Formatting an Argumentative Essay.
First Para: A Hook to reel the reader in—if you are arguing for more green campuses on colleges you could start with a story about visiting a successful green campus.
2. Background information This is important. You have to assume your reader knows nothing about the issue—you have to have sufficient background information. However, it should be condensed—the point of the essay is not to give facts about your topic. The point is to give an argument supporting your thesis. So, you could describe how and when the green movement on campus started and really took off among students. You also need to specify what it means. What does sustainability mean. Anytime you use a word, you need to explain it, even in one line.
In your Rhetorical Analysis essays, a major flaw was not giving enough background information.
3.Plan the structure of your paragraphs. If you are writing an argument for your claim, you must also address refutations. One way of writing an essay is to address the opposite side, point by point.
Or you could give your arguments in the first few pages, and address the opposite sides position near the end of the essay.
4. When you have analyzed your audience—in this case it’s a general audience consisting of college students, teachers and parents, as well as the surrounding community. If you are directing your argument at a specific group of people, you need to address that in the beginning of the essay.
5. Figure out what statistics and sources you will use. You have to find credible sources. You must also write in specific clear terms. Don’t be wordy or roundabout. We will discuss research in the next few classes.
6. Figure out whether you want to use a Rogerian or Toulmin style. Are there any logical fallacies in your position? This is the time to examine your argument clearly for bias. Decide your style of argument—deductive or inductive. Whatever the style you must look for logical fallacies in your argument, and in the research and articles you read on your topic.
Make sure you write clear, grammatical sentences. Your credibility, as the author of the essay, is compromised by bad grammar. You also need to make sure the credibility of your sources is sound. Do not quote from vague blogs or unreliable, biased sources. We will talk about how to tell if a source is reliable or not.
An Aveeno skincare commercial, in 2017, featuring the actress Jennifer Aniston, who is well known for her acting and beauty, to promote a skin moisturizer. (Sentence fragment).
Temu’s, a digital marketplace, recent Superbowl commercial showing an animated dark and gloomy world being brightened by Temu’s incredible deals on everyday items to improve your day and lifestyle. (Sentence fragmented without proper structure; run on sentence). Break the sentences up.
The commercial tells their audience “Shop like a billionaire,” a message to influence consumers that have felt the effects of price hikes of everyday goods, that shopping at Temu, you can shop like a billiionare. (run on sentence)
7. Make sure you address the opposing or refuting arguments. Examine your own assumptions to see if there is any preconceived notion, or bias.
8. Brainstorm to see opposing arguments to your position. Then do sufficient research so you can refute them.
9. Make sure your new points start in new paragraphs. Often, I found students tend to jumble up two or more arguments in a paragraph. DO NOT DO THAT.
10. Write a conclusion which sums up your thesis and your main proof, but in slightly different language. Don’t simply repeat yourself. Also, don’t use big words or flowery language to impress. The less wordy your essay, the greater it’s impact.