Argumentative writing aims to persuade an audience to agree with a writer’s point of view on a topic or issue. In an argumentative essay, a writer develops his or her argument and states a precise and informative claim. Then the writer provides relevant evidence and reasons to support it. Strong argumentative writing effectively uses genre characteristics and craft such as relevant evidence, rhetorical devices, and a clear organizational structure to convince readers to accept and agree with the writer’s claim. The characteristics of argumentative writing include:

• An introduction
• Thesis statement with precise claim
• Relevant evidence and reasons
• Style and rhetorical devices (ethos, pathos, logos)
• Transitions
• Conclusion that leaves the reader with something to think about; a call to action
• Counter arguments and rebuttal 
• A strong, confident tone.  
• A Works Cited page

QA WRITING PROMPT:

What is one issue you are aware of that many members of your community don't know and needs to be solved or fixed. Ex.)The water at your local beach is too polluted to swim in and this needs to be fixed.  Ex.) Helping the ederly neighbors in the neighborhood needs to be a priority. Write an argument essay with the intent of showing others how much this issue matters and needs to be fixed by using evidence and supporting details. Be sure your argument essay includes the following:

• a thesis statement that makes a claim about the truth of something (what you’re arguing)
• an explanation of how a problem arose and the importance of this issue
• vivid, energetic language that keeps readers involved
• style that can heighten readers’ emotions and make them accept your arguments   
• strong supporting evidence (research, anecdotes, statistics, etc)
• a counter argument that anticipates and defends against what readers opposed to your claim might say
• a strong conclusion that restates your position and gets readers on your side
• a properly formatted works cited page

TOPICS:

• Social media is harmful to teens mental health
• Technology is making people more dependent/stupid
• The internet should be a public necessity available to all for free
• Is technology more harmful or beneficial?
• Should students be allowed to use phones in class?
• Should schools provide students with laptops?
• Schools should start later
• School should be year round with 4 day weeks
• Is violence or peace the best way to solve problems?
• School uniforms should be mandatory
• There should be more security in bathrooms at school
• Community service: Should be required to help the elderly
• America should have free healthcare? Or no?
• Weed should be illegal
• Healthy/organic foods should be less expensive than unhealthy.
• There should be requirements that need to be met in order to become a parent
• Contraceptives should be free or less expensive
• The voting age should be changed
• The drinking age should be lowered to 18
• Feminine menstrual products should be free to all women
• Should there be an electoral college voting system?

OUTLINE:

Intro Paragraph

• 2-3sentences  to hook to engage the reader
• 2-4 sentences to provide background information about topic
• 1 sentence thesis /claim with your 3 reasons included

Body 1: Reason 1 of thesis

• 2-3 supporting details/evidence ( at least 1 quote needs to be from research)

Body 2: Reason 2 of thesis

• 2-3 supporting details/evidence ( at least 1 quote needs to be from research)

Body 3: Reason 3 of thesis

• 2-3 supporting details/evidence ( at least 1 quote needs to be from research)

Counterclaim and rebuttal paragraph

Conclusion paragraph

Directions for creating a Works Cited page in MyBib

1. Create or log into your account
2. Start New Project
3. Name the Project
4. Add Citations (+Citations)

• Website

• Copy and paste URL
• Click on website result
• Try to find missing or incorrect information in website article
• Click “Save”

• Book with one Author

• Click Book Tab
• Type in ISBN number
• Click on correct title
• Click “Save”

• Chapter in a Book

• Find under “More”
• Choose “Book Chapter”
• Fill in information
• Click "Save"

• Database/E-Book articles

• Copy formatted citation from database
• Find under “More”
• Choose Write/paste
• Paste
• Click “Save”

5. When you are finished adding all citations 
6. “Download Bibliography”
7. Download to Google Drive
8. Copy and paste the Works Cited page into your paper

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Off campus? Email sevje@cpsed.net for password.

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Off campus? Click here and scroll down for Points of View Reference Center.

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Off campus? Click here and scroll down for Academic Search Full Text Elite.

Below is the link to West Library's subscription databases. All off-campus logins are in your Google Classroom.

Do Research

Add site:.gov to the end of your search terms in any Google search box. For example, to find articles about “ethical leadership” published on government websites, enter the terms "ethical leadership" site:.gov, as shown below.