Argument Essay Writing Body Paragraph Tips Rebuttal Paragraph

Argument Essay Writing Body Paragraph Tips Rebuttal Paragraph Conclusion

Body Paragraphs • The first sentence (topic sentence) of each body paragraph should connect back to your original assertion while giving each paragraph a new point of support. • Make sure your evidence pertains to your argument, and then explain how your example pertains to your argument. • Explain why the example/evidence is important (the “So what? ” factor). • Use varied evidence, but do not use evidence unless it directly correlates with your argument. Avoid making strained connections!

Body Paragraph Tips • Use varied and specific evidence. (Use evidence from different brainstorming categories. ) • Start with your second strongest piece of evidence. • Put your weakest example/evidence in the middle. • End your essay with your strongest point.

Anthony Prompt “Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences. ” -- Susan B. Anthony

One instance in which a person who was not concerned about being popular and caused a reform and change in the world was Abraham Lincoln. His intent was clear from the beginning because he made it apparent that he did not care about his social standing. Once Lincoln was elected president, his willingness to fight for the equality of all was so evident that his election caused the succession of South Carolina from the union, ultimately leading to the succession of most of the southern states. Lincoln knew he would be persecuted because of his beliefs but was willing to fight for the equality for slaves. Lincoln brought about reform because he stood strong and did not worry about pleasing all of the states.

Rebuttal Paragraph • The rebuttal paragraph addresses the counter argument from the two-part thesis in the introduction (the although… or despite… part). • Important: The counter argument you acknowledge in your two-part thesis needs to appear in your rebuttal paragraph. • Provide a specific evidence of your counter argument from the Big 7.

Rebuttal Continued • Qualify (90/10): Refute the counter argument and explain why your argument is still sound even though there is an exception. • THIS PARAGRAPH SHOULD BE COMPOSED OF 1/3 COUNTER ARGUMENT AND 2/3 REBUTTAL.

Rebuttal for TV Prompt People are encouraged to watch life rather than experience it at a young age. Educational children’s shows, such as Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street, and others, teach kids the fundamentals for education, as well as character development. While these shows are entertaining ways for kids to learn, they deprive children of experiencing learning in realistic settings, ultimately keeping them from growing in a natural way. One episode of such children’s program focused on the metamorphosis of a butterfly. Is watching a cartoon butterfly come out of a two-dimensional cocoon really an acceptable replacement for being able to touch the old chrysalis of the caterpillar and feel the butterfly’s feet on your skin? As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll learn. ” TV takes the involvement out of education and thus takes the natural growth out of life for children.

Conclusion • Your conclusion should tell us why we should care about your paper. • What is the significance of your claim? • Why is it important to you as the writer or your audience? • What information should your audience take away from this? *Does your audience need to take action, change their viewpoint, or simply agree with how you see things?