You've learned the key components of argument writing: understanding the task, crafting a thesis, supporting with evidence, and demonstrating sophistication. Now it's time to bring these elements together into a complete essay. This guide will show you how to organize your ideas, manage your time, and write an effective argument essay from start to finish.
Example prompt on classroom participation:
Many educators and researchers argue that classroom participation should be a significant portion of students' grades, claiming it encourages engagement, develops crucial communication skills, and prepares students for future professional environments. However, critics contend that grading participation can unfairly disadvantage introverted students, those with anxiety, or students from cultural backgrounds where speaking up is not encouraged.
Write an essay that argues your position on whether classroom participation should be a required component of course grades.
The 40-Minute Game Plan
10 Minutes: Reading and Planning
First Read (3-4 minutes)
- Understand the controversy
- Note both positions
- Mark key elements
Second Read (3-4 minutes)
- Determine your position
- Identify potential evidence
- Note possible counterarguments
Planning (2-3 minutes)
- Draft thesis
- Select 2-3 main points
- Order your evidence
25 Minutes: Writing
- Introduction (5 minutes)
- Body Paragraphs (15 minutes)
- Conclusion (5 minutes)
5 Minutes: Reviewing
- Check thesis
- Review evidence connections
- Fix major errors
Essay Structure
Introduction
- Context for the issue
- Brief summary of debate
- Clear position and reasoning (thesis statement)
Body Paragraphs (2-3)
Each paragraph should:
- Begin with a clear claim
- Present specific evidence
- Provide detailed commentary
- Connect to overall argument
Example paragraph structure:
- Topic sentence stating argument point
- Evidence (specific example or reasoning)
- Explanation of significance
- Connection to thesis
- Link to broader implications
Conclusion
- Synthesize argument
- Show broader significance
- Avoid simple restatement
Sample Outline Using Participation Prompt
Introduction
- Context: Current debate about participation grades
- Situation: Tension between engagement and equity
- Thesis: Mandatory participation grades create inequity
Body Paragraph 1: Cultural Impact
- Topic: Cultural differences in classroom participation
- Evidence: Specific examples of cultural approaches
- Analysis: Impact on student assessment
- Connection: Educational equity issues
Body Paragraph 2: Learning Styles
- Topic: Different forms of engagement
- Evidence: Research on learning variations
- Analysis: How grades privilege one style
- Connection: Need for inclusive assessment
Body Paragraph 3: Workplace Reality
- Topic: Modern professional communication
- Evidence: Current workplace practices
- Analysis: Why diverse skills matter
- Connection: True professional preparation
Sample Body Paragraph
Here's a strong body paragraph with analysis of its elements:
"The modern workplace reveals why traditional participation grades misalign with professional reality. While proponents claim these grades prepare students for professional life, today's workplace increasingly values diverse communication styles, from detailed written analyses to collaborative digital platforms. Silicon Valley's most innovative companies often employ highly skilled professionals who contribute primarily through coding, writing, or problem-solving rather than verbal participation. This evidence demonstrates how mandatory participation grades may actually disadvantage students from developing the varied communication skills modern employers seek."
Elements that make this strong:
- Clear topic (workplace alignment)
- Specific evidence
- Detailed analysis
- Connection to thesis
- Consideration of counterargument
Final Tips
Time Management
- Stick to your outline
- Watch the clock
- Leave time for review
Evidence Selection
- Choose specific examples
- Use concrete details
- Vary your evidence types
Commentary Development
- Explain WHY evidence matters
- Connect to main argument
- Show broader implications
Sophistication
- Acknowledge complexity
- Consider context
- Show deep understanding
You're Ready! Remember:
- Trust your argument
- Stay focused on your position
- Manage your time
- Support all claims
- Be specific and thorough
You got this 🌟