Argumentative Essay Information

1. Argumentative EssayInformation

2. Persuasive Writing (NOT what you’re writing) • Persuasive writing is based on a personal opinion that a particular way of thinking is the only sensible way to think. • The essay is mostly opinion-based • The writer presents maybe one opposing point, but this opposing point is quickly dismissed

3. Argumentative Writing(THIS is what you’re writing) • Argumentative writing is based on the belief that there is one side that makes mores sense than the others, but it is beneficial to look at the opposing sides in order to tactfully prove that one side is the best option. • For every argument you provide, you should also provide a counter-argument

4. How to Write Your Argumentative Essay 1. Choose which character you think is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths. 2. List reasons/arguments why your character is responsible.

5. How to Write Your Argumentative Essay (cont’d) • 3. For every one of your reasons/arguments, you also need to list a counter-argument. • Example: Romeo is responsible. • Argument: Romeo is responsible for their deaths because he rushed their relationship and was forceful about them getting married so soon. • Counter-Argument: While Romeo did rush things, Juliet did agree to everything, and she helped plan things out, especially with the nurse.

6. Body Paragraph Construction Here’s how your body paragraph might start off if you’re writing about how Romeo is responsible… Although it may seem like Juliet is to blame for the deaths of the two main characters because she helped plan important details with the nurse,Romeo is actually responsible because he was the one who accelerated the whole relationship with Juliet. He convinced her, a younger and more naïve girl, to marry him within just a few hours of meeting her by using his charming language and his deceitful flirting, even though he knew it could mean huge trouble for both of them. […] blue = Counter-Argument; green = Argument

7. Arguments and Counter-Arguments You MUST have at least 2 strong arguments (AND 2 counter-arguments) in your essay. Your counter-arguments do NOT have to be at the beginning of your body paragraphs (just make sure you put them somewhere logical)

8. Thesis Statement • Your thesis statement should: • Be the last sentence in your Introduction Paragraph • Show a clear opinion without saying I/my/me • List your main arguments you would like to address in your body paragraphs • Have parallel structure

9. Parallel Structure Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance(use “and” or “or”)

10. Parallel Structure in Thesis Statement • Parallel Structure: “Romeo is responsible for the deaths of himself and Juliet because he rushes his relationship with Juliet, he cannot control his temper with Tybalt, and he spontaneously commits suicide.” • NOT Parallel Structure: “Romeo is responsible for the deaths of himself and Juliet because he rushed his relationship with Juliet, he cannot control his temper with Tybalt, and he will spontaneously commit suicide.”

11. Other Tips Do NOT use “I,” “me,” or “in my opinion” ANYWHERE in your essay Include smooth transitions from one paragraph to the next throughout the whole paper