MLA Guide to Writing: Argumentative Essays. MLA Format Times New Roman, 12 point font, double spaced (set as format), one inch margins (check default.

MLA Guide to MLA Guide to Writing:Writing:Argumentative EssaysArgumentative Essays

MLA FormatMLA Format Times New Roman, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 12 point font,

double spaced (set as format), one inch double spaced (set as format), one inch margins (check default on your margins (check default on your computer)computer)

Leave only one space after periods or Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks other punctuation marks

Indent the first line of paragraphs one Indent the first line of paragraphs one half-inch from the left margin (use the half-inch from the left margin (use the tab button)tab button)

Create a header that numbers all Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-pages consecutively in the upper right-hand corner, one-half inch from the top hand corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. and flush with the right margin.

MLA Format: First Page MLA Format: First Page Do not make a title page for your Do not make a title page for your

paper unless specifically requested. paper unless specifically requested. In the upper left-hand corner of the In the upper left-hand corner of the

first page, list your name, your first page, list your name, your instructor's name, the course, and the instructor's name, the course, and the date. Again, be sure to use double-date. Again, be sure to use double-spaced text. spaced text.

Double space again and center the Double space again and center the title of your paper. title of your paper. DO NOTDO NOT underline, underline, italicize, change font size/design, or italicize, change font size/design, or place your title in quotation marksplace your title in quotation marks

Write the title in Title Case (standard Write the title in Title Case (standard capitalization), not in all capital letters capitalization), not in all capital letters

Double space between the title and Double space between the title and the first line of the text the first line of the text

MLA Format: First Page MLA Format: First Page cont. cont.

MLA Format: Works Cited MLA Format: Works Cited Page Page

EVERYEVERY essay must have a Works essay must have a Works Cited Page if you are using other Cited Page if you are using other people’s ideas, thoughts, and/or people’s ideas, thoughts, and/or worksworks

Visit Visit www.academictips.org/mla-www.academictips.org/mla-format/format/ for specific help with for specific help with formatting your Works Cited Page formatting your Works Cited Page

Use format generators to help youUse format generators to help you– www.citationmachine.com– www.easybib.com– www.knightcite.comwww.knightcite.com

MLA: Works Cited cont.MLA: Works Cited cont.

Outline: Why create one?Outline: Why create one? It is helpful to create an outline when It is helpful to create an outline when

you want to show the importance or you want to show the importance or logical ordering of information. logical ordering of information.

For research papers, an outline may For research papers, an outline may help you keep track of large amounts help you keep track of large amounts of information. of information.

For creative writing, an outline may For creative writing, an outline may help organize the various plot threads help organize the various plot threads and help keep track of character traits. and help keep track of character traits.

Many people find that organizing an Many people find that organizing an oral report or presentation in outline oral report or presentation in outline form helps them speak more form helps them speak more effectively in front of a crowd.effectively in front of a crowd.

Outline: First steps of Outline: First steps of creating an outline creating an outline

Determine the purpose of your Determine the purpose of your paperpaper

Determine the audience you are Determine the audience you are writing forwriting for

Develop the thesis of your paperDevelop the thesis of your paper

Outline: Final steps Outline: Final steps

BrainstormBrainstorm: List all the ideas that : List all the ideas that you want to include in your paper you want to include in your paper

OrganizeOrganize: Group related ideas : Group related ideas together by topictogether by topic

OrderOrder: Arrange material in order : Arrange material in order from general to specific for each from general to specific for each topictopic

LabelLabel: Create main and sub : Create main and sub headings for each topicheadings for each topic

Outline: Formatting Outline: Formatting This is the most common type of This is the most common type of

outline and usually instantly outline and usually instantly recognizable to most people. The recognizable to most people. The formatting follows these formatting follows these characters, in this order:characters, in this order:– Roman Numerals (i.e., I, II, III, IV, V…)Roman Numerals (i.e., I, II, III, IV, V…)– Capitalized Letters Capitalized Letters – Regular Numerals (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…) Regular Numerals (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…) – Lowercase LettersLowercase Letters

Outline ExampleOutline Example

ThesisThesis: Esperanza’s Morp is an : Esperanza’s Morp is an excellent excellent

way for students to get acquainted way for students to get acquainted with with

their peers.their peers.A. Students learn current dance culture A. Students learn current dance culture

at Esperanza High School.at Esperanza High School.

1. Dress1. Dress

2. Dance moves2. Dance moves

Argumentative Essay Structure (one Argumentative Essay Structure (one sided)sided)

Argumentative Essay Argumentative Essay IntroductionIntroduction

Introductory Section for an Argument EssayClearly introduces the issueClearly introduces the issueStates the writer’s point of view States the writer’s point of view (thesis)(thesis)Tells the reader what to expectTells the reader what to expect

Introduction Example #1Introduction Example #1 Education is formally defined as the result Education is formally defined as the result

produced by methods of teaching related to an produced by methods of teaching related to an ”enlightened experience.” America’s education ”enlightened experience.” America’s education system was created in order to properly develop system was created in order to properly develop essential knowledge in students for future essential knowledge in students for future generations to carry on America as a powerful, generations to carry on America as a powerful, influential, and major world power. However, the influential, and major world power. However, the most common problem among our students in most common problem among our students in stress. Also, known as the deadliest killer, stress is stress. Also, known as the deadliest killer, stress is mental or emotional tension that results from any mental or emotional tension that results from any extremely demanding circumstances. Daily high extremely demanding circumstances. Daily high degrees of stress in teenagers’ lives has become a degrees of stress in teenagers’ lives has become a normal ideal, not nearly as uncommon in earlier normal ideal, not nearly as uncommon in earlier decades. The American education system is decades. The American education system is causing undue stress on teenagers that is causing undue stress on teenagers that is detrimental to their health. detrimental to their health.

