Argumentative Essays

Poll

Do you think schools should require uniforms?

• Yes!

• No!

• Maybe?

• Other?

Writing Arguments

In an argumentative essay, your job is make the reader agree with your opinion about a controversial topic.

You have to:

1. State your opinion.
2. Give reasons to support your opinion.
3. Argue against the opposite opinion.

Overall, you must convince the audience that your side of the argument is correct

Open Ended

What is your job when writing an argumentative essay?

Essay Format

​Introduction
Background
Thesis
(1 Paragraph)

Conclusion

Restate Claim in Different Words

Body Paragraph 1
Reason 1
Evidence

​Body Paragraph 2
Reason 2
Evidence

Counterclaim
and
Refutation ​

Reorder

Reorder the following

• Introduction

• Body Paragraph 1

• Body Paragraph 2

• Counterclaim

  and Refutation

• Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Hook

A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on.

Multiple Select

The topic of this essay is school uniforms. what is the hook in the first paragraph?

Underline the correct answer on you example essay.

• School uniforms are the better choice for three reasons

• The issue is school uniforms

• This value, however, is coming under fire in unlikely place -- the public school classroom.

• Individualism is a fundamental part pf society in many countries.

Thesis Statement

​A short statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, etc., and is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence.

Multiple Choice

What is the thesis statement in the example essay, "The School Uniform Question?"

Underline the correct answer on you example essay.

• School uniforms are the better choice for three reasons

• School uniforms make student's life more simple

• Students who wear school uniforms cannot express their individuality.

• School uniforms make students feel equal

Match

Paragraphs 2,3, and 4 each give a reason for requiring school uniforms. The reasons can be found in the topic sentence of each paragraph. Match the paragraph number with correct reason/topic sentence

Underline each topic sentence on your example essay.

• Second, school uniforms influence students to act responsibly in groups and individuals.

• First School uniforms would help make student's lives easier.

• Finally, school uniforms would help make students feel equal

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 4

• Paragraph 3

• Paragraph 2

• Paragraph 4

Open Ended

In paragraph 4, what supporting information or explanation does the writer giver to show that uniforms make students equal?

​A strong essay will acknowledge a counterargument and explain why it is invalid.

​A "counterargument" is an argument that is is made contrary to or opposite of the writers opinion.

Counterarguments

Multiple Choice

Which paragraph contains a counterargument or counterclaim?

Underline the counter claim on your example essay.

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

• 6

Open Ended

Reread the final paragraph. What is the writers opinion about this issue?

Open Ended

The counterargument for this essay is that: "Opponents of mandatory uniforms say that students who wear school uniforms cannot express their individuality."

Summarize why the writer believes this claim is "invalid" or wrong.

Underline the refutation on your example essay.

Poll

Do you you feel ready to write your own argumentative essay?

• Not at all

• I could do it if I have enough help

• I got this

• This will be super easy