Argumentative Essay

New School Argumentative Essay

During the next three years Logan Elm will be building a new K-12 school. What do you think is the most important thing to consider when building a new school?

This could have to do with science labs, technology, separate areas for each grade level, middle school teams, lunch and cafeteria, playground for elementary, library needs, restrooms, music and band, art class, gyms, busing, school day (start and end time, length), office, intercom, safety/security, resources, furniture (tables or desks), parking, lighting, floors (carpet or tile), scheduling, handicap accessibility, or many other options. What is a priority for you, Reading Workshop students?


An Argumentative Essay:

• Has a clear introduction 
• States a focus/position statement clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully 
• Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support and develop the position, and explains that evidence logically 
• Takes into account what people who disagree with you might think and tries to respond to that 
• Concludes effectively

Keep in mind that an argumentative essay is based more on facts as opposed to emotion. When picking a topic you’re interested in, be sure to pick one that you can support with evidence and reasoning. You will need facts, statistics, and reports from sources you and your audience can trust.

I. Introduction
     1. Introduce the topic by giving background information that briefly explains the topic so that the reader will understand the topic to be argued. (3-4 sentences)

     2. Add the thesis statement that clearly and strongly states your opinion concerning the
topic. Writing a direct thesis by including the reasons in your thesis is optional.

II. Body Paragraphs

     1. The first two (or more) body paragraph gives a reason that supports the opinion stated in the thesis. This reason is supported with facts, data, or information. You must quote an article or person that supports your position. You must also have a link to another article that has information that supports your position.

     2. One paragraph discusses the opposite viewpoint. After you pose the counter argument, contest it. Say why the counter argument is faulty and why your argument is stronger.

III. Conclusion

     1. Use a transition signal for the conclusion such as: in conclusion, to conclude, etc.
     2. Restate the thesis in different words than you used in your introduction.
     3. Summarize your main points.
     4. End with a final comment on the topic.

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make in writing an argumentative essay is to state their opinions instead of facts. Remember that each claim you make must be supported by solid evidence if your argument is to hold up to the opposing views.

Argumentative Essay Project

After twenty years and six attempts, Logan Elm has passed a building levy. We will be building a new K-12 school. What do you think is the most important thing to consider when building a new school?

This could have to do with science labs, technology, separate areas for each grade level, middle school teams, lunch and cafeteria, playground for elementary, library needs, restrooms, music and band, art class, gyms, busing, school day (start and end time, length), office, intercom, safety/security, resources, furniture (tables or desks), parking, lighting, floors (carpet or tile), scheduling, handicap accessibility, or many other options. What is a priority for you, Reading Workshop students?


An Argumentative Essay:

• Has a clear introduction 
• States a focus/position statement clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully 
• Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support and develop the position, and explains that evidence logically 
• Takes into account what people who disagree with you might think and tries to respond to that 
• Concludes effectively

Keep in mind that an argumentative essay is based more on facts as opposed to emotion. When picking a topic you’re interested in, be sure to pick one that you can support with evidence and reasoning. You will need facts, statistics, and reports from sources you and your audience can trust.

I. Introduction
     1. Introduce the topic by giving background information that briefly explains the topic so that the reader will understand the topic to be argued. (3-4 sentences)

     2. Add the thesis statement that clearly and strongly states your opinion concerning the
topic. Writing a direct thesis by including the reasons in your thesis is optional.

II. Body Paragraphs

     1. The first two (or more) body paragraph gives a reason that supports the opinion stated in the thesis. This reason is supported with facts, data, or information. You must quote an article or person that supports your position. You must also have a link to another article that has information that supports your position.

     2. One paragraph discusses the opposite viewpoint. After you pose the counter argument, contest it. Say why the counter argument is faulty and why your argument is stronger.

III. Conclusion

     1. Use a transition signal for the conclusion such as: in conclusion, to conclude, etc.
     2. Restate the thesis in different words than you used in your introduction.
     3. Summarize your main points.
     4. End with a final comment on the topic.

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make in writing an argumentative essay is to state their opinions instead of facts. Remember that each claim you make must be supported by solid evidence if your argument is to hold up to the opposing views.

Writing an Argumentative Essay

An Argumentative Essay:

• Has a clear introduction 
• States a focus/position statement clearly, precisely, and thoughtfully 
• Uses specific evidence from the text(s) to support and develop the position, and explains that evidence logically 
• Takes into account what people who disagree with you might think and tries to respond to that 
• Concludes effectively

Keep in mind that an argumentative essay is based more on facts as opposed to emotion. When picking a topic you’re interested in, be sure to pick one that you can support with evidence and reasoning. You will need facts, statistics, and reports from sources you and your audience can trust.

