The Odyssey Argumentative Essay ES: Demonstrate understanding of concepts

Essay Question Options 1) Of all the dangers and difficulties confronting Odysseus, which one seems the worst? Tell why you think so and how Odysseus meets the challenge. 2) Although Odysseus is a flawed character, he also displays some positive qualities. Overall, is Odysseus a good leader? What episodes prove or disprove his ability as a leader?   3) A hero is defined as any character admired for his/her courage, nobility, and bold deeds, and thought of as an ideal or model being. According to this definition, is Odysseus a hero?

INTRODUCTION: As in any essay, the first paragraph of your argumentative essay should contain a brief explanation of your topic, some background information, and a thesis statement/claim. Hook – grab the reader’s attention Transition to summary of story – include the author and title Introduce your topic – difficult challenge, leadership, hero End with your THESIS that specifically answers the question!

BODY of ESSAY: Support your thesis with more than one supporting reason – in logical order. Next, give evidence to support your reasons. For this essay, that means specific events and quotes with line number(s). Topic Sentence – Odysseus is a terrible leader because his arrogance causes many of his men to die Evidence: “Let them know it’s Odysseus, raider of cities” (1325). Evidence: Analysis What are the effects of this?: The Cyclops’s curse literally changes the course of Odysseus’s journey home. Instead of smooth sailing to his beloved Ithaca, Odysseus will now be tested and tempted further, causing his journey to last 10 years. The burden of these sailors’ deaths will forever stain Odysseus’s reputation. Hopefully, Odysseus learns from this difficult experience.

Counterclaim - What is a Counterclaim? A paragraph that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim. In the case of your essays, this is an argument opposing your thesis statement (claim). Purpose: to make you look more credible because you appear to be knowledgeable about the entirety of the debate rather than just being biased or uniformed. 

Paragraph with Counterclaim Consider the opposite side & argues against your claim Challenge your own argument - then turn back to reaffirm why your opinion is stronger position

Rebuttal Rebut - claim or prove that evidence or an accusation is false. plainly put, is the "no, you're wrong and this is why" 

KEY PHRASES COUNTERCLAIM REBUTTAL One might object that... It might seem that... It's true that... Admittedly... Of course... It can be said that… but yet however nonetheless still while this may be true…

CONCLUSION: Begin your conclusion with a restatement of your thesis/claim. Summarize your reasons. After this, make a general statement about Odysseus and how the reader views him in the story. Be sure this is not done as a personal statement (i.e., no “I”, “my”, “me”, “we”, etc.).

Grading - 25 points Graphic Organizer – 5 Essay – 20 Structure Counterclaim Peer Edit