Mastering the Argumentative Essay Writing Process
Understand the components of an argumentative essay, from crafting a solid thesis to structuring body paragraphs with evidence and counterarguments. Learn how to effectively conclude your essay and choose a side in a given prompt to create a compelling argumentative piece.
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ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY A GUIDE TO THE WRITING PROCESS
WHAT IS AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY? This type of essay presents a central claim using an argument based on evidence. Writers must choose ONE side of the argument and STICK to it throughout the essay.
PARTS OF AN ESSAY Introduction (3 parts) Hook Background Reread the writing prompt and provide general background on the topic. What is happening for you to even need to write this essay? THESIS (Most important sentence in the essay) Claim statement in which you communicate your position on the topic. You may look to the texts for inspiration
PARTS OF AN ESSAY Body Paragraphs (At least 3) Topic Sentence What will the paragraph be about? It must support the thesis. Details Quotes/Textual Evidence. Each quote must be cited and introduced. (at least 2 quotes) Commentary/Elaboration Explain how the quote supports the topic sentence and thesis. Counter-argument(opposing side) mention the other side of the argument. (Some people believe in contrast in another view Rebuttal/Closing Concluding sentence that refutes/disproves the counter argument and restates the topic.
PARTS OF AN ESSAY Conclusion Restate your thesis IN DIFFERENT WORDS If appropriate, make a reference to your hook. Summarize your main reasons/topic sentences in 1-2 sentences Close with one of the following strategies: 1. A warning about consequences of ignoring the issue 2. Advice about the topic 3. A call to action to the audience
SAMPLE PROMPT Now that you have read Time to Change the $50 Bill and Leave Grant Alone, create a plan for and write your argumentative essay. WRITING TASK Certain American leaders have their images on this nation s currency both coins and bills. Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson are on the penny and the nickel, respectively. George Washington is on the $1 bill and older quarters. Some currency features leaders who were not presidents, such as Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin. The rationale for the selection of leaders can cause quite a debate, as in a proposal to replace Ulysses S. Grant with Ronald Reagan on the $50 bill. Weigh the claims on both sides, and then write an argumentative essay in your own words, supporting one side of the debate in which you argue EITHER that the portraits on United States currency should remain as they are now OR that they should be replaced. Be sure to use information from BOTH passages in your argumentative essay.
CHOOSE A SIDE Weigh the claims on both sides, and then write an argumentative essay in your own words, supporting one side of the debate in which you argue EITHER that the portraits on United States currency should remain as they are now OR that they should be replaced. Be sure to use information from BOTH passages in your argumentative essay.
WORKING THESIS Write a basic THESIS statement: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________. Reminder: If you initially choose a side to the argument, but then find more evidence for the other side, it is acceptable to change your thesis to the other side and use your original thesis in your counterargument/rebuttal.
GA MILESTONES ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY PRACTICE Step 1: Read the writing task at least THREE times BEFORE reading the two passages. Write a very BASIC thesis/claim statement.
STEP 2 Read the two passages and annotate (mark/highlight) any pieces of evidence /quotes that support your THESIS/CLAIM. Also, mark evidence that you could use in your counterargument.
STEP 3 After reading the passages, read the writing task AGAIN and revisit your thesis/claim statement. Do you want to keep it or change it? Keep? Write it at the top of your scrap sheet of paper. (This paper will later become a graphic organizer. Change? Reword the thesis/claim statement to reflect your new position. Write it at the top of your scrap paper.
STEP 4 Based on your reading, create THREE different reasons that support your thesis/claim statement. Connect the evidence that you highlighted/marked to each reason (at least 2 quotes per reason) These reasons and quotes will become your body paragraphs!!
STEP 5 Create a graphic organizer or outline that maps out your essay. Refer to your essay organization notes on the other side for help in organizing your essay.
STEP 6 Use your outline to type your essay. Be sure that every quote has a citation. For this test, use the title of the passage for the citation. Put the title in ( ) at the end of the sentence. Use TRANSITIONS when appropriate and DO NOT begin sentences with quotes!! You must introduce each quote!!
READY, SET, GO!! You are ready to take the GA Milestones Argumentative Essay Practice Test! Tomorrow, you will receive a topic that you have never seen before and have 3 class periods to complete the essay on Google Docs. We are not looking for perfection; this is a ROUGH draft. However, our goal is to write a cohesive essay with all of the parts. In April, you will have LESS time to do the same task on a state-mandated TEST.
