Unit One: Argumentative Essays I. Why study them?

It is a form of communication

Arguments happen everywhere

Thesis Statements An argumentative essay thesis statement usually

involves choosing a side.

A thesis statement is the roadmap for the rest of your paper.

Example: Marine parks are unethical for a variety of reasons.

Plagiarism Plagiarism can be defined as stealing someone else’s

ideas, words, or thoughts.

Plagiarism can lead to court cases.

In college it can lead to an “F” in the course, or even being dismissed from the school.

The Goal of an Argumentative Essay The goal is NOT to see who can yell the loudest.

The goal of an argument is to get the other side to see where you are coming from with your ideas.

Developing the First Paragraph When writing the first paragraph there are three

questions you want to answer:

What is the argument?

Why is the argument important?

Which side are you on in the argument?

Have a hook. You can be creative.

For example, I’ve had a student who set up a scenario and then asked who you’d rather be saved by, Batman or Superman.

http://www.ltn.lv/~markir/essaywriting/modelmp.htm

Essay Length For the purpose of this essay you will need 5 to 7

paragraphs.

Introduction (answering those three questions)

Three body paragraphs (see next slide to learn how to set those up properly)

Conclusion paragraph

Counterclaims A counterclaim is the other side of the argument.

What would the other side argue?

For each reason you have for your side, you have to supply a reason that the other side would use against you.

The counterclaim should come first in each paragraph.

This allows you to soften their argument.

Besides, you want to have the last word in the argument

Sources Sources are the readings you have been given about the

topic

You may be given anywhere from 2 to 4 passages to read.

You need to explain where you got your information. You can do this in a variety of ways; however, I want you to focus on direct quotes with lead ins.

Example: John Smith, the author of “Name of article,” states, “. . .”

Example: According to Smith, “ . . .”

Body Paragraph Format Remember, each paragraph equals a reason for your

argument.

The following are the steps to setting up paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 of your essay:

Counterclaim generalization. Example: Some people believe. . .

Support for your counterclaim.

However, (this marks your side) support for your claim

End with your thoughts.

Closing Paragraph This paragraph provides you with the opportunity to

drive your thoughts home.

Restate your main points.

Say why you are on the right side of the argument.

General Do’s and Don’ts An argumentative essay is considered a formal paper:

Never use contractions. Example: Instead of don’t, write out do not.

Never use “I” or “you” in your argument. You don’t want to make it personal. Example: Instead of “I think the 1969 Mustang is the best car ever built.” You can say, “The 1969 Mustang is the best car ever built.” And I know you think that because you wrote it.

Sophisticated Writing General grammar and spelling is only worth 2 points on the state

rubric; however, there are two ways to make a huge impact in your writing.

To show sophisticated writing do the following: Use a semi-colon A semi colon separates two sentences that relate to each other. Example: I went to the store; however, my brother went to the

game. Use an ellipsis. An ellipsis is the three dots that represent words from the quote

that you don’t need. Example: Smith states, “ . . . There are always factors that play

into grammar.”