Writing the Argument Essay
Introduction
1. Hook
2. Background Information
3. Set purpose, address prompt
4. Claim
Introduction Edit:
1. Does my hook (first sentence(s)) grab my reader’s
attention?
2. Does my reader know the purpose of my essay after
reading it?
3. Did I include any background information (definitions or
details about my topic) that my reader needs to know?
4. Is my claim stated clearly? (who, what, where)
5. Is my word choice precise and strong? Did I take out
weak words and replace them with strong words?
6. Did I use a quote, paraphrase, or textual evidence?
Hook Examples:
There are times when a city suffers a disaster
so enormous that it never recovers.
Is the strutting sage grouse, a bird of the
Western plains, an endangered species?
In hunts approved by the Canadian
government, white-furred baby seals only 12
days old are fair game for hunters who club
them to death.
Body Paragraph
1. Transition sentence that ties your
first paragraph in to your claim of this
paragraph.
2. Use reference to counter claim but
using word choice, make it sound
weaker than your claim/point If you
are not writing body paragraph 3 as a
counter claim paragraph.
Body Paragraph Edit:
1. Does your first sentence flow with your
last paragraph?
2. Is your punctuation correct?
3. Did you effectively develop your claim?
4. Did you use evidence to prove that your
claim is true?
5. Is there logic for your argument?
6. Did you include a counter claim? If so,
does it sound weaker than your essay’s
claim?
Counter Claim
~ Two Choices ~
1. Touch on counter claim lightly
two or three times throughout
essay– make a reference to it
2. Use paragraph 3 to talk about
the counter claim but do not make
it sound stronger than your claim
and evidence
Counter Claim throughout the essay: (You do not have to acknowledge
the counter claim in every paragraph; but you must at least twice
throughout the entire essay)
I. Introduction
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Claim – evidence, logical reasoning
Development
B. Acknowledge counter claim
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Claim – evidence, logical reasoning
Development
B. Acknowledge counter claim
IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Claim – evidence, logical reasoning
Development
B. Acknowledge counter claim
V. Conclusion
Development Ideas
1. Use logical reasoning (like we did
with the image CEC paragraphs)
2. Use a textual reference to a book or
story from elsewhere, tie it to your
personal life, fully develop the idea
using details and an example,
paraphrase from the passage
3. Use cause and effect, examples
Conclusion Ideas
1. Use logical reasoning to tie together
all your points that you made.
2. Tie the evidence into a commentary
that explains how that evidence
proves your claim to be true.
3. Leave your reader with your
argument written as a strong
summary statement.
DON’T Forgets!!!
1. Transitional words
2. Paragraphs should flow together –
check transition sentences
3. Check word choice – strengthen
using better vocabulary
4. Reread prompt – make sure you
have answered the prompt
5. Check your quotes for correct citing