The Argumentative Essay

1. The Argumentative Essay English 11 Research Project

2. What is an Argumentative Essay? • An argumentative or position essay is one that states a clear opinion of one side of an issue and supports that opinion with logical reasoning, facts, explanation, and reliable opinions of others. • The audience is more interested in how convincingly you support your opinion than in the side you take.

3. Choosing a topic… • When choosing a topic you must be sure that • It has two strong opposing sides, one of which you agree with. • The defense of your position is interesting and varied, but not too complicated for a five paragraph essay.

4. Research • To be valid, an opinion or point of view must be supported by facts and information. • Research will involve books, newspapers, journals or internet articles.

5. Types of Research Support • 1. Statistics/Data (why are the numbers significant?) • 2. Examples • 3. Expert opinions (quotations) • 4. Facts

6. EBSCO HOST: search.ebscohost.com/ Google EBSCO:

7. Preparing Your Argument • Thesis Statement • The thesis statement clearly illustrates which side you are for. • A thesis statement often mentions the opposing point of view: • Although there are certainly reasons to be cautious with stem cell research or any new technology its potential benefits far outweigh its dangers. • Support it with logical reasons. Write down each reason that back your belief- these are your arguments. • Counter- Argument • Every controversial issue has two sides. Once you can support what you think, you need to explore the other side. Find three opposing ideas from your arguments. • These ideas will help your form the body of your essay. STOP

8. Pre-writing prep… • Use formal language and avoid using over-generalizing words, such as always and never. And avoid negative connotations and words like “stupid”. Avoid emotional reasoning. • Rebut means to point out problems with the other side’s reasons to prove they are not good reasons

9. Organization of an Argumentative Essay • There are two common ways to organize an argumentative essay. • The Block Pattern • The Point by Point Pattern

10. Block Pattern • Present all the information about A and then present parallel information about B. • Each subtopic in Part 1 must be discussed in Part 2. Subtopics should be discussed in the same order. Subtopics in Part 2 should generally include reminders of the point made about the same subtopic in Part 1. First: All of A:Second: All of B: Point 1 (plus support)Point 1(plus support) Point 2 (plus support)Point 2(plus support) Point 3(plus supportPoint 3(plus support) Example: Thesis: Although dogs are often called man’s best friend, cats make more convenient pets. Part A Point 1: Cats can clean themselves… Point 2: Cats can exercise by themselves… Point 3: Cats do not require training… Part B Point 1: In contrast to cats, dogs need baths… Point 2: Unlike cats, dogs must be walked regularly… Point 3: Whereas cats need no training, dogs must be trained…

11. Point-by-Point Pattern • Present one point about A and then go to the parallel point about B. Move to the next point, and do the same thing. • First A: Point 1 (plus support) • Then B: Point 1 (plus support) • Then A: Point 2 (plus support) • Then B: Point 2 (plus support) • Then A: Point 3 (plus support) • Then B: Point 3 (plus support) Point 1: Cats can clean themselves… In contrast to cats, dogs need baths… Point 2: Cats can exercise by themselves… Unlike cats, dogs must be walked regularly… Point 3: Cats do not require training… Whereas cats need no training dogs must be trained…

12. The Introductory Paragraph • Present the issue or controversy clearly. Be specific about what you are intending to argue for or against. • Hook the reader with an interesting beginning • Describe or give background on your topic • Thesis statement

13. Building Body Paragraphs • You may use either model for your essay, Remember whatever idea you present must have a counter-argument. • ID- what is the argument? • SUPPORT- back it up with textual reference, (MLA cited) • EXPLAIN- give reasons/examples to why the support back up the argument • Remember use of transitions to help shift your argument.

14. MLA Citations • MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within liberal arts and humanities. • Use in-text citations when you use: • 1. Another person’s ideas, opinion or theory • 2. Any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings- any info that is not common knowledge • 3. Quotations of another person’s actual words • 4. Paraphrase of another person’s spoken or written word.

15. MLA Citation • In Text Citation: • Direct quotation: Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263). • Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263). • Paraphrased citations: Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (Wordsworth 263). • STOP

16. MLA Style • Double-space • 12-point Times New Roman • Name, course and teacher’s name appears on first page in top left corner followed by date. • Center title, but its still 12-point font • Indent first line of paragraph, with Tab Key • Create header that numbers all pages consecutively with your last name included • YOUR PAPER SHOULD LOOK LIKE THE SAMPLE ESSAY!!!!!

17. MLA FORMAT SAMPLE

18. Conclusion • A strong conclusion is vital. If the reasoning in the body of the essay is presented in a clear, convincing order, the summary of the main points and your resulting opinion will also be strong. • Re-state your position about the topic • Review all reasons (short form) why your opinion is best • End with a statement that ties it up for the reader

19. Using Easy Bib to Create A Works Cited: • A bibliography using MLA is referred to as a Works Cited. • www.easybib.com to create your works cited. • Keep you MLA Note-taking form handy for easy reference to help create your works cited through easy bib. You will be marked on these!