9 STEPS TO AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Argumentative essay topics should be HOT topics or topics in which there are two sides or positions presented.

ARGUABLE TOPIC
CLAIM
REASONS
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
COUNTERARGUMENT
REFUTATION
CONCLUSION
RESTATED CLAIM
INSIGHT, MORAL STATEMENT

1. Examples of HOT topics: abortion, capital punishment, island statehood vs. independence, legal drinking ages, gay marriage, women in the priesthood,

2. The thesis statement in an argumentative essay is called a CLAIM.

3. The CLAIM presents the writer's POSITION on an issue. A CLAIM cannot be a fact; it must be an arguable POSITION.

4. CLAIMS must be supported by reasons and facts. A CLAIM cannot be based solely on the writer's opinion.

5. The writer supports his argument with REASONS why his CLAIM has a valid viewpoint.

6. The REASONS are supported by SUPPORTING EVIDENCE: explanation, examples, facts, anecdotal information, statistics, and quotes.

7. After the reasons are argued, the next step is to provide COUNTERARGUMENT. The COUNTERARGUMENT is a statement which represents the topic's OPPOSING VIEWPOINT (the other side's POSITION on the topic.) The COUNTERARGUMENT informs the reader that the writer is informed of all aspects of the topic.

8. The writer then argues against the COUNTERARGUMENT by presenting a REFUTATION. the REFUTATION is a statement which refutes or disproves the COUNTERARGUMENT. REFUTATIONS must use transitional words or phrases so that the reader understands there is a contrast in opinion.

9. In the CONCLUSION, the writer presents the RESTATED CLAIM and a MORAL STATEMENT OR INSIGHT which lets the reader know the importance of the topic in the reader's life.