Argumentative essay

Thesis (Claim) presented in the Introduction

Reasons

Evidence

Counterclaim

Rebuttal Presented in the Conclusion

Your opinion or position on an issue

Must be supported with reasons and evidence

evidence can include quotes, facts and data

evidence MUST be explained

your reasons support the thesis and form your argument with your evidence

typical supporting paragraph structure: topic sentence (A reason why your thesis is correct), then evidence/support of that reason. Finally include an explanation of the evidence.

Be sure to repeat a similar structure with each body paragraph

Consider the opposite side

Argues against your claim

Turn against your argument to challenge it

Then turn back to reaffirm your position

Turn back to your original position

Responds to and refutes issues presented by the counterclaim

Refute-prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false: disprove

Who might disagree with my position? Why?

What reasons do people have for disagreeing with me?

What evidence would support an opposing argument?

CLAIM: "More Americans are choosing low-carb diets because the media promotes low-carb diets as the new way to a skinnier body."

COUNTER CLAIM: "Some Americans don't watch television commercials because they own a DVR or TIVO, but most Americans are exposed to other forms of advertisement in magazines, newspapers, and highway billboards."

Introduction w/Thesis

Reason 1 w/Evidence

Reason 2 w/Evidence

Counter Claim/Rebuttal

Conclusion w/Restated Thesis

Each of these will be one paragraph!