Old Redford Academy
Preparatory High School
Summer Reading & Assignment
For students entering 9th Grade in Fall
Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
Reading Options (Choose One)
Metamorphoses by Ovid
The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak
The Nose by Nikolai Gogol
For students entering 10th Grade in Fall
Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
Reading Options (Choose One)
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
The Killer Angels by Michael
Shaara
th
For students entering 11 Grade in Fall
Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
Reading Options (Choose One)
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
As I Lay Dying by William
Faulkner
th
For students entering 12 Grade in Fall
Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
Reading Options (Choose One)
The Namesake by Lahiri Jhumpa
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman
Melville
The Cask of Amontillado by
Edgar Allan Poe
Summer Reading Assignment
Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
Directions:
1. While reading the texts that you have been assigned, record any notes that will assist you when
constructing your argumentative essay which you will construct in class during the first week of school.
2. One of the graphic organizers must be completed according to the writing prompt that was assigned to
your grade level. Bring the completed graphic organizer to class on the 1st day of school.
Writing Prompts:
9th Grade Composition and Literature:
In both The Color of Water and The Secret Life of Bees, it has been asserted that family plays a pivotal role in
shaping character. Defend or challenge this assertion. Be sure to include in-text citations (words, phrases, or
long quotes from the books). Be sure to cite properly, using MLA format. Avoid mere plot summary.
10th- 12th Grade Composition and Literature:
Using evidence and logical reasoning, defend or challenge a key point that the author makes in the text(s). Be
sure to include in-text citations (words, phrases, or short quotes) from the texts. Be sure to cite properly, using
MLA format. Avoid mere plot summary.
Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
Option #1
Order your points under either A (arguments in favor) or B (arguments against) giving reasons and
evidence in the right-hand column.
Write your Arguments in favor (A).
Write your Arguments against (B).
A. Arguments in favor:
A.
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B. Arguments against:
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Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer
Option #2
Directions: Use this graphic organizer to help organize or outline your ideas for your argumentative essay.
Outlining ideas is a critical component to the writing process.
Classic Model for an Argument
No one structure fits all written arguments. However, most college courses require arguments that
consist of the following elements. Below is a basic outline for an argumentative or persuasive essay.
This is only one possible outline or organization. Always refer to your handbook for specifics.
I. Introductory Paragraph
Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing
for.
This introduction should end with a thesis statement that provides your claim (what you are
arguing for) and the reasons for your position on an issue.
A. Your thesis:
states what your position on an issue is
usually appears at the end of the introduction in a short essay
should be clearly stated and often contains emphatic language (should, ought, must)
B. Sample Argumentative Thesis
The production, sale, and possession of assault weapons for private citizens should
be banned in the U.S.
II. Body of your Argument
A. Background Information
This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information he or she needs to
understand your position. This could be part of the introduction, but may work as its
own section.
B. Reasons or Evidence to Support your Claim
All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the
heart of your essay. Generally, you begin with a general statement that you back up
with specific details or examples. Depending on how long your argument is, you will
need to devote one to two well-developed paragraphs to each reason/claim or type
of evidence.
Types of evidence include:
o First-hand examples and experiential knowledge on your topic (specific
examples help your readers connect to your topic in a way they cannot with
abstract ideas)
o Opinions from recognized authorities
o The tip sheet on the three logical appeals covers the types of evidence you
can use in argumentation.
1. Claim: Keeping assault weapons out of private citizens’ hands can lower the
increasing occurrences of barbaric public slayings
Evidence:
o Jul 93 Law firm murders
o Columbine School Shootings
o University of Virginia incident
o How did these individuals gain access to weapons?
2. Claim: The ban on assault weapons is backed heavily by public opinion, major
organizations, and even law enforcement.
Evidence:
o 12% favor ban (Much 92 Timetable News)
o Organizational endorsements
o Nat'l Sherriff's Assoc./lntn'l Assoc. of Police Chiefs
3. Claim: The monetary and human costs incurred by crimes committed with assault
weapons are too great to ignore.
Evidence:
o 10,561 murders in 1990 by handguns
o Study of 131 injured patients’ medical expenses paid by public
funds
III. Addressing the Opposite Side
Any well-written argument must anticipate and address positions in opposition to the one being
argued.
Pointing out what your opposition is likely to say in response to your argument shows that you
have thought critically about your topic. Addressing the opposite side actually makes your
argument stronger!
