1. First Drafts of Poetry Argument Essays
Introductions
Describe topic: what is poetry/activism?
Explain how poets could use poetry to make change
Explain what poetic devices are
Thesis: Tell the reader whether these devices help or hurt

2. Support Paragraphs
Purpose: explain which devices are most helpful or hurtful
Topic Sentence: Explain the poetic device and why an author might use it.
Provide an example from the poems we’ve read or from your memory
Explain why it is helpful or hurtful? Why should an author use or avoid it?
Transition: Make a bridge to the next paragraph. Write a sentence that has an idea from this paragraph, but hints at the next one. EX: Similes are helpful, but their counterpart, metaphors, are even more helpful.
Transitions can ALSO be the first sentence of your NEXT par.

3. Counter-Argument Paragraphs
Purpose
to explain the WEAK points in your own argument
SHOW the reader you’ve thought through the whole idea
Transition from main evidence paragraphs
EX: However, not all devices are helpful/hurtful
Introduce/define first counter-argument device
EX: Onomatopoeia is not very helpful because…
Provide an example
Connect to thesis: Explain why it is/not helpful/hurtful to activism
Transition to next counter-argument paragraph

4. Conclusions
Concession transition (nevertheless, although, even though, in spite of, regardless of) to acknowledge counter-arguments and restate thesis .
Summarize best pieces of evidence that connect devices to activism
Final Thought: make a suggestion, ask a question, connect to a related idea, answer the “so what?” question, crack a joke