essay

Final In-Class Essay

For your final in-class essay, you will be giving and supporting your opinion on an issue that is important to our campus community. You will write the essay as a letter, but it should be written in an argument essay format. Probably the simplest and clearest way to do that is to organize your essay as outlined below.

Introduction/First Paragraph:

State your thesis - your position on the issue – and give any background or context necessary to understand the issue. You may want to explain who you are and why the topic is important to you.

Body/Second, Third and Fourth Paragraphs:

The next three paragraphs support your point of view or position. Each paragraph talks about a different reason or example that supports your position.

Opposing View/Fifth Paragraph:

The fifth paragraph has something that only argument or persuasive essays have: the opposing view. In this paragraph, show that you understand not everyone agrees with you. State what the opposition thinks and why you think they are wrong. You can also concede that the opposition has a valid point, but you should respond by showing why your points out weigh theirs.

Conclusion/Sixth Paragraph:

The sixth paragraph goes back to your thesis, your position on the issue. Restate your opinion and emphasize the importance of the issue and your position. You don’t need to repeat your supporting reasons, but you can emphasize what needs to be done to solve the problem.