A argumentative or persuasive essay convinces
readers to agree with the writer’s opinion.
0 Introduction captures the reader’s attention
0 Thesis states the writers assertion (belief) about the
topic.
0 Supporting arguments or evidence convince the
reader that the thesis is correct.
0 Counter arguments respond to reader concerns
and objections.
0 Conclusion restates the thesis (comes back to the
point).
Thesis Statement
0 Captures the main idea of your essay.
0 Takes a stand or position on a topic.
0 States the your reasons or summarizes your
reasons behind your position.
Future Note: Each reason will become a
paragraph in the essay.
A thesis statement is not…
① A title
0 The Good Things About Social Media
② A question
0 Why Is Social Media Bad?
③ An announcement
0 This paper will show your why social media is
good.
④ An opinion
0 I think social media is bad for you.
Are these good thesis statements?
① I think pop music is the best form of music.
② Fast food proves to be unhealthy because of its
③
④
⑤
⑥
low nutritional content.
Why Is Wearing Uniforms A Good Thing?
The Positive Side of Social Media
Although people view rap music as offensive,
Tupac Shakur, Frank Ocean, and Common have
positive messages in their songs.
This paper will show you the importance of having
a computer.
Evidence: Supporting Arguments
0 Convince the reader that your position is
correct.
Where do you get evidence?
0 Quotes
0 Own experience or knowledge
0 From research (books, magazines, journals,
Internet, articles, newspapers and etc.)
Supporting the Evidence
0 You cannot merely state or quote your evidence.
0 “The obesity rate in America is increasing due to
decrease of exercise.”
0 Smoking is unhealthy.
0 You have to explain why the evidence supports
your position.
0 A New York Times article states: ““The obesity rate in
America is increasing due to decrease of exercise.”
This shows why Americans are gaining weight.
0 The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes show
how smoking is unhealthy.
Introduction
Introduces the argument of the paper.
Gives background information about the
paper or argument.
Lists the reasons for your side.
Thesis statement is the last sentence of the
introduction.
Your Introductory Paragraph
0 1st sentence: Talk about the article and the
arguments in the article.
0 2nd sentence: Reason #1 for your side.
0 3rd sentence: Reason #2 for your side.
0 4th sentence: Reason #3 for your side.
0 5th sentence: Reveal your side with your THESIS
STATEMENT.
Conclusion
① Summarize what you talked about in the essay.
• 2-3 sentences
② Encourage action upon readers.
• Ex. People should stop smoking to lessen the bad air in our
environment.
③ Provide food for thought.
• Quote or rhetorical question
• Ex. Just because a few rappers swear in their songs,
should we just assume all rap is bad?
④ Restate the thesis in a different way.