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Student Writing

The following are models for an argumentative essay assignment, including Guidelines for Writing the Argumentative Essay, Argumentative Essay Plan, Student Essay Evaluation and Argumentative Essay Revision Plan. These can be adapted for any type of writing assignment.

Sample Research Assignment

5/1   Research proposal due
5/8   Tentative thesis and working outline due
5/15 Rough draft due; if possible, have students do a guided evaluation of         each others' papers and assign revision plan (see models)
5/21 Final draft due with completed revision plan

Model: Guidelines for Writing the Argumentative Essay

Important: Follow the format below in writing your argumentative essay.

Introduction:

  • Gain the reader's attention and interest.

  • Establish your qualifications to write about the topic.

  • Establish common ground with readers and demonstrate fairness.

  • State thesis (What Is and What Ought To Be).

Background:

  • Present necessary background information (may include pertinent personal experience).

Argument:

  • Present good reasons in support of your thesis; include both logical and emotional appeals.

  • Cite reliable authorities and establish their expertise.

  • Demonstrate ways your argument may be in the best interest of your readers.

Opposing Arguments:

  • Examine alternative points of view.

  • Note advantages and disadvantages of alternative views.

  • Explain why your view is better.

Conclusion:

  • May briefly summarize your argument

  • Elaborates on the implication of your thesis

  • Makes clear what you want the readers to think or do

  • Makes a strong ethical or emotional appeal

Works Cited:
Alphabetical listing of sources cited in essay. Refer to pp. 517-18 in The New St. Martin's Handbook for correct format for documenting your sources. See pp. 561-63 for Works Cited model.

Note:
Be sure to use parenthetical citations for all summarized, paraphrased, and quoted material. See pp. 519-22 in the handbook for parenthetical citation formats.

Model: Argumentative Essay Plan

Directions: Provide the following information about your argumentative essay.

Introduction:

  • What are your qualifications for writing on this topic?

  • How will you establish common ground with your readers?

  • What is your thesis statement? (Remember, it must include "what is" and "what ought to be.")

Argument:

  • Briefly summarize your main points. (Don't forget to provide expertise for all your sources in your essay.)

  • How is your argument in the best interest of your readers?

Opposing Arguments:

  • Briefly summarize the opposing views. (Again, provide expertise of sources in essay.)

  • What are the advantages/disadvantages of these views?

  • Why is your view better?

Conclusion:

  • What is the implication of your thesis?

  • What do you want your readers to think or do?

  • What is your emotional and/or ethical appeal?

Model: Student Essay Evaluation

Writer's Name_______________ Reader's Name_______________

Directions: Answer the following questions after you have read the student essay. Please be as specific and constructive as possible.

Write out the thesis:

  • List the main points of the writer's argument:
    • Point 1:

    • Point 2:

    • Point 3:

    • Point 4:

  • List each of the opposing points:
    • Point 1:

    • Point 2:

    • Point 3:

  • How does the writer counter (argue against) each of the opposing arguments?
    • Counter to Point 1:

    • Counter to Point 2:

    • Counter to Point 3:

  • Does the writer acknowledge any points of the opposition?

  • Does the writer use parenthetical citations for all quoted, paraphrased and summarized information? If not, where does this need to be done?

  • Does the writer give the background/expertise of each source the first time it is used? If not, where does this need to be done?

  • How has the writer established common ground and involved the reader emotionally in the argument?

  • Is the thesis restated in the conclusion?

  • What suggestions do you have for improving the essay? Be specific.

Model: Revision Plan for the Argumentative Essay

Directions: Review the student feedback you have received and reread your essay to draw up your revision plan. Hand this in with your final essay.

Write out your thesis statement. Be sure it includes "what is" and "what ought to be."

  • Introduction: (Remember to establish your qualifications to write about the topic and to establish common ground with your readers and demonstrate fairness.)
    • Revisions

  • Background: (Remember to present necessary background information.)
    • Revisions:

  • Argument: (Remember to cite reliable authorities and establish their expertise; present good reasons in support of your thesis; include both logical and emotional appeals; demonstrate ways your argument may be in the best interest of your readers.)
    • Revisions:

  • Opposing Arguments: (Remember to examine alternative points of view; note advantages and disadvantages of alternative views; explain why your view is better.)
    • Revisions:

  • Conclusion: (Remember to elaborate on the implication of your thesis; make clear what you want the readers to think or do; make a strong ethical or emotional appeal.)
    • Revisions:

Note: Be sure to use parenthetical citations for all summarized, paraphrased and quoted material and include a Works Cited page.


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