The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Final Writing Assignment – Argumentative Paper
Due Date: ____________
INTRODUCTION: An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific
evidence, text-based evidence. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that your
claim is true based on the evidence you provide to support your side of the argument. Your argument will
include convincing evidence to support your side, but you also will offer reasonable points to an opposing
argument. This is known as a concession.
YOUR TASK: Write a 2-4 page essay that is typed, double-spaced, and 12 pt font with 1 inch margins. In your
essay, you are going to argue and prove:
WHO IS TO BLAME FOR THE DEATHS OF ROMEO AND JULIET?
To complete this task successfully you must complete the following:
Come up with THREE specific characters or events that you think are to blame – either character traits,
specific actions he/she took, specific events that took place, etc. that you think the blame can be traced back to.
Using your Blame Evidence Charts, you kept track of evidence regarding which characters/events played a role
in the fate of Romeo and Juliet. Now, you must look at that evidence and decide which characters/events
played the most significant role in Romeo and Juliet’s demise. Think about what had to happen, what series of
events had to take place, in order for Romeo and Juliet to end their lives. Make a choice. Keep in mind that
there are many different approaches you can take. There is no right or wrong answer here. Rather, there are
well supported arguments and poorly supported arguments. Use textual evidence, primarily from Romeo and
Juliet, and the critical essays we read in class. Use quotations from the play that are relevant and present them in
a logical order. Use specific textual evidence from the essays that backs up your claims. Be sure to properly
cite ALL of your information.
In addition to your main argument, you MUST have a concession (counter-argument) in your paper. This is
where you explain that a different character or event might have played a significant role in the deaths of
Romeo and Juliet. (A concession is a “point” that you let the other side score.) Adding concessions to your
argument usually adds believability to your claims. Concessions use words like even though, admittedly, while
it is true that, some may argue that…; however, this is not the case, granted, etc.
Be sure to:
--Introduce precise claims, counterclaims, reasons and evidence in a way that is clear, convincing, and considers the
audience’s knowledge and concerns.
--Make use of transitional words and phrases to help make thinking of your argument clear. (You were given a handout of
transitional phrases…USE THEM!)
--Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support your argument.
--Base your arguments solely on information contained in the texts.
--Use varied and effective sentence structure and vocabulary.
--Organize your ideas effectively and coherently in your writing, including an introduction that hooks your reader and
conclusion that leaves your reader thinking.
--Follow the conventions of standard written English, especially those we have mastered in our classwork this year.
GRADING:
See attached 9-10 Writing Argument Rubric
Your Name
Class Title: English 9R/(Teacher(s) Name)/Class Period
Assignment: Romeo and Juliet Paper
Date: March ___, ______
Template: Romeo and Juliet Argumentative Paper (CENTER YOUR TITLE HERE.)
(Introduction)
The deaths of Romeo and Juliet in William Shakespeare’s play are both ______________
and _____________. Although much could have been done to prevent their suicides, these “star-crossed lovers”
ultimately are not able to avoid their destiny. A series of unfortunate circumstances result in disaster, and even though
many people could be to blame for their deaths, ____________________, ______________________, and
______________________ play a particularly integral role.
(1st Body Paragraph)
While some believe that ______________ is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death, this is not the case. Upon
further investigation _____________should receive the blame. Admittedly, __________ has a large influence on Romeo
and Juliet’s death because ____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
But, (your first thesis point in support of your argument goes here)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
(Provide support/evidence. Refer back to specific quotations and evidence from the play & critical essays. Why is this
character/event responsible?).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________.
(2nd Body Paragraph)
(Transition into your second thesis point in support of your argument)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
(Provide support/evidence. Refer back to specific quotations and evidence from the play & critical essays. Why is this
character/event responsible?).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
(3rd Body Paragraph)
Additionally and perhaps most notably, (transition into your third thesis point in support of your argument. This
should be your strongest argument)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
(Provide support/evidence. Refer back to specific quotations and evidence from the play & critical essays. Why is this
character/event responsible?).
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.
(Conclusion)
(Now, write your concluding paragraph. You should restate your thesis statement here, but do not repeat it word for
word.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________(Conclude your paper with a thoughtful but more general statement about William
Shakespeare or his play, Romeo and Juliet.) ______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________.