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Argument Essay

Competency #2: Critical Thinking & Creativity

What's an "Argument Essay"?

An argument essay is a formal attempt to persuade an audience using a logical line of reasoning. Success depends on structure - an easy to find thesis, an engagement with opposing viewpoints, and solid, specific evidence which grounds every claim.

AI IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE TOOL FOR THIS WRITING TASK.

As you craft and draft your essay, evidence of your authenticity and originality is reflected in:

Handwritten reader's responses and writing prompt responses contained in your Reader's & Writer's Notebook.
Personal annotations of identified texts.
Handwritten outline (when required).
Google Doc history.
Securly classroom history.

NOTE: This essay may be invalidated if you do not provide evidence of authenticity and originality, as indicated in these directions. You will have to start all over again - new prompt, new critical lens, new outline.

An effective "Argument Essay"...

Features a clear and defensible thesis

The most important feature of an argument essay is a defensible thesis (central claim). Rather than a simple statement of fact, a defensible thesis is a claim that someone could disagree with. It establishes your "line of reasoning".

Placement: The thesis is the star of the show. Make sure it's prominent.
Clarity: After reading the introduction, a reader should know exactly what's being argued and clearly understand the "line of reasoning".

Addresses the Counterargument

A strong essay acknowledges that complex issues have multiple perspectives.

Concede and Refute: Ensure that the essay briefly acknowledges a valid point from the opposing side (concession), and uses evidence to explain why the thesis is still the stronger claim (refutation).
Power Move: Increase the essay's persuasive power by successfully "tearing apart" the strongest claim of the counter argument.

Supports Claims with Specific Evidence

An argument is only as strong as the facts backing it up. For every claim, the essay includes commentary that explains how and why the evidence supports the thesis.

Be Specific: The thesis is supported with concrete evidence such as: historical events, current news, scientific data, and/or specific examples from the provided sources.
Power Move: Your goal is to prove your point through logic (logos). Relying on numbers, facts, and expert observations will make your argument much more objective and authoritative.

Resources

Check out these resources to explore here are many different methods/models for an effective argument essay:

The Toulmin model - focused on data and warrants.

The Rogerian model - focused on finding common ground.

Sample Thesis Statements

A Weak Thesis: Social media has both good and bad effects on teenagers.

Why? This statement is WEAK because it's a statement of fact, not an argument. No one can really disagree with this.

A Better Thesis: Social media is harmful to teenagers because it causes anxiety.

Why? This is an argument, but it's a bit simple.

A Great Thesis: While social media allows for global connectivity, its tendency to foster toxic comparison and sleep deprivation outweighs its benefits, necessitating stricter digital literacy education.

Why? This is defensible because it acknowledges the other side, takes a firm stance, and outlines specific points to prove.

Scoring Rubric

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