ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING FORMAT MS AGUIAR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY FORMAT

ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING FORMAT MS. AGUIAR

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY FORMAT • Introduction (1 Paragraph) – Hook • Grab your reader’s attention – Background Information • Offer some detailed background information on your topic • Try answering: What is the issue at hand? Who cares? Where is the issue prevalent? Why is it important? – Thesis Statement • Clearly state the position on your topic • Include your 3 claims (2 support, 1 oppose)

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY FORMAT • Body (3 Paragraphs) – First (1 st) & Second (2 nd) Supporting Point/ Claim • Topic Sentence: Statement to support your argument – Make sure your claim supports your argument & is clear • Evidence – Supporting information in the form of quotes from reliable sources • Reasoning – Explain your quote and claim in 2 -3 sentences • 2 nd Evidence – Supporting information in the form of quotes from reliable sources • 2 nd Reasoning – Explain your quote and claim in 2 -3 sentences

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY FORMAT • Counterclaim Point – Topic Sentence: Concede • Transition from supporting to opposing • Acknowledge the other argument – Explain counterclaim – Rebuttal • Explain why the counterclaim point is wrong • This point should be a new claim – Evidence (to support main position; new claim you just made) • Supporting information in the form of quotes from reliable sources – Reasoning • Explain your quote and claim in 2 -3 sentences

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY FORMAT • Conclusion (1 Paragraph) – Summarize all the points – Restate thesis – Close the argument – Offer a solution

Thesis Statement = Counterclaim + Assertion + Supporting Claims EXAMPLES: Ø Although school uniforms help maintain order, schools should not require that they be mandatory as they limit creativity and freedom of expression. Ø While participating in school sports may cause a lack of sleep, students can be positively influenced by them in that they provide new opportunities and develop their teamwork skills. WHAT NOT TO HAVE IN YOUR THESIS: Ø DO NOT start your thesis statement with “I believe…” or “In my opinion…” Ø DO NOT “announce” your topic, for example, “In this paper I will be discussing…” Ø Make sure your thesis is not just a statement of fact, for example, “An eating disorder is a serious illness. ”

COUNTERARGUMENT STATEMENTS • One might object here that. . . • It might seem that. . . • It's true that. . . • Admittedly, . . . • Even though… • Of course, . . . • Some may argue that… • While… • Although… • But if _____ is so, what about. . . ?

Counterclaim Topic Sentence + Explanation of Counterclaim + Rebuttal + Evidence + Explanation COUNTERCLAIM PARAGRAPH EXAMPLE • Although technology has had negative effects on the user, it has made the world a better place in the sense of improving relations with others. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are all popular avenues for family and friends to connect and maintain their communication. Social media has helped bridge the gap of distance and allows family and friends to connect even if they’re far away. While this communication may seem like a benefit, social media harms the user in that it can cause social isolation. Smith states, “Social sites and mobile devices can exacerbate feelings of disconnect, and put users at higher risk of depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders” (4). People of various ages use social media to keep up with friends and family as well as the news and new trends. While seeming harmless, the lack of faceto-face connections can lead to personal negative mental thoughts and negative thoughts about others.