In an argumentative essay, ###### goal is to persuade ###### reader to agree with ###### point of view. To ###### this, your essay needs ###### elements. It's important to ###### an interesting topic, use ###### evidence and make good ######.

Find A Good Topic

Think of a few ###### that have more than ###### point of view. Pick ###### that you are excited ######. If you're not interested ###### the topic, your readers ###### probably be able to ######.

Although a good topic ###### important, you will need ###### arguments. You need reasoning ###### evidence to make your ######. It's one thing to ###### a strong belief, but ###### have to explain why ###### belief is reasonable and ###### sense.]]>
Consider Both Sides And Take A Position Say your topic has ###### possible sides. You should ###### a list of points ###### both of them. You'll ###### to know the arguments ###### the "other" side in ###### to shoot them down.

For example, imagine that you have been given this topic:

######, a young man was ###### from high school for ###### makeup to class. He ###### black lipstick and eyeliner. ###### young man protested that ###### school discriminated against him, ###### female students use makeup. Do you agree or disagree that the school discriminated against the young man?

###### drawing a line down ###### middle of a piece ###### paper. Label one side "######" and the other side "######." List at least three ###### points for both sides.

######.]]>
• Girls and boys should be treated equally

• Sometimes makeup covers embarrassing scars or marks

• High school is tough enough already for students who feel different

• Makeup is a personal choice

• The school is using stereotypes about boys and girls

• If the school doesn't have a written rule about makeup, it can't make one up Cons. No, it is not discrimination, because:

• Makeup is traditionally worn by girls

• The boy is just trying to get attention

• The school has to make rules so that students don't distract each other

• The school gets to decide the dress code

Now, you can ###### which side is the ###### convincing.

Gather Evidence

See if your ###### can be backed up ###### evidence. Types of evidence ###### numbers, examples, expert opinions ###### stories. You can also ###### observations and look at ###### consequences.

Choose a side ###### will let you use ###### kinds of arguments and ######. In our example, say ###### picked the side where ###### school is not discriminating ###### the student. You could ###### that students have always ###### to follow dress codes. ###### could make an observation ###### the boy's lipstick is ######, so he might be ###### to draw attention to ######. You could also look ###### the consequences.]]>
Write The Essay

Once you ###### a good outline and ###### arguments, you can begin ###### your essay. All essays ###### have an introduction, a ###### and a conclusion.

The ###### paragraph should explain your ###### in a few sentences. ###### should also give some ###### information and a thesis ######. Your thesis is your ###### on the topic.

The ###### part of the essay ###### the meat of your ######. This section can be ###### paragraphs long. You should ###### into more detail about ###### sides. This is where ###### describe the arguments for ###### other side.]]>
###### the last few paragraphs, ###### your position. Explain why ###### makes the most sense ###### on the evidence.

Follow These Guidelines

• ###### emotional statements. For example, ###### say you love something ###### that it's the worst ###### ever.

• Don't make ###### evidence and don't use ###### sources.

• Cite your ######.

• Make an outline. • Know the strongest arguments ###### the other side, and ###### of how to respond ###### them. You might be ###### by the teacher or ###### another student.]]>