Assignment: "Write an essay in which you explain and defend a strong opinion you have about some issue" (Creating Compositions 231). Your essay must have an argumentative thesis. You know you have a good thesis when someone can read it and then say, "I disagree, prove it to me!" A good essay will give at least two reasons for why you believe your opinion is correct. You will support these reasons with clear examples and logical explanations.
Outline:
Introduction: In your introduction you must introduce the issue. You should briefly give some background on the issue and end your paragraph by stating your thesis.
Body: The body of your paper should be between two to four paragraphs in length. You will want to have at least two paragraphs that assert your reasons for why you believe your opinion to be correct. This support for your opinions is very important. You also want to have a paragraph that raises opposing viewpoints and reveals how those ideas are flawed.
Conclusion: Do not end your essay with a paragraph summarizing you major points. Instead, you want to suggest a larger context. The larger context will depend upon the type of argumentative essay you've written. Let's say you've spent the last few paragraphs proving that there is a problem with sports, education, or the government. Your conclusion might explain what one or two solutions could be for solving those problems. Or, let's say you've written a paper that argues that something needs to be changed. Your conclusion might suggest how life will be better if people accept your point of view, or it could explain how life will be worse if people don't accept your point of view.
You will want to look closely at Chapter Seven, especially the sample student essays and the checklist on pages 245-246.
Due Dates:
Wednesday, Dec. 10: Drafting Workshop and Peer Review Workshop.
You need to have the majority of your essay completed by this date.
Friday, Dec. 12: Final draft due. Your draft should be
typed and at least two pages in length. If you did not attend Peer
Review, you will also need to turn in at least one rough draft. Though
I would prefer that you turn in your essay on Dec. 12, I will also accept
it at the final exam (Dec. 15) without a late penalty.