Argument Essay The Art of Persuasion Nardelli

What is an Argumentative Essay? An argumentative essay, or persuasive essay, is simply a writer’s attempt to convince readers of the validity of a particular opinion on a controversial issue.

Your Task  You will be writing an argumentative/ persuasive paper after researching the pros and cons on a topic of your choice.  You will be citing your sources as you write your paper and you will also be required to have a Works Cited Page.  Core : 4 paragraph paper  Honors : 5-6 paragraph paper

The Research Process  Complete research as necessary: we will spend two ENTIRE blocks in the library.  Use appropriate web sites, databases, and print material. Librarians will help you with this. Pay attention!  Make sure your experts/ sites are valid.  Prepare your Works Cited page and your parenthetical citations (Source Notes) in advance. Easybib will help you with this.

Plagiarism  You must BE SURE to site your sources! This means using parenthetical citations throughout your paper and you must have a WORKS CITED PAGE at the end of your paper.  Review of Cox Honor CodeCox Honor Code

Honors Paper Requirements  5 paragraphs:  Introduction with thesis statement  Body paragraph (topic sentence with support)  Refutation (topic sentence with support)  Conclusion Don’t forget a well crafted title

Honors  Parenthetical citations throughout entire paper.  Works Cited Page with at least three sources: two internet sources, one print source.

Core Paper Requirements  4 paragraphs :  Introduction with thesis statement  Body paragraph with support  Conclusion Don’t forget a well crafted title

Core  At least TWO parenthetical citations throughout paper.  A Works Cited Page with at least three sources : Two online sources and one print source

STEPS TO WRITNG AN ARGUMENATIVE ESSAY  Choose a topic  Conduct research  Write your introduction with thesis statement  Write your body paragraphs with support (statistics, facts, etc.)  Write your conclusion  Works Cited Page

STEP 1: Carefully select a topic  Choose a topic from the list on the database that interests you. An argument does not have to be a burning issue, but it must be a debatable topic.  In order to be persuasive, it should be something you feel strongly about.

Arguable or Not Arguable?  Marijuana should be legalized.  Cox High School is the best school in the district.  Without the ozone layer, humans would be in danger of ultra-violet rays.

Step 2 : Introduction Paragraph  Get the attention of the audience  Attention Getter or Hook  Provide background information to orient the reader to the issue  What does the reader need to know about this issue?  Create a thesis statement or assertion to guide the reader.  Your introduction should clarify the controversy or issue. Your thesis states your position on the issue. You must take a stand on the issue.

What is a Thesis Statement?  A thesis statement is a sentence that makes an assertion about a topic and predicts how the topic will be developed. It does not simply announce a topic; it says something about the topic, and it provides the framework for your paper.  GIVES YOUR PAPER DIRECTION!

Examples of Thesis Statements The topics are bolded in the thesis examples below. Do not bold yours:  Reducing the occurrences of underage drinking is imperative to protect the lives of young people.  Year-round schooling is the only type of school system that can bring the most benefit to all the members of the community.  Standardized tests are an unfair measure of students’ intelligence and academic performance; therefore, the tests must be changed drastically or abandoned.

Step 3: Provide support  Provide a clear topic sentence for each paragraph  The body paragraphs of the essay should provide specific support.  These supports may include  personal experience  statistics, examples  facts  experts’ opinions.  They may be garnered from television shows, magazines, newspapers, textbooks, studies, or interviews.  Use a variety of appeals.

Different Appeals  Logos-logical appeal  Evidence and the reasoning based on that evidence  Ethos-ethical appeal  According to Aristotle--the credibility or trustworthiness that the author establishes in his writing  Pathos-Emotional appeal  Persuades the audience by using emotions

Step 4 :Consider differing opinions (Honors only)  A persuasive essay may be strengthened by acknowledging conflicting viewpoints and repudiating (denying the validity) them.

Step 5: A forceful conclusion  Restate your position in different words from the introduction. Do not introduce new material in the conclusion. You may want to conclude by encouraging some specific call to action.

Example Outline Thesis Statement: Because of its cost, risk and alternatives, the building of nuclear reactors should not continue. Topic Sentence 1: The first problem with nuclear reactors is their cost. Topic Sentence 2: Another problem is the serious consequences of accidents. Refutation: Some people might claim that there is no real alternative to nuclear power. Concluding Statement: In short, although nuclear power is an attractive option, it has too many disadvantages

SAMPLE ESSAYS  Essay #1 (without citations) Boxing: A Countdown to Injury  Essay #2 (with citations) Teens Dial Up  Essay #3 (with citations and Works Cited) The Failure of Abstinence-Only Programs

TIPS  Do not refer to yourself or the reader EVER. “I”, “you”, “we”, etc. Definitely forbidden.  Don’t forget a good hook ! Research papers DO NOT have to be boring!  Give clear arguments for your claim with support (examples, statistics, explanations, etc.)  Use transition words as you move from paragraph to paragraph (Firstly, pursuing this further, additionally, lastly, in the first place, just in the same way, finally, basically, similarly, as well, secondly, furthermore, in addition, moreover).

Citing Source Help For more help with citing sources: Purdue Online

RUBRIC  Core RUBRIC Core RUBRIC  Honors RUBRIC Honors RUBRIC