Background Information: |
As we have discussed in class, the format we will be using in our persuasive/ argumentative writing is that of the five paragraph essay. In a nutshell, this is what your document should look like when almost complete.
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1. The Introduction:
The introduction consists of the lead (or hook), background information introducing the topic, and the thesis. Each is important in its own right. The hook should interest the reader, the background information will familiarize the audience with pertinent information regarding the writer's topic, and the thesis lays out the proposed argument - or map - of the upcoming essay.
Lead (or hook): Thoroughly review each of these websites for assistance on leads.Background Information: After the lead catches the audience's attention, writers need to give background information that then leads into the thesis. Good writing should provide background information, briefly explain the issue and complexity of the issue, and narrow the information towards the thesis.
The Thesis: The Thesis is the roadmap to your argument. To learn how to draft a solid thesis statement, complete the study guide as you view the Thesis PPT.
Lead (or hook): Thoroughly review each of these websites for assistance on leads.Background Information: After the lead catches the audience's attention, writers need to give background information that then leads into the thesis. Good writing should provide background information, briefly explain the issue and complexity of the issue, and narrow the information towards the thesis.
The Thesis: The Thesis is the roadmap to your argument. To learn how to draft a solid thesis statement, complete the study guide as you view the Thesis PPT.
1-thesis_statement_-_sg.docx | |
File Size: | 151 kb |
File Type: | docx |
When you have completed the slide show and study guide, view this video below to confirm any points on which you are still unsure.
REMEMBER: NEVER include any of the following in the Introductory Paragraph...
- first person point of view (I, me, my....);
- a statement of what you intend to do within the essay ("In this essay I will...);
- a detailed account of the essay; or
- random information that has nothing to do with the essay.
Sample Introduction Paragraph
(Hook) Have you ever received a reward for a “good” report card? How about a pizza party for good attendance? At the time, you may think these things are pretty cool, but, in the long run, was it the rewards what made you accomplish these goals? (Background Information)Every day students are rewarded whether it's by their teachers, their parents, or their principals. Rewards can be anything from candy to a pat on the back to a pencil. Some teams even have pizza parties and movie days. Unfortunately these extrinsic rewards do not intrinsically motivate students (Kohn). These might be big words, but they are very simple. Extrinsic rewards are tangible. Intrinsic rewards come from within. Experts say that intrinsic rewards are more effective in aiding student learning. Middle school students should learn to value their education without the promise of a treat. (Thesis Statement) Students shouldn’t be rewarded for doing their work because rewards cause their focus on the task to actually decrease, in the real world they will not receive rewards for simply doing what they should, and they will skip important steps simply to finish the task to get rewards.
(Hook) Have you ever received a reward for a “good” report card? How about a pizza party for good attendance? At the time, you may think these things are pretty cool, but, in the long run, was it the rewards what made you accomplish these goals? (Background Information)Every day students are rewarded whether it's by their teachers, their parents, or their principals. Rewards can be anything from candy to a pat on the back to a pencil. Some teams even have pizza parties and movie days. Unfortunately these extrinsic rewards do not intrinsically motivate students (Kohn). These might be big words, but they are very simple. Extrinsic rewards are tangible. Intrinsic rewards come from within. Experts say that intrinsic rewards are more effective in aiding student learning. Middle school students should learn to value their education without the promise of a treat. (Thesis Statement) Students shouldn’t be rewarded for doing their work because rewards cause their focus on the task to actually decrease, in the real world they will not receive rewards for simply doing what they should, and they will skip important steps simply to finish the task to get rewards.
2. Body Paragraphs 1-2-3
Each body paragraph will follow the same basic structure:
1. Topic Sentence - Drawn from the "supports" in the thesis;
2. Supporting Information that includes:
Remember, all body paragraphs should demonstrate the following:
1. Topic Sentence - Drawn from the "supports" in the thesis;
2. Supporting Information that includes:
- Evidence supporting the paragraph's topic sentence; and
- An explanation of how that evidence supports your topic sentence and, ultimately, your thesis.
- that should transition to the next paragraph.
Remember, all body paragraphs should demonstrate the following:
- Topic Sentence with Paragraph Unity;
- Strong Elaboration consisting of facts, statistics, anecdotes, imagery, etc.; and
- Paragraph Coherence.
3. The Counterclaim
There is one exception to the above body paragraph structure, however, and that is the Counterclaim.
When you are writing an argumentative essay, writers must acknowledge the opposing argument. This is accomplished through the body paragraph containing the counterclaim. This body paragraph is particularly important as it gives the presented argument the appearance of fairness. It establishes ethos as it gives the writer credibility. The reader is already aware that there is more than one side to your argument. Acknowledging that counterargument makes your argument stronger.
