ARGUMENTATIVE PAPER

What It Is & What Is Expected

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

It is not just, or necessarily, your opinion about something, nor is it merely stating a position/stance on an issue.

You must remember that you are trying to convince your audience that while you recognize their position, they are wrong and you are right.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

This is done with careful and extensive preparation (RESEARCH).

This is also done with an understanding of your own position on the issue as well as that of your opposition. You must fully understand what your opposition

knows and how they feel about the issue in question. The research you collect will help you

understand and support your own views/claims; moreover, it will aid you in refuting your oppositions claims, thereby convincing your audience you are correct.

What Is Expected?

It is expected that you conduct adequate and careful research on both sides of the issue in question.

It is expected that you use these sources in supporting your own claims as well as presenting the opposition.

It is expected that you use credible sources to support any and all claims that you make. It is important to understand that using credible

sources in support of your claims is what provides the audience with a convincing argument.

What Is Expected?

It is expected that for every point you make, you must present the oppositions counterpoint. After you present their counterpoint, you must

refute it. This can be done by showing that their way of thinking

is outdated, their research is flawed, they are not properly educated, or they don’t fully understand your side. (This is your opportunity to use your own words/feelings along with your research.)

It is expected that you have a clear, concise, and arguable thesis. This thesis needs to be supported throughout the

entire essay.

Finally

It is your job to fully convince your audience that the only reasonable and logical way of thinking about this particular issue is to side with you.

Look at your essay when you think you’ve finished, and ask yourself, “Have I convinced myself?” If not, you need to revisit your claims and/or

support. If you can’t convince yourself, you

probably won’t convince your audience.

ARGUMENTATIVE PAPER

Introduction & Opposition Paragraphs

Introduction Paragraph

This paragraph introduces the reader to your topic.

You must assume they do not have any prior information regarding the topic.

You must provide the background information.

You must ensure the reader knows what you are talking about.

You must ensure that they know on what side of the argument you stand.

Criteria Intro Paragraph

Attention-Getting Statement A statistic, interesting fact, or quote

Background Information Sufficient information which gives the reader enough

knowledge to understand why this particular topic is being discussed

Mentioning of Research Conducted You should mention that this topic has been/is being

researched by professionals; Or, that it is being debated in courts of law/public opinion

Thesis Statement Must be clear, concise, and arguable Must choose only one side of the issue.

Opposition Paragraph

You must recognize the other side of the issue.

You do not have to make a convincing argument for the other side.

However, you do need to show that the opposition does exist.

This paragraph may include a quote or statistic that supports this position; this information should be able to be easily refuted.

You do not need to construct a thesis for this side of the argument.

CriteriaOpposition Paragraph

You must present the other side of the argument. This can be brief.

You need to include at least one statistic or quote that supports this view. It needn’t be strong evidence that is difficult to

refute. You need to conclude this paragraph with a

statement that brings the reader back to siding with you while simultaneously discrediting the opposition. This will transition beautifully to your body paragraphs.

ARGUMENTATIVE PAPER

Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraphs

This is the paragraph where you begin supporting your

claim, use evidence to support it, and mention and

refute the counterpoint.

Criteria Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence Remember the formula: Thesis because Topic Sentence.

Introduce Your Evidence You must prepare the reader for the citation you are going to

use (your research) in support of your claim(s). Citation or Paraphrasing

You need to ensure you are using credible sources to back your claim.

You may use a direct quote or paraphrase this support/research. You must cite this research/support properly (using MLA).

Mention the Counterpoint This counterpoint must be the counterpoint to your topic

sentence, not just a random counterpoint Refute the counterpoint

You must state why this counterpoint is wrong.

Sample Body Paragraph

The safety of all student-athletes involved in extracurricular athletics is the responsibility of school officials. Once students leave the home the school becomes entrusted with their safety. While in the classroom, cafeteria, and the hallways, students are under the care and supervision of school officials. It is the responsibility of these officials to maintain a safe environment where students and their parents can feel secure. This level of safety extends to fields and courts of extracurricular athletics sponsored by the school. John Smith, Director of Student Safety at Riverfront High School, states that he has been “confronted by parents to ensure that proper safety measures are in place to protect their children from harm during sporting events” (Adams 2012). As a school official, Smith is obligated to provide a safe environment for all student-athletes. The taking of performance-enhancing drugs potentially puts students at risk of harming themselves or those against whom they compete. Some may say that just because a student takes a performance-enhancing drug doesn’t mean that someone will get hurt. While that may be true, it is still possible that if someone is on these drugs injuries could still occur. If testing for PEDs stops one child from being injured or free from addiction, then the testing is worth it.