+/- of Introduction Example #1+/- of Introduction Example #1 Although this writer attempts to be specific in his Although this writer attempts to be specific in his

introduction through the use of definition introduction through the use of definition (defining “education” and “stress”), overall this (defining “education” and “stress”), overall this introduction is vague and bloated with words introduction is vague and bloated with words that don't convey an image. The writer says that that don't convey an image. The writer says that stress is known as the “deadliest killer“ but stress is known as the “deadliest killer“ but doesn’t give a citation or even offer an doesn’t give a citation or even offer an explanation for what makes stress so deadly. explanation for what makes stress so deadly. This detail could be further explained in the body This detail could be further explained in the body of the essay, but it’s too broad of an idea with of the essay, but it’s too broad of an idea with out support in the introductory paragraph. This out support in the introductory paragraph. This writer does establish a claim. However, it’s hard writer does establish a claim. However, it’s hard to find with this added connecting sentence: to find with this added connecting sentence: ““Daily high degrees of stress in teenagers’ lives has become a Daily high degrees of stress in teenagers’ lives has become a normal ideal, not nearly as uncommon in earlier decades.” normal ideal, not nearly as uncommon in earlier decades.” Adding the idea that the stress level of students Adding the idea that the stress level of students has changed over time is unnecessary and takes has changed over time is unnecessary and takes away from the point. away from the point.

Introduction Example #2Introduction Example #2For many years, children growing up in a single parent For many years, children growing up in a single parent family have been viewed as different. Being raised by family have been viewed as different. Being raised by only one parent seems impossible to many yet over the only one parent seems impossible to many yet over the decades it has become more prevalent. In today’s society decades it has become more prevalent. In today’s society many children have grown up to become emotionally many children have grown up to become emotionally stable and successful whether they had one or two stable and successful whether they had one or two parents to show them the rocky path that life bestows parents to show them the rocky path that life bestows upon all human beings. The problem lies in the difference upon all human beings. The problem lies in the difference of children raised by single parents versus children raised of children raised by single parents versus children raised by both a mother and a father. Does a child need both by both a mother and a father. Does a child need both parents? Does a young boy need a father figure around? parents? Does a young boy need a father figure around? Does the government provide help for single parents? Does the government provide help for single parents? With much speculation, this topic has become a very With much speculation, this topic has become a very intriguing argument. What people must understand is intriguing argument. What people must understand is that properly raising a child does not rely on the structure that properly raising a child does not rely on the structure of a family but should be more focused on the process or of a family but should be more focused on the process or values that are taught to these children as they learn to values that are taught to these children as they learn to mature. Children of single parents can be just as mature. Children of single parents can be just as progressive with emotional, social and behavioral skills as progressive with emotional, social and behavioral skills as those with two parents. those with two parents.

+/- of Introduction Example #2+/- of Introduction Example #2 This writer certainly has passion for the This writer certainly has passion for the

subject matter as we can see by the subject matter as we can see by the lengthy introduction to the topic. lengthy introduction to the topic. However, the point is muddled by several However, the point is muddled by several ideas that would have been better left ideas that would have been better left body paragraphs. (IE – “government body paragraphs. (IE – “government provide help for single parents”) The provide help for single parents”) The rhetorical questions are confusing and rhetorical questions are confusing and pull focus from the argument. The thesis pull focus from the argument. The thesis is strong even though it does use is strong even though it does use emotional language that would better emotional language that would better suit a persuasive essay. (IE – “What suit a persuasive essay. (IE – “What people must understand…”) The reader people must understand…”) The reader can clearly see the outline for the can clearly see the outline for the arguments in the final sentence. (IE – arguments in the final sentence. (IE – “emotional, social and behavioral skills”) “emotional, social and behavioral skills”)

Body Paragraphs Body Paragraphs Body paragraphs are the meat of Body paragraphs are the meat of

your essay, and as such are the most your essay, and as such are the most important component of your essay.important component of your essay.

In the body paragraphs, you will In the body paragraphs, you will expand upon and provide support for expand upon and provide support for the theme you introduced in the first the theme you introduced in the first paragraph and will provide the paragraph and will provide the details that move that theme details that move that theme forward. forward.

A two page essay will typically A two page essay will typically contain 2-4 body paragraphs.contain 2-4 body paragraphs.

