1. The Odyssey Argumentative Essay
Eng. 9A

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 or not Odysseus fulfills the requirements of an Epic Hero:
Is Odysseus a hero? Why or why not?
TAKE A STAND!

4. Constructing a Claim 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 Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is a hero because he is intelligent, brave, and courageous.
Although traditionally known as an Epic Hero, Odysseus is not heroic because he is lazy, boastful, and cowardly.

6. Introductory Paragraphs
Hook
Quote
Shocking statement
Anecdote
NO QUESTIONS!
Give short and concise background on the characteristics of an Epic Hero and The Odyssey (critical context)
Include the title and the author of the text
State your claim and statement of order

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

8. 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

9. Citing Textual Evidence
Sandwich Analogy
Claim (top bun)
Quotation/Specific Example that backs up your claim (the meat)
Analysis (bottom bun)

10. Integrating Quotes
Example: Thoreau suggests the consequences of making ourselves slaves to progress when he says, "We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us."
Example: Thoreau asks, "Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life?"
Example: According to Thoreau, "We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us."

11. Rebuttal Paragraph Introduce the Opposing Argument
Certainly, Of course, One cannot deny that...  At the same time...
Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid
Counter the Argument
Nevertheless, However,
Rebuttal needs to be strong and convincing to show your claim is superior

12. 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

13. MLA Formatting Title Citation (Author Line-Line) Proper MLA Heading
Creative
Relevant
It should NOT be “The Odyssey Argumentative Essay”
Citation (Author Line-Line)
THERE IS NO COMMA
Proper MLA Heading
Name
Instructor’s Name (Ms. Dombrow)
Class (Eng. 9A)
Date