Writing Application: Drafting Arguments
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From Reading to Writing
Now that you can identify claims, evidence, and counterarguments in texts, it's time to write your own argument essay. This lesson will guide you through the process step by step.
A complete argument essay has four main parts:
- Introduction: Hook your reader and state your claim
- Body Paragraphs: Present your evidence and reasoning
- Counterargument Paragraph: Address the other side
- Conclusion: Restate your claim and leave a lasting impression
Writing Process
Good writers don't try to write a perfect essay on the first try. They plan, draft, revise, and edit. This lesson focuses on planning and drafting. The next lesson covers editing!
Example: A Complete Argument Essay
Before you write your own, let's look at a model essay with all four parts labeled:
Should Schools Have a Later Start Time?
Imagine trying to take a math test when you can barely keep your eyes open. That's the reality for millions of students who have to wake up before 6 a.m. to catch the bus. Middle and high schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. because later start times improve student health, academic performance, and safety.
First, later start times are better for student health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep, and their bodies naturally want to fall asleep later at night. When schools start at 7:30 a.m., most teens are sleep-deprived. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that students at schools with later start times got 34 more minutes of sleep per night and had lower rates of depression and anxiety.
Second, well-rested students perform better academically. Research from the University of Minnesota showed that schools that switched to later start times saw a 4.5% increase in standardized test scores. Students were more alert in first-period classes and participated more in discussions. Better sleep also improves memory, which helps students remember what they learn.
Some people argue that later start times would create problems for after-school activities and parents' work schedules. While this is a valid concern, many districts that have made the switch found solutions. Sports practices can be held before school or adjusted slightly. Many working parents already rely on before-school programs, which would still be available. The benefits to student health and learning are worth the temporary adjustment.
Sleep isn't a luxury-it's a necessity for growing minds and bodies. By starting school at 8:30 a.m. or later, we can help students be healthier, learn better, and arrive at school ready to succeed. It's time for school districts to put student well-being first and make this important change.
Practice: Plan Your Essay
Step 1: Choose Your Topic
Click a topic card to select it:
Cell Phones in School
Should students be allowed to use phones during lunch?
Homework Limits
Should homework be limited to 30 minutes per night?
More Recess
Should schools have longer recess periods?
School Uniforms
Should public schools require uniforms?
Step 2: Fill Out the Organizer
Use this organizer to plan your essay. Complete each section:
Argument Essay Planner
Introduction
Sentence Starters:
Body Paragraph 1 - First Reason
Body Paragraph 2 - Second Reason
Counterargument Paragraph
Conclusion
Your Essay Draft:
Great job! This is your first draft. In the next lesson, you'll learn how to edit and improve it.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
What are the four main parts of an argument essay?
Question 2
What should the introduction of an argument essay include?
Question 3
Where should you address counterarguments in your essay?
Question 4
What makes a good "hook" in an introduction?
Question 5
What should each body paragraph include?
Question 6
What is a "call to action" in a conclusion?
Question 7
Which transition word signals you're moving to a second reason?
Question 8
Why is planning your essay before writing important?
Summary
Introduction
Hook + Claim
Body Paragraphs
Reasons + Evidence
Counterargument
Other side + Response
Conclusion
Restate + Call to action
Key Takeaway
A strong argument essay has a clear structure: introduce your claim, support it with evidence, address counterarguments, and end with a powerful conclusion. Using an organizer helps you plan each part before you write!
Next Steps
- Complete your essay draft using the organizer above
- Read your draft out loud to hear how it sounds
- Move on to Editing Workshop to polish your essay