I. Introduction
     1. Introduce the topic by giving background information that briefly explains the topic so that the reader will understand the topic to be argued. (3-4 sentences)

     2. Add the thesis statement that clearly and strongly states your opinion concerning the
topic. Writing a direct thesis by including the reasons in your thesis is optional.

II. Body Paragraphs

     1. The first two (or more) body paragraph gives a reason that supports the opinion stated in the thesis. This reason is supported with facts, data, or information.

     2. One paragraph discusses the opposite viewpoint. After you pose the counter argument, contest it. Say why the counter argument is faulty and why your argument is stronger.

III. Conclusion

     1. Use a transition signal for the conclusion such as: in conclusion, to conclude, etc.
     2. Restate the thesis in different words than you used in your introduction.
     3. Summarize your main points.
     4. End with a final comment on the topic.

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make in writing an argumentative essay is to state their opinions instead of facts. Remember that each claim you make must be supported by solid evidence if your argument is to hold up to the opposing views.

Here are some sample topics. To find the entire list, go to the RW Wiki Argumentative Topic List.

School and Kids

Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?

Is homework harmful or helpful?

Is Cheating Getting Worse?

Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers?

Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s?

Technology

Are we too dependent on computers?

Are cell phones dangerous?

Do violent video games cause behavior problems?

Have people have become overly dependent on technology?

Does Technology Make Us More Alone?

Social Issues

Are Adults Hurting Young Children by Pushing Them to Achieve?

Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks?

Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work?

Is Your Generation More Self-Centered Than Earlier Generations?

Sports

Does participation in sports keep teens out of trouble?

Is competition good?

Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports?

Does participating in team sports helps to develop good character?

If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It?

Writing an Introduction

Argumentative Essay

Pick an issue you care about and argue your point. The assignment is to write an argumentative essay. The key is to have facts to back up your opinion.

1. Pick a topic question from the lists below.
2. Begin with a topic sentence/introduction that shares your opinion.
3. Research the issue and find at least two sources with facts that support your position.
4. Find and rewrite three or more of the best facts that support your opinion. These will be the topic sentences for the paragraphs in your body.
5. Write supporting details for each of these facts. These should not be opinions, thoughts, or ideas.
6. Write a conclusion that restates your opinion, gives an interesting fact/point/idea about the topic, and wraps up the essay.
7. Read the essay aloud to find mistakes/areas that are not clear.

Argumentative Essay Topics

• Using cell phones make people more/less connected
• Social media and texting hurt/improve the lives of teenagers
• Violent video games cause/don't people to act out violently
• Reading online is better/worse than reading a book
• Helicopter parents help/harm their children
• Recycling really makes/does not make a difference
• Schools should/should not have vending machines that sell sodas, candy, and other "bad" snacks
• Cell phones should/should not be banned in schools for both students and teachers
• Students should/should not wear school uniforms
• Students should/should not be held back for bad grades
• Using animals for scientific research is/is not inhumane
• Fast food, soda, chips and other unhealthy food should/should not be heavily taxed
• Watching TV is good/bad for children
• Athletes caught using steroids should/should not be banned from professional sports for life
• Students should/should not have to learn cursive writing
• Parents should/should not monitor what their kids are doing online
• Social life is/is not more important than academics
• Home schooling is more/less effective than public schools
• Charter schools are more/less effective than public schools
• Social media improves/reduces students reading skills
• Social media improves/reduces students writing skills
• Violent sports like boxing and MMA should/should not be banned
• Sports involving animals should/should not be banned
• Violent movies increase/do not increase teen violence
• Lotteries should/should not be banned
• Sports betting should/should not be legal
• Carrying a concealed weapon should/should not be legal
• Gun control reduces/does not reduce crime
• Praying in school should/should not be legal
• Youtube should/should not be legal under 18 years old
• Cigarette smoking should/should not be banned

Is This Freedom of Speech?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback, Colin Kapernick sat during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner before a football game. Is this freedom of speech?

Here are the opinions of a few people from Twitter:

Dale Wilsey Jr. ‏@drwilseyjr

Veterans fought to protect the rights guaranteed in the Constitution, not the flag. #ColinKapernick

Kelly Reed ‏@thatsokellyreed

So no one read #ColinKapernick say it was "bigger than football" watch the news! Police brutality will not be swept under the rug anymore.

