Argument Essay
Writing
Body Paragraph Tips
Rebuttal Paragraph
Conclusion
Body Paragraphs
• The first sentence (topic sentence) of each body
paragraph should connect back to your original assertion
while giving each paragraph a new point of support.
• Make sure your evidence pertains to your argument, and
then explain how your example pertains to your
argument.
• Explain why the example/evidence is important (the “So
what?” factor).
• Use varied evidence, but do not use evidence unless it
directly correlates with your argument. Avoid making
strained connections!
Body Paragraph Tips
• Use varied and specific evidence.
(Use evidence from different brainstorming
categories.)
• Start with your second strongest piece of
evidence.
• Put your weakest example/evidence in the
middle.
• End your essay with your strongest point.
Anthony Prompt
“Cautious, careful people, always casting
about to preserve their reputation and social
standing, never can bring about a reform.
Those who are really in earnest must be
willing to be anything or nothing in the
world's estimation, and publicly and privately,
in season and out, avow their sympathy with
despised and persecuted ideas and their
advocates, and bear the consequences.”
-- Susan B. Anthony
One instance in which a person who was not
concerned about being popular and caused a reform
and change in the world was Abraham Lincoln. His
intent was clear from the beginning because he
made it apparent that he did not care about his
social standing. Once Lincoln was elected president,
his willingness to fight for the equality of all was so
evident that his election caused the succession of
South Carolina from the union, ultimately leading to
the succession of most of the southern states.
Lincoln knew he would be persecuted because of his
beliefs but was willing to fight for the equality for
slaves. Lincoln brought about reform because he
stood strong and did not worry about pleasing all of
the states.
Rebuttal Paragraph
• The rebuttal paragraph addresses
the counter argument from the
two-part thesis in the introduction
(the although… or despite… part).
• Important: The counter argument
you acknowledge in your two-part
thesis needs to appear in your
rebuttal paragraph.
• Provide a specific evidence of your
counter argument from the Big 7.
Rebuttal Continued
• Qualify (90/10): Refute the counter
argument and explain why your
argument is still sound even though
there is an exception.
• THIS PARAGRAPH SHOULD BE
COMPOSED OF 1/3 COUNTER
ARGUMENT AND 2/3 REBUTTAL.
Rebuttal for TV Prompt
People are encouraged to watch life rather than
experience it at a young age. Educational children’s shows,
such as Dora the Explorer, Sesame Street, and others, teach
kids the fundamentals for education, as well as character
development. While these shows are entertaining ways for
kids to learn, they deprive children of experiencing learning
in realistic settings, ultimately keeping them from growing
in a natural way. One episode of such children’s program
focused on the metamorphosis of a butterfly. Is watching a
cartoon butterfly come out of a two-dimensional cocoon
really an acceptable replacement for being able to touch
the old chrysalis of the caterpillar and feel the butterfly’s
feet on your skin? As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and
I’ll forget. Show me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll
learn.” TV takes the involvement out of education and thus
takes the natural growth out of life for children.
Conclusion
• Your conclusion should tell us why
we should care about your paper.
• What is the significance of your
claim?
• Why is it important to you as the
writer or your audience?
• What information should your
audience take away from this?
*Does your audience need to take
action, change their viewpoint, or
simply agree with how you see things?