The Argument Essay

Introduction
1. Introduce the issue or topic in a way that will capture the readers attention (quote, anecdote, fact, etc)
2. Provide a brief summary or overview of the issue. (Refer to the prompt for help.)
3. Thesis statement. Begin by acknowledging the counterargument (what those who disagree say).
Formula
Select a subordinate conjunction (although, while, even though, etc).
State the counterargument.
State your position on the argument.
Add the word because and attach your two reasons.
Example: Although some people advocate lowering the drinking age to eighteen, the legal
drinking age should remain twenty-one because people are not mature enough to handle
alcohol at the age of eighteen and the physical detriments of alcohol should be postponed
as long as possible in ones life.

First Body Paragraph
1. Transition (To begin with, First, The first reason, etc.)
2. Topic Sentence (your first reason)
3. Evidence #1 that supports your argument (detail, 1-2 sentences)
4. Evidence #2 that supports your argument (detail, 1-2 sentences)
5. Conclusion/transition into the next paragraph
It is evident/clear/obvious that (argument #1); furthermore (argument #2)
It is evident that people are not ready to handle the effects of alcohol; furthermore, since alcohol
is dangerous to ones health, it should be introduced as late as possible into ones life.

Second Body Paragraph
1. Transition (Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, A second reason, etc.)
2. Topic Sentence (your second reason)
3. Evidence #1 that supports your argument (detail, 1-2 sentences)
4. Evidence #2 that supports your argument (detail, 1-2 sentences)
5. Conclusion/transition into the next paragraph
It is evident/clear/obvious that (argument #2); however (counterargument)
It is clear that alcohol is dangerous to ones health; however, there are many who sanction the
lowering of the drinking age because eighteen is the age at which one becomes an adult and one
should be able to make all decisions for himself at that age.

Third Body Paragraph (Counterargument)
1. Transition (Even though, although, while, etc.)
2. Counterargument followed by refutation
While many believe that the drinking age should be lowered because one is legally an adult at
the age of eighteen and should be granted the permission to make adult decisions, this is a
flawed/weak/unstable argument.
3. Evidence #1 that refutes the counterargument (detail, 1-2 sentences)
4. Evidence #2 refutes the counterargument (detail, 1-2 sentences)

Conclusion
1. Transition (In conclusion, In summary, etc.)
2. Restatement of position. Use different wording rather than simply repeating your thesis verbatim.
3. Summary of reasons (2-3 sentences).
4. Clincher (possibly a call to action or something to leave your reader thinking about.)
The Argument Essay -- Plan

Introduction

Introduce the issue or topic



Provide a brief summary or overview of the issue



Thesis statement



First Body Paragraph

Transition:
First reason:



Evidence #1:



Evidence #2:



Conclusion/transition into the next paragraph:



Second Body Paragraph

Transition:
Second reason:



Evidence #1:



Evidence #2:



Conclusion/transition into the next paragraph:



Third Body Paragraph (Counterargument)

Transition:
Counterargument:



Evidence #1:



Evidence #2:




Conclusion

Transition:
Restatement of position:



Summary of reasons:




Clincher: