A1: Writing Program "Argumentative essay"

"Argumentative essay"

by Ma. Belén Sánchez

​Objectives

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​Today you will learn how to...

• ​Plan an argument.

• ​​Write an argumentative essay introduction.

​What's an argument?

Poll

I think an "argument" is ....

• an opinion

• opposite views

• a reason

• a discussion

​What's an argumentative essay?

​It is a type of essay that establishes an opinion on a topic and supports it with evidence and facts.

It is a well-balanced piece of writing that demonstrates both strengths and weaknesses of a specific subject.

​How to write an argumentative essay?

​Plan a guideline, and you will have a workable draft that informs, entertains and challenges the reader.

​Some tips...

• Select a topic.

• ​Develop your claim to discuss both your supporting and opposing arguments.

• ​Determine your opinion by assessing both sides of the argument.

• Collect evidence ​and supporting examples.

• ​Create an outline.

​How to Create an Argumentative Essay Outline?

​An argumentative essay outline includes the following elements:

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​1. Introduction

​2. Body paragraphs

​3. Conclusion

​Argumentative Essay Introduction

It's the opening line of an essay that sticks the reader to the essay.

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If the introduction is not interesting, the reader might not continue with it. You should provide background information about the topic here.

​Step 1: Start with a hook

1 Start the introduction with an interesting idea or sentence that engages the readers.

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2 The hook depends on the topic.

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3 It is not necessary to write an entire paragraph.

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4 Hook: Interesting fact, anecdote, funny story, statistics, or a controversial statement.

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​Step 2: Explain Your Point of View

1 Develop your thoughts related to the topic and explain the significance of the topic to the readers.

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2 Present short background information. (What will be discussed throughout the paper.

​Step 3: Write down your thesis statement

1 "A short statement, usually one sentence that summarizes the main point of view or claim of an essay, and it is developed, supported, and explained in the text using examples and evidence.”

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​2 ​It usually goes at the end of the introductory paragraph.

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3 ​The whole essay revolves around the thesis.

​Example: Introductory paragraph

Multiple Choice

What are the components of an introduction paragraph?

• Start with a hook, explain the point of view, the thesis statement.

• Introduction, body, conclusion.

• Select a topic, develop your opinion, create and outline.

​Let's practice!

Write an eight-line introductory paragraph about the following topic:​

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Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?

Open Ended

Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?

Writing P1: Introduction pragraph

Due date: 23:59 today​​

Study: Contrasting ideas​

https://aulasvirtuales.udla.edu.ec/idiomas/mod/quiz/view.php?id=406682

​

​Objectives

​

​Today you will learn how to...

• ​Use connectors to contrast ideas.

• ​​Write an argumentative essay body paragraph.

​What's a linking word?

Open Ended

I think a "linking word" is ....

Multiple Choice

It's not fair to judge applicants by their online profiles. _____________ employers need people who fit into the company.

• On the other hand,

• Whereas

• On the  one hand

• Whereas,

Multiple Choice

A résumé is for employers, _______ an online profile is for friends. 

• while

• because

• however

Multiple Choice

______ there are good reasons to check an applicant's online profile, it is not a professional document.

• While

• But

• On the other hand

Multiple Choice

Many employers check the Internet information about job applicants.________ this is not a fair way to judge a person.

• However,

• Whereas,

• Also,

Multiple Choice

An online profile is for friends, ____a résumé is for employers. 

• but

• however

• on the one hand

​GRAMMAR: Contrasting ideas

​GRAMMAR: Contrasting ideas

​GRAMMAR: Common errors

​Argumentative Essay Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraphs of your essay, you will present reasons + evidence to support your claim.

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​Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence that should then be explained with supporting details.

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​To present a strong argument, separate paragraphs to support or negate the thesis statement.

​Other tips...

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​1 Use good "transition words" for help as needed.

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​2 You can use sequential words: First... Secondly...

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​3 For body paragraphs 2 and 3, you can use: Additionally, Another reason, etc.

​Step 1: Start each with a topic sentence

1 The topic sentence should identify the main idea of the paragraph, your claim!

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​Example:

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​Claim: Closing down fast-food chains can control the number of obese kids in the United States.

​Step 2: Introduce each piece of evidence

1 Make sure to use a variety of introductory phrases:

According to [insert name here]…

As [insert name here] writes…

As stated in [insert text name here]…

“According to the analysis of several studies in 2017, it is shown that the percentage of obese kids has increased 11 times from the year 1975.”​

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​2 Don’t forget to cite and quote.

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​Step 3: Explain your evidence

1 Your explanation should answer the question:

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How does this example/evidence support the reason/claim?

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​Step 4: Conclude the paragraph

1 Restate the main idea. (How evidence is persuasive)

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​2 Lead into the next paragraph by using "transition words."

​Example: Body paragraph 1

​Example: Body paragraph 2

​Example: Body paragraph 3

Multiple Select

What are the 4 steps to follow when writing a body paragraph?

• 1 Topic sentence

  2 Provide examples

  3 Explain examples

  4 Connect examples

• 1 Topic sentence

  2 Introduce evidence

  3 Explain evidence

  4 Conclude the paragraph

• 1 Topic sentence

  2 Use transition words

  3 Use sequential words

  4 Provide examples

​Let's practice!

Write three (3) body paragraphs about the following topic:​

​

Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?

Open Ended

Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?

Writing P1: Body pragraphs

Deadline: Today 23:59 pm​

Study: Concluding paragraph​

https://aulasvirtuales.udla.edu.ec/idiomas/mod/quiz/view.php?id=406682

​

​Objectives

​

​Today you will learn how to...

​

• ​​Write an argumentative essay conclusion.

​How to write a convincing conclusion?

​Argumentative Essay Conclusion

This paragraph holds the same significance as the introductory paragraph. It should be convincing and persuasive enough to prove your side of the argument right.

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​A strong conclusion leaves an impact on readers, so the audience agrees with your point of view.

​Steps to write your conclusion

1 Rewrite the thesis statement to remind your reader what your essay was all about.

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2 Summarize the whole essay in two to three sentences.

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3 Provide a call to action.

Example: Conclusion​

​Let's practice!

Write a 4-5-line conclusion paragraph about the following topic:​

​

Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?

Open Ended

Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?

Final writing P1: Argumentative essay

Study: Unit 2 (You will be evaluated)​

https://aulasvirtuales.udla.edu.ec/idiomas/mod/quiz/view.php?id=406682

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​Writing Unit 1

​

​At the end of this unit, you learned to...

• ​Plan an argument.

• ​​Write an argumentative essay introduction.

• ​​Use connectors to contrast ideas.

• ​​Write an argumentative essay body paragraph.

• ​Write an argumentative essay conclusion.