Writing the Argumentative Essay

CHOOSING A TOPIC

To begin an argumentative essay, you must first have an opinion you want others to share.

RESEARCH

To be valid, an opinion or point of view must be supported by facts and information.

Once you know what you will write about, you will need to do research on the topic.

Research through interviewing people, orreading newspaper, book, journal or Internet articles.

CLAIM STATEMENT The claim statement

states your position on the topic

sets up the structure for the paper.

SUPPORT THE CLAIM Support your claim with REASONS for it.

Write down each of the 3 main REASONS that support your CLAIM on your notes/graphic organizer).

These are your ARGUMENTS.

COUNTER-ARGUMENTS

Every controversial issue has two sides. Once you can support your position with research, you need to explore what others think.

PREPARING YOUR ARGUMENTS

Look at the three main reasons for your opinion. What objections would others have to each of your reasons? Write these down under each of your reasons. Now you have three arguments and three counter-arguments.

ANSWERING COUNTER- ARGUMENTS

Write your answers down under the counter-arguments.

Now you have the raw material for each paragraph of the argumentative essay.

THE AUDIENCEWhen introducing the topic, think about the audience first.

How much does the audience know about the topic? Is the audience likely to be friendly or hostile to your position? How can you “hook” the audience’s attention?

INTRODUCTION PARGRAPH

The first sentence is a general statement, designed to attract the reader’s attention. Second and perhaps third sentences narrow the idea down to your specific idea. The last sentence in the introduction must state your CLAIM.

INTRODUCTION

Think of the introduction as having a funnel shape:

 

General statement (hook)

Specific information

Claim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example of Intro Paragraph

More people die driving on Greek roads in a single year than all the U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq since the fighting began. The road conditions and the mentality that leads to this unnecessary and avoidable loss of life should be changed.

Fact to support position and a good hook.

The authors position or Thesis Statement.

BUILDING BODY PARAGRAPHS

The first topic sentence of the first paragraph will be the first reason that supports your position.

You may even wish to begin the sentence with the word first to focus the reader’s attention on its importance.

BODY PARAGRAPHSIn each body paragraph, provide a reason for your argument along with two or three detail sentences that support/elaborate your ideas.

Counter-claimsand Rebuttals

Next, address those counter-claims in a paragraph explaining and offer a rebuttal stating why your position is a better one.

Research what people who oppose your point of view believe. Write down these possible counter-claims/arguments.

BUILDING PARAGRAPHS

The final sentence in each paragraph should summarize the ideas expressed and/or make a transition to the main idea of the next paragraph.

 

Concluding Paragraph• Indicate in the conclusion that you have

shown the claim statement to be true.• Summarize your main points. How can

your create a powerful ending to your argument?

• Add a “call to action” statement(BUT, do not include any new information in a conclusion paragraph;

if you have not mentioned something yet in the paper, it is now too late!)

What is not effectiveSaying the opposing viewpoint

is “stupid.” Good essays are clear, calm and factual.Prove it instead with your evidence!

Saying negative things about groups or individuals that have different view points. This does not support your position but makes you seem petty instead.

How many is that?

1. Intro Paragraph2. Body Paragraph 1 3. Body Paragraph 24. Body Paragraph 3

(writer’s choice!)1. Counter-claim/Rebuttal

Paragraph – other viewpoints2. Conclusion Paragraph

Reflecting on Your Paper

Are you happy with what you have written? Have you made a convincing case for your position? Is it clear that research supports your position? Have you shown that you understand the objections to your position?

Reflecting on Your Paper

Have you made a strong case for your argument?

Have you shown that you understand the objections to your position? Is it clear that your position is stronger and outweighs possible objections?

Did you call on your reader to take an action to show support?