Description
Book SynopsisThis brief spiral-bound booklet provides a portable, scannable, and simple guide to the basics of argumentative essay writing. Designed to complement in-depth classroom instruction, it serves as a portable resource that students can use on their own or in class for quick, step-by-step guidance on how to plan, research, write, and edit argumentative essays. Advice on avoiding plagiarism and documenting sources is included, along with up-to-date MLA and APA citation guidelines and a sample essay. Laminated for convenience and durability, the booklet is intended as a lasting reference tool that students can use throughout their academic studies. Additional resources, including an essay outline tool and grammar exercises, are provided on a free companion website.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Get Started
- Tips for Brainstorming and Pre-Writing
- Choose an Arguable Topic
- Thesis Statements
Step 2: Conduct Research
- Where to Find Sources
- Library databases
- Wikipedia
- Google Scholar
- Academic Books
- How to Assess Sources
- Taking Notes
- Keeping Track of Sources
- Note-Taking Tips
Step 3: Construct an Argument
- Modes of Persuasion
- Support Your Thesis
- Counter-Arguments
- Fallacies of Reasoning
Step 4: Sketch an Outline - Tips for Writing Outlines
Step 5: Create a First Draft
- Parts of the Essay
- Introduction
- Body Paragraphs
- Conclusion
Step 6: Integrate Sources
- Quoting Directly
- Summarizing main ideas and arguments
- Paraphrasing
Step 7: Document Your Sources
- Modern Language Association (MLA) Format
- In-Text Citations (MLA)
- Works Cited (MLA)
- American Psychological Association (APA) Format
- In-Text Citations (APA)
- References (APA)
Step 8: Revise and Edit
- Checklist: Content
- Checklist: Mechanics
Sample Essay
