1. Research/Argumentative Writing/Speech
8J English, Winter 2017

2. BEFORE YOU START: Choosing a topic:
Brainstorm multiple topics that you feel strongly about
Choose a topic that has two REASONABLE sides to the argument
Do not pick a topic that you do not care about or try to argue a topic you don’t agree with
Look into research that you could use for your topic before finalizing your selection
Outline both sides of the arguments and build support for your side and the rebuttal

3. FIRST STEPS: Consider your audience:
Think back to SOAPSTone – your audience effects what information you can present and what information you should use.
Choose a topic and side that will be interesting for your audience. You do not want to present to a bored crowd/reader.
Gather three strong reasons that support your side
Rank them in order from weakest to strongest for later
IF NEEDED: Find a part of the opposite side that you can refute WITH EVIDENCE
Be prepared to cite where your evidence comes from
YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN EVIDENCE

4. Finding Good Research:
When choosing information to build your arguments, consider the following questions BEFORE taking notes.
Is the information:
Too General (Does the audience already know it?)
Overly Emotional (Can result in misleading research)
Backed by CREDIBLE experts
Being used correctly? (Many studies aren’t used for what they were designed for)
Unbiased (Who paid for/posted the research)

5. Thesis:
Create a thesis statement to present to your audience that states your topic, side, and support
If possible, tie the rebuttal into the thesis.
Example: While there may be benefits to taking a year off of school, it is better for students to immediately begin college after high school.
Example: Despite the costs, Foreign exchange is a life-changing experience that gives students the tools to succeed in life after education.
Logical Fallacies to AVOID

6. Organizing your paper/speech:
Organize your writing in a way that helps your audience follow your argument in a natural way.
Intro > First Point > Second > Most Interesting> Conclusion
OR: Intro > Rebuttal > Weakest > Second > Strongest > Conclusion
Or: Intro > Weakest > Second > Rebuttal > Strongest > Conclusion
Each of these has its benefits, based on how you want your audience to think

7. Process Order Brainstorming Research Create an outline
Find a topic
Research
Find three-five sources that are relevant and recent for your topic
Create an outline
This will serve as the skeleton for your paper
Begin your first draft
Fill in the skeleton of your outline
Work on your second draft
Do self revision reading through your own paper and making changes
Complete Peer Revision
Use the notes to reach a second draft
Use Peer Revision to write final draft
Read again and again, making changes until you are out of time