1. Argumentative Essay Guidelines
eLA 8 – Ms. Underwood

2. Structure
An argumentative essay is simply a writer’s attempt to convince readers of the validity of a particular opinion on a controversial issue.

3. 1. Carefully select a topic
Choose a topic that interests you. An argument does not have to be a burning issue, but it must be a debatable topic. It can be anything you feel strongly about.

4. 2. Identify the controversy
Your introduction should clarify the controversy or issue. Your thesis states your opinion on the issue. You must take a stand on the issue.

5. 3. Provide support
The body paragraphs of the essay should provide specific support. These supports may include personal experience, statistics, examples, facts or experts’ opinions. This information will come from articles related to your topic.

6. 4. Organization
Include enough details to support your position; however, select only the relevant facts.

7. 5. Consider differing opinion (AKA Counter-arguments)
An argumentative essay may be strengthened by acknowledging conflicting viewpoints and repudiating them.

8. 6. Provide 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.

9. Graphic organizer for your essay
Introduction – Paragraph 1
Hook: _______________________
Position/Claim: ________________
Evidence/Support – Paragraph 2
Reason: _____________________
Detail: ______________________
Evidence/Support – Paragraph 3
Reason: _____________________
Detail: ______________________
Counterargument – Paragraph 4
Reason: _____________________
Detail: ______________________
Rebuttal: ____________________
Conclusion – Paragraph 5
Restate position/claim: ____________________________
Summary : _____________________________________
Echo Hook or Call to Action: __________________________