Introduction:
-Introduce the topic for your readers.
-Include your thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs:
-Body Paragraph 1:
-Your first supporting point and the evidence you will use to add credibility to your supporting point. Be sure to explain how your evidence supports your points and to cite your sources.
-Body Paragraph 2:
-Your second supporting point and the evidence you will use to add credibility to your supporting point. Be sure to explain how your evidence supports your points and to cite your sources.
-Body Paragraph 3:
-Your third supporting point and the evidence you will use to add credibility to your supporting point. Be sure to explain how your evidence supports your points and to cite your sources.
-Body Paragraph 4: Rebuttal/counterclaim Paragraph:
-Introduce a counterclaim that disagrees with your own claim. Be sure not to misrepresent the opposing claim (also known as “building a strawman argument”); instead, present the claim accurately along with supporting evidence. Then, explain why your reader should still agree with your argument.
Conclusion:
-Restate your claim and remind the reader of the importance of your argument. This is also the place to tie up any loose threads in your argument and leave readers with something to ponder.
Use your knowledge of “The Metamorphosis”, “Franz Kafka and Metamorphosis” (the video), and “Revenge of the Geeks” (you could also draw on the optional reading “The Orphan Boy and the Elk Dog” if you wish) to write a brief argument in which you state and support your position on one of these questions:
- “Are outsiders simply those who are misjudged or misunderstood?”
- “Should society be more accepting of outsiders?”
An argument is a logical way of presenting a viewpoint, belief, or stand on an issue. A well-written argument intends to convince the reader to share the author’s perspective, change the reader’s mind about something, or motivate the reader to take a certain action. An effective argument contains these elements:
- A precise claim (thesis statement)
- Logical organization that makes clear connections among your claim, counterclaim, reasons, and evidence as well as accurate use of transitions
- Consideration of counterclaims, or opposing positions, and a discussion of their strengths and weaknesses
- Valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence
- A conclusion that logically completes the argument
- Formal and objective language and tone
- Error-free grammar
Your argumentative essay should draw information and ideas from at least two of the texts we have read in Unit 2. You must use quotations as evidence to support your claims. Your essay must be six paragraphs long. Please follow this structure:
- The first paragraph is the introduction. Here you will hook readers, set up the topic, and make your claim (thesis statement).
- Paragraphs two, three, and four are the body of the essay. Here you will support your claim (thesis) with reasons and evidence drawn from the texts we read in Unit 2.
- Paragraph five is the rebuttal or counterclaim paragraph. Here you will acknowledge the perspective of those who might disagree with you. The idea is to show that you have thought about what others have to say even though you disagree.
- Paragraph six is the conclusion. Here you will restate your argument and leave readers with something to consider.