Argumentative Essay
Classical Pattern
I. Introduction
A. Hook-Capture the attention of your readers with some context: a question, quotation, an anecdote, some historical background, some factual information, or a narration of events.
B. Background Information: Narrate the key events behind your case—give basic information about your issue (i.e. euthanasia) and the position being argued
(i.e. euthanasia should/should not be allowed). This is the time to provide information so that your audience will understand the need for your argument.
C. Thesis Statement: State the position to be argued in the essay with the major
points that you will present.
II. Body
A. PROOF—This is where you present the heart of your argument: You make your
case. You must discuss the reasons you have taken your position and cite evidence to support each of those reasons. (three paragraphs)
PROOF PARAGRAPHS must contain the following:
•Reason/Argument (main points)
•Evidence to support reason—you must have at least two pieces of evidence for each reason/argument
B. REFUTATION—In this section, you anticipate and refute opposing views. By
showing what is wrong with the reasoning of your opponents, you demonstrate that you have studied the issue thoroughly and have reached the only conclusion that is acceptable in this case. (one paragraph)
Counter Arguments and Responses to Them
1. Mention the arguments from the other side of the issue (i.e. if you’re arguing that euthanasia should be legal in the U.S., mention the arguments from the people who think that euthanasia should not be legal.)
2. Briefly refute the other side’s arguments.
III. Conclusion-Restate your thesis, summarize your most important points, and make a call to action.
MODES of PERSUASION
Readers must be appealed to through a combination of the three modes of persuasion.
· Logos: appeals to the reader's ______and capacity to ______logically between evidence and claims
· Pathos: appeals to the reader's ______and beliefs and ______
· Ethos: ______appeal-the sense the writer gives of being a ______, fair, trustworthy person
MODES of PERSUASION
Readers must be appealed to through a combination of the three modes of persuasion.
· Logos: appeals to the reader's ______and capacity to ______logically between evidence and claims
· Pathos: appeals to the reader's ______and beliefs and ______
· Ethos: ______appeal-the sense the writer gives of being a ______, fair, trustworthy person