2. Steps to Success
Step 1: Read the prompt & determine the issue
Step 2: Read both passages
Step 3: Close read the passages (find support for both
sides of the issue, underline & mark up the text.)
Step 4: Choose a side to argue.
3. Step 5: Organize your thoughts by making a web
cost
3
loss of artifacts
1
No, China should not
build
more dams.
people relocated
2
Counter Argument
Some argue that the
dam will increase trade
& improve China’s
The truth is it cost 1.4
million dollars.
economy.
Others think that it will
But, more ships will
help China go green
cause more pollution
Once you make your
web & decide on how
to address the a
counter argument, #
your paragraphs.
4. Step 6: Detailed Outline: Use boxes & bullets . Look for
specific details from the text to support your claims. Each
paragraph needs a boxe & bullets. Example of intro
& 1st body paragraph
planning
Thesis: China should not build additional dams.
To begin with, pursuing the building of additional dams
will only create even more hardship for its people.
-According to the passage, “ A Brief History of the Three
Gorges Dam, 1.4 million people have already been
relocated.
!
-They were moved to land that wasn’t fertile.
-Farmers can now no longer make a living.
5. !
Step 7: Make sure you use information from both passages.
Step 8: Draft. Write out your argument using the information
from your planning (boxes & bullets). As you write, be sure to
add good word choice. (argumentative language).
Step 9: Read over your draft & make any revisions & edits.
Did you use argumentative language?
Did you place commas’s after transitions words?
Do all sentence sound clear & complete?
Use the Writer’s Checklist in the test booklet.
7. How to BUILD a good ARGUMENT
Introduction
provide background information/
facts or set up argument.
1st paragraph
Thesis/Claim
2nd paragraph Support Claim
3rd paragraph Counter Argument
present other side & REFUTE
4th paragraph Support Claim
5th paragraph
Re-state Thesis/Claim
Brief summary & end with strong
words
8. As you build your argument, remember to…..
!
Sprinkle in transitions
To begin with,
First,
Next,
Also,
However,
Although,
Finally,
As you can see,
Last but not least,
Therefore,
Transitions are used to
connect ideas/thoughts &
paragraphs.
9. Show the reader you care about the
topic….
!
Choose words which will convey clearly
how you stand on the issue & persuade
them to argree with you.
It’s clear.
It’s evident.
Obviously…
Can’t be denied…
Without a doubt…
Remember to write in a formal style. No I.
10. Let’s take a closer look
at the all important
THESIS
Remember, the THESIS is your claim. It’s where
you stand on the issue. Also, think of it as your
answer to the prompt.
11. Thesis/Claim:
Tell the reader where you stand on
the issue.
Examples:
Skiatook Public Schools should not adopt a uniform
policy.
Building more dams in China will only cause more
hardships for it’s citizens, destroy it’s eco-system, and
loss of ancient artifacts.
More school districts should consider a four day school
week to save money and increase student achievement.
12. Always support your
claim!
Cite evidence from the passage, as well as add your own
thoughts to support your claim.
Example: To begin with, additional hydroelectric dams in China will
only result in additional hardships for it’s people. According to the
passage, “ A Brief History of the Three Gorges Dam” it stated, 1.4
million people have already been uprooted and relocated from their
homes. Not only were these innocent people uprooted from the homes
they’ve known and loved, but many were forced to move to land,
which was not fertile. So, they not only spent their savings to move,
but now many of the farmers are living in poverty because they can no
longer make a living. How can China afford to treat their people this
way?
13. Counter Argument
an opportunity to address what the other side
might argue.
!
!
This shouldn’t be a list of all the things the other
side would say.
!
!
It should be one or two issues which you plan to
REFUTE & tell your side of the issue. It
should make your argument only STRONGER.
14. Produce the Counter Argument &
REFUTE!
Stand it up…KNOCK IT DOWN!!!!
Remember, you are only mentioning the other side so that you can
TEAR IT DOWN. Tell why it’s wrong!
Example: Supporters of building additional hydroelectric dams point
to fact that it will improve China’s economy by increasing trade on
the river. However, the truth is they are failing to mention the
enormous cost it takes to build the dam. According to the passage,
the cost to build the dam was a whopping 3.4 billion dollars. Others
claims that building the hydro electric dam is the answer to cleaner
energy, but they are ignoring the fact that by increasing traffic on the
river, they are only adding more pollutants into the air. It’s clear that
they are ignoring some obvious results of their actions.
15. Phrases that help you begin the counter argument….
Those opposed…
Some argue…
Others believe…
Supporters think…
Those in favor…
Those against…
Phrases that help you begin your refute…
However,
but,
The real truth is…
In fact…
Actually….
16. Use evidence from BOTH passages to support your claim/your
stand on the issue.
AVOID PLAGIARISM
Your paper should contain a lot of YOUR OWN WORDS &
THOUGHTS.
17. FINAL THOUGHTS…..
Reading closely (marking the passage) & PLANNING
are
ESSENTIAL steps to success.
Don’t be afraid to re-read the passages
multiple times for understanding.
Believe you can..and you WILL!
