1. Argumentative Essay

2. Introduction: Section 1
Normally 2 sentences:
Question
Answer
Which more directly caused the American Civil War: the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852 or the Dread Scott Decision in 1857? I think that the Dread Scott Decision more directly caused the American Civil War than the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin.

3. Body: Section 2 Topic sentence – reason
Additional sentences – give evidence
Sum up with connecting sentence “therefore…”
I think that the Dread Scott Decision more directly caused the American Civil War because the Dread Scott Decision influenced many of those in power to end slavery, one of them being Abraham Lincoln. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney had ruled that a black man did not deserve the rights that a white man was entitled to (Cozzens). Justice Taney ruled that …

4. Body: Section 3 Topic sentence – counterclaim
Additional sentences – give evidence
Sum up with connecting sentence “therefore…”
On the other hand, others might argue that Uncle Tom's Cabin more directly caused the American Civil War as it influenced many people. John Anthony Scott, a PHD in history and political science, wrote in his book The Story of Harriet Beecher Stowe that Uncle Tom's Cabin's author influenced many people. He said that, "[s]he helped millions of her fellow citizens to become aware of the shame of slavery and to take their place,…

5. Body: Section 4 Topic sentence – rebut counterclaim
Additional sentences – compare the evidence given by both sides
Write clear justification for opinion
Sum up with connecting sentence “therefore…”
Even though I have just stated that Uncle Tom’s Cabin more directly started the US Civil War, I still believe that, instead, it was the Dred Scott Decision. Let us look at some more facts and arguments. If it is argued that Uncle Tom's Cabin more directly caused the American Civil War, then why didn't the war take place sooner? The Dred Scott Decision had more had a more recent influence on the people and enflamed them more, causing more people to protest and take action on the laws on the book…

6. Conclusion: Section 5 Only write your thesis again – period.
In conclusion, I think that a more direct cause of the American Civil War was the Dred Scott Decision than the publication of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.