Persuasive Argument Essay

10ELA – Levine

All paragraphs are between 4 to 10 sentences. Think of it this way: Your paper should be as long as it needs to be. Minimum of 5 paragraphs.

Introduction

  1. Hook or Attention Grabber: a quote, fact, or question -- Must be related to your topic.
  2. BOB the Thesis statement: Simply and clearly state your position on the issue.

(Hint: Put the Pro/Con side of your argument in this statement)(REWORD IT!)Make it into a 1-2 sentence complex idea.

  1. Explanation of the Thesis statement – without “giving it away” – clarify your point of view.
  2. Three arguments: Choose three arguments you can use to convince your reader of your position. Briefly state these arguments here in short phrases.

HOW DO WE GET THERE? Choose a quote/fact/stat and figure out what it means and how it supports your ideas. Break it down into adjectives or phrases. That is what your thesis should reflect.

Body #1

  1. List your first argument (the compelling and effective argument)
  2. Explain it – give details about your point of view
  3. Use a quote, statistic or fact
  4. Explain #3 and how it relates to your argument.
  5. Counter claim statement – 1 to 2 sentences.
  6. Rebuttal of counter claim and conclude your paragraph or transition to the next paragraph

Body #2

  1. List your second argument (most thought provoking argument)
  2. Explain it – give details about your point of view
  3. Use a quote, statistic or fact
  4. Explain #3 and how it relates to your argument.
  5. Counter claim statement – 1 to 2 sentences.
  6. Rebuttal of counter claim and conclude your paragraph or transition to the next paragraph

Body #3

  1. List your third argument (most swaying or convincing argument)
  2. Explain it – give details about your point of view
  3. Use a quote, statistic or fact
  4. Explain #3 and how it relates to your argument.
  5. Counter claim statement – 1 to 2 sentences.
  6. Rebuttal of counter claim and conclude your paragraph or transition to the next paragraph

If you want to do a separate Counter Claim separate paragraph -- OPTION

  1. Counter argument in 1-3 sentences
  2. Further explanation
  3. Option to put in a fact/quote/statistic/expert opinion
  4. Explain the quote
  5. Rebuttal – go back to why your argument is right and the counter argument is wrong.

***If you do a separate counter claim paragraph, you can skip #5 and #6 in the body paragraphs and go straight to a conclusion.

Conclusion

  1. Summarize—restate your thesis statement and three arguments in different words
  2. Make a closing statement. Tie your closing statement back to your opening hook.
  3. (Hint: REWORD your thesis, don’t just cut and paste)
  4. Final thoughts
  5. Button (tie it all together)

***MLA -- CITATION PAGE & PARENTHETICAL CITATIONS -- WORTH 25% OF YOUR GRADE.