1. Serial Argumentative Essay
Literature and Rhetoric A

2. Purpose of an Argumentative Essay
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

3. Prompt
Take a stand on whether Adnan Syed is guilty or innocent of the murder of Hae Min Lee:
Is Adnan Syed guilty or innocent?
TAKE A STAND!

4. Constructing a Thesis It is an arguable statement
It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic
It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation
It establishes a direction for your entire essay
It does NOT include any personal pronouns

5. Statement of Order The “road map” of your essay
Claim __1st paragraph topic__, __2nd paragraph topic__, and __3rd paragraph topic__.
In Sarah Koenig’s Serial, Adnan Syed is guilty of killing Hae Min Lee because he lies, manipulates, and claims to have no memory of the very significant day.
Adnan Syed is clearly innocent because of his great character, spotless record, and the lack of any physical evidence.

6. Introductory Paragraphs
Hook
Quote
Shocking statement
Anecdote
NO QUESTIONS!
Give short and concise background on the characteristics of Serial and the case (critical context)
Include the title and the author of the text
State your thesis and statement of order

7. Topic Sentences
Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph.

8. Citing Textual Evidence
Sandwich Analogy
Claim- Adnan Syed has not shown any signs of aggression since his arrest (top bun)
Quotation/Specific Example that backs up your claim (the meat)
Analysis (bottom bun)

9. Integrating Quotes
Adnan explains, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”).
Sarah proclaims, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”).
Jay laments, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”).
Rabia says, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”).
Sarah tells, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”).
Aisha writes, “_____________” (Koenig “Episode Title”).

10. Types of Evidence
Quotations must be identical to the original, using a narrow segment of the source. They must match the source document word for word and must be attributed to the original author.
Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly.
Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s). Once again, it is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a broad overview of the source material.

11. Transitional Sentences
Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.
moreover
as well as
together with
of course
likewise
comparatively
correspondingly
similarly
furthermore
additionally

12. Review of Body Paragraph Requirements
Topic Sentence
Very broad explanation of what the paragraph is going to be about
Claim
Narrow down your topic sentence to a specific example
Quote
Direct quote from text that supports your claim
Analysis
Explain quote and how it supports your claim
Repeat
Transitional Sentence
Connect current paragraph to the next body paragraph

13. Rebuttal Paragraph
The rebuttal paragraph shows your readers that you’re being fair, and that you’ve carefully thought about both sides of a debate before making up your mind.
Introduce the Opposing Argument
One could say...  One may argue that...
Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid (briefly)
Counter the Argument
Nevertheless, However,
Give strong evidence to support your counterargument
Rebuttal needs to be strong and convincing to show your claim is superior

14. Conclusion Restate why the topic is important
Review the main points of your essay
Restate your claim
End with:
Include a brief summary of the paper's main points
Use a quotation
Evoke a vivid image
Call for some sort of action
End with a warning
Universalize (compare to other situations)
Suggest results or consequences

15. MLA Formatting Title (centered) Citation (Author Episode Title)
Creative
Relevant
It should NOT be “Serial Argumentative Essay”
Do NOT underline
Citation (Author Episode Title)
THERE IS NO COMMA
Proper MLA Heading (left aligned)
Name
Instructor’s Name (Ms. Dombrow)
Class (Eng. 9A)
Date

16. For Those Who Finish Their Rough Draft In Class
Finish labeling your rough draft looking for the following essay elements:
Opposing argument
Counter argument
With evidence
Restated claim
Reviewing main points
Strong and meaningful ending