The refutation paragraph can be either the first or third body paragraph. The typical structure of this body paragraph is:
When you are writing an argumentative essay, writers must acknowledge the opposing argument. This is accomplished through the body paragraph containing the counterclaim. This body paragraph is particularly important as it gives the presented argument the appearance of fairness. It establishes ethos as it gives the writer credibility. The reader is already aware that there is more than one side to your argument. Acknowledging that counterargument makes your argument stronger.
The refutation paragraph can be either the first or third body paragraph. The typical structure of this body paragraph is:
1. Introduction of the opposing argument
Summarize the opposing viewpoint honestly.
Good beginnings include:
Good beginnings include:
- But______________ is not completely inaccurate;
- It is often argued that...;
- It is true that...; and
- Opposing views claim...
2. Acknowledge that the argument is valid.
Acknowledge that some of the opposition's views may be valid. Building on that, the writer then will show that his or her own claims are stronger.
Good beginnings include:
Good beginnings include:
- Admittedly;
- Certainly,;
- Of course,;
- One cannot deny that...; and
- At the same time...
3. Counter the argument
This is also known as the rebuttal. Shows that the opposition's claim is either incorrect or not important. It is also where a writer can use one of the pieces of supporting evidence from his or her own thesis to refute the opposition's views.
Good beginnings include:
Good beginnings include:
- Nevertheless;
- However;
- On the other hand; and
- But.
4. Conclude the paragraph.
Summarize why the opposition's argument is not a sufficient solution. Again, use your thesis point to help refute.
Good beginnings include:
Good beginnings include:
- Thus,
- Therefore,
- As a result,
- Simply restate your original position.
View these videos to get more ideas on how to construct the counterclaim to your argument.
Sample Counterclaim
Extrinsic Rewards
(Topic Sentence & Introduction to Counterclaim) Worldwide, teachers and parents are rewarding their children for grades and schoolwork, but these rewards are not effective motivation. They give rewards including many things like iPads, video games, extra recess, and even cars (Makel). (Acknowledge Counterclaim is valid) This has been a time-honored tradition. (Counter the argument and offer evidence to support your Reason) Unfortunately, rewards only work as a motivator for a short time. They do not benefit students in the long run (Linson). This is because, unfortunately, with rewards, you are not necessarily focused on what’s going on. Rather, you are focused on the reward you wish to receive. Furthermore, rewards should be meaningful. If rewards are used, it should be only for a true achievement, not for something like showing up for school or simply taking a test (“Cash for Good”). If students are rewarded for all behaviors, what happens when they become tired of the reward? Not only do they begin to expect rewards for behaviors that should be considered part of their “job,” but it dampens the perspective of the true objective because they are too concerned about the reward (Grill). (Conclude the Paragraph) Rather than rewards, students need praise.
4. Conclusion
A strong conclusion is a writer's final chance to convince their audience of his or her argument. A strong conclusion includes all of the following:
Jot down a few notes as you view the following video:
- Restates the Thesis - in a new way;
- Briefly reviews the main points of the presented argument;
- Call to some sort of action on the part of the reader; and
- Leaves the reader thinking.
Jot down a few notes as you view the following video:
Sample Conclusion Paragraph
(Restatement of Thesis) People believe that rewards and extras are incentives to help improve student performance on a certain task. While it seems logical that rewards would motivate students to work harder, they actually don’t. Students become too focused on the prize rather than the achievement or behavior. (Restatement of Evidence) Extrinsic rewards should only be given to students who show true achievement, going over and beyond expectations. These type of rewards should not be used to reward day to day compliance. Intrinsic rewards truly help students develop appropriate work ethic, and self esteem. Intrinsic rewards promote true learning and are more in line with real world experiences and expectations. (Call to Action)To help students achieve their goals, praise them with words, not rewards. (Lasting Impression) Their reward is their successful future in the real world.
5. MLA Formatting including: Works Cited, Internal Citations, and Document
This is a sample piece of argumentative writing. Review the document and use it as a guide. Note the following basics:
- 1 inch margins - Left, Right, Top, and Bottom
- Readable Font - No Larger than 12
- Double Spaced
- Heading on First Page
- Title - 14 or 16 Font, Bold
- Works Cited on separate page at end
- Hanging indent
- Double Spaced
Much of the material in this webpage has been "borrowed" and adapted from <http://www.mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/intropgph.html>. Materials may be quoted, paraphrased or summarized as this author sees fit.