What are you being asked to write about? : Select a controversial issue and make a well-reasoned argument for or against it. Your writing will be scored on how well you: state your position on the topic describe the points in support of your position, including examples and other evidence; anticipate and address readers’ concerns and arguments against your position; and use grammar, spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. Select a topic/issue that you feel strongly about or that you feel competent discussing. Think about the best way to approach argument. PROS What makes your idea a good one? CONS – Consider your audience. What arguments might they make against your idea? . In a single sentence, state your proposal or position. What’s the main idea that you’re trying to get across to your audience? What do you want the reader to agree to? . Select your best arguments to support your opinion. Topic Sentence: First reason why your idea is a good one. Supporting Details: #1: Facts, Examples, Statistics, Quotations, Expert Opinion #2: Facts, Examples, Statistics, Quotations, Expert Opinion #3: Facts, Examples, Statistics, Quotations, Expert Opinion • Introduction: o Use a lead that grabs the reader’s attention. o Give background information about the situation. o Include a thesis statement that gives your opinion. • Body Paragraphs o One to three paragraphs containing details that will convince the reader that your idea is a good one. o
One paragraph that addresses reader concerns or objections (counterarguments) and shows how they can be dealt with. For example: • Conclusions: o Restate your thesis in a new way. o Make a call to action and ask for the reader’s help, if appropriate. • Have you used specific details to persuade? (Examples, statistics, quotations, expert opinions, or facts) • Have you answered objections that your audience might make? • Does the beginning capture the reader’s attention? • Does the ending contain a clear call to action? • Do you have an interesting title that hints at the topic and captures the reader’s attention? • Have you used a variety of sentence types? • Did you include transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas? . . Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Are your paragraphs indented? Is the verb tense consistent? Are all names spelled correctly and capitalized? Have you avoided writing run-on sentences and sentence fragments? Look for careless spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors, especially omitted words or letters. Paper should be 2-3 pages in length (no less than 2, no more than 3) Times New Roman 12 Point Font Double Spaced (do not add additional spaces between paragraphs) 1 Inch Margins Title Paper (no cover or title page needed) Stapled upper left hand corner Reference/Work Cited Page (minimum 3 sources) Upper right Corner ( Allo8gned to the Left) Follow the directions to the best way possible.