The Argumentative Paper

1. What It Is & What Is Expected

2.  The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that
requires the student to investigate a topic; collect,
generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a
position on the topic in a concise manner.
 It is not just, or necessarily, your opinion about
something, nor is it merely stating a
position/stance on an issue.
 You must remember that you are trying to
convince your audience that while you recognize
their position, they are wrong and you are right.

3.  This is done with careful and extensive
preparation (RESEARCH).
 This is also done with an understanding of your
own position on the issue as well as that of your
opposition.
 You must fully understand what your opposition knows
and how they feel about the issue in question.
 The research you collect will help you understand
and support your own views/claims; moreover, it
will aid you in refuting your oppositions claims,
thereby convincing your audience you are correct.

4.  It is expected that you conduct adequate and
careful research on both sides of the issue in
question.
 It is expected that you use these sources in
supporting your own claims as well as
presenting the opposition.
 It is expected that you use credible sources to
support any and all claims that you make.
 It is important to understand that using credible
sources in support of your claims is what provides
the audience with a convincing argument.

5.  It is expected that for every point you make, you
must present the oppositions counterpoint.
 After you present their counterpoint, you must refute it.
 This can be done by showing that their way of thinking is
outdated, their research is flawed, they are not properly
educated, or they don’t fully understand your side. (This is
your opportunity to use your own words/feelings along
with your research.)
 It is expected that you have a clear, concise, and
arguable thesis.
 This thesis needs to be supported throughout the entire
essay.

6.  It is your job to fully convince your audience
that the only reasonable and logical way of
thinking about this particular issue is to side
with you.
 Look at your essay when you think you’ve
finished, and ask yourself, “Have I convinced
myself?”
 If not, you need to revisit your claims and/or
support.
 If you can’t convince yourself, you probably won’t
convince your audience.

7. Introduction & Opposition
Paragraphs

8. This paragraph introduces the reader to your
topic.
 You must assume they do not have any prior
information regarding the topic.
 You must provide the background
information.
 You must ensure the reader knows what you
are talking about.
 You must ensure that they know on what side
of the argument you stand.

9.  Attention-Getting Statement
 A statistic, interesting fact, or quote
 Background Information
 Sufficient information which gives the reader enough
knowledge to understand why this particular topic is
being discussed
 Mentioning of Research Conducted
 You should mention that this topic has been/is being
researched by professionals;
 Or, that it is being debated in courts of law/public
opinion
 Thesis Statement
 Must be clear, concise, and arguable
 Must choose only one side of the issue.

10.  You must recognize the other side of the issue.
 You do not have to make a convincing
argument for the other side.
 However, you do need to show that the
opposition does exist.
 This paragraph may include a quote or statistic
that supports this position; this information
should be able to be easily refuted.
 You do not need to construct a thesis for this
side of the argument.

11.  You must present the other side of the argument.
 This can be brief.
 You need to include at least one statistic or quote
that supports this view.
 It needn’t be strong evidence that is difficult to refute.
 You need to conclude this paragraph with a
statement that brings the reader back to siding
with you while simultaneously discrediting the
opposition.
 This will transition beautifully to your body paragraphs.

12. Body Paragraphs

13. This is the paragraph where you
begin supporting your claim, use
evidence to support it, and mention
and refute the counterpoint.

14.  Topic Sentence
 Remember the formula: Thesis because Topic Sentence.
 Introduce Your Evidence
 You must prepare the reader for the citation you are going to use
(your research) in support of your claim(s).
 Citation or Paraphrasing
 You need to ensure you are using credible sources to back your
claim.
 You may use a direct quote or paraphrase this support/research.
 You must cite this research/support properly (using MLA).
 Mention the Counterpoint
 This counterpoint must be the counterpoint to your topic sentence,
not just a random counterpoint
 Refute the counterpoint
 You must state why this counterpoint is wrong.

15. The safety of all student-athletes involved in extracurricular athletics
is the responsibility of school officials. Once students leave the home the
school becomes entrusted with their safety. While in the classroom, cafeteria,
and the hallways, students are under the care and supervision of school
officials. It is the responsibility of these officials to maintain a safe
environment where students and their parents can feel secure. This level of
safety extends to fields and courts of extracurricular athletics sponsored by
the school. John Smith, Director of Student Safety at Riverfront High School,
states that he has been “confronted by parents to ensure that proper safety
measures are in place to protect their children from harm during sporting
events” (Adams 2012). As a school official, Smith is obligated to provide a
safe environment for all student-athletes. The taking of performance-
enhancing drugs potentially puts students at risk of harming themselves or
those against whom they compete. Some may say that just because a student
takes a performance-enhancing drug doesn’t mean that someone will get
hurt. While that may be true, it is still possible that if someone is on these
drugs injuries could still occur. If testing for PEDs stops one child from being
injured or free from addiction, then the testing is worth it.