How do you write a successful argument essay

1. How do you write a successful argument essay? Work in small groups to agree success criteria and tips for A* essay.

3. Persuasive techniques Rule of three Statistics Imagery Rhetorical questions � avoid overuse Repetition Emotive language Hyperbole Dressing fact as opinion The most important thing is to use a full range

4. Figurative techniques Simile Metaphor Personification Helps reader to relate and visualise Can be emotive Adds personal Links Not too flowery or poetic Don�t go OTT

5. Research Cite your sources � use footnotes/endnotes and a bibliography Expert opinion from credible sources, cross-reference Check different angles (beware bias) Current Useful quotations from philosophers, historical figures (especially in intro. and conc.) Link to general broader issues, too Build a strong evidence bank If possible, think about things from a social, historical, economic, political and cultural point of view

6. Phrasing According to ... Be fair and balanced This implies... It is possible to infer from this... Elaborate and expand Be confident, e.g. this will... (but be careful here) The majority of people would also feel... The scientific community has shown that...

7. Connectives However Moreover Furthermore In addition Avoid too much firstly, secondly, thirdly Following on Contrasting this Similarly Significantly, Interestingly, Strikingly, Adverbs that give across personal opinion in one word (intriguingly, unusually, compellingly, strangely, disturbingly, etc)

8. Vocabulary Suggests Implies Insinuates Shows Proves Confirms Indicates Negative not bad More emotive but not OTT Use a thesaurus (but check the dictionary that this is the right word in this context) Don�t be too flowery

9. Topic/title Engaging Something we can relate to Able to research, probably a commonly argued topic Can be backed up with statistics Relate to current affairs, topical Not just personal to you BUT it should be of interest you REAL and TRUE Not be fiction Think up an engaging title/question; don�t just call it argument

10. Tone Formal Match topic Element of humour Assertive, confident but not arrogant, obnoxious Avoid overly sarcastic and dismissive Avoid patronising Add texture � not monotonous Emotive, show personal engagement Try universal/humanity at end, i.e. Leave the reader thinking about life, morality and significance at the end.