Argumentative Essay Standard: ELACC6W1

What is it? An essay that is used to state and support claims written with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Argumentative vs. Persuasive An argumentative essay states the facts based on the writer’s claim or thesis statement. A persuasive essay attempts to change the reader’s opinion on a topic. *Your Goal: To prove your point, not change someone’s mind.

What is a thesis statement What is a thesis statement? A thesis is a statement that can be disputed, confirmed, or unconfirmed. A writer includes this in the introduction to state his/her claim.

Argumentative Format An argumentative essay is written with a formal tone and in third person throughout. (Do not use the pronouns I or me!)

Introduction - Make your introductory paragraph interesting Introduction - Make your introductory paragraph interesting. How can you draw your readers in? - What background information, if any, do we need to know in order to understand your claim? - State your claim (thesis) at the end of your introductory paragraph.

Supporting Body Paragraphs 1,2,& 3 - Begin with a topic sentence that helps the reader to better understand your claim. - The next few sentences should include evidence and facts that support your thesis statement. These facts should be written in the form of statistics, percentages, and proven statements from reliable sources. - The last sentence is your concluding sentences that summarizes the topic sentence in different words.

Counterargument Paragraph - The purpose of this paragraph is to anticipate the reader’s objections. - Think about what possible argument your reader may have against your claim. - State these objections and refute them. - Conclude this paragraph with a statement that again restates your claim.

Conclusion for an Argumentative Essay Your conclusion confirms that the evidence included proves the thesis statement. This should be a strong paragraph that restates the thesis and summarizes the body paragraphs.

Conclusion Paragraph (Cont Conclusion Paragraph (Cont.) - Keep in mind that this paragraph should not just copy your introduction. - This should be the most powerful paragraph in your essay, so use your strongest points here. - Be sure to include explanations of why you care so much about your topic and what you want your reader to take away from your essay.

Bibliography - A bibliography is a list of books, articles, websites, and other sources that you used when writing an essay that included research. - This is the last page of your paper and should be written correctly by the format on the following slide.

Let’s look at an example. Should cell phones be allowed in schools?

Outline for Argumentative Essay General Topic: ___________________________________________________________ I. Introduction A. Background information to introduce issue: __________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ B. Thesis statement, or your claim on the issue. (full sentence) II. Body Paragraph One A. First supporting point (full sentence): _______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ B. Evidence: support your point with facts and examples a. b. c. III. Body Paragraph Two A. Second supporting point (full sentence): _____________________________________ B. Evidence: support you point with facts and examples IV. Body Paragraph Three A. Third supporting point (full sentence): ______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

V. Counterargument. A. State possible objections to your argument V. Counterargument A. State possible objections to your argument. _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ B. Restate claim in different words. VI. Conclusion A. Summarize body paragraphs and supporting points and comment on significance of thesis. _______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ B. Restate thesis differently from introduction.

Topic Choices 1. Should all U. S. citizens be required by law to vote Topic Choices 1. Should all U.S. citizens be required by law to vote? 2. Should children be allowed to play video games? 3. Should students be required to take P.E.? 4. Is our society too dependent on technology?