English essay

Steps for Completing

the Assignment:

1.

Begin by selec

ting a topic that is debatable

—

a topic that you are passionate about.

a.

How can I tell if my topic is debatable?

Check your position!

You cannot argue a

state

ment of fact; you must base your paper on a strong position.

2.

Compl

ete your planning sheet (Worth 1

5 points)

3.

Save your planning sheet in a Word file

or PDF

and upload the file to eCampus.

4.

Follow the structure below for your

Classical A

rgument.

Introduction

Attention

-

getting device

Introduction of the topic

Explanation of why this topic is significant

Description of the issue

–

both sides of the argument

Claim s

tatement

–

Establishes the position the writer takes

–

p. 314

Argumentative thesis

–

States reasons

why

you take your

position

Body

Reason #1

–

Each reason might include

2

-

3

paragr

aphs.

–

p. 314

Clearly state

the topic sentence and introduce the proof.

Use the ICE Method for citing source material.

Proof

–

evidence in the form of quotes, statistics, case studies, expert opinions

that support the reason and th

e thesis.

–

p. 317

Reason #2

–

Topic sentence

Repeat the topic sentence and introduce the proof.

Proof

–

evidence in the form of quotes, statistics, case studies, expert opinions that support

the reason and the thesis.

Opposing View

–

Topic sentence that introduces the

opposing view.

•

Summarize the opposing view

•

Explain the logical aspects of the opposing view

•

Explain the weak aspects of the opposing view

Reason #3

–

Topic sentence states the most important reason in the essay. (It

should be the

longest section.)

Repeat the topic sentence and introduce the proof.

Proof

–

evidence in the form of quotes, statistics, case studies, expert opinions that

support the reason and the thesis.

Conclusion

–

Topic sentence

should refer back to the attention

-

getting device.

Establish a final point tha

t proceeds from your discussion, or predict what

will happen if your position is not considered.

Include

a final “memorable” statement.