 3. Because Reason 1, Reason 2,

+ + + + + + , Example Because the carbonated beverages are harmful to one’s health sodas taste delicious Although + + + and can lead to fatal diseases. Because they have too much sugar, are full of caffeine, Although sodas taste delicious, the carbonated beverages are harmful to one’s health because they have too much sugar, are full of caffeine, and can lead to fatal diseases.

Body Paragraphs Claim | Argument(s) | Evidence | Explanations | So What? Counter-Argument | Rebuttal | Conclusion Each of your reasons from the thesis will have its own body paragraph. Order your arguments/reasons in order of effectiveness. The first body paragraph should be about your first reason (which should also be your weakest argument). The second body paragraph will be your second reason. The third body paragraph will be your third reason from your thesis (which should be your strongest argument).

Body paragraph Structure TOP BUN Transition word or phrase and topic sentence Brief explanation of reason (if needed) TOMATOES MAYO Transition and evidence to support reason LETTUCE Explanation of why evidence supports the reason BURGER PATTY So why is this reason important? Why does it support your claim? BOTTOM BUN Quick summary of main argument/point in this paragraph

Body paragraph Structure TOP BUN = What begins your paragraph/sandwich Transition word or phrase and topic sentence Brief explanation of reason (if needed) TOMATOES = Can be important, but aren’t essential to the sandwich MAYO = what glues your sandwich together Transition and evidence to support reason LETTUCE = you need the mayo with the lettuce. Lettuce by itself is straight up disgusting. Explanation of why evidence supports the reason BURGER PATTY = the main part of your sandwich. It’s the most important part So why is this reason important? Why does it support your claim? BOTTOM BUN = otherwise you get hamburger grease all over your hands Quick summary of main argument/point in this paragraph

Counter-Argument & Rebuttal Claim | Argument(s) | Evidence | Explanations | So What? Counter-Argument | Rebuttal | Conclusion What is the strongest argument your opposition could make for the other side? This is the counter-argument. The counter-argument paragraph should not only address the main argument but also refute it with a strong rebuttal. The rebuttal is you proving why the opposition’s argument is weak or invalid. You are poking holes in the argument. See worksheet for a more detailed explanation of the structure.

Conclusion 2. Restate your thesis Claim | Argument(s) | Evidence | Explanations | So What? Counter-Argument | Rebuttal | Conclusion The purpose is to tie up loose ends and leave your readers inspired or thinking about your argument. The formula: 1. Transition word or phrase 2. Restate your thesis 3. Pick out your strongest highlights and restate them briefly in about one sentence. 4. DROP THE MIC statement

Introductory Paragraph Should start with a hook A shocking fact/statistic Quote Question Quick story/situation The next two – three sentences should briefly explain why the topic of your essay is important and why it is controversial. Lastly, the thesis will come at the end of your introductory paragraph.

General Guidelines Formal (serious) tone NO contractions NO 1st or 2nd person pronouns