Bruce A. Brunger ‏@BrungerB

Shame on #ColinKapernick... Many Patriotic Americans & Vets are Not Pleased w/your refusal to stand for the Anthem 

 Shep Michaels ‏@ShepMichaels

Demanding #ColinKapernick stand during a song is against the very foundation of freedom those making the demand pretend to believe in.

marcINArcadia ‏@MarcRader68

@Espngreeny seems like it's ok to protest,as long as you do it the way other people want you too. #ColinKapernick

Ron Scroggins ‏@RonScrogginsJr

@Kaepernick7 you can protest anyway you want, as long as it is non violent and peaceful #ColinKapernick

WineCowboy (Eric) ‏@WINECOWBOY

@Kaepernick7 @foxandfriends "If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, & your country you had better seek another flag". #ColinKapernick

 

James Hogan ‏@galaxyalpha

Is the @NFL proud of #ColinKapernick? Proud of him disrespecting our flag, our Constitution, and our military, who protect his/our freedom?

Ernst Sports ‏@ErnstSports

Don't worry #ColinKaepernick, this hero will stand on your behalf during the national anthem.

What do you believe, Reading Workshop students?

Year-round School Essay

Don't let this be you!

Image from grammarly.com

A Good Argument

Students recently completed an Argumentative Essay Project. The following essay was written by Emma A. She did an excellent job of organization and supporting her opinion.

I think parents should limit social media use. I think they should because too much time on social media can put teen’s mental health in jeopardy. Social media can be addictive. Studies show that 63% of people log on to Facebook daily, and about 40% log on multiple times a day.

Social media also leads to a higher risk for cyberbullying. Sixty-seven percent of cyberbullying comes from instant messaging. Peer pressure is another thing that cyberbullying leads to. That affects our mental health because too much pressure can cause teens and people of any age to make bad decisions such as smoking, doing drugs, and drinking alcohol.

Using social media can also lead to low self-esteem. This can cause depression and anxiety.  The University of Michigan collected data about Facebook users and how it changed their moods. It showed that people who use Facebook daily have shown lower satisfaction for their life and Facebook as they use it more and more. It can also lead to fear of missing out, or FOMO. It is a form of social anxiety.

Social media is sometimes a good idea, but it can be very bad in some ways. The good things about using social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and many more improves your heart rate because it relaxes you,  and increases productivity. Just a 10 minute break can make employees happier and they will get more work done. They are many more ways that social media can be good, but not bad.

In conclusion, I think that social media use should be limited not only for teens, but for everyone. Too much time on social media can cause mental disorders, social anxiety, and peer pressure, and many more. Social media can be good as well, but for the most part it is bad for teens, especially. So I think social media use should be limited not only for teens but for everyone.

Year-round Schools Argumentative Essay Organization

Reading Workshop students, your task is to write an editorial stating your position on year-round schooling.

Be sure to include:

• An engaging opening that states your opinion

• At least two separate supporting arguments/reasons, with supporting details from at least two sources

• An explanation of the other side and your reasoning against it

• A conclusion restating your opinion and a call to action (what you want people to do)

• Citation of your sources at the end of your essay

Listed below is an organizational/format aid.

Introduction

1. Statement of opinion--Students would/would not benefit from year-round schools.

2. Two or three sentences that provide background information to the reader (you may want to do this after you write paragraphs two and three).

Body First Paragraph

1. Topic sentence that tells the topic of supporting evidence you will use in this paragraph. It might sound something like, Students that attend school year-round . . .

2. Supporting sentences with facts and/or information from sources.

Body Second Paragraph

1. Topic sentence that tells the topic of supporting evidence you will use in this paragraph. It might sound something like, Another benefit/detriment of year-round school . . .

2. Supporting sentences with facts and/or information from sources.

Body Third Paragraph

1. Topic sentence that tells the opposing viewpoint. It might sound something like, Some people might say . . .

2. Supporting information of the opposing viewpoint

3. Your rebuttal--reasons that this viewpoint is wrong

Conclusion

1. Restate the statement of opinion from the introduction

2. Wrap up your essay with final points that sum up your argument. 

Year-round Schools or Not?

Listed below are some resources. Feel free to find other sources to support your position.

http://childparenting.about.com/od/schoollearning/a/year-round-school-pros-cons.htm
http://www.ehow.com/info_8131173_disadvantages-yearround-schools.html
http://vimeo.com/35900457
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/05/AR2009060501971.html
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/year-round-school-pros-and-cons.html
http://neatoday.org/2014/09/04/districts-weigh-pros-and-cons-of-year-round-schools-2/
http://education.seattlepi.com/yearround-school-advantages-disadvantages-2521.html
http://www.theprospect.net/all-day-every-day-the-pros-and-cons-of-year-round-schools-12111

Image from http://www.theprospect.net/all-day-every-day-the-pros-and-cons-of-year-round-schools-12111

Argumentative Essay