This brief spiral-bound booklet provides a portable, scannable, and simple guide to the basics of argumentative essay writing. Designed to complement in-depth classroom instruction, it serves as a portable resource that students can use on their own or in class for quick, step-by-step guidance on how to plan, research, write, and edit argumentative essays. Advice on avoiding plagiarism and documenting sources is included, along with up-to-date MLA and APA citation guidelines and a sample essay. Laminated for convenience and durability, the booklet is intended as a lasting reference tool that students can use throughout their academic studies. Additional resources, including an essay outline tool and grammar exercises, are provided on a free companion website.
Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get Started
- Tips for Brainstorming and Pre-Writing
Step 2: Choose a Topic
- Thesis Statements
Step 3: Conduct Research
- Where to Find Sources
- How to Assess Sources
- Taking Notes
Step 4: Construct an Argument
- Support Your Thesis
- Counter-Arguments
- Fallacies of Reasoning
- Modes of Persuasion
Step 5: Sketch an Outline
Step 6: Create a First Draft
- Audience
- Parts of the Essay
- Transitions
- Integrate Sources
Step 7: Revise and Edit
- Checklist: Content
- Checklist: Mechanics
Sample Essay
Documenting Sources
- MLA
- APA
- • Simple but specific advice for planning, drafting, and revising argumentative essays
- • Clear, step-by-step organization
- • Current MLA and APA citation guide, including MLA 2021 updates
- • Emphasis on common challenges for beginner students, including avoiding plagiarism, refining a thesis statement, and incorporating sources
- • Additional resources, including an essay outline tool and grammar exercises, are provided on a free companion website
- • Spiral-bound and laminated for convenience and durability
All purchasers of Argumentative Essays have access to free online resources, which include additional sample essays, a unique digital tool for argument construction, and further information on research, writing, and mechanics. The passcode is included in the booklet and in digital and print examination copies.