Introduction Hook Background information Define terms Thesis statement Body Paragraph 1 Topic sentence Evidence Explain Linking sentence Body Paragraph 2 Topic sentence Evidence Analysis Linking sentence Body Paragraph 3 (Optional) Topic sentence Evidence Analysis Linking sentence Body Paragraph 4 Topic sentence for counterargument Evidence against Analysis against Linking sentence Conclusion Restate the thesis Briefly sum up your arguments Provide a warning if it is not followed End with a rhetorical question
Remember to include persuasive techniques!
Choosing the topic
Choose a position that youd like to argue Who is your audience? Choose the strongest arguments for and against your position Find evidence that supports
Introduction Hook interesting first sentence Open with an unusual fact or statistic - The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are necessary Open a strong statement - Cigarettes are the number one cause of lighter sales in Canada! Open with a quotation - Elbert Hubbard once said, Truth is stronger than fiction. Open with an anecdote - stories from experiences to tell a point Open with an engaging question - Have you ever considered how many books wed read if it werent for television? Open with an exaggeration or outrageous statement (could be about stereotypes). Can challenge it - All women want to do is to stay home and bring up babies. Right? Wrong! Appeal to emotions - Babies are so sweet and adorable and lovely. But what if women stopped wanting them? Background information give context to your argument/subject; familiarize the reader with the content Why is this topic important? Why should the audience care?
Definitions define any terms that the reader might find usual/unfamiliar
Thesis Statement a clear, concise statement of your main argument; the
overall idea youll be arguing. Your thesis will also serve as a roadmap for the rest of your essay, giving the reader a general idea of the path your argument will follow. the topic the writers opinion about the topic a course of action, either implied or stated the reason the course of action is necessary Eg: Homeless people in Berkeley should be given access to services, such as regular food donations, public restrooms, and camping facilities, because it would improve life for all inhabitants of the city Eg: Secondhand smoke is just as harmful as smoking and leads to a higher prevalence of cancer and heart disease. Whats worse, people who inhale secondhand smoke are doing so without consent. For this reason, smoking in any public place should be banned Eg: It is too late to save earth; therefore, humans should immediately set a date for their relocation to Mars where, with proper planning, they can avoid issues of famine, war, and global warming.
Never frame your thesis as a question.The job of a thesis is to answer a
question, not ask one. A thesis is not a list. If you're trying to answer a specific question, too many variables will send your paper off-focus. Keep it concise and brief. Never mention a new topic that you do not intend to discuss in the paper. Do not write in the first person. Using sentences such as, "I will show...," is generally frowned upon by scholars. Express an open-minded tone, finding common ground between different views. You dont want to sound aggressive, as you will put them off reading your essay
Realize that your thesis does not have to be absolute. Consider it a "working thesis" that's subject to change. As you write your paper you may find that your opinion changes or that your direction has veered slightly. Change the thesis as you continue to write.
Body Paragraph Only one point to support your thesis per paragraph
Topic sentence reflects the main idea of the paragraph links back to support the thesis Explain - Further explain what you mean and how you will discuss it Evidence information from a reliable outside source (not your own opinion) that supports the main idea of the paragraph. At least 3 bits of support TYPES OF SUPPORT Facts: A powerful means of convincing, facts can come from your reading, observation or personal experience. General and cannot be argued against Statistics: Can provide excellent support. Be sure they come from responsible source. Always cite (bibliography) Expert opinion: The writer tells another persons opinion. The other person should know a lot about the topic or have some personal experience that is relevant. Examples: (including personal experience and analogy): The writer describes an instance of something to illustrate the point.
Elaborate show how your evidence supports your argument; build your argument Reason: The writer uses reasoning or logic to argue the point. Emotion: The writer makes an emotional appeal to the reader. (Hint: Use persuasive techniques!) Linking Sentence - Relate back to the thesis statement
Counterargument Body Paragraph
Choose the strongest counterargument to your topic
Topic sentence State the counterargument State your rebuttal Counterargument: Most fast-food places offer salads as a choice. Argument: Most fast food is very high in calories. Topic Sentence: While it is true that most fast-food places offer salads as a choice, it must also be recognized that most fast food is very high in calories. Explain - Explain the counterargument and how it could fit into your essay Explain why this is not true 1. You introduce this turn against with a phrase likeOne might object here that...orIt might seem that...orIt's true that...orAdmittedly,...orOf course,...or with an anticipated challenging question:But how...?orBut why...?orBut isn't this just...?orBut if this is so, what about...?Then you state the case against yourself as briefly but as clearly and forcefully as you can, pointing to evidence where possible. 2. Turn around: refute it, showing why it is mistakenan apparent but not real problem
Evidence information from a reliable outside source (not your own opinion) that supports the main idea of the paragraph. At least 3 bits of support In the example above, the best type of evidence would be statistics; prove that most fast food is high in calories Elaborate show how your evidence supports your argument; build your argument Reason: The writer uses reasoning or logic to argue the point. Emotion: The writer makes an emotional appeal to the reader. (Hint: Use persuasive techniques!)
Linking Sentence - Relate back to the thesis statement
Conclusion Tie up the essay briefly sum up the main point To do this: a) Restate your position of argument b) Sum up the reasons why c) Provide a warning of consequences that will occur if you do not complete it d) End with a powerful sentence. (Use a persuasive technique eg: Rhetorical question, analogy)
Persuasive Techniques: Analogy Attack Appeal Rhetorical Question Evidence Figurative Language Hyperbole Images Humour Inclusive/Exclusive language Colloquial language Jargon Connotation Tone Repetition Formal Language
