Writing the Argument Essay

1. Writing the Argument Essay

2. Choose one of the following essay topics: • To better prepare students for the world of work, NWACC should do three things • NWACC instructors should (or should not) have reserved parking spaces • An education at NWACC is (is not) worth the time and money

3. Please complete the following steps in the process of writing an essay about the topic you have chosen above: • Write a list of at least 10 brainstormed ideas about your topic making sure to think of examples that are facts, referrals to or statements from authorities, examples, consequence predictions, or refutations (answering the opposition).

4. For example, if the topic were "Benton County should no longer ban alcohol sales," you might brainstorm a list that looked like this: • Benton County loses 2.5 million dollars each year in sales taxes to liquor stores in Missouri • if Benton County does not lift the ban, then neighboring counties will get tax-raising venues like minor league stadiums • Benton's County's roads will actually be safer because fewer people will driving long distances to get alcohol • the Rogers Chamber of Commerce states that revenue from sales tax will skyrocket if liquor stores are opened in Benton County • many restaurants that sell alcohol want to open in Benton County

5. local fairs and festivals, like Bikes, Blues, and BarBQ want to operate in Benton County if they could sell alcohol • the mayor's office in Bentonville has conjectured that making Benton County wet could draw many famous national chain restaurants like TGI Fridays and Hooters • fewer young people will buy alcohol since the drinking age is higher in Benton County than it is in neighboring states • if the ban is not lifted, then many residences will move to other nearby counties, robbing the county of tax income • 89% of driving while intoxicated arrests occur as people are driving back into Benton County

6. Organize these ideas into at least three paragraph groups. • For example, you can organize these ideas in this way: • Lifting the ban would raise money for the county • Benton County loses 2.5 million dollars each year in sales taxes to liquor stores in Missouri • if Benton County does not lift the ban, then neighboring counties will get tax-raising venues like minor league stadiums • the Rogers Chamber of Commerce states that revenue from sales tax will skyrocket if liquor stores are opened in Benton County • if the ban is not lifted, then many residences will move to other nearby counties, robbing the county of tax income

7. Lifting the ban would make the county safer • Benton County's roads will actually be safer because fewer people will driving long distances to get alcohol • fewer young people will buy alcohol since the drinking age is higher in Benton County than it is in neighboring states • 89% of driving while intoxicated arrests occur as people are driving back into Benton County

8. Lifting the ban would bring many new and fun opportunities to the county • many restaurants that sell alcohol want to open in Benton County • local fairs and festivals, like Bikes, Blues, and BarBQ want to operate in Benton County if they could sell alcohol • the mayor's office in Bentonville has conjectured that making Benton County wet could draw many famous national chain restaurants like TGI Fridays and Hooters

9. Write three possible thesis statements for your organized list. Be sure each is a complete sentence, includes a controlling idea, and is specific.

10. Write a topic sentence and organize (and add, if necessary) at least three specific details for each paragraph group (use the checklist for writing argument paragraphs on page 177).

11. Organize the thesis statement along with the topic sentences and events and details you have chosen for each paragraph into an outline or plan.

12. Choose at type of order (time, space, or order of importance) and revise the outline or plan to reflect the ordering.

13. Write a first draft of the essay, paying particular attention to transitions in and between the paragraphs.

14. After going back and rereading your first draft for organization and clarity, proofread for grammar and spelling errors.