Argumentative Essay
As 6th graders, we know you know how to argue – with your parents, your siblings, your
teachers, and even your friends. Have you ever considered making your arguing skills more
effective? In this essay, you will be given the opportunity to make an argument, use research
to support your ideas, and defend why your opinion is the right one.
Here is what you will be graded on:
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Ideas and Content: 10 points
Organization: 10 points
Voice: 10 points
Word Choice: 10 points
Sentence Fluency: 10 points
Writing Conventions: 10 points
Here are some suggested topics that you may use for your essay. However, you may find
a topic of your own choosing and have it approved by your teacher.
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Should drivers of automobiles be banned from using cell phones?
Should rainforest destruction be prevented? What can be done to stop it?
Should restrictions be placed on the use of cell phones in public places like theaters and restaurants?
Should animal experimentation/research be allowed?
Is the lottery a good idea?
Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
When should parents let teens make their own decisions?
Does participation in sports keep teens out of trouble?
Is homework harmful or helpful?
Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
Is the cost of college too high?
Dieting makes people overweight.
Cigarette smoking should be illegal.
Students should not be required to take physical education classes.
Any student caught cheating on a test should automatically be expelled from school.
What is the purpose of beauty pageants?
Students should be required to wear uniforms to school.
Is the internet the best invention since television?
Are Americans too consumed with technology?
Is big city life better than living in a small town?
Are zoos cruel to wild animals?
Children should never be educated at home by their parents. Do you agree or disagree?
Fast food restaurants should be forced to serve healthy food only.
Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay
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*Stay away from “I think…”
 *Giving credit to sources: if you use someone else’s exact words, you need to use
quotation marks and then you write the source in parentheses after the quote. For
example:
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“36 out of every 45 people in the United States live in cities” (U.S. Board of
Cities).
 *The organizational pattern of your essay is like a person’s body:
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___Thesis Statement
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Head = Introduction
Thesis = Neck
Shoulders = Body Paragraph #1
(1st reason for your argument)
Stomach = Body Paragraph #2
(2nd reason for your argument)
Legs = Body Paragraph #3
(3rd reason for your argument)
Feet = Conclusion
(restate your thesis and
challenge your reader)
*Stay focused on a single reason or piece of evidence for each of the body paragraphs.
Give a reason and then SUPPORT that reason.
Six Traits of Writing / Argumentative Essay Checklist
IDEAS AND CONTENT
The topic that was chosen for the essay is something that can be argued.
Each paragraph stays focused on the topic of the essay and does not stray
off onto other, unrelated topics.
Each paragraph contains clear, relevant details and examples that develop and
support the author’s stance on the topic/thesis.
It is easy for the reader to understand the author’s opinion on the chosen
topic.
ORGANIZATION
The organizational pattern makes sense. It starts with an introductory
paragraph, followed by three (or more) supporting paragraphs, and ends with a
conclusion.
The introduction (first paragraph) gives a background of the topic and ends
with a thesis statement (thesis statement is the author’s opinion or stance on
the topic).
The conclusion (last paragraph) re-states the thesis using different terms
than were used in the first paragraph.
Each body paragraph focuses on only ONE idea.
The ideas are linked together and have smooth transitions.
VOICE
The paper sounds different from anyone else’s. It is unique.
The writing shows emotion and brings out the author’s personality.
The author’s own opinion about the topic is clear.
WORD CHOICE
The writer remembered to use appropriate words for the intended audience
(example: if you were writing for a first grade audience, you probably wouldn’t
you use words that first graders are not familiar).
The language is natural without vocabulary that the author doesn’t know the
meanings.
The writer did not use the word “I…”
The writer avoided boring, vague, slang or over-used words.
SENTENCE FLUENCY
Each sentence is a complete thought that makes sense.
Not all sentences are the same length.
Not all sentences begin in the same way or have the same structure.
The paper is smooth and easy to read.
WRITING CONVENTIONS
The paper isn’t one or two huge paragraphs. Each new idea has its own
paragraph and is indented. There are at least 5 paragraphs, each consisting
of at least 4 lines.
The paper does not have any spelling errors.
The sentences are punctuated and capitalized correctly.
There aren’t any grammar errors in the writing. The reader doesn’t have to
stop and try to make sense of what is written.
Sources are given credit for information the writer borrowed from them.
Example: use of quotations when using someone else’s exact words.
I have reviewed my writing assignment and feel confident that it is ready for grading.
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Author’s Signature