Writing an Argumentative Essay
What is DRAPES and FRESQA, and how
can they help improve my writing?
What is a claim?
The main argument of your essay
Equivalent to a thesis statement
Chooses a side to argue—no “fence
sitters”
Evidence
The facts you use to defend your claim
The reader should be able to locate your
evidence within the article
It is the research you use to prove your
point
If you cannot find evidence for your claim,
rethink your claim!
Rebuttal/Counter-Argument
Think about the opposite opinion of your
claim. Why would someone argue against
your claim?
Think ahead about someone’s argument
against your claim. How could you prove
them wrong? How could you address
these arguments within your essay?
Sentence Starters and Transitions for
Rebuttals/Counter-Arguments
Despite…
Although..
Even though…
One might think…
(Rebuttal)…yet
(Rebuttal)…on the other hand
(Rebuttal)…but
Specific Details
Idea Development
D ialouge-A conversation (can be real or fiction).
R hetorical Question-A question that is asked to
make a point rather than to be answered.
A nalogy-A comparison without using like or as
(metaphor).
P ersonal Experience-Use a real-life experience to
prove a point.
E xample-Spell out a practical example that
displays your argument.
S tatistics- Percentages, numbers, and fractions
are a good argumentative strategy.
Specific Details
Idea Development
F acts- Use proven research to articulate a point.
R hetorical Question-A question that is asked to
make a point rather than to be answered.
E xample- Spell out a practical example that
displays your argument.
S tatistics-Percentages, numbers, and fractions
are a good argumentative strategy.
Q uote-Use someone who is an expert in that field
and find a quote they said or published.
A necdote-This is another way of saying a
personal experience. Is there a real-life story you
could share to prove your argument?
Using FRESQA…
**Now, let’s practice using FRESQA to
develop a paragraph…
Your principal is seeking a new math
teacher. In your opinion, what are some
important qualities of a good math
teacher?
Practice using a fact and rhetorical
question to write a paragraph that
discusses one of those qualities.
Let’s look at an example…
Using FRESQA…
Many students struggle with math, so
first of all, a good math teacher must be
patient. If a teacher doesn’t take time to
explain lessons so that students
understand, they could give up. In fact,
School Dayz Magazine recently reported
that students are more likely to drop out
of school because of frustrations with
math. You do want BMS students to be
successful and productive, right? Well, a
hiring a patient math teacher is vital to
Using FRESQA…
Your principal is seeking a new math
teacher. In your opinion, what are some
important qualities of a good math
teacher?
Practice using an example and a statistic to
write a paragraph that discusses another
important quality.
Let’s look at an example…
Using FRESQA…
Along with patience, it is essential that
math teachers are knowledgeable.
Students learn in different ways, and
teachers must know how to teach so that
everyone can understand. For example,
some students learn by memorizing songs,
using manipulates, or by just seeing
models. Even teachers in China have
acknowledged this, and that’s why 98% of
their students pass their math classes.
Please hire a math teacher who will teach
in a way that all students can learn.
Using FRESQA…
Your principal is seeking a new math
teacher. In your opinion, what are some
important qualities of a good math
teacher?
Practice using a quote and an anecdote to
write a paragraph that discusses one last
important quality.
Let’s look at an example…
Using FRESQA…
Finally, our new math teacher needs to be
enthusiastic. Let’s be honest, math is not
the most exciting subject, but with the
right teacher, it can be. I remember my 5th
grade math teacher who actually made
math pleasurable. In fact, I still have fond
memories of doing the “Decimal Dance”
and learning fractions with chocolate bars!
She would always say, “math should be
fun,” and she made it just that! I would be
just tickled if you hired a math teacher who
knows how to spice up this dull subject.