My Argument Essay--

What is it &

How do I write it??

Prompt• In the Declaration of Independence, it states that

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

• Write an essay in which you defend, challenge, or qualify the belief that our government holds true to this statement from the Declaration of Independence (either now or in the past).

• Refer & cite evidence from texts we have read this six weeks to support your argument.

Essay RequirementsWrite MULTIPLE PARAGRAPHS:

– What is your position? Write a thesis that clearly defines it.

– Consider your appeal- ethical (fairness, it’s right, it’s logical) or emotional (compassion, fear, anger)

– Include Reasons & Support with Commentary why you defend or challenge this belief.

– Include Quotations from the text, cited correctly; use TLQ

– Include Counter-arguments: address the opposite view

Brainstorm Chart

Reason

#1 with support

Reason

#2 with support

Reason

#3 with support

Counter-

Argument & Rebuttal

My Position is:

Brainstorm for Counterargument- Yes, But:

Yes- But-

1. 1.

2. 2.

DETAILS & SUPPORT

• Brainstorm = THINK!

• For each reason you give, list examples or commentary that explain it. This is a good place for DETAILS.

• You can use FACTS to strengthen your argument.

Now it’s your turn- details & support…

Reason

#1

Reason

#2

Reason

#3

Detail

Example

Comment

Fact

Detail

Example

Comment

Fact

Now what? Draft!• Select an APPEAL- will you argue ETHICALLY (fairness or

morality) or will you argue EMOTIONALLY?

• Write your essay begin with a HOOK, followed by your THESIS.

• Use THIRD PERSON PRONOUNS (he, she, they), not PERSONAL PRONOUNS (I, me)

• Use transition words (see next slide) to write each reason. After each reason, write your commentary and examples IN COMPLETE SENTENCES.

• Great Paragraphs have COHERENCE. Every sentence connects to the next one logically with transitions.

Transitions- what are those?• Illustration: Thus, for example, for

instance, namely, to illustrate, in other words, in particular, specifically, such as.

• Addition: And, in addition to, furthermore,, besides, another, equally important, first, second, etc., last, finally, not only-but also, as well as, in the second place, next, in fact, as a result, consequently, for example, for instance, however, therefore.

So what goes in each body paragraph?

• Sentences: 6 or more– Topic Sentence: your position or counter-

argument– Reasons or Rebuttal statements.– Each reason or rebuttal has support, details,

commentary– Must have TWO quotes- see your TLQ

handouts

Now you can write the Thesis Statement-

•What is it &•How do I write it??

What is a Thesis?

• A definite, arguable statement. It includes your opinion stated as a fact.

• Ex-Roller blading to school is a good idea, because it’s safe, it’s healthy, and it’s good for the environment.

How do I write it?

• Brainstorm = Think!

• Practice: Suppose you’ve been assigned the following topic: Convince your reader whether year-round schooling is beneficial for students.

• Pick a position on this statement about which you feel most passionately.

• Identify three strong reasons to support your position.

Sample Thesis

Year round schooling does not benefit students.

THE THESIS STATEMENT IS YOUR OPINION STATED AS A FACT.

IT MUST BE ARGUABLE.

Thesis: Now it’s your turn…

Write a practice thesis on our prompt that includes your position stated as a fact. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now What? Analyze your writing with Color Coding

• Use 4 map pencils. Underline each element in the correct color.

• If anything is missing- that’s what you need to revise.

– Thesis (Blue)– Reasons (green)– Each reason has support, details, commentary

(green)– Counterargument (red)– Conclusion- “call to action” (purple)

Flow Chart- Argument Paragraph

Thesis- Belief Statement

Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3

Support Support Support Support Support Support

Counter-argument- Address the opposite point of view

Conclusion- Call to Action

Now am I done?? Edit!

• You’ve learned about these so check your paper and fix errors with commas & pronouns: you should write using third person pronouns (he, she, they). Avoid using I, me (personal pronouns) in argument writing.

• Edit your sentences- no run-ons or fragments.

• Check your organization. Does it flow logically? Is it coherent?

Commas Reminders• Use commas to separate items in a list of three or more I need to buy eggs, milk, lettuce, and bread.

• Use a comma to separate independent clauses (complete thoughts) when they are joined by the following conjunctions: and or for nor so but yet

I want to buy the new jacket, but it is too expensive.

• Use a comma to separate a dependent clause (incomplete thought) from an independent clause (complete thought).

If you are good, then I will buy you a toy.

• Use a comma(s) to separate appositives or other phrases not essential to the sentence.

My brother, a 26 year old male, is watching TV.

Pronouns Reminders• A Pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun or other

pronoun (he, she, it, her, him, you, ours)

• The Antecedent is the word that the pronoun replaces.

• All pronouns and their antecedents need to agree in person and number.

• Singular indefinite pronoun gets singular pronoun.

• Plural indefinite pronoun gets plural pronoun.

• I or me Other person’s name goes first; use I in the subject, me in the predicate.

Now am I done??

• Yep… turn in your paper, stapled in this order:

• Checklist• Rubric• Revised & Edited rough draft (color coded)