New Bremen High School



English 10Argumentative Essay Notes/DirectionsWhat is an argumentative essay?An argumentative essay is an essay in which you agree or disagree with a certain issue, using reasons to support your opinion. What is unique about an argumentative essay is that you do not just give reasons to support your point of view. You must also discuss the other side’s reasons and rebut them. (Rebut means to point out problems with the other side’s reasons to prove they are not good reasons.)Organization of an Argumentative EssayThere are two common ways to organize an argumentative essay:The Block PatternIntroduction includes an explanation of the issue and the thesis.Body paragraphs include two “blocks.”Block 1 includes a summary of the other side’s arguments along with a specific rebuttal of each of their arguments/evidence (Typically, this will be 3 main arguments).Block 2 includes each of your specific arguments with evidence to back up your claims (Again, this will likely be 3 main arguments).Conclusion – Restates/expands upon your thesis and may include a summary of your own point of view on the issue.Point-by-Point Pattern (5 paragraph essay)Introduction includes an explanation of the issue, a summary of the other side’s arguments, and the thesis.Body paragraphs are broken up into the author’s three main arguments.Each paragraph will focus on one of the main arguments of the essay with evidence.Additionally, in each paragraph, the author includes a rebuttal with their own counter argument. Conclusion – Restates/expands upon your thesis and may include a summary of your own point of view on the issue.The Introductory ParagraphThe introductory paragraph contains an explanation of the issue, which is a necessary part of an argumentative essay. You may also begin your argumentative essay with a more engaging introduction -with surprising statistics, for example, or a dramatic story (anecdote).Thesis statementThe thesis statement in an argumentative essay states clearly which side you are for (Example - Stem cell research should receive the full support of our government.). A thesis statement sometimes mentions the opposing point of view (Example – Although there are certainly reasons to be cautious with stem cell research or any new technology, its potential benefits far outweigh its dangers.).Additionally, students may include their own arguments to set up the format of the rest of the paper.Argumentative Essay DirectionsChoose a prompt. If you access my teacher web page on the school website, you will see a link for a document that includes prompts for the argumentative essay. Included in this list of prompts are links to several informational texts. You will use these texts to help you write your argumentative essays. You do not have to use all of the informational texts provided, but you should use texts from opposite sides of the issue.Close read the informational texts that are provided in your chosen prompt. Note the arguments/important information in the texts along with possible counter arguments from the opposing side.Begin writing your argumentative essay outline. I will have two different outlines available: the block format and the point-by-point format. Choose whichever you feel comfortable with.After your outline is complete, begin writing your argumentative essay.MLA Format including 12 point font, double spaced, 1” margins, and correct heading/header.You will also need in-text citations for the evidence that you use from your informational texts and a works cited (The Purdue OWL website can help you with both of these.).Tentative scheduleFebruary 23-24: Close read the informational texts listed with your prompt.February 25: Begin writing your essay outline.February 26: Begin writing your first rough draft.February 29: Have a first rough draft ready to be peer edited.February 29-March 1: Peer edit rough drafts.March 2: Revise argumentative essays and complete a second rough draft.March 3: Peer edit second rough draft.March 4: Revise argumentative essays and complete a final draft.March 7: Final draft of argumentative essay due. ................
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