To be effective, an argument ###### must contain certain elements that ###### persuade the audience to see ###### from your perspective. Therefore, a ###### topic, a balanced assessment, strong ###### and persuasive language are all ######.

Find A Good Topic

To find good topic for ###### argument essay, consider several issues ###### choose a few that spark ###### least two solid, conflicting points ###### view.

As you look over ###### list of topics, find one ###### really piques your interest. If ###### not interested in the topic, ###### will probably show in your ######.]]>
As you explore ###### topics, make a mental list ###### points you could use as ###### for or against an issue.

Consider Both Sides And Take A Position

###### you have selected a topic ###### feel strongly about, you should ###### a list of points for ###### sides of the argument. One ###### your first objectives in your ###### will be to present both ###### of your issue with an ###### of each.]]>
For example, imagine that you have been assigned the following topic:

Recently, ###### young man was suspended from ###### school for wearing makeup to ######. His cosmetic choices included black ###### and eyeliner. The young man ###### that the school was guilty ###### gender discrimination, since female students ###### used makeup. Do you agree or disagree that the school discriminated against the young man?

First, draw a ###### down the middle of a ###### of scrap paper, dividing the ###### in half. Label one side ###### and one side cons (or ###### and no).]]>
Side 1. Yes, it is discrimination:

• Girls and boys should be treated equally

• Sometimes makeup is necessary to cover embarrassing scars or blemishes

• High school is tough enough for students who feel different

• Makeup is a personal choice

• The school is stereotyping, which sets a bad example

• If there is not already a written rule about makeup, the school can't make one up

###### 2. No, it is not discrimination:

• Makeup is traditionally worn by girls

• The boy is just trying to cause a distraction

• Officials have to draw the line somewhere when it comes to distracting behavior

• Officials have the right to interpret dress codes to include other issues concerning appearance

Once you have come ###### with several points for each ###### of your issue, read over ###### results to determine which side ###### strongest, and which you could ###### most effectively. Decide which side ###### the points that you could ###### up with examples.]]>
Before you make a choice, ###### the points you made and ###### if your statements can be ###### up by evidence.

When you ###### of arguments, you might picture ###### red-faced people speaking quite loudly ###### making dramatic gestures. But that's ###### face-to-face arguments often become emotional. ###### fact, the act of arguing ###### providing proof to support your ######, with or without emotions. In ###### argument essay, you should provide ###### without providing too much drama. Types of evidence include:

• Statistics

• Examples

• Expert opinions

• Anecdotes

• Observations

• Precedence

• Consequence

###### a side that will enable ###### to use variety in your ######.]]>
Observation. The boy's ###### of black lipstick demonstrates that ###### is not merely wearing makeup ###### cover blemishes. He is attempting ###### draw attention.

Consequence.]]>
Write The Essay

Once you've ###### yourself a solid foundation to ###### with, you can begin to ###### your essay. An argument essay, ###### with all essays, should contain ###### parts: the introduction, the body ###### the conclusion. The length of ###### in these parts will vary ###### on the length of your ###### assignment.

Introduce your topic and ###### your opinion: As in any ######, the first paragraph of your ###### essay should contain a brief ###### of your topic, some background ###### and a thesis statement. In ###### case, your thesis is a ###### of your position on a ###### controversial topic.]]>
After describing the "other" side, ###### your own viewpoint and then ###### evidence to show why your ###### is the correct one.

Choose ###### strongest evidence and present your ###### one by one. Use a ###### of evidence, from statistics to ###### studies and anecdotal stories. This ###### of your paper could be ###### length, from two paragraphs to ###### pages.]]>
Follow These Guidelines

• Avoid emotional language. Overly ###### arguments sound irrational.

• Know ###### difference between a logical conclusion ###### an emotional point of view.

• Don't make up evidence and ###### use untrustworthy sources for evidence.

• Cite your sources.]]>
• ###### prepared to defend your side ###### knowing the strongest arguments for ###### other side. You might be ###### by the teacher or by ###### student.]]>