Argumentative Argumentative

WritingWriting

A argumentative or persuasive essay convinces readers to agree with the writer’s

opinion.

0 Introduction captures the reader’s attention0Thesis states the writers assertion (belief)

about the topic.0Supporting arguments or evidence

convince the reader that the thesis is correct.0Counter arguments respond to reader

concerns and objections.0Conclusion restates the thesis (comes back

to the point).

Thesis Statement

0Captures the main idea of your essay. 0Takes a stand or position on a topic.0States the your reasons or summarizes your

reasons behind your position.

Future Note: Each reason will become a paragraph in the essay.

A thesis statement is not…

① A title 0The Good Things About Social Media

② A question 0Why Is Social Media Bad?

③ An announcement 0This paper will show your why social media

is good.

④ An opinion0 I think social media is bad for you.

Are these good thesis statements?

① I think pop music is the best form of music.② Fast food proves to be unhealthy because of its

low nutritional content.③ Why Is Wearing Uniforms A Good Thing?④ The Positive Side of Social Media⑤ Although people view rap music as offensive,

Tupac Shakur, Frank Ocean, and Common have positive messages in their songs.

⑥ This paper will show you the importance of having a computer.

Evidence: Supporting Arguments

0Convince the reader that your position is correct.

Where do you get evidence?0Quotes0Own experience or knowledge0From research (books, magazines, journals,

Internet, articles, newspapers and etc.)

Supporting the Evidence0 You cannot merely state or quote your

evidence.0 “The obesity rate in America is increasing due to

decrease of exercise.”0 Smoking is unhealthy.

0 You have to explain why the evidence supports your position.0 A New York Times article states: ““The obesity rate in

America is increasing due to decrease of exercise.” This shows why Americans are gaining weight.

0 The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes show how smoking is unhealthy.

Introduction

Introduces the argument of the paper.Gives background information about the

paper or argument.Lists the reasons for your side.Thesis statement is the last sentence of the

introduction.

Your Introductory Paragraph

01st sentence: Talk about the article and the arguments in the article.

02nd sentence: Reason #1 for your side.03rd sentence: Reason #2 for your side.04th sentence: Reason #3 for your side.05th sentence: Reveal your side with your

THESIS STATEMENT.

Conclusion① Summarize what you talked about in the

essay.• 2-3 sentences

② Encourage action upon readers.• Ex. People should stop smoking to lessen the bad air in

our environment.

③ Provide food for thought.• Quote or rhetorical question• Ex. Just because a few rappers swear in their songs,

should we just assume all rap is bad?

④ Restate the thesis in a different way.