Drafting Your Argument
1.The Introduction:
Some students like to write their introduction AFTER they have written their body paragraphs, that is fine! Just don’t forget it
a. A “hook” or “attention grabber” sentence is always a great way to start your piece. Sometimes it is easier to wait until your essay is written before you come up with that special sentence. That is fine.
b. Provide enough background information to help your reader to understand the problem.
c. Begin or end with a strong thesis/position statement that clearly presents your point of view. You may have to rewrite your claim so it is strong:
Example
Not so strong:“I think that students should not be allowed to carry backpacks into the classroom.”
Stronger: “Allowing students to carry backpacks into the classroom creates an unsafe environment for schools.”
- The Body:
Draft your essay by making each of your arguments a paragraph. This will give you a first draft.
a. Use the suggestions you wrote in the outline to draft each of your paragraphs. Be sure to state the argument and your reasons. Be sure to include the supporting details and your source information. You may want to include the opposing argument and your response to them.
b. Be sure you have at least as many paragraphs as you do reasons or arguments.
- The Conclusion:
a. Emphasize why the issue is so important
b. Suggest one or more actions that you want your reader to take, based on the strength of your arguments.
c. Point out what may/would happen or NOT happen) if your reader acts on your suggestion. You may also want to point out what may/ would happen (or not happen) if your reader does not act on your suggestion.