The document labeled 17 Argumentative Writing gives a general overview for this assignment. You will use Pattern #1 for this essay.
The argumentative essay must follow the complete writing process:
I. Brainstorming - 25 points
II. Rough Draft - 25 points
III. Peer and self-edit Rough Draft - 25 points
IV. Final Draft - 100 points
V. Writing Reflection - 25 points
200 points
Final Draft Due Date: Tuesday, 25 April 2017
Brainstorming materials: Brainstorming
Outlining materials: (See link below)
Follow all MLA requirements for rough draft and final draft
Peer editing materials: Peer Editing
The argumentative essay is the first formal writing assignment of second semester. It is a five-paragraph essay which defends a position that you choose to take on one of the following issues:
1. Milk - Is It Healthy? - Milk - Is It Healthy?
2. Illegal Immigration - Illegal Immigration
3. Under God in the Pledge - Under God in the Pledge
4. Video Games and Violence - Video Games and Violence
5. Minimum Wage - Minimum Wage
6. Alternative Energy vs. Fossil Fuels - Alternative Energy vs Fossil Fuels
7. Death Penalty - Death Penalty
Use procon.org as your source material. Follow the links above to the related web material.
Essential Question: (Find this by perusing your topic's link)
I. Introduction
A. Audience hook
B. Brief background on the issue (cite!)
C. Explanation of your side of the issue
D. Thesis - this is where you establish your position on the issue. (Referred to as 'Claim' on the brainstorm sheets below.)
E. Roadmap - list your points (CI/Topic Sentence) for each of the body paragraphs below.
II. Warrant #1 (Body Paragraph #1)
A. Controlling Idea/Topic Sentence
B. Claim
C. Direct quote, paraphrase, or summary with in-text citation
D. Analysis and explanation of how this evidence supports this paragraph's claim
E. Conclude paragraph with a general wrapping-up sentence
III. Warrant #2 (Body Paragraph #2)
A. Controlling Idea/Topic Sentence
B. Claim
C. Direct quote, paraphrase, or summary with in-text citation
D. Analysis and explanation of how this evidence supports this paragraph's claim
E. Conclude paragraph with a general wrapping-up sentence
IV. Counter claim and refutation (a.k.a. rebuttal)
A. Controlling Idea/Topic Sentence
B. Counterclaim
C. Direct quote, paraphrase, or summary with in-text citation
D. Analysis and explanation of how this evidence supports this paragraph's claim
E. Refutation - your best argument to show your thesis outranks the counterclaim
E. Conclude paragraph with a general wrapping-up sentence
V. Conclusion
A. Summary of your position
B. Summary of the opposing position (counter claim)
C. Review how your position wins
D. Revisit the audience hook for a "full-circle" conclusive remark
Works Cited
A. This essay must conclude with a list of works cited. Follow this link to the MLA formatting page for more about creating works cited entries: MLA Formatting. Your entries will all come from the website procon.org.