ESSAY

Title: Include a title that captures your reader's attention and previews the subject of your essay. (It should be centered, and the font size and type should be the same as all the other words on the page.)

I. Introduction (1 paragraph, about 200-250 words) TSIS CH. 1: The primary purpose of an introduction is to engage your reader's interest and prepare the reader for your thesis statement.

· Start with what “they say.” What is the conversation about higher education today? What are the essential points brought up by the writers we’ve read, your peers in class, and society in general about the purpose of higher education?

· Transition into what you have to say. Let the reader know that you will be entering into this conversation and responding to the big ideas you’ve brought up in the introduction.

II. Thesis Statement (1-2 sentences, at the end of the introduction): The thesis sums up your contribution to the conversation. It states your main point and previews your evidence in support of that point. Your thesis might be phrased as a response to one of these two questions: 1) What motivates individuals to attend college? In other words, what purpose does it serve for those who attend? 2) Why does our society place such an emphasis on higher education? In other words, what is the purpose of requiring people to earn a college degree in order to fully participate in the economy?

· Be arguable—that is, make a point that's interesting enough that you could have a debate about it.

· The thesis for this essay should take the form of a persuasive and compelling claim about the purpose of higher education.

· Preview your evidence. After your readers read your thesis, they should have a crystal-clear idea of what they're going to encounter in the rest of the essay.

III. Proof (2-3 paragraphs, about 500-750 words): The proof is the most important and longest part of your argument. It supports your thesis with evidence and analysis.

· Each poof paragraph should start with a claim that supports your thesis. The rest of the paragraph proves that claim.

· Generally speaking, the strongest, most compelling evidence should come last so that it will be freshest in the reader’s mind.

· P.I.E. paragraphs are highly recommended.

· Each body paragraph should incorporate some form of evidence: quotes from the text, quotes from your interview, references to your own experiences, or references to ideas brought up in class discussion.

IV. Refutation (1-2 paragraphs, about 250-500 words) TSIS Ch. 6: In order to be persuaded by your argument, your reader needs to know that you have fully thought through positions that might oppose your own. This section is where you show the reader you have.

· Begin by providing a thorough and accurate description of the view that contradicts your thesis.

· Then, using the refutation strategies we practiced in class, show why that opposing view is dangerous, wrong, or less important than your own position.

V. Conclusion (1 paragraph, about 200-250 words): Your conclusion may briefly review your main points for the reader. More importantly, it should discuss the significance of your argument.

· What can we learn from your argument? What of significance can we all take away from what you’ve written?

· How might your argument change how we think about higher education in our own lives?

· This is also your last chance to urge readers to adopt your position. Emotional appeals—appeals to the reader’s compassion, anger, etc.—may be useful.