The Argumentative Essay: The Crucible
► A good argumentative essay is a well-structured argument where:
o
your position is clear (thesis)
o
you concede, or agree, that others have some valid points (the concession paragraph)
o
you have valid reasons (body paragraphs)
o
you prove that your reasons are true by using specific and relevant examples both from the
actual text and from literary criticism (body paragraphs)
o
Your writing style is clear and your essay is organized (introduction, concession, body
paragraphs, conclusion).
Purpose of this assignment:
The structure of the persuasive essay is the backbone of well-organized research papers, and many
other types of writing: academic, and editorials and columns found in newspapers. In particular – yes
– this is training for your upcoming research paper.
Your Task:
Arthur Miller introduces the protagonist of his play as a “sinner” while some
critics view him as a Christ-like figure. Make an argument for or against John
Proctor’s character. Is he a man of integrity? Or is he beyond redemption?
Defend your position. You must use scholarly inquiry and textual evidence to
support your position.
Guidelines:

Use the writing rubric and the persuasive essay structure on back for direction

Make sure that your thesis is complete

Write topic sentences that focus on a topic; make sure that they are not vague.

Remember that a concession examines the arguments that are the opposite of your thesis. A
good concession will outline these opposing arguments, but should not be stronger than your
arguments in the body paragraphs.

In the body paragraphs that follow your concession (minimum of two body paragraphs): make
sure that your reasons and examples support your thesis

This is a formal essay for your English class – follow grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Structure of the Argumentative Essay
Samples for outline
1st Paragraph - Introduction
1) Start with a sentence that interests your reader (hook)
2) Lead to your thesis with general information about the topic (tell the reader what she or he needs
to know to understand your thesis, define words if needed, etc.)
3) Your thesis should be the last sentence of your introduction
a)
Write a complete thesis this time: For example, if you would like to prove that dogs are the
best pets, a complete thesis would read like this: Even though many people like cats, dogs make the
best pets, because they are protective, playful, and loyal.
2nd Paragraph – Counter-argument (this is new for you -- use this paragraph to explore the other
side)
1) Use a transition word such as “Granted” (or the phrase “Some people think that …”) to let your
reader know that you are giving examples that supports the opposing viewpoint (do not support your
argument) to start your topic sentence
2) List reasons and examples (general to specific) to support the topic sentence
3) Include scholarly research
DON’T SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ON THE CONCESSION. YOU ARE SIMPLY
ACKNOWLEDGING THE OTHER POINT OF VIEW. REMEMBER, YOU NEED 1
QUOTATION FROM THE BLOOM LITERARY CRITICISM.
3rd Paragraph – ConcessionConcede with at least one point from the opposition. This is at least two sentences long.
4th Paragraph – First body
1) Use a transition word (ex.: “However”) to show that your essay is switching to your side of the
argument after the concession. Include a general statement that opposes what you have just explained
in your concession
2) Write a second topic sentence that addresses your argument: Dogs are protective.
3) Write reasons and examples to support your argument
a)
Reason #1 Dogs guard their owners’ homes.
Example/evidence Of the 3,000 arrests for burglary last year, 2,500 were made possible
because the dog cornered the perpetrator.
b)
Reason #2 _____________________________________________
Example ____________________________________________
c)
Reason #3 ______________________________________________
Example _____________________________________________
5th Paragraph – second body
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FOLLOW THE OUTLINE FOR EACH BODY PARAGRAPH- THIS IS
JUST A GUIDE FOR STRUGGLING WRITERS. YOU HAVE FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITYJUST MAKE SURE TO BALANCE AND EMBED LITERARY CRITICISM AND THE
QUOTATIONS FROM THE CRUCIBLE. NO QUOTE CAN STAND ALONE. YOU MUST
LEAD INTO IT AND EXPLAIN IT. NEVER END YOUR PARAGRAPH WITH A QUOTE AND
MAKE SURE TO USE QUOTATIONS MARKS, INCLUDE THE PARENTHETICAL CITATION,
AND A WORKS CITED PAGE.
Last Paragraph - Conclusion

Restate your thesis

Summarize your main points as proven in each body paragraph

If you’ve written good topic sentences, then you’ve already done the work: restate those
thoughts here

End with a powerful statement (extend it; relate it to other, greater issues)
You should use 3 quotes from Bloom database from no fewer than 2
secondary sources (literary criticism) in your essay and four quotes
from Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible.
SAMPLE INTRODUCTION/Opposing Argument/Concession Salem, Massachusetts, 1692 -­‐ a very chaotic, confusing, and restrictive time. Why? The Puritans of 1692 enforced strict adherence to religious doctrine. The religious and government authorities decided not only how to best run their provinces, but also how. It was a time when individuals had to adhere to the moral standards established by these authority figures. It was a time when individual sins were punished by public figures. It was this rigidness that caused many puritans to pursue their desires without fear or reprisal, so long as they did so under a guise. Once discovered, however, sinners endured harsh punishments, punishments from authority figures playing God. One such character who commits sin and endures the ultimate harsh punishment is John Proctor. He falters, commits the grave sin of adultery, and spends months trying to repent for his action by speaking out for truth and justice. Would a “sinner” do this???THESIS: Although many would argue that John Proctor’s adulterous affair with Abigail Williams sparked the flames that fueled the atrocities in Salem and would classify him as a sinner, John Proctor’s sacrifices and sense of integrity portray him more as a saint in Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible. Many argue that John Proctor’s character is less than noble. He does indeed commit adultery with Abigail Williams. He also strays stray from his wife and his responsibilities as a husband, farmer, and community member. Furthermore, He argues with ordained men of God and hesitates to expose Abigail because of his pride. When “Proctor finally comes forward to confess his adultery, it is too late” (Bresica). Twelve innocent people have already died and seven more are to hang. It is true that John Proctor’s character is flawed. He does sin, he does hesitate to expose himself, and he does make some poor decisions.