Planning
The first thing you need to decide before writing an argumentative essay
This type of evidence:
Over 43% students surveyed said they enjoyed wearing school uniforms.
A statistic
There should be ____________ the amount of elaboration as there is evidence.
Double
Claim
An arguable statement that supports a position
Find the error:
Students should not be required to wear uniforms because there emotions are very fragile.
Change there to their
This comes at the end of your Introduction paragraph
A claim statement
This type of evidence:
"Cyberbullying can have severe consequences for youth between 11 and 18 years old," said Margaret Hill, a neuroscientist from John Hopkins University.
An expert quote
Elaboration should tell the reader what the evidence __________ and why it __________
Means, Matters
Evidence
Supporting information used to prove or disprove something
Find the error:
When students are able to express their individuality, studys show their test scores go up.
studys to studies
Each body paragraph should have at least two of these
Pieces of evidence
This type of evidence:
Cyberbullying is defined as the act of consistent harassment of a person through an online platform, usually some type of social media.
A definition
One way to elaborate is by giving an ___________, or a sample/instance of and idea or event.
Example
Counterclaim
A different or opposing viewpoint that challenges your claim
Find the error:
Many principals have seen an increase in their schools scores because of student's creative expression.
schools to schools'
This needs to be incorporated into one of your body paragraphs
A counterclaim statement
This type of evidence:
According to many studies, students are more likely to vote for school uniforms after being informed of the consequences of bullying.
A fact
Which elaboration is the best back up this piece of evidence: Around 65% of students feel like they don't have a say in decisions made at their schools.
A. Students should stand up and get involved in their education.
B. Students are stupid for thinking they would have a say in their school.
C. This matters because students feel like they don't have a voice in a place where they should feel safe and supported.
D. This means that most students feel like that they say matters in school, so they can make a difference in what goes on in their education.
C. This matters because students feel like they don't have a voice in a place where they should feel safe and supported.
Relevance
How closely connected or appropriate your evidence/elaboration is to the matter at hand
Find the error:
When schools require uniforms they are able to provide a safer learning environment for students.
Add a comma between uniforms and they
The question you should answer for the audience in your conclusion paragraph
Why should I care?
Which sentence is properly cited?
A. According to the source, students performed 25% better on state tests after switching to uniforms.
B. Students performed 25% better on state tests after switching to uniforms, according to the text.
C. Students performed 25% better on state tests after switching to uniforms, says Margaret Hill, a university professor.
D. According to Source 1, students performed 25% better on state tests after switching to uniforms (para. 6).
D. According to Source 1, students performed 25% better on state tests after switching to uniforms (para. 6).
Which of these elaborations is irrelevant to an essay about whether or not students should wear uniforms at school?
A. This matters because students can wear either skirts, shorts or long pants to class every day.
B. Students who wear uniforms feel like they aren't able to express themselves, which can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness.
C. This means that schools can help control certain cases where fashion trends have played a role in classroom bullying.
D. This matters for students who are looking for creative outlets to express their individuality.
A. This matters because students can wear either skirts, shorts or long pants to class every day.
Domain-Specific Language
Vocabulary that fits in with the topic you are arguing in an appropriate way
(i.e. technology terms like computer, social media, Instagram, when talking about cyberbullying)
Find the error:
Studies prove that students that wear uniforms are safer, healthier and more happy during their time in the classroom.
Change "more happy" to happier