1. Bell Work
Please take out a sheet of
paper. Then, make a list of
everything you already know
about argumentative writing.
2. In argumentative writing, a writer
takes a stand or forms an opinion and
writes to convince the reader to
believe this point of view.
3. It has an introduction, a body where
the claim is developed and the
counterclaims are disproven, and a
conclusion.
A counterclaim is simply the opinion that is
opposite of yours.
Argumentative writing
follows the usual 5-paragraph format.
4. Writing Your Introduction
The introduction has a “hook” to catch
the reader’s attention. Some “hooks”
include opening with:
◦ an unusual detail
◦ a strong statement
◦ a quotation
◦ a question (it MUST be thought
provoking!)
◦ an exaggeration or outrageous statement
◦ a shocking statistic
◦ figurative language
5. Introduction – Thesis
The introduction should also include your
thesis. The thesis should be the LAST
sentence in your introduction.
There are two objectives of a thesis
statement:
1. It tells the reader the specific topic of
your essay.
2. It explains to the reader what your
position is.
6. The Body
The writer then provides facts and
evidence to support the opinion offered
in the thesis statement in the
introduction.
The three body paragraphs each explain
a different reason that supports your
opinion or thesis. They also explain
why those with opposing viewpoints
are wrong.
Each paragraph is based on solid
reasoning to support your thesis
7. The Body
Since almost all issues have sound
arguments on both sides of the
question, a good persuasive writer
must anticipate counterclaims and
provide counter-arguments along with
the main points in the essay.
8. Where do I put the counterclaims
and their opposition?
They should go in your third body
paragraph!
Begin by making a concession. For
example:
- It’s true that some people think…
- While some people may believe…
End the paragraph by telling why the
opposing viewpoint is not as strong as
yours.
9. The Conclusion
Argumentative essays end by
summarizing the most important
details of the argument and stating
once again what the reader is to
believe or do.
10. General guidelines when writing an
argumentative essay:
1. Have a firm opinion that you want your
reader to accept.
2. Be sure your intro includes a hook,
necessary and appropriate background
information, and a thesis.
3. Offer valid evidence to support your
opinion, show the counterclaim, and
refute it.
4. Conclude with a restatement of what you
want the reader to do or believe.
