Introduction
This is the first sentence of your essay, designed to grab the reader's attention.
What is a hook?
The thesis statement is always this sentence in the introduction.
What is the last sentence?
The first sentence of a body paragraph, which states the main point.
What is a topic sentence?
Why do argumentative essays include a counterargument paragraph at all? Doesn't it weaken your argument?
Acknowledging the other side shows the writer understands the full debate.
True or False: in your conclusion paragraph, you must copy your thesis statement word for word.
No, reword it to reflect how the argument has now been supported. It should feel like a proven statement, not just a claim.
How many sentences should the "background information" be in your introduction paragraph
2-3 Sentences
A thesis says: 'There are many pros and cons to year-round schooling.'
Why does this fail as an argumentative thesis?
It's not debatable — it just acknowledges both sides without taking a position.
After citing evidence, you must do this — don't let the evidence speak for itself.
What is explain the evidence?
A student introduces the opposing view like this: 'People who think homework is helpful are just wrong.' What is the problem, and how should they rewrite it?
The problem: it dismisses the opposing view instead of presenting it fairly and neutrally.
Rewrite: 'Proponents argue that homework reinforces classroom learning and helps students build responsibility.'
After restating the thesis, you briefly revisit these in the conclusion.
Three body paragraph arguments/claims?
True or False? A hook can contain the words I, we, you?
False - you CAN NOT use these words in your essay at all.
Avoid starting your thesis with these two weak phrases.
What are 'I think' and 'I believe'?
What's the difference between explaining evidence and just summarizing it?
Summarizing restates what the evidence says. Explaining connects it to the thesis and shows why it matters.
This is the core of the counterargument paragraph, where you dismantle the other side.
What is the rebuttal?
What is the purpose of a closing statement, and where does it appear in the conclusion?
It broadens the argument beyond the essay. Use a real-world implication, call to action, or thought-provoking final idea.
A student writes a three-sentence hook that tells a long story about their personal experience. What's the problem, and how should they fix it?
A hook should be one sentence. They should trim it to the most compelling single sentence and move context to the background section.
Why does a thesis need to hint at the reasons you'll use in your body paragraphs? What happens if it doesn't?
It tells the reader what to expect and keeps the argument focused. Without it, the thesis feels vague and the body paragraphs can seem disconnected from the central claim.
The final sentence of a body paragraph does two things: wraps up the point and does this.
What is transition/lead into the next paragraph?
After the rebuttal, the counterargument paragraph ends by doing this.
Reinforcing/circling back to your thesis
Why should your thesis in the conclusion should feel different from the thesis in the introduction?
It should feel proven, not just claimed.
Put these 3 parts of an introduction in the correct order and EXPLAIN what each one does: thesis statement, hook, background information.
1. Hook — grabs attention.
2. Background information — establishes context.
3. Thesis statement — always last, makes the central claim(s).
Identify the weakness in this thesis: 'I think social media is bad for teens.'
It uses 'I think' — a weak opener — and lacks specific reasons.
Arrange these body paragraph components in the correct order AND explain the purpose of each: closing sentence, topic sentence, cited evidence, context/explanation, explain evidence.
1. Topic sentence — states the paragraph's main claim, connects to thesis.
2. Context/explanation — sets up why this point matters before the source.
3. Cited evidence — quote, paraphrase, or data from a source.
4. Explain evidence — unpacks what it means and why it supports the thesis.
5. Closing/transition sentence — wraps up the point and leads into the next paragraph.
A student writes: "Some say junk food should be allowed in schools. But that's just wrong." What is the ONE thing this rebuttal is missing?
A reason. The student restates their opinion but never explains why the opposing view is wrong.
What is missing from a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the body paragraphs but ends there.
A closing statement that connects the argument to something bigger.