The Odyssey

Argumentative
Essay
Eng. 9A

Purpose of an
Argumentative Essay
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that
requires the student to investigate a topic; collect,
generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a
position on the topic in a concise manner.

Prompt
Take a stand on whether or not
Odysseus fulfills the requirements of an
Epic Hero:
Is Odysseus a hero? Why or why
not?

TAKE A STAND!

Constructing a Claim
It is an arguable statement
It is a complete sentence that expresses your
position/opinion on a given topic

It narrows down your topic to a specific, single focus

of investigation

It establishes a direction for your entire essay

It does NOT include any personal pronouns

Statement of Order
The road map of your essay

Claim __1st paragraph topic__, __2nd paragraph

topic__, and __3rd paragraph topic__.

In Homers The Odyssey, Odysseus is a hero because

he is intelligent, brave, and courageous.

Although traditionally known as an Epic Hero,

Odysseus is not heroic because he is lazy, boastful,
and cowardly.

Introductory Paragraphs
Hook

Quote
Shocking statement
Anecdote
NO QUESTIONS!

Give short and concise background on the

characteristics of an Epic Hero and The Odyssey
(critical context)

Include the title and the author of the text

State your claim and statement of order

Topic Sentences
Every paragraph should include a topic
sentence that identifies the main idea of the
paragraph.

Citing Textual Evidence

Sandwich Analogy
Claim- Odysseus is
brave when he goes
into The Underworld
(top bun)
Quotation/Specific
Example that backs up
your claim (the meat)
Analysis (bottom bun)

Integrating Quotes
Odysseus explains, _____________

Odysseus proclaims, _____________

Odysseus laments, _____________
Odysseus says, _____________
Homer tells, _____________
Homer explains, _____________

Types of Evidence
Quotations must be identical to the original, using a narrow
segment of the source. They must match the source document
word for word and must be attributed to the original author.

Paraphrasing involves putting a passage from source material

into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the
original source. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the
original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the
source and condensing it slightly.

Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own

words, including only the main point(s). Once again, it is
necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source.
Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a
broad overview of the source material.

Transitional Sentences
Transitions should
wrap up the idea from
the previous section
and introduce the idea
that is to follow in the
next section.

moreover
as well as
together with
of course
likewise
comparatively
correspondingly
similarly

furthermore
additionally

Rebuttal Paragraph
The rebuttal paragraph shows your readers that youre being

fair, that youve carefully thought about both sides of a debate

before making up your mind.

Introduce the Opposing Argument

One could say...
One may argue that...

Acknowledge parts of the opposition that are valid (briefly)

Counter the Argument
Nevertheless,
However,

Give strong evidence to support your counterargument

Rebuttal needs to be strong and convincing to show your claim is
superior

Conclusion
Restate why the topic is important

Review the main points of your essay

Restate your claim
End with:
Include a brief summary of the paper's main points
Use a quotation
Evoke a vivid image
Call for some sort of action
End with a warning
Universalize (compare to other situations)
Suggest results or consequences

MLA Formatting
Title
Creative
Relevant
It should NOT be The Odyssey Argumentative Essay

Citation (Author Line-Line)

THERE IS NO COMMA

Proper MLA Heading

Name
Instructors Name (Ms. Dombrow)
Class (Eng. 9A)
Date