Argumentative Essays Paper #2

What is an Argumentative Essay? Requires the investigation of a topic Mandates the collection of evidence about said topic Includes analysis of evidence to select information that supports YOUR stance on the topic Presents evidence to support YOUR stance in a clear, concise manner Use only credible, reliable sources to build argument (no Wikipedia) Organize argument in logical manner

Ethos Ethical appeal based on character, credibility, or reliability of the writer Establish common ground with audience – acknowledge values/beliefs on both sides of the argument Respect reader by stating opposing position accurately Ex. The support for implementing school uniforms as a means of promoting equality appears valid and understandable; however, statistical evidence shows that this fails to be the case in present day society.

Logos Appeal to reason and LOGIC Refers to consistency of message Clarity of claim Logic of its reasons Effectiveness of supporting evidence

Pathos Emotional Appeal Appeal to reader’s sympathies and imagination (anger, sadness, passion, love, etc.) Goal is to have reader identify with writer’s point of view May be best conveyed via a pathetic appeal in a narrative or story (can you find a good story in your research to represent/support your point?)

Counter-argument Argument opposed to your position statement Expresses view of a person who disagrees with your position Must be expressed thoroughly, fairly, and objectively Give reasons WHY someone might hold that view Shows that you are a reasonable individual who has considered BOTH sides of the debate (can strengthen your argument) Be respectful of differing opinions

Refutation This will MAKE or BREAK your argument – you must challenge the position brought up in the counter-argument Do not attack the opposing viewpoint ARGUE against it – present good reasons why (evidence) its conclusions or reasons are wrong BE CLEAR Identify the argument you are refuting Explain the main objection to the argument Support your objections/Demonstrate where opposing argument is weak Conclude by restating main point

Intro Paragraph First Paragraph Writer must set the context by introducing the topic in a general way Writer must explain why the topic is important (why should the reader care??) Writer must present a clear, concise, and defined POSITION STATEMENT (similar to thesis statement) Ex. Topic: School Uniforms (Against) A uniform policy in schools hinders students from expressing their individuality and will not diminish the perceived financial dissension amongst today’s students.

Body Divisions Body Divisions Include evidential support (must be from a cited scholastic source) Each body division should focus on ONE general idea Each division should have some logical connection to the position statement (how does the evidence collected support the position statement) Should include factual, logical, or statistical evidence to support the position statement

Thus & Transition Statements Thus statements MUST be used to solidify the argument within each body division There MUST be clear and logical transitions between the introduction and the body paragraphs. Transitions are the mortar that hold the essay together Transitions help the reader follow the argument Transitions should introduce the idea to follow in the next section

Essay #2 – Argument Essay (100 points) You will be developing an argumentative essay based on a national or international issue that is of interest to you Essay MUST include: 5 rhetorical devices (introduced in class) Sentence variety (simple, compound, and complex sentences) 5 documented/cited sources (scholastic sources)

Start thinking… Monday - we will brainstorm topics as a class. Same topics can be used by 3 students per class MAX The following topics are off limits because they can be very controversial and the arguments have been presented a myriad of times: Gun Control Abortion Capital Punishment

Assignment Sheet Argument Essay Assignment: Tell us about a National or International Issue Assignment: As we have discussed, an argument essay consists of several specific components, and writers utilize credible evidence to support their viewpoint on an issue.  You are tasked with selecting a national or international issue that is of interest to you, and you will need to articulate your viewpoint on this issue.  Authentic evidence must be included within your argument to support your stance; evidence must be garnered from scholastic sources. Process:      You will complete the following: * Essay Prewriting                                             (20 points) * Rough Draft                                                   (50 points) * Peer Editing                                                    (20 points) * Final Copy                                                      (100 points) * Revision                                                          (50 points) YOU WILL USE YOUR CURRENT GOOGLEDOC FOR THIS CLASS TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT.  PUT THIS ASSIGNMENT AT THE TOP OF THE GOOGLEDOC. Essay Setup: ·      Introduction ·      Supporting Paragraph with Cited Evidence #1 ·      Supporting Paragraph with Cited Evidence #2 ·      Counter-Argument ·      Refutation ·      Conclusion