Argumentative Essays ICLON

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• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4,6

Argumentative Essays

Part 1: The structure of a good argumentative essay

Lesson goals

- I know what the structure of a good argumentative essay is.

- I can describe what makes an essay strong/weak, good/bad.

- I can provide feedback on argumentative essays.

Practice!

Look at the argumentative essay you have been given and try to come up with constructive feedback, so the author can correct their work. You have to work by yourself.

What did you pay attention to when you were providing feedback?

Argumentative Essay Elements

- Structure of the essay.

- Content

- Cohesion

- Persuasiveness

- Grammar

- Vocabulary / Register

Just to be clear: What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?

1. to compare and contrast two different or similar things.
2. to convince the reader by using logic and evidence
3. to answer a question through research of the relevant literature
4. to analyze a piece of literature from different angles

Argumentative Essay Structure

- Title
- Introduction
- Main argument 1
- Main argument 2
- Counterargument 1
- Conclusion

The Title

- Avoid boring titles (or having no title at all!):
          -> Repeating the statement or only stating the topic.
          -> "Guns are good." "Guns in the Netherlands." "Guns."
- Try to come up with an exciting / interesting/clever title 
          -> "The controlling nature of gun control laws."
          -> "Gun control laws are bulletproof."
  

Introduction - Match

Kids with black eyes. Kids crying themselves to sleep. Kids afraid to go to school these are just some of the things that happen when kids are bullied. 

Millions of kids are bullied every month. They are bullied every month. They are bullied physically and emotionally, and made fun of and intimidated in person, online over phones, and almost everywhere. Not enough is being done. 

Bullying should be punished by a fine or jail time because it is too prevalent, it leaves long-lasting emotional and academic scars, and it can lead to suicide. In addition, fines and jail time will prevent further bullying. 

Hook

Background info

Thesis statement

The Introduction 

• Hook =  a catchy sentence or paragraph in the introduction which serves as an attention-grabbing element.
• Background information (if necessary)
• Thesis statement including the three arguments to be expanded on. 

Suggestions on how to create a hook

• Start with an interesting fact
  
• Share an anecdote
  
• Write about a common misconception about your essay topic
  
• Start with a rhetorical question
  

Examples & Tips

https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/7-sensational-essay-hooks/

Why is (or isn't) this a good thesis statement:

Grades should be eliminated because they cause anxiety and put unnecessary pressure on students.

The Body

• Each paragraph is focused on one (counter)argument
• Structure for each paragraph:   

 - Introduction by means of a topic sentence (one 

sentence that shows what the main argument

is that you're going to make) 
- Sub-arguments, evidence, examples 

- Conclusion

How to structure your body paragraphs using the PEEL method? 

Point: start your sentence with a clear topic sentence that establishes what your paragraph is about. 

Evidence/ Example: here you should use a piece of evidence that helps to reaffirm your iniitial point and develop the argument. 

Explain: next you need to explain exactly how your evidence supports your point. 

Link: you need to link the point you have just made back to your thesis or the following paragraph using a linking word

Conclusion

• Thesis and arguments restated in a different, interesting manner. 
• Call to some sort of action or response. 
• Thought -provoking ending. 

Do not ...

...simply repeat your introduction or thesis.

...introduce any new or significant evidence or example for your main argument. 

Argumentative Essays

Part 2: (Actually) Writing an argumentative essay

Lesson goals

- I can write an argumentative essay.

- I know how to reflect on my own argumentative essay.

The last lesson was focused on the structure of an  argumentative essay. Today, it is time to start writing your own.

Practice

1.  Write an argumentative essay about the protection of endangered species.

2. Try to pay attention to all the previously discussed elements that can make your essay stronger.

3. Check your work using the self-evaluation rubric and hand in your work when you are done.

Argumentative Essays

Part 3: Giving feedback on argumentative essays

Lesson goals

- I can give feedback on an argumentative essay using rubrics.

- I can use feedback to correct my own work.

Last time, each of you wrote an argumentative essay on the protection of endangered species. Today, you will take a look at each other's essays and provide constructive feedback.

Practice

1.  Check your classmate's work using the peerreview rubric and provide constructive feedback.

2. When you are done, give your feedback to the author of the essay.

3. When you have received feedback on your argumentative essay, you can start correcting it.

4. Hand everything in when you're done.