1. Argumentative Essays
Paper #2

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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?)

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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

13. 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