Argumentative Essay

1. Argumentative Essay

2. What is Argument? • A form of writing that states the writer’s point of view on an issue and supports it by giving evidence. • Purpose is to persuade readers to agree with the writer’s point of view or to take action.

3. Analyzing an Argument Paragraph • Women should be allowed to serve in military roles that involve fighting. First of all, war combat does not involve the great strength it once did. Computer technology, smaller electronic devices, and other new battle strategies make war less about strength and more about intelligence. Women are not fighting rifle to rifle. Some people insist that women on average have less upper-body strength than men, making them less suited for combat. However, some women surpass some men in upper-body strength.Although opponents feel that forcing women to fight in the military is an attempt to change people’s attitudes about women, integrating women into the military is actually a reflection of current society. • Underline the topic sentence. • How many reasons does the writer give? List each reason. • Circle the transition words. • Which two opposing arguments does the writer acknowledge? • Which argument is least convincing to you?

4. Women should be allowed to serve in military roles that involve fighting.First of all, war combat does not involve the great strength it once did. Computer technology, smaller electronic devices, and other new battle strategies make war less about strength and more about intelligence. Women are not fighting rifle to rifle. Some people insist that women on average have less upper-body strength than men, making them less suited for combat. However, some women surpass some men in upper-body strength. Although opponents feel that forcing women to fight in the military is an attempt to change people’s attitudes about women, integrating women into the military is actually a reflection of current society. • Topic sentence • 2 • Transition words • Opposing arguments

5. Argument paragraph essentials: • Express the writer’s point of view on an issue and support it by giving evidence. • The supporting evidence consists of facts, statistics, examples, personal experience, expert testimony, and consequences. • The supporting evidence is logical, developed, and convincing. • The method of organization is order of importance. • Word choices should be neutral and fair-minded.

6. Prewriting: • Decide your Topic and Purpose- It should be a topic that can be argued in a paragraph or two and has more than one point of view. • Are these arguable topics? • Making English the official language of the US is ridiculous. • Unsuitable- “ridiculous” cannot be argued • High school graduates should take a year off before entering college. • Suitable • Marijuana should be a medical option. • Unsuitable- too broad • The military should be allowed to recruit in high schools. • Suitable

7. Develop ideas • Take a position on an issue • Explore both sides • Decide which side of the issue you will argue • Write a topic sentence- include the issue and your position on the issue • Ex: People who move to the US should try to fit into American culture by learning English.

8. Evaluating topic sentences: • A lawsuit filed by Reynard against NEC blamed his wife’s death from a brain tumor on her cell phone. • States a fact not an argument • Stricter handgun laws should be enacted to save lives. • Good • Teaching sex education in middle school is a good idea. • Does not take a strong stand • Cheating is out of control. • Vague and is too broad

9. Organizing and drafting the essay • Develop supporting details • The types of evidence you can use are facts, statistics, expert authority, examples, anecdotes, and personal observations. • Organize supporting details and eliminate the details you do not need to use. • Write the first draft • Add connectors or transitional words and expressions to make the essay flow smoothly