Argument Body Argument Body Paragraphs (one Paragraphs (one sided)sided) Each body paragraph needs: Each body paragraph needs:

– an argument for or against the topic an argument for or against the topic (depending on the stance that you (depending on the stance that you chose)chose)

– evidence to support your argument evidence to support your argument – explanation to show how the explanation to show how the

evidence supports the argument evidence supports the argument

Argument Body Argument Body Paragraphs (on sided) Paragraphs (on sided) For each piece of evidence with in a For each piece of evidence with in a

paragraph, there will be at least one paragraph, there will be at least one sentence of explanation sentence of explanation – There will be multiple pieces of There will be multiple pieces of

evidence and explanation in each body evidence and explanation in each body paragraphparagraph

Evidence should build in a logical Evidence should build in a logical order from the beginning of the order from the beginning of the paragraph to the end paragraph to the end

Body Paragraphs Body Paragraphs TransitionsTransitions Avoid simplistic transitions between Avoid simplistic transitions between

paragraphs. If your topic sentences paragraphs. If your topic sentences (generally the first sentence in each (generally the first sentence in each paragraph) all begin with some sort paragraph) all begin with some sort of numerical transition (first, second, of numerical transition (first, second, third, finally)third, finally)

If you find yourself relying to heavily If you find yourself relying to heavily on "also" to move your paragraphs on "also" to move your paragraphs forward, look for more interesting forward, look for more interesting and sophisticated transition words and sophisticated transition words and phrases to move the essay and phrases to move the essay along. along.

Body Paragraphs Body Paragraphs ExamplesExamples See Example Essay See Example Essay

– Star by thesis – Writer’s point of Star by thesis – Writer’s point of viewview

– Cloud around the argument in each Cloud around the argument in each paragraph (topic sentence) paragraph (topic sentence)

– Underline evidence/factsUnderline evidence/facts– Box around Box around

explanation/commentaryexplanation/commentary– Squiggle line under the transition Squiggle line under the transition

sentences sentences

Conclusion Conclusion Your conclusion is your chance to Your conclusion is your chance to

extend your essay's parameters and to extend your essay's parameters and to demonstrate the significance of your demonstrate the significance of your experience in a larger context experience in a larger context

A conclusion is not a repeat or A conclusion is not a repeat or summary of ideas presented summary of ideas presented elsewhere in the essay or application. elsewhere in the essay or application.

Instead, it should re-affirm the validity Instead, it should re-affirm the validity of your essay's theme. This means that of your essay's theme. This means that your conclusion should widen the lens your conclusion should widen the lens rather than narrow the focus.rather than narrow the focus.

Remember: Reverse FennelRemember: Reverse Fennel– You are going from specific to general You are going from specific to general

Argumentative Argumentative ConclusionConclusion How to write an argumentative conclus

ion– Restate the main argument in a different Restate the main argument in a different

wayway– Summarize the key reasons Summarize the key reasons – Provide additional commentary (“widening Provide additional commentary (“widening

the lens” of the essay’s theme) the lens” of the essay’s theme)

Sample Argumentative Sample Argumentative ConclusionConclusion

The evidence is overwhelming: the cost of driving a vehicle, both monetarily and environmentally, is outweighing the benefits. We can no longer in good faith support something that is so destructive of the environment. At five dollars per gallon in some areas, we need to ask ourselves if our dependence on cars is merely a result of our own laziness. The bicycle is truly the most efficient means of commuting if we would just take the energy to do so. Saving money while saving the planet is surely enough reason to sway a person without even mentioning the health benefits. Some will never be convinced, but every little bit helps.

Comments on Conclusion Comments on Conclusion ExampleExample

This conclusion restates the This conclusion restates the thesis. It reviews some of the key thesis. It reviews some of the key evidence and it has a call to evidence and it has a call to action. It offers a solution to action. It offers a solution to driving vehicles, but it doesn’t driving vehicles, but it doesn’t broaden the scope of the broaden the scope of the argument by asking the reader to argument by asking the reader to ponder anything new. It comes ponder anything new. It comes off as dry and rushed. off as dry and rushed.

Sample Argumentative Sample Argumentative Conclusion Conclusion

Though Columbus Day’s original intent was to celebrate Christopher Columbus’s historic landing in the New World, many groups feel that it should instead be a day of remembrance for the millions of natives who died as a result of colonization. Despite the contentious nature of the holiday, Columbus played an integral role in the creation of what we know now as the United States of America, and his voyages facilitated a massive exchange of goods between the New World and the Old that continues to this day. Regardless of how one feels about the holiday, Columbus had a huge impact on history, and the world wouldn’t look the same today without him.

Comments on Conclusion Comments on Conclusion ExampleExample

This conclusion does a good job of This conclusion does a good job of restating the view point with out saying restating the view point with out saying “Columbus day should remain a “Columbus day should remain a celebration of Christopher Columbus,” celebration of Christopher Columbus,” which was the thesis statement. The which was the thesis statement. The weakness of this conclusion is in the weakness of this conclusion is in the last sentence. Speaking about the last sentence. Speaking about the “huge” impact of Columbus sounds “huge” impact of Columbus sounds juvenile and repetitive. juvenile and repetitive.