English Instructor: Amanda Billups

Argumentative Essay Outline Due: Friday, February 1, 2013

Rough Draft Due: Thursday, February 7, 2013

Typed Final Due: Friday, February 8, 2013 All Dates Are Tentative

Oklahoma State: 8th

Grade C3 Writing Standard Objectives: W8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or

opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.

b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible

sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims,

reasons, and evidence.

d. Establish and maintain a formal style.

e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

W8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task,

purpose, and audience.

W8.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by

planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have

been addressed.

Requirements 12 point font

Times New Roman

MLA format

Double space

Create an original title

Proper header top right corner of first page Ex: First and Last Name

English class hour

Billups

Due Date

Top left of each essay page: last name and page number Ex: Smith 2

Minimum of two pages

Maximum of four pages

Construct attention-grabbing introduction

Provide background information in your introduction

Be detailed in your descriptions. Mind Pictures!

Remember word choice. I want salsa, not rice cakes!

Do not rely on your own opinion alone; back up your claim with observable and measurable evidence

Remember your audience

Include both your claim and the counter claim(s)

You must address the counter claim(s) at least twice

Support each warrant with evidence

Follow a clear organizational pattern

Use transitional words: at least 5

Do not use “you” “us” “we”

Stay away from passive voice

You will be writing an essay in which you take a position on the issue of drug testing

in the public school (junior high and high school) realm. Before you assert your

claim, you must consider these details: Random drug testing, mandatory drug

testing, drug testing athletes, drug testing all students, and the constitutional rights of

an individual. You MUST take a stand on this issue by forming a claim and a main

topic. You MUST have 3 warrants to support your claim. Each warrant MUST be

backed by evidence and facts gathered from the required text.