Argumentative Essay

Imagine that you are writing an argumentative essay addressing the controversial question “Should home-schooled students be allowed to play on public school athletic teams?” You have investigated the topic and have noted the variety of opinions listed here. Arrange the statements into two lists: A “Pro” list (those statements that argue for allowing home schoolers to play) and a “Con” list (those statements that are against allowing home schoolers to play). Cross off any inappropriate or illogical statements you find; combine any opinions that overlap.

1. Parents of home schoolers pay same taxes as public school parents

2. Public school kids must meet grade requirements to be eligible

3. School rules prohibit nonenrolled youth on campus

4. Home schoolers shouldn’t get benefits of a school they’ve rejected

5. Public school kids are bad influences on home schoolers

6. Home schoolers need the social interaction

7. Public school teams can always use more good athletes

8. More students will overburden athletic facilities

9. Home schoolers miss their public-school friends, and vice versa

10. Ten states allow home schoolers to play on teams

11. Home schoolers will displace public school students on teams

12. Public school students have to meet attendance rules to be eligible

13. Athletic competition is good for everybody

14. Home schoolers often have controversial political beliefs that will cause fights

15. Team members need to share the same community on a daily basis

16. Home schoolers aren’t as invested in school pride

Essay Topic

Students who do poorly in their academic courses should/should not be allowed to participate in athletic programs.

1. What is the subject of your argumentative essay? Write a rough statement of your opinion on this subject.

2. Why are you interested in this topic? Is it important to your personal, civic, or professional life? State at least one reason for your choice of topic.

3. Is this a significant topic of interest to others? Why? Is there a particular audience you would like to address?

4. At this point, can you list at least two reasons that support your opinion of your topic?

5. Who opposes your opinion? Can you state clearly at least one of your opposition’s major criticisms of your position?

6. What difficulties, if any, might arise during drafting? For example, might you need to collect any additional evidence through reading, research, or interviewing to support your points or to refute your opposition?