Standard: Write an essay that constructs support for a particular position or opinion about an issue or conflict. Your writing must show the following:
You have selected an issue or unresolved conflict to write about.
Your opening clearly articulates your position and identifies your target audience.
You follow-up your claim or position with a rationale (reasons or points of support).
You have demonstrated your ability to use appropriate persuasive techniques to get your point across including expert knowledge and statistics.
You conclude your piece by letting the reader know your intentions or encouraging action by your audience.
Here are some persuasive techniques you might use.
Facts - Facts can be proven They may come from your reading, observation or personal observation.
Statistics - These are numbers based on research, surveys, etc. An example would be the number of auto accidents in a given year. Be sure your statistics come from reliable sources. Always name your sources.
Quotes - Direct quotes from leading experts that support your position are very helpful. Be sure to identify your source.
Examples - Examples enhance your meaning and make your ideas concrete. They are proof.
Offer a precedent - A precedent is a situation that may be used as an example in dealing with a similar situation.
Appeal to fairness - You can try to appeal to your audience's sense of what is fair or not fair. Have a solid example to back this up. It is not enough to say something is unfair.
Overcome Objections - Think about the likely objections when you plan your argument and answer them before they are raised.
Explore Consequences - What could happen if you succeed in persuading your audience? What are some of the possible results of your argument? List the favorable ones and overcome the unfavorable ones.
Planning Your Argument Essay
You will write a six paragraph essay.
Here is how to write your paragraphs.
Paragraph 1
Decide on a lead. As in other pieces of writing this is a “hook or grabber” to catch the readers attention. Possible leads could be opening with:
an unusual detail
a strong statement
a quotation ( be sure to give the source)
a statistic or fact (be sure to give the source)
a question
an exaggeration.
Give a brief explanation of the issue.
Write a sentence that tells your subject AND states your opinion/position.
This is your thesis statement.
Forecast three reasons that support your thesis.
Paragraphs 2-4
This is the body of your paper, where you provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Choose your three strongest support points. You will write a paragraph about each point. Each paragraph will have a topic sentence which states a reason for your opinion. This sentence is followed by information that further explains your point and gives evidence that supports the reason. This is where you use the persuasive strategies we explored earlier. This is where you should include knowledge from an expert. This might be in the form of statistics (based on research) or quotations. Be sure to include the source of this information. You should include examples where ever possible.
When you are ready to write your essay, be sure to put your reasons in a logical order.
Paragraph 5
Consider the opposing point of view. You could begin this ¶ with Some may say... Others may say... Give some arguments the other side may have against your point of view. Counter these arguments by providing evidence against them or finding mistakes in the reasoning behind these arguments.
Paragraph 6
Summarize the key points of your argument and restate your thesis. You should end with an appeal to the reader either to consider the points given or a call to action.
Argument Essay Plan
Name______________________________________ Academic Group_________
Thesis statement _____________________________________________________________________
Possible lead: _______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Support point 1______________________________________________________________________
Evidence
Support point 2______________________________________________________________________
Evidence
Support point 3______________________________________________________________________
Evidence
Opposing point ______________________________________________________________________
Evidence to disprove
Conclusion______________________________________________________________________
Be sure to note sources for quotations and statistics.