Writing an Argument Essay with CHELPS

1. Writing an Argument Essay with CHELPS

2. Reminders • First, follow the good timed write practices that you’ve been taught. • Most importantly, your argument is central. In other words, what’s your position, and how are you going to prove it? • Tip: Be organized, outline your ideas, and THEN WRITE ABOUT ALL THE REASONS WHY YOU’RE RIGHT. • Finally, argument essays are fun—the College Board lets you pull information from almost ANYWHERE.

3. CHELPS Acronym • When writing an argument essay, pull evidence from the acronym CHELPS: • C: Current Events • H: History • E: Experience • L: Literature • P: Pop Culture • S: Sports/Science

4. Prompt #1: Mobile Devices in Schools Research indicates that students are often distracted by the screens of their mobile devices. In order to minimize, or manage, this lack of focus, many schools are collecting mobile devices or prohibiting students from using mobile devices in class. In a well-written essay, use appropriate, specific evidence to develop your position on this practice.

5. Prompt #2: Drinking Age In 1986, Congress passed the Minimum Drinking Age Act. This law required states to raise the drinking age to 21, or lose 10% of federal highway monies. Prior to this, many states had a minimum drinking age of 18. Write an essay that argues your position on an appropriate drinking age for youth in the United States. Use examples from your reading, experience, or observation to support your argument.