The Argumentative Essay

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The Argumentative Essay

• Everything you need to know to write one!
• A PowerPoint Presentation by Cara Gratton

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Step One

• Choose a controversial topic that interests you.

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Step Two

• Do some reading on the topic. Here is a website
  that might help you
• www.gc.maricopa.edu/English/topicarg.html

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Step Three

• Write a thesis statement.
• You may want to use one of the thesis statements
  provided at www.gc.maricopa.edu/English/topicarg.
  html

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Step Four

• Choose three ideas to support your argument.

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Step Five

• Consider the opposing arguments. If you were
  arguing with your friends, how would they try to
  prove you were wrong?

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Step Six

• Organize your ideas into an outline.
• Paragraph 1 Introduction includes thesis
  statement and supporting ideas
• Paragraph 2 Opposing argument and your
  refutation
• Paragraph 3 Opposing argument and your
  refutation
• Paragraph 4 Your strongest supporting argument
• Paragraph 5 Conclusion includes restatement of
  thesis and supporting ideas. Make a prediction, a
  recommendation, or a summary.

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Step 7

• Follow your outline and write the essay.
• Be sure to edit your writing for grammar,
  spelling, and word choice errors.
• Good Luck!