Unit 4 – Taking a Stand
Writing Workshop: The Argumentative Essay
The Hunger Games is a controlled society that punishes its citizens by having them partake in a ruthless death match each year. Unlike our own society, individual freedoms and choices are not a part of this world. The novel presents several controversial topics for discussion. Below are four writing prompts. Select one to expand upon and argue in a thoroughly supported five paragraph essay.
Essay Prompts:
Choice #1: The Hunger Games shows that television plays a very important role in society. Discuss how the televised games were received in the Capitol as compared to the Districts. How did people’s actions change because they were going to be on television? Reality television has taken over our media world in the past few years. These shows are created using real people and real lives, but at times it feels scripted or contrived. Although these shows are created for entertainment, it appears to be at a serious cost. In most cases lives are forever changed and not always for the better. What connection can you draw to our own current “reality television” craze? Is this type of reality television that The Hunger Games exploits helpful or harmful to individuals and society?
Choice #2: In the book The Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta share the following conversation: “I bite my lip feeling inferior. While I’ve been ruminating on the availability of trees, Peeta has been struggling with how to maintain his identity. His purity of self…”. Does Peeta show the Capitol that he is more than just a piece in their Games? Or does he lose his identity and become a piece that is played in the Games? Defend your answer.
Choice #3: In The Hunger Games, Katniss is considered by some to be a victim of fate, while others consider her to be a creator of her own fate. In an essay, argue that either she (1) is a victim who is helpless in the hands of the government of Panem, and plays the Games only to survive, OR that (2) she creates her own fate by playing by the rules that make the most sense to her or in rebelling as she feels necessary in order to survive.
Choice #4: In The Hunger Games, the people of Panem continue old traditions even though they know they are unjust. Why do they continue to participate in something they know to be wrong? How does this relate to our own society today? What parallels and connections can you make?
Essay Choice that I’m going to write about:______
Important Dates:
Brainstorming and Evidence Based Claims sheets Due On: ______
Rough Draft Due On: ______
Revisions Taking Place On:______
Peer Editing On: ______
Final Copy Due On: ______
Step 1 - Pre-Writing
Complete the brainstorming graphic organizer and gather your evidence. Please remember that evidence must include citations. The brainstorming sheet is really a giant outline of your essay, so be sure to be as specific as possible.
Step 2 - Drafting:
Essay Format
Cover Page – Title (centered); Your Name, Period #, Teacher’s Name (bottom, right-aligned)
Essay – 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, double-spaced; 2-3 pages
Introduction:
Hook
Bridge - Introduce Titles, Authors, & Background
Brief background Information on the two supporting reasons.
Thesis Statement (also known as the Claim)
Body 1:
Transition into Topic Sentence – Connect Thesis Statement to 1st point
2 examples of Textual Evidence that support first point
(Include Parenthetical References)
- Before each Textual Evidence, you must provide a context leading into the example.
- After each Textual Evidence, you must ANALYZE the significance or importance of the quote in proving your point.
Conclusion Sentence
Body 2:
Transition into Topic Sentence – Connect Thesis Statement to 2nd point
2 examples of Textual Evidence that second point
(Include Parenthetical References)
- Before each Textual Evidence, you must provide a context leading into the example.
- After each Textual Evidence, you must ANALYZE the significance or importance of the quote in proving your point.
Conclusion Sentence
Body 3:
Transition into Topic Sentence – What is the counter argument?
2 examples of Textual Evidence that shows how the other side has a potential argument.
(Include Parenthetical References)
- Before each Textual Evidence, you must provide a context leading into the example.
- After each Textual Evidence, you must ANALYZE the how the quoted material is not enough to sway someone from your side of the argument.
Conclusion Sentence
Conclusion:
Restate Thesis Statement
Summarize point #1 – 1 sentence
Summarize point #2 – 1 sentence
Make a final statement that shows why your argument is sound and the only option
Last Page –MLA Formatted Works Cited page (alphabetical order, by author’s last name)
Author’s Last Name, Author’s First Name. Title. (State of Publication: Publisher, Year Published).
Keep in mind that you may consult outside sources for this paper. If you do, you must list any that are cited in the paper on your Works Cited Page. Be sure to only consult reputable sources (Wikipedia and the like are not valid sources for an academic paper).
Steps 3 & 4 - Editing & Revision:
“No-No” WORDSFOR FORMAL WRITING: First, read over your essay with no writing utensil in your hand. Next, re-read your essay; circle any of these words – if you find them in your paper – and make sure to change them for the final copy!
Me / This paper is about…I / Here is some information on…
You / Don’t you want to read about…
In this paragraph I will… / I hope you enjoyed my paper…
Let’s read on to find out… / I tried to tell you…
My paper is about… / And that was my paper…
My story is about…. / The End
Let me tell you about…. / We
As you can see… / Clearly…
I’m going to show you… / Today I’m writing about…
This piece of evidence shows… / This quote proves…
Commonly Transitions: First, next, most important, similarly, in contrast, therefore, on the other hand; subsequently, consequently; As a result, for that reason, because, since
You will exchange papers with someone else and edit each other’s paper. You will provide helpful feedback to your peer.
Step 5 - Publishing:
It’s time to type up a final copy. Make sure to follow all of the guidelines and turn it in on time.
Final Copy Checklist:
Cover Page – “Title”, your name, my name, class period, due date
2-3 page typed essay, double space, 12 point font, academic font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)
Works Cited Page – alphabetical by author