Argumentative Writing
October 2014
Unlocking the Prompt
 Writing Prompt: Argumentative–Monsters
 In this eventful year of 2014, Hollywood has
decided to establish a new award entitled “Monster
of the Decade”. The winner of this prestigious
award will be a character that has made a dynamic
impact on movie audiences across the country. As
a member of the nominating committee you have
been asked to provide written evidence of who
should win the award. Write an essay justifying
your choice.
Unlocking the Prompt…
Step One: Read the prompt. Circle unfamiliar words; try to
write a synonym for each unfamiliar word above it. Re-read
the prompt using your synonyms.
Step Two: A prompt is usually divided into two sections. The
first sets up a situation for you to consider, and the second
tells you what to write. Put a star by the section that tells
you what to write. Underline all of the verbs in this section.
These are usually what the prompt wants you to do.
Step Three: Make a numbered list in the margin of what the
prompt is asking you to do.
Step Four: Write a response to the prompt.
Step Five: Go back to the list you created in Step 3 and
check to see that you addressed each of the parts on your
list.
Unlocking the prompt
Not so scary
1. Provide written evidence
of who should win the
award “Monster of the
Year”
2. Should be a character
that has made a dynamic
impact on movie
audiences
3. Justify my choice in an
essay.
 In this eventful year of 2014,
Hollywood has decided to
establish a new award entitled
“Monster of the Decade”. The
winner of this prestigious award
will be a character that has
made a dynamic impact on
movie audiences across the
country. *As a member of the
nominating committee you have
been asked to provide written
evidence of who should win the
award. Write an essay justifying
your choice.
Essay Format
Introduction
 Hook
 States AND DEFINES topic to evaluate
 States judgment about topic
 States 3 reasons why you made your
judgment
 Thesis statement
Paragraph Two
 Establish reason #1 why you made the
judgment on the topic (example: Shrek is the
funniest monster,) Elaborate about your
reason
 Use 3-5 strategies*
Evaluative Format
Paragraph Three:
Establish reason #2 why
you made the judgment on
the topic (For example,
Shrek is the kindest of all
the monsters.)
Elaborate about your
reason
Use 3-5 strategies
Evaluative Format
Paragraph Four:
 Establish reason #3 why you made the judgment
on the topic (ie. Shrek is the ugliest monster of all!)
 Elaborate about your reason
 Use 3-5 Strategies
Conclusion:
 State judgment and topic again (defining subject in
different terms)
 Summarize three reasons why you made your
judgment
 Clincher