We will work on your research in the library for 2-3 days.

You need to use a minimum of 3 approved sources. At least 2 need to be from the databases and the rest need to be from vetted/reputable sources (we will go over this in class).

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.

QA Writing Prompt:

Write an argument essay on an issue in our society, community, world, etc that you feel strongly about, that needs to be fixed or addressed. 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 part of the requirements for community service. Write an argument essay with the intent of showing others how much this issue matters and should be addressed or fixed, by using evidence,  supporting details, ethos, pathos and logos.  Be sure your argument essay includes the following:

• An introduction

1.  (Hook to engage the reader,  background/context - an explanation of how a problem arose and the importance of this issue, and the thesis statement)

2. Thesis statement with precise claim that you are arguing and your position on it; should be your last sentence of the introduction

• Varying strong supporting evidence (research, anecdotes, statistics, etc)
• vivid, energetic language that keeps the readers involved
• Style and rhetorical appeals and techniques (ethos, pathos, logos/ rhetorical techniques)
• Transitions
• Counter argument and rebuttals  that anticipate and defend against what readers opposed to your claim might say
• a strong conclusion that restates your position and gets readers on your side; leaves the reader with something to think about; a call to take action
• A strong, confident tone.  
• A properly formatted Works Cited page

Topics:

For any topic that you choose, you will need to choose a side and convince the audience of what you are arguing. You should also pose a solution as to what should be done!!! (What changes should be made to fix the issue? Should it be illegal? Banned? Destroyed? Limited? Mandated? Stricter laws? etc.)

• Social media is harmful to the world and should be destroyed/limited?
• At this point in time, is technology more harmful or beneficial to society? Choose a side!!
• Is violence or peace the best way to solve problems? 
• AI is a danger to the world (needs to disappear) or useful resource to society (and should be kept)
• Community service: Should be required to help the elderly
• Death penalty
• Cigarettes and vaping should be made illegal
• Contraceptives should be free or less expensive 
• Feminine menstrual products should be free to all women
• Should social media platforms be held responsible for misinformation/harmful actions?
• Is technology making students less intelligent?
• Should genetic engineering be used on humans? 
• Are self-driving cars a safe alternative to human drivers?
• Animal testing?
• Is cloning ethical? Should it be allowed/legal?
• Should euthanasia for humans be legalized?

Outline:

Intro Paragraph

• 2-3sentences to hook and engage the reader (Remember start with a strong statement, fact, anecdote, question, and start GENERAL (world wide)
• 2-4 sentences to provide background information about topic (anecdote, engaging language and general information about the topic to draw the reader in)
• 1-2 sentence thesis /claim with your 3 reasons included

Body 1: Reason 1 of thesis (topic sentence stating your first reason)

• 3 supporting details/evidence (at least 1 quote, 1 paraphrase, 1 anecdotal evidence)

Body 2: Reason 2 of thesis (topic sentence stating your second reason)

• 3 supporting details/evidence   (at least 1 quote, 1 paraphrase, 1 anecdotal evidence)

Body 3: Reason 3 of thesis (topic sentence stating your third reason)

• 3 supporting details/evidence   (at least 1 quote, 1 paraphrase, 1 anecdotal evidence)

Counterclaim and rebuttal paragraph

(Some people may argue that…. However…then list your reasons why THEIR point isn’t valid enough)

• At least 1 counterargument and 2 rebuttal to refute that counterargument.

Conclusion paragraph:

• Reword your main point at the start of your conclusion
• Summarize your main points
• Use strong, powerful language that relays a confident tone  
• Leave the reader with something to think about
• Have a call to action (motivate the reader to join your cause)

No login needed from school.

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

No login needed from school.

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

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.

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

Do Research