Argumentative Essay Writing

1. Argumentative Essay Writing English 9 October 2019

2. The Purpose of Argumentative Writing • To persuade the reader or audience to see things from your point of view • To get someone to do something • To change someone’s mind

3. Steps in the Writing Process • Prewriting • Planning/Outlining • Drafting/Writing • Revising and Editing • MAKING CHANGES • Publishing *in this class, you must PROVE that you have gone through all the steps of the writing process to gain full credit

4. Steps in the Writing Process • Prewriting • TAP • DECIDE what you are writing about (TOPIC) • DETERMINE who you are writing for (AUDIENCE) • Figure out the PURPOSE of your writing • Get as many of your ideas down onto paper as possible • Strategies include: • Free writes, Brainstorming, Graphic organizers, Talking/discussion

5. Steps in the Writing Process • Planning/Organizing • Pick a side • ORGANIZE your ideas into categories that make sense • Decide on your two main arguments! • Research (if necessary) to get more information on your topic • Put them into a graphic organizer or outline • Strategies for this step: • Highlighting with different colors, graphic organizers, outlining, note cards

6. Steps in the Writing Process • Drafting/Writing • Write your ideas into paragraph form • Does NOT have to be on a computer (at first) • Don’t worry about grammar/mechanics (at first) • Your first “DRAFT” is NEVER what you should turn in as your final copy. • Once you write out your first draft, you should THEN type it for someone else to be able to read.

7. Steps in the Writing Process • Revising and Editing • Proofread your own paper for errors – • Spelling • Grammar (punctuation, verb tense, capitalization) • Format • Word choice • Repeated words • Unclear sentences • Have someone else read over your paper for the same things

8. Steps in the Writing Process • Revising and Editing (continued) • As you are proofreading, you should be asking: • Does what is written make sense? • Does it have a clear point? • Does the author vary his/her word choice? • Does the information fit into the paragraphs? • Does it back up information with details or examples? • Does each paragraph have a topic sentence and conclusion sentence?

9. Steps in the Writing Process • Revising and Editing (continued) • As you are proofreading, you should be asking: • Does the paper read through smoothly? • HOW can this paper be CHANGED so that it is a better paper? • What is already really good about this paper? • How well did the author catch the reader’s attention?

10. Steps in the Writing Process • Revising and Editing (continued) • Once you have read over your own paper and AT LEAST one other person has read through it as well, decide what changes are going to have to be made.

11. Steps in the Writing Process • Making Changes • Go back and make all the changes that you can to make your paper a better one. • Make sure you SAVE these changes on the computer. • You should then have someone else read it over one more time to make sure everything makes sense.

12. Steps in the Writing Process • Publishing • This is your “final” copy of the paper. • Your “published” work may come in the form of • A typed paper • A blog post • A display in the room • Class books • Reading to a group of peers/adults • Submitting to a person in charge • There should be NO ERRORS on your final copy!!!!!

13. Persuasive Essay Set-Up Introduction Body Paragraph 1 Body Paragraph 2 Body Paragraph 3 (counterargument) Conclusion

14. Introduction • Begins with a broad attention-getting statement (attention-grabber) • Broad Statement • Shocking Statistic • Quote • Short Story • Unusual detail • Exaggerated or outrageous statement • This is used to draw the reader in/to make him/her want to read more

15. Introduction • After attention-getting statement, you should explain that statement in 1-2 sentences • Then, introduce the topic of your paper (1-2 sentences). • include what the opposing viewpoint thinks about this topic. • Finally, end with a one-two sentence thesis (which is your opinion of the topic) • Sentence at the end of 1st paragraph of an essay • Tells the reader the two main arguments of your paper • Must be parallel • All the same tense/form

16. Body Paragraphs (3) • Starts with a transition word and topic sentence that elaborates on one of the parts of the thesis • Gives 3 or 4 details or sub-reasons to back up the topic sentence (more specific) • Should have at least 1 specific example, statistic, or quote from an expert • Ends with a restatement of topic sentence (conclusion sentence)

17. Body Paragraphs (3) • Each body paragraph covers one of the two aspects of the thesis • The 3rd body paragraph should also discuss the other side of the argument (counter argument) • When you discuss the counter-argument, you should explain its main points and disprove it (show how it’s incorrect)

18. Conclusion • Starts with a restatement (rewording) of your thesis • Summarizes or explains a little bit more of your argument • Ends with a broad statement or CALL TO ACTION • Tells your reader exactly what you want them to do

19. 1. Broad-Attention-getting statement 2 - 4 Introduce topic and relate topic to statement 5. Thesis Statement • Topic Sentence explaining first part of thesis • Sub-reason/Detail • Sub-reason/Detail • Sub-reason/Detail • Conclusion Sentence • Topic Sentence explaining second part of thesis • Sub-reason/Detail • Sub-reason/Detail • Sub-reason/Detail • Conclusion Sentence • Topic Sentence explaining the other side of argument • Sub-reason/Detail • Sub-reason/Detail • Sub-reason/Detail • Disprove opposing view here • Conclusion Sentence • Repeat Thesis • Summarize Argument • CALL TO ACTION or broad statement

20. Things to DO: • Double and triple check your work • Follow the given structure • Pick a topic you are somewhat familiar with • Research your topic • Give examples • Clearly state your thesis

21. Things to DO: • Make your essay structure obvious • “On the other hand,” • “For example,” • “For instance,” • “First”, “Second”, “Third”, “In conclusion” • Analyze your examples • Be able to: • Explain why example is important • Describe how it relates to main point • Make the connection clear

22. Things to AVOID: • Typing errors • Grammatical errors • Using “I”, “me”, “my” (first person) • A condescending tone (don’t talk down to your reader) • Asking questions! • Using contractions (can’t, don’t, it’s, etc)

23. Things to AVOID: • Short paragraphs (all paragraphs should be AT LEAST 5 sentences) • Repeating the same words over and over (use a thesaurus instead of repeating boring words). • Examples that don’t fit into your argument • Don’t just use examples to have them in there – make sure they make sense

24. Format to follow for Necklace/City Lights Essay: • Intro Paragraph • Explain the meaning of the quote/give any necessary background information • Thesis statement – Your stance on the quote (i.e. do you agree or disagree?) • Body Paragraph 1 • Use a character from either City Lights or “The Necklace” to prove your point • Body Paragraph 2 • Use a character from either City Lights or “The Necklace” to prove your point (you must use the movie AND the story) • Body Paragraph 3 • Counterargument—why would people disagree with you? Again, use evidence from the story/movie • Rebuttal (explain why counterargument is wrong/invalid) • Conclusion Paragraph • Reword thesis • Sum up arguments • Leave the reader thinking