ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS

G1469 – AICLE – Prof. Isadora Norman

Argumentative Essay

Purpose: persuade your audience

Structure: five paragraphs Audience: fellow teachers and teachers in training

Purpose

Argumentative essays are the presentation of two sides to an argument

Example: Advantages of switching to a compressed school day rather than the traditional split schedule.

Provide arguments for and against your position

Remember: You need to inform AND convince

Structure

Normal Essay Structure: Introduction Body Conclusion

Structure

Five paragraphs: 1. Introduction 2. Statement of your position 3. Counter-arguments 4. Reply 5. Conclusion

Structure

Five paragraphs: 1. Introduction 2. Statement of your position

3. Counter-arguments 4. Reply 5. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Brief description of the situation

Background information and definitions.

2. Position Statement

This paragraph begins with your Thesis Statement, a sentence which sums up your perspective on the question being debated.

The other sentences provide support for your argument with examples and evidence

Often, we cite experts to support our argument

3. Counter-argument

We must address arguments against our position in order to make our own argument stronger.

Outline 2-3 counter-arguments, using examples and evidence

4. Reply

Answer the counter-arguments

Provide more evidence or examples supporting your thesis

5. Conclusion

Readdress your thesis, keeping in mind the counter-argument and reply.

Close with a recommendation in line with your perspective on the topic.

Your Assignment:

Write an argumentative essay to persuade your peers of the benefits of using CLIL to teach language and content

The background information you need is found in chapter 1 of Uncovering CLIL (pages 9-24)

Choose FOUR possible topics from pages 20-23

Select ONE topic for your thesis statement

We will discuss these topics on Monday