1. The Argumentative/Persuasive Essay
Daviess County Public Schools
Jennifer Higdon/Dr. Angie Gunter

2. Step 1: The Assignment and the Plan
What is the task asking me to do?
What am I being asked to argue?
How much knowledge do I have of this topic?
How will I gain needed knowledge and form an opinion?
How long do I have? And what is the plan to get the assignment accomplished on time?

3. Step 2: Read about the Topic
Is the reading material I need to learn about this topic provided by the teacher or do I need to find appropriate materials?
What note-taking method will I use to summarize and paraphrase relevant information?
How will I keep track of my sources of information, so they may later be integrated into my argument and included in my Works Cited Page?

4. Step 3: OUTLINE THE ARGUMENT
Introduction
Background Information
Thesis ________________________________________
Argue point 1 with examples/quotes for evidence and support as well as explanation and argument
Point 1: _________________________________________________
Argue point 2 with examples/quotes for evidence and support as well as explanation and argument
Point 2: _________________________________________________
Argue point 3 with examples/quotes for evidence and support as well as explanation and argument
Point 3: __________________________________________________
V Conclusion

5. Thesis Hamburger Method Conclusion Body of Your Essay
A Broad Statement on the Topic Question
Thesis: The Position you want to PROVE
The Organization Statement – 3 Points you want to prove that make up the ESSAY BODY
Hamburger Method
Thesis
3 Paragraphs 1) Topic Sentence 2) Fact to prove topic 3) Fact 4) Fact 5) Analysis/ Transition
Body of Your Essay
Conclusion
Restate your thesis
Recap your points
Analysis/Conclusion

6. Step 4: Introduce the topic to the reader in the Introduction
Why is this issue controversial?
Are any recent events in the news related to this topic?
What are people saying on both sides of the issue?
THE LEAD -Some ways to begin-
(1) anecdote- a short story to make your point
(2) question- usually rhetorical, meant to involve the reader
(3) quotation- a particularly appropriate or shocking quote to establish tone and/or credibility
(4) description- put the reading in a certain place or time
(5) startling statistic or fact.

7. Step 5: State your claim- The Thesis!
The thesis is usually the last sentence of the introduction.
A thesis usually has two parts:
A claim. This is where you take a stand on one side of an issue.
A list that highlights the focus of the next three paragraphs.
Example: The use of genetically engineered seed is beneficial to society because farmers produce more food for more profit, food is less expensive, and fewer people go hungry.

8. Step 6-8: The Supporting Paragraphs
Paragraph 2: Argue Point 1
What is the first piece of specific evidence you will use to prove your thesis true? This can be a personal experience, an example from history, information in an article, novel, documentary, movie, television program, school class, teacher lecture, interview, etc. Generally, the more academic in nature and tone the source is, the stronger the argument will be. For example, which source would be more credible? Darwin’s Origin of the Species r “The Three Little Pigs”?
Remember to include concrete detail (evidence from the text/example) and then commentary details (a critique or evaluation of that information as well.

9. Step 6-8: Supporting Paragraphs
Paragraph 3: Argue Point 2
Paragraph 4: Argue Point 3
Remember to include concrete detail (evidence from the text/example) and then commentary details (a critique or evaluation of that information as well.

10. Step 9: The Conclusion
Consider the opposing viewpoint. Argue that you have the stronger case.
“Although some critics claim ____________, in actuality ____________________.”
Effective conclusions DO NOT simply restate what was written in previous paragraphs, they strengthen them. You could:
Project the future
Propose a solution
Incorporate an effective quote
A conclusion is a “TAKE THAT!” or a “TA DA!”

11. Step 10: Document Sources
When?
Give credit for specific data (facts, statistics, numbers, dates, and so on), original ideas, opinions, insights, or any information that is not considered general knowledge.
How?
Parenthetical Citations- Information given in parentheses immediately following the borrowed information within a paper. An example is “The first radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, did not go on the air until 1920” (Stark 120).
Works Cited- A list found at the end listing all the works you have cited. Using websites such as easybib, citationmaker, etc. can make the creation of the Works Cited list a breeze!

12. Final Step: Revise, Revise, Revise!
Did you write an interesting lead sentence?
Did you provide background information about your topic?
Did you state your claim and give your paper focus with a well-written thesis?
Do your supporting paragraphs argue at least three points that support your thesis with facts, scientific evidence, and your own commentary?
Does your conclusion strengthen your paper?
Are your sentences clearly written? Did you vary sentence type and length?
Do you have transition words between paragraphs?
Did you cite your sources internally and on a Works Cited list?