Argumentative Essay Writing Checklist4 steps that will guarantee a happy reader.Before handing in your essay please make sure you can answer affirmatively to the following steps. These are steps for a five paragraph argumentative essay. Step 1 Write a topic sentence from the topic that you have been given. A topic sentence must have the following characteristics.a) It must be a complete sentence. (Do not use questions.) b) It must be related to the topic. c) It must contain an opinion. d) It must be placed in the introduction.Step 2 Write a brief outline. Arguments must defend the topic sentence, i.e. the arguments need to answer the question Why.

Your outline should look like this.

Topic Sentence

Argument 1

Argument 2

Argument 3- Make sure the arguments are different. If you can not find 3 arguments, modify the topic sentence.

Step 3 Write the essay. A five paragraph essay should have 5 paragraphs.Paragraph 1 The introduction: It must contain the topic sentence and background information.

Paragraph 2 Argument 1

Paragraph 3 Argument 2

Paragraph 4 Argument 3

Paragraph 5 ConclusionKeep in mind the following points when writing:a) Each paragraph should be more or less the same length. b) A paragraph needs to have a minimum of 2 to 3 sentences. (As a rule of thumb, one sentence should probably not be more than 2 lines long.) c) Avoid the use of words that are too general such as: things, something, bunch, stuff, get etc. d) Make sure all sentences you have written belong. Do they back your argument? If they dont, then dont include them. e) Develop your ideas, dont assume the reader knows what you are thinking. Once you have made your point, however, there is no need to restate it.

Step 4When you are finished, write a heading or title for the essay. It shouldnt be too long and it should reflect what the essay is about. If it is catchy, all the better!