PARTS OF THE ARGUMENT ESSAY INCLUDE… Claim This is the writer’s stance or overall argument Reasons Main points that justify the writer’s claim Evidence Facts/Direct quotes that support/prove the claim Counterclaim The opposing view—disagrees with the writer’s claim Rebuttal Evidence that DISUPUTES or disagrees with the COUNTERCLAIM

INTRO PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE HOOK Get our attention and draw us in to your argument. Background Information A transition statement that points out the importance of your topic (Why should we care about this topic?) Your Claim This is also your thesis statement Write thesis together: Violent role playing games are _______ and _________ to teenagers because _____, ______ and ______. H

BODY PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE A TOPIC SENTENCE THAT INCLUDES YOUR REASON Example: Cell phones should not be permitted in school because __<<REASON>>__. CONTEXT FOR your EVIDENCE Introduce and provide some context for the evidence you will use to support your claim. Thin of this part as a bridge between your reason(s) and your evidence. EXPLANATION for EVIDENCE What does the quote mean? Why does it matter?

Evidence “… there who had been engaged in Mortal Kombat were more aggressive across the board.” Based on this evidence, one can conclude that it was the engagement with a violent RP game that caused the subjects to become more aggressive. One can conclude that continuing exposure to violent RP games would begin to cause issues with aggressive behavior overall, which can prove harmful to teens. This behavior may spill over into school and social situations.

COUNTERCLAIM PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE COUNTERCLAIM Know the counterclaim (the opposing or opposite view) and address it head on Some say… Opponents will argue… Those who disagree believe… REBUTTAL or REFUTATION PROVE that the counterclaim is false or ineffective with your own evidence that refutes theirs. Use transition words and phrases such as: However, In contrast, Even so, Nevertheless, Instead, But, Alternatively, On the other hand, Conversely

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE Begin with a transition word or phrase. In conclusion… To sum up the argument… Finally… Restate your main points and your claim in a new way. Use different wording to restate why this topic is important, and why we should care about it. Remind the reader of your position (claim). Finish with a final thought that gives the reader something to think about or consider. If you asked a question for your hook, answer it. Provide a solution to the problem. End with a powerful or meaningful quote.