1. Argument Essay
Point/Counterpoint

2. Argumentative Essay
To convince your reader to accept your opinion by arguing your side; you are agreeing with or disagreeing with something in an essay

3. The Argument Essay
The argument essay uses evidence to show one’s own position and to refute the opposing argument.

4. The Argument Essay Claim Counter-Claim
State at least three reasons why you believe in your claim.
State two reasons why the other side believes in their claim.

5. The Beginning Choose a position.
Create a t-chart, web or other prewriting tool to establish your argument

6. Paragraph #1 Introduce the topic with a thesis statement
State three reasons why you take this position.
State that these claims will be explored in this essay.

7. Paragraph #2 State reason #1 Write 3 examples to support your claim.
Use at least one example of textual evidence

8. Paragraph # 3
State reason #2
Write 3 examples to support your claim.
Use at least one example of textual evidence

9. Paragraph #4 State reason #3 Write 3 examples to support your claim.
Use at least one example of textual evidence

10. Paragraph #5
Use a transition word or phrase to introduce the other claim.
Write 3 reasons to support the other claim – why people might disagree with you.
Use at least one example of textual evidence

11. Conclusion (paragraph 6)
Begin with “In conclusion,” and summarize your reasons.
“Therefore,” and restate your claim.

12. Tips Paragraphs should be at least 5 – 7 sentences long
Use transitions between paragraphs
Do not use first or second person personal pronouns (ie. I, me, my, mine, us, we, our, ours, you, your, yours). Instead say: As one can see; It is clear that...
When citing a text:
Use quotation marks (“ ”) around the exact words you take from someone else
Say where you got your information from (ie. According to the text; The author states; In the article; On page 5 it says)
Remember INCA:
Indent each new paragraph
No contractions
Capitalize the beginning of each sentence
Always use correct punctuation