ACTIVATOR: QUICK WRITE
Kissing cousins, a tyrannical uncle, three deaths, an old blind man-oh my! The final
tragedy in the trilogy of Oedipus has more than it’s share of strange occurrences,
harsh words, and power struggles. However, none of this drama compares to the
tragic end that all of the characters face as we witness the final downfalls of the
prophecy of Oedipus.
Yet, who is really, (or what, rather) to blame for the deaths of Antigone, Haimon, and
Eurydice, and Creon’s despair. All signs points to two people: Antigone and Creon.
 Who do you think is to blame for the tragic end to the descendants of the
Theban royal family, Antigone or Creon?
 Why?
PAIR, THINK, SHARE!
 Move to the side of the room that is labeled with the name of the
person that you have faulted. Once you have moved, work with those
who share your opinion to determine three reasons why the said person
is to blame for the tragedy.
DEVIL’S ADVOCATE:
 Make an argument against the initial position that you took. If you chose
Antigone, how could it possibly be Creon’s fault? If you chose Creon,
how could it possibly be Antigone’s fault?
WRITING AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
WHAT IS AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY?
The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to
investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on
the topic in a concise manner.
STRUCTURE OF AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY:
 An introductory paragraph that includes a clear, concise, and defined
thesis statement at the end of the paragraph.
 Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and
conclusion.
 Body paragraphs that detail the supporting points of the thesis/claim
 Textual evidence that confirms the supporting points and thesis/claim
 A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in
light of the evidence provided.
INTRODUCTION:
 Identify the introduction within the sample paper. What important elements does the
introduction include?
1. __________________
2. __________________
3. __________________
THESIS STATEMENT
Highlight or underline the thesis statement within the sample paper.
 How does this thesis statement adequately serve the purpose of a thesis
statement within an argumentative paper?
 What is this writer’s argument?
YOUR TURN!
 Based on the criteria for thesis statements, and the sample thesis
statement, write the thesis statement for your argumentative essay.
 Remember to keep the following questions in mind:
1. What are you trying to prove? (What is your claim?)
2. Why is your claim valid? (What are your supportive reasons?)
BODY PARAGRAPHS
 Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow
for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates
an ease of readability for one’s audience.
 Each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the
thesis statement in the opening paragraph.
 Paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during
research.
 It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis
(warrant).
BODY PARAGRAPHS:
 Highlight or underline the topic sentence within the body paragraph of
the sample paper. Answer the following questions in the margins or on
the side of the paper.
1. What is the supportive main idea being stated the topic sentence?
2. How does each supportive idea support or confirm the validity of the
thesis?
YOUR TURN!
 Using your response to the activating activity, think of three supportive main points
that confirm or validate your thesis statement. Transform these main points into
three topic sentences.
 Keep the following questions/statements in mind.
1. In an argumentative essay, you are validating an argument. What points, based on
your knowledge of the trilogy of Oedipus, and, specifically, the tragedy Antigone, could
you provide to the argument given in your thesis?
2. What actions, quotes, and information from the tragedy supports your thesis?
CONCLUSION
A conclusion in an argumentative essay should:
 Restate your main points in non-repetitive way.
 Reconfirm the validity of your argument.
 Reach a conclusive statement
CONCLUSION
Read the conclusion featured on the sample essay.
 Highlight or underline the three essential elements of conclusion, and
identify them by name in the margins of the paper
 Why is this a successful or strong conclusion?
WHAT’S NEXT?
Now, you should:
 Complete your outline
 Find textual support for your supportive reasons
 Allow Ms. Guilford to review your outline when you have finished
What will happen next class period?
 Next class period, you will type or write your essay in blue or black pen, edit your
essay, and submit it.