The Odyssey Argumentative Essay Eng. 9A

Purpose of an Argumentative Essay The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Prompt Take a stand on whether or not Odysseus fulfills the requirements of an Epic Hero: Is Odysseus a hero? Why or why not? TAKE A STAND!

Constructing a Claim It is an arguable statement It is a complete sentence that expresses your position/opinion on a given topic It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus of investigation It establishes a direction for your entire essay It does NOT include any personal pronouns

Statement of Order The “road map” of your essay Claim __1 st paragraph topic__, __2nd paragraph topic__, and __3rd paragraph topic__. In Homer’s The Odyssey, Odysseus is a hero because he is intelligent, brave, and courageous. Although traditionally known as an Epic Hero, Odysseus is not heroic because he is lazy, boastful, and cowardly.

Introductory Paragraphs Hook Quote Shocking statement Anecdote NO QUESTIONS! Give short and concise background on the characteristics of an Epic Hero and The Odyssey (critical context) Include the title and the author of the text State your claim and statement of order

Topic Sentences Every paragraph should include a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the paragraph.

Citing Textual Evidence Sandwich Analogy Claim- “Odysseus is brave when he goes into The Underworld” (top bun) Quotation/Specific Example that backs up your claim (the meat) Analysis (bottom bun)

Integrating Quotes Odysseus explains, “_____________” Odysseus proclaims, “_____________” Odysseus laments, “_____________” Odysseus says, “_____________” Homer tells, “_____________” Homer explains, “_____________”

Types of Evidence Quotations must be identical to the original, using a narrow segment of the source. They must match the source document word for word and must be attributed to the original author. Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly. Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s). Once again, it is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a broad overview of the source material.

Transitional Sentences Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section. moreover as well as together with of course likewise comparatively correspondingly similarly furthermore additionally

Rebuttal Paragraph The rebuttal paragraph shows your readers that you’re being fair, that you’ve carefully thought about both sides of a debate before making up your mind. Introduce the Opposing Argument One could say... One may argue that... Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid (briefly) Counter the Argument Nevertheless, However, Give strong evidence to support your counterargument Rebuttal needs to be strong and convincing to show your claim is superior

Conclusion Restate why the topic is important Review the main points of your essay Restate your claim End with: Include a brief summary of the paper's main points Use a quotation Evoke a vivid image Call for some sort of action End with a warning Universalize (compare to other situations) Suggest results or consequences

MLA Formatting Title Creative Relevant It should NOT be “The Odyssey Argumentative Essay” Citation (Author Line-Line) THERE IS NO COMMA Proper MLA Heading Name Instructor’s Name (Ms. Dombrow) Class (Eng. 9A) Date