The Argumentative Research Essay

Monroe’s Motivated Sequence Template

Specific Purpose: To persuade my audience that …

Central Idea:

Title of the Essay

Introduction

I. Attention-getter:

II. Central Idea: should be the same one that is at the top of the page.

III. Establish your credibility and good-will:

IV. Preview your main points:

(Transition)

Body

I. Main Point – Establish the need or problem . The main point sentence should be a complete, declarative sentence.

a. Supporting Point: Present evidence.

b. Supporting Point: Make sure you have sound reasoning.

i. Sub-Supporting Point: Each point needs to have at least one source.

ii. Sub-Supporting Point:

(Transition)

II. Main Point – Present a solution to the need or the problem. The main point sentence should be a complete, declarative sentence.

a. Supporting Point: Describe in detail how your solution would fix the problem.

i. Sub-Supporting Point:

ii. Sub-Supporting Point: Make sure you have solid evidence!

b. Supporting Point: This point should be the most important part of your speech.

c. Supporting Point: If needed.

(Transition)

III. Main Point – Help the audience visualize the impact of the solution.

a. Supporting Point: Tell the benefits of the solution.

b. Supporting Point: Paint a picture for the audience.

i. Sub-Supporting Point: Make sure your reasoning is sound.

ii. Sub-Supporting Point:

(Transition)

Conclusion

I. Restate the main points:

II. Restate your central idea:

III. Call your audience to action: This can be either to change their thinking or to physically do something.

IV. Endnote: Don’t fizzle out! Close with a bang!

Works Cited

You need to have 5 sources for this essay, but make sure you cite all of your sources if you use more. Cite all pictures, quotes, graphs, etc.