WRITING AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Essential Question Theme: Government ■Directions: Closely read both documents provided and write a document-based argument on the topic below. You may use the margins to take notes as you read and scrap paper to plan your response. Write your argument on a fresh sheet of loose leaf paper or essay booklet. ■Topic: Who should be allowed to participate in government and to what extent? ■Your task: Carefully read both of the documents provided. Then, using evidence from both documents, and your own contextual knowledge of the Greek (direct democracy) and Roman (representative democracy/republican) models of government, write a well-developed argument regarding allowing certain individuals to directly participate in government ; or, indirectly participating by electing representative officials. Clearly establish your claim, distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims, and use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from both documents to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize each text.

Persuasive vs. Argumentative Writing Persuasive ■Opinions are blended with facts to convince the reader that you’re right ■Personal, passionate and emotional writing ■Writer’s viewpoint is the only one presented Argumentative ■Relevant reasoning and credible data are blended to show your argument is valid ■Respectful, tactful, and formal writing ■Writer acknowledges opposing views within a pro/con piece. This gives the writer the opportunity to counter these perspectives with more logic, reasoning, and proof.

Find the Counterclaims ■Read the following sample argumentative essay on animal testing. Highlight the counterclaims that are made throughout the essay.

Guidelines Be sure to: ■Establish your claim regarding who should be allowed to participate in government, and whether or not that participation should happen directly or indirectly through representatives ■Distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims ■Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from both documents to develop your argument ■Identify each document that you reference by document number and line/graphic number (for example: document 1, line 5; or, document 2, graphic) ■Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner ■Maintain a formal style of writing ■Follow the conventions of standard written English