ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

Present a series of arguments either for or against an issue Are not subject to personal feelings, only solid evidence Use examples and evidence in a highly organized manner

Dag, yo! We should have taken the hovercraft

EXAMPLE TITLES:
Hovercrafts or Dirigibles: Choosing the Best Use of Air Scientific Arguments Against Homework in Junior High Schools

Example Content:
Though the 30km/hr average top speed of a hovercraft might seem impressive, it means very little when faced with impassible terrain. The average dirigible tops out at only 20km/h but continues this pace above cliffs, oceans, and cactus fields that would stop a hovercraft dead.

PERSUASIVE ESSAYS
Also present arguments for or against an issue Use evidence for support but add an emotional and/or personal appeal Are designed to convert readers to the writers opinion through strong language Motivate readers to take action or stand up for an idea

Hey! You copied my outfit. Again!

EXAMPLE TITLES:
Homework In Junior High: How Students Are Being Traumatized This Isnt A Zoo! Why Animal Print Clothing is Uncivilized

Example Content:
When I see somebody enter the workplace wearing a tacky animal print I cant help but roll my eyes! Nothing says I take my job seriously like zebra print leggings. There is substantial research indicating that workplace productivity is higher in businesses that maintain a dress code and I can see why. When my Manager was doing a presentation at the staff meeting last week all I could focus on was his silly giraffe tie. I felt insulted! We work hard for this company 5 days a week and our manager shows up to lecture us dressed like a clown! No, an animal!

In Comparison:
ARGUMENTATIVE
Relies on objective evidence to support or disagree with an issue Uses a well organized point for point analysis The evidence is used to point to a strong conclusion

PERSUASIVE
Combines objective evidence and emotional appeals to convince the reader Carefully balances objective evidence with emotional appeals to create a unified effect The reader is urged to agree and take action

Writing Resources
The Original Persuasive Essay Thesis Builder
Organizes students main idea and supporting arguments into a thesis that responds to an opposing viewpoint. Great for Argumentative AND Persuasive Essays!

By Tom March, http://tommarch.com/electraguide/ http://tommarch.com/electraguide/ Copyright 1996 Tom March -- All Rights Reserved. Last revised January, 2009.

Id rather be having a root canal.

Writing Resources
Essay Map Builder Maps out: Main Ideas, Supporting Details, and Conclusion Students can print out or e-mail their planner Great for planning any type of essay!
ReadWriteThink International Reading Association www.readwritethink.org Copyright 2010

Writing Resources
Citation Machine Creates MLA (and other) citation formats quickly and easily. Students type in the information from their original source and the generator creates a copy and paste citation!
Son of Citation Machine. Copyright (c) 2000 - 2010 by David Warlick & The Landmark Project. (c

Research the Issue!

Read The Following:
School Uniforms: Pros & Cons Online Information Article by Anne Svenson A brief introduction to research, studies, and opinions on the issue of school uniforms Should Students Wear School Uniforms?
Online informatin Article by Sherry Bowen Clearly lists pros and cons

An Argument Against School Uniforms Argumentative Essay by a student References School Uniforms: Pros & Cons by Anne Svenson

Gather Facts
Use two different colored highlighters to identify the pros and cons explored in each article. Create a pros and cons table combining all of your research. Create citations for the sources you are using. Paste them into a new document titled Works Cited. Cited.

Form An Opinion
DISCUSS
Discuss your opinion in a small group or as a class. Listen carefully to the other opinions you hear. Revise your opinion or supporting evidence if it doesnt seem convincing to other listeners.

FURTHER READING
DEBATEPEDIA An online debate wiki highlighting key arguments for and against uniforms. Includes other articles and links related to the topic. topic.

Dont panic! Plan!

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!

Create a THESIS that reflects your argument FOR or AGAINST school uniforms. Create or use an online planner to plan out the following: An Introduction Strategy Your Main Ideas Supporting Evidence For Each Idea A Strong Conclusion

Use Persuasive Strategies

Types of Persuasive Strategies PowerPoint & Handout Plan to use some of the following strategies to persuade your readers:
Drop Big Names or Brands Provide Facts, Numbers, and Specific Information Refer to Research Appeal to Emotions Appeal to Other Peoples Trust Create A Sense of Urgency

ReadWriteThink International Reading Association www.readwritethink.org Copyright 2010.