Essay planning

Argumentative Essay Essay topic: “Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers is appropriate”.

What is the structure of an argumentative essay? Introduction Paragraph One Paragraph Two Each body paragraph must explain a NEW/DIFFERENT point Paragraph Three Rebuttal Conclusion

Essay structure Introduction Body 4 paragraphs Conclusion

Introduction Your introductory paragraph must introduce the reader to the topic. It must also contain one clear and concise sentence that states the main idea of the essay. You must hint at what your three paragraphs will be about. EXAMPLE: Provide brief background of the issue, eg definition of what a refugee/asylum seeker is, what the current laws/policies are on immigration etc Rewrite the essay topic eg use synonyms, in your own words Overview of what the paragraphs will be about eg one statement on each paragraph/argument to be discussed

Body paragraphs Each body paragraph deals with a different point. TEEEL TOPIC SENTENCE - Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence which outlines what the paragraph will be about. EXPLANATION – Explain your topic sentence in more detail and how it relates to your overall contention. EVIDENCE - Each body paragraph will contain EVIDENCE to support/prove your idea. This can include facts, statistics, anecdotes etc. THIS IS WHERE YOUR RESEARCH COMES IN. EXPLANATION – Explain how your evidence proves you point and supports your contention. LINKING SENTENCE - Each body paragraph ends with a linking sentence. Linking sentences are clear and logical transitions between every paragraph.

TEEL planning – in ProjectSpace

Rebuttal Paragraph To strengthen your point of view, you need to include a rebuttal. A rebuttal acknowledges the other side of the argument. You then make the other side look wrong or irrelevant with another point that supports your own argument. Be careful not to give too much evidence or explanation that supports the opposing argument. You want the opposing argument to look weak. Giving evidence or explanation strengthens an argument. E.g. “Some may say that Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekers is appropriate as they perceive mandatory detention necessary for Australia’s safety. However, Australia is the only country in the world that enforces indefinite mandatory detention on asylum seekers and refugees….”

Rebuttal Paragraph A rebuttal acknowledges the other side of the argument. If your main contention is that Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers and refugees is inappropriate, then a rebuttal would suggest a reason why some may think that Australia’s treatment is appropriate. You would then use another argument that supports your main contention and relevant evidence to squash the opposing argument. Structure of a rebuttal paragraph R - Opposing argument T – Reason why the opposing argument is incorrect or irrelevant E – explanation of your point E – Evidence to support your point E – Explanation of how your evidence squashes the opposing view L – Linking sentence

Topic sentences You must discuss a new or different point in each body paragraph Your topic sentence must indicate the TOPIC you will be discussing In this case: One area or way that Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers is/is not appropriate.

Conclusion The final paragraph should sum up what you have already covered but in different words. A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided. You should never bring up any new ideas or information here. Try to finish with a statement which makes the reader think of your topic even after they have finished reading your essay. EXAMPLE: Rewrite the essay topic eg use synonyms, in your own words Summarise each paragraph eg one statement on each paragraph/argument Give an overall recommendation eg link your conclusion back to the question

HANDY TIP #1 Argumentative essays are trying to ARGUE the contention… … so you need to back up your ideas with evidence to convince your reader

HANDY TIP #2 The better argumentative essays will acknowledge and rebut opposing viewpoints. EXAMPLE: caused by humans is destroy A sophisticated argumentative essay would discuss the ways that the treatment of asylum seekers is inappropriate but discuss and disprove how the treatment of asylum seekers is appropriate (AKA: squish the opposing arguments!)

Permitted equipment Notes page – one single-sided A4 page (Inspiration map, Word doc or handwritten) Dictionary Pens and other stationery A book to read if finished early ---- Paper will be supplied ----