Argument Writing

Essay #3

Prewriting
Claim- Statement that the author is trying to prove
Example: Cell phones should not be allowed in the classroom.
Pick whichever side has the most convincing information
Make sure there is evidence for each argument
Make sure you have information for the opposite side of the argument (your counterclaim) and a
reason to back it up (your rebuttal)

Introduction
Key elements in the introduction paragraph:
Interest catcher/ Hook
Background Information
State the Claim
Preview Reason A
Preview Reason B
Preview Counterclaim/Rebuttal

Is this a good interest catcher?

Do you think students should have to wear uniforms?

Interest Catcher- School Uniforms

Question: How would you feel if you looked exactly the same as the person sitting
next to you in class?
Anecdote: Before I go to bed every night, I always think about what I am going to
wear to school tomorrow. I stand in front of the closet and stare at all the jeans,
colorful shirts, and shoes, and wonder what I will select.
Quote: My mom always says, Always be what you want to be; be yourself.
Shocking Fact: Did you know that school uniform suppliers generate roughly $1
billion in sales each year?
Magic Three: Matching shirts, khaki pants, brown shoes, OH MY!
Imagine: Imagine spending money on something that you were told you could no

Body Paragraph 1
Transition Word
First, To begin, First of all
Evidence #1
Explanation of what the evidence proves
So What?
Evidence #2
Explanation of what the evidence proves
So What?- explain why the evidence matters and how it connects to your claim

Body Paragraph 2
Transition Word
Restate claim and reason B
Evidence #1
Explanation of Evidence#1
So What?
Evidence #2
Explanation of Evidence #2
So What?

Counterclaim/Rebuttal
Transition, Counterclaim, Reason opponent may give
Rebuttal-the reason that proves that opponents evidence is weak
Explanation of what your evidence proves/ Example that supports your evidence
Why your argument overrides their argument

Counterclaim:
My Claim: Students should not wear school uniforms

Opponents Claim: Students should wear school uniforms.

Opponents Reason : School uniforms improve discipline, self-esteem, and self-respect.

Counterclaim/ Rebuttal
Some may say that students should wear school uniforms because they improve
discipline, self-esteem, and self-respect. However, self-esteem and self-respect are still
being brought down by bullies. This shows that bullying still occurs whether students
wear school uniforms or not. According to education author, Nancy Bailey, Public
schools can still have dress codes without resorting to mandatory uniforms. There are
much better goals to address such as, safety and overall school climate. In other words,
schools should be paying more attention to bigger issues that impact the students
emotional needs, such as raising their self-esteem and making sure students are
comfortable in the classroom. Therefore, spending time coming up with ways to make
students feel safe and comfortable will have a positive impact on students.

Why it matters...
Proves that you did your research
Allows the reader to understand why your argument is stronger
By anticipating counterclaims to your own claim, you will be prepared for other
peoples criticisms
Proves that you acknowledged the other side, but you have evidence that is
stronger

Conclusion
Summary of claim
Arguments
Counterclaim
Rebuttal
Recommendation based on your claim/ strong closing sentence