In this lesson, you learned some strategies for writing an argument that will persuade readers to accept your position on an issue. Locate the plan you created using the Planning an Argument worksheet. You will use the ideas you recorded there to draft your own argumentative essay.
The tabs below will help you review this lesson's strategies for argumentative writing. Read the text on each tab carefully, and refer back to it as you draft the various sections of your argument.
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Counterclaims
Conclusion
The introduction of your argumentative essay should accomplish three things:
- define/explain the topic or issue
- state your claim on the topic or issue
- explain to readers why they should care about this topic or issue
Combined, these three things will create an engaging introduction that will inspire readers to continue reading your essay. Don't forget to keep your tone serious and objective since you are most likely writing about a serious topic and you want to be viewed as fair and logical.
Bella has chosen the claim Cloning animals is wrong. Read her introduction.
Cloning is a technology that allows scientists to use DNA to make an exact duplicate of another living organism. Various creatures have been cloned such as insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals. This technology will eventually spread to human beings as well, and it will have devastating effects. Cloning must be stopped. If it is not, we will one day live in a world where everyone is the same and the traits that make us all unique will disappear forever.
Which part of Bella's introduction defines the topic or issue? Which part states her claim? Which part explains to readers why they should care?
This part defines the topic:
Cloning is a technology that allows scientists to use DNA to make an exact duplicate of another living organism. Various creatures have been cloned such as insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals.
This part states her claim:
Cloning must be stopped.
These parts explain to readers why they should care:
This technology will eventually spread to human beings as well, and it will have devastating effects.
If it is not, we will one day live in a world where everyone is the same and the traits that make us all unique will disappear forever.
Body paragraphs are the heart of your essay. This is where you will present your reasons and evidence for why your claim should be believed.
Organize each paragraph to focus on one reason, and provide multiple pieces of evidence to back up that reason. Use transitional words and phrases to help readers move from one idea to the next.
Practice arranging the sentences of a body paragraph in a logical order. Use the transitional words to help guide you.
Worst of all, radiation leads to certain types of lethal skin cancer.
One reason we should ban tanning beds is they are harmful to our health.
This radiation damages cells and causes premature aging.
First of all, tanning beds use UV radiation.
Clearly, tanning is not worth these dangerous side effects. |
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It's important to address the opposing viewpoints of your claim, so you appear well informed, confident, and trustworthy.
You have the choice of attacking, dismissing, or conceding counterclaims, but always try to show why your claim is still stronger than the counterclaims.
Think of a counterclaim for each claim below. After you have thought of one, compare it to the suggestion provided.
| The threat of the death penalty deters crime. | Criminals rarely think they will be caught, so the threat of the death penalty does not stop their criminal acts. |
| Life imprisonment is very expensive. | The legal costs involved in executing a prisoner are higher than the costs of life imprisonment. |
| The death penalty is the only way to be sure a killer will not kill again. | Separating a prisoner from others through life imprisonment keeps society safe. |
Conclusions serve three purposes. The most important purpose is to restate your claim. You may have found so much overwhelming evidence that you now feel you can expand your claim. You may also want readers to act, not just think differently, so you can include a call to action.
Practice writing conclusions below.
The driving age should be lowered.
How could a writer restate this claim in a new way?
The writer could say, "It is obvious that the legal age for driving is currently too high and should be reduced."
Parents should monitor their children's use of social media sites.
How could a writer expand on this claim?
The writer could say, "Because there are so many potential threats to children who use social media, parents should do more than monitor kids' use--they should put a stop to it altogether."
Plastic bags in stores should be outlawed.
How could a writer include a call to action related to this claim?
The writer could say, "Please, start your own stash of reusable cloth bags for shopping and spread the word to your friends!"
Now that you have reviewed the strategies you've learned for writing arguments, it's time to use your plan and begin writing. When you have completed your draft, submit it to your teacher, and save a copy for future use.
Your work on this assignment will be graded according to the following rubric.
| Criteria | |
| Introduction 2 points |
1 Point: Your introduction defines your topic and states your claim. |
| 1 Point: Your introduction suggests why readers should care about your topic. | |
| Body Paragraphs 2 points |
1 Point: Your argument’s body consists of several paragraphs that deliver your reasons and evidence. |
| 1 Point: Your argument’s body includes your identification and defense against a counterclaim. | |
| Conclusion 1 point |
1 Point: Your conclusion restates your claim and expands upon it with a suggestion or call to action. |