Argument Essay
Directions: After reading the play, Macbeth, and the related texts about heroism write a
source-based argument on the topic below.
Topic: What is the common thread between characters that triumph over society?
Your Task: Carefully review your notes on each of the five texts provided. Then, using evidence
from at least three of the texts plus the play Macbeth (total of four sources), write a welldeveloped argument regarding the common thread between characters that triumph over
society. Clearly establish your claim, distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing
claims, and use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from at least three of the texts plus
the play Macbeth to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize each text.
Guidelines:
Be sure to:
 Establish your claim regarding the common thread between characters that triumph over
society.
 Distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims
 Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from the play Macbeth in ALL THREE
body paragraphs
 Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from at least three of the other texts to
support and develop your argument
 Identify each source that you reference by text number and line number(s) or graphic (for
example: Text 1, line 4, Text 4, page 3, Text 5, Act II, ii lines 18-23)
 Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner
 Maintain a formal style of writing
 Follow the conventions of standard written English
Texts:
Text 1 – Beowulf Part 1 translated by Burton Raffel & Part 2 translated by Seamus Heaney
Text 2 – from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Text 3 – “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce
Text 4 – “A Mystery of Heroism” by Stephen Crane
Text 5 - Required text: Macbeth by William Shakespeare
1. A printed copy is to be handed in no later than Tuesday, 12/22.
2. If you are going on vacation or planning on being absent, hand in the
paper before 12/22.
3. Essays will NOT be accepted after Tuesday, 12/22.
Writing Guidelines

Essay Requirements: 500 words, 1 inch margins, typed, double-spaced, 12 point Times
New Roman font.

Minimum of 4 sources (this includes Macbeth)

USE CITATIONS
Outline
Introductory Paragraph
1. Begin with counter claim. Example: While some may argue that a hero does not have to
triumph over society, this is not true.
2. Respond to the counter claim. Example: A true hero never succumbs to external forces.
3. Determine your thesis statement – state your claim. Your thesis statement should
answer/address the question: What is the common thread between characters that triumph
over society? In the thesis statement be sure to refer to the play Macbeth and state the
three points you will be using to prove your claim.
Body Paragraphs (3 minimum) to support your claim: The play, Macbeth, must be in
all three paragraphs
1. Topic Sentence: reiterate what you are specifically arguing in each paragraph with a
clear, concise opening statement. Each paragraph should refer to one of the three points
presented in the thesis statement.
2. Evidence/Proof: from Macbeth to defend argument you are making
3. Explanation: justify how your proof supports the stance you have taken in the argument,
illuminating why your evidence is valid.
4. Supporting evidence from at least one other text
5. Explanation: justify how your proof supports the stance you have taken in the argument,
illuminating why your evidence is valid.
6. Synthesis: create 1-2 sentences at the end of your paragraph that fuse your statement,
proof, and explanation together in a creative way.
Conclusion
1. Restate your claim/thesis
2. Make a final emotional appeal