1. TAPP the Prompt
Topic
Audience
Purpose
Product
What am I writing about?
What do I know about it?
Who is my reader?
What will matter to my reader?
What is my reason for writing? Is it to explain, inform, narrate, or give an opinion about _____?
What should I create?
Is it a paragraph, letter, essay, speech, or story?
Genetic engineering is a controversial topic with strong beliefs on both sides of the issue. Some argue that genetic engineering can benefit the world with new technology to create better health for humans by possibly correcting faulty genes that cause disease. Others argue that genetic engineering is unethical and the long term consequences are still unknown.
Write an essay in which you take a position either for or against allowing genetic engineering in the United States. Use specific evidence from the articles we have read in class to support your claim.

2. The lead/hook captures the reader’s attention
An argumentative essay convinces readers to agree with the writer’s opinion
The lead/hook captures the reader’s attention
The thesis states the writer’s assertion (belief) about the topic
The supporting arguments (logos, pathos, ethos) convince the reader that the thesis is correct
Optional counterarguments/counterclaims respond to reader concerns and objections
The conclusion restates the thesis (comes back to the point)
Counter arguments are listed here as optional. Depending on the length of the essay, counter arguments may be omitted. Notice that the components have been color coded. They are color coded throughout this presentation. As an extension activity, students could use the color codes here to highlight mentor texts.

3. Lead / Hook - Grab the Reader’s Attention
Anecdote (personal story)
I walked proudly through the hallways of AMS, my new blue mohawk glistening magnificently in the florescent lighting of the hallway, but then I saw Mr. Caruthers. I felt the wax in my hair start to melt.
Rhetorical Question
Do schools have the right to tell kids how to dress?
Hyperbole
For the past 300 years in this country, schools have been crushing the artistic freedom of students with oppressive dress codes!
Interesting Statistic
23% of all public and private schools have their students wear uniforms.
Quotation
“Give me liberty or give me death.”
Scenario
Imagine swimming in a beautiful blue ocean filled with colorful coral and exotic fish. Now imagine the impact of 3 million barrels of oil pumping into that environment…
Here are some possible leads for a persuasive paper about school dress codes. Have students consider tone and audience. Which would be most appropriate?

4. Create a Bridge – Mention a Pro and Con
Bridge sentences help link your hook to your thesis statement. These sentences can state the writing situation and/or give some background information. In an argumentative essay, you can briefly mention a pro (supporting argument) and a con (counterargument/counterclaim) before stating your thesis.

5. Next: Creating a Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is one sentence at the end of your introduction that states your assertion (opinion/belief) about a topic. It needs to be strong.
A thesis statement usually includes a forecast (brief preview of your arguments).
Example:
People should ____________________ because of reason one, reason two, and reason three.
First, choose 3 main focus points to discuss in your essay. These points will become the focus of three paragraphs in the body of your paper.
Let’s use fast food as an example.
Fast food…(3 Discussion Points)
rapidly increases weight
causes high blood pressure
leads to sluggishness

6. Thesis Example Topic/Issue = Vending Machines
Your Focus Statement (Your Point of View) =
Vending machines that dispense soda and candy should be banned.
Your Forecast = This would encourage students to make healthy choices, reduce tardies, and help battle childhood obesity.
Thesis Statement = Vending machines that dispense soda and candy should be banned from high school and middle school campuses to encourage students to make healthy choices, reduce tardies, and help battle childhood obesity.

7. Which of the following is a good thesis statement?
I believe vending machines should not be on middle and high school campuses.
Vending machines should be on school campuses so that students can learn to make healthy choices for themselves, schools can generate revenue to pay for extra-curricular activities, and students are more prepared for life outside of school.
If your school does not have vending machines on campus, it should.
Vending machines cause a huge issue on school campuses. For example, they cause students to be late to their classes. Students are more likely to stop at the vending machines to get a snack in between classes, which causes them to show up later than if they would have just reported to class in the first place.
Have students analyze these typical student thesis statements. The first is missing a forecast. The third has an assertion, and previews the arguments, but the tone is not academic. This is a great opportunity to discuss with students the use of first person, second person, and third person points of view in academic writing. The final example starts with an assertion, but the writer then launches into the heart of the arguments. Stress to students that the forecast is a concise preview—the full argument and supporting details should go in the body paragraphs, not the introduction.

8. DOs and DON’Ts of Argumentative Writing:
Don’t begin with “Hello my name is___ and I’m going to write about____”
Don’t use the word “I “ (Instead of “I think we shouldn’t wear uniforms” say “Uniforms shouldn’t be required.”
Don’t be wishy-washy. Pick a side!
Don’t forget to support your opinions with facts and evidence.
Do:
Divide into 5 paragraphs
Have a thesis statement in your introduction
Come up with 3 main points to support your argument—these will be your 3 body paragraphs
Show the “counterargument/counterclaim”
Have a conclusion that has a “clincher statement”