Prewriting Argumentative Essay
I. Introduction
(Begin with any introduction method)
- Begin with a story for emotional appeal (pathos)
- Begin with a quote
- Begin with general statements
(The above are just some suggestions)
Provide background information on the argument. Explain why this is a controversial topic.
Thesis Statement (Claim): What are you arguing and why? (Avoid listing points in your thesis–just give an overall reason). Also, make sure your thesis is a proposal. For example, propose that something should or should not be done or something should or should not be legal.
II. Body
- Begin with an opposing point
- Explain the opposing point
- Provide a concession and counter-argue with your point
- Research to show support
Continue this pattern with your next point. Once you run out of opposing points, then just continue with your points and research to support your points (In other words, skip steps 1 & 2)Also, note that you do not have to have research for every point. In the pattern that I’ve described above, those are suggestions for where research would mostly likely be included, but again, it doesn’t always have to be there.
III. Conclusion
- Restate your main points
- Restate your thesis
- Refer back to the introduction
- End with any of the conclusion methods discussed in the conclusion lecture
Other Things to Consider:
- Do not use first or second person anywhere in the paper (“I†or “You†pronoun)
- Do not write about your personal experiences
- Do not begin any sentences with “I think…,†“I feel…,†“In my opinion…â€
- Do not rely too heavily on research. The research should support you, not the other way around.
- Paraphrase for the most part. Be very selective with the quotes you use.
- Try to begin and end paragraphs in your words. Put the research in the middle.
- Make sure you have in-text citations for every place where you have used a source, whether directly quoted or paraphrased
- Make sure you have a Works Cited page