Generally, this takes the form of a paragraph that can be placed either after the introduction or
before the conclusion.
A. 1st Opposing View: Strict gun control laws won't affect crime rate
o Refutation: Low murder rate in Britain, Australia (etc., where strict controls are in force.
B. 2nd Opposing View: Outlaws would still own guns
o Refutation: Any effort to move trend in opposite direction would benefit future generations
IV. Conclusion
The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical end. It should explain what the
importance of your issue is in a larger context. Your conclusion should also reiterate why your topic
is worth caring about.
Some arguments propose solutions or make prediction on the future of the topic.
Show your reader what would happen if your argument is or is not believed or acted upon as you
believe it should be.
Adapted from:
Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers. Ed. Lynn Quitman Troyka, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002.
The Writer’s Workplace. Ed. Sandra Scarry and John Scarry. 6th ed. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2008.
Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay
While some consider persuasive papers and argument papers to be basically the same thing, it’s usually safe to
assume that an argument paper presents a stronger claim—possibly to a more resistant audience.
For example: while a persuasive paper might claim that cities need to adopt recycling programs, an argument
paper on the same topic might be addressed to a particular town. The argument paper would go further,
suggesting specific ways that a recycling program should be adopted and utilized in that particular area.
To write an argument essay, you’ll need to gather evidence and present a well-reasoned argument on a
debatable issue.
How can I tell if my topic is debatable? Check your thesis! You cannot argue a statement of fact; you must
base your paper on a strong position. Ask yourself…
How many people could argue against my position? What would they say?
Can it be addressed with a yes or no? (aim for a topic that requires more info.)
Can I base my argument on scholarly evidence, or am I relying on religion, cultural standards, or
morality? (you MUST be able to do quality research!)
Have I made my argument specific enough?
Worried about taking a firm stance on an issue?
Though there are plenty of times in your life when it’s best to adopt a balanced perspective and try to
understand both sides of a debate, this isn’t one of them.
You MUST choose one side or the other when you write an argument paper!
Don’t be afraid to tell others exactly how you think things should go because that’s what we expect from an
argument paper. You’re in charge now, what do YOU think?
Do…
Don’t…
…use passionate language
…use weak qualifiers like “I believe,” “I feel,” or “I think”—
just tell us!
…cite experts who agree with you
…claim to be an expert if you’re not one
…provide facts, evidence, and statistics to
support your position
…use strictly moral or religious claims as support for your
argument
…provide reasons to support your claim
…assume the audience will agree with you about any aspect
of your argument
…address the opposing side’s argument and
refute their claims
…attempt to make others look bad (i.e. Mr. Smith is
ignorant—don’t listen to him!)
Why do I need to address the opposing side’s argument?
There is an old kung-fu saying which states, "The hand that strikes also blocks", meaning that when you argue it
is to your advantage to anticipate your opposition and strike down their arguments within the body of your own
paper. This sentiment is echoed in the popular saying, "The best defense is a good offense".
By addressing the opposition you achieve the following goals:
illustrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic
demonstrate a lack of bias
enhance the level of trust that the reader has for both you and your opinion
give yourself the opportunity to refute any arguments the opposition may have
strengthen your argument by diminishing your opposition's argument
Think about yourself as a child, asking your parents for permission to do something that they would normally
say no to. You were far more likely to get them to say yes if you anticipated and addressed all of their concerns
before they expressed them. You did not want to belittle those concerns, or make them feel dumb, because this
only put them on the defensive, and lead to a conclusion that went against your wishes.
The same is true in your writing.
How do I accomplish this?
To address the other side of the argument you plan to make, you'll need to "put yourself in their shoes." In other
words, you need to try to understand where they're coming from. If you're having trouble accomplishing this
task, try following these steps:
1. Jot down several good reasons why you support that particular side of the argument.
2. Look at the reasons you provided and try to argue with yourself. Ask: Why would someone disagree
with each of these points? What would his/her response be? (Sometimes it's helpful to imagine that
you're having a verbal argument with someone who disagrees with you.)
3. Think carefully about your audience; try to understand their background, their strongest influences, and
the way that their minds work. Ask: What parts of this issue will concern my opposing audience the
most?
4. Find the necessary facts, evidence, quotes from experts, etc. to refute the points that your opposition
might make.
5. Carefully organize your paper so that it moves smoothly from defending your own points to sections
where you argue against the opposition.