Writer's Notebook 3.1

For this Writer's notebook assignment, you will create an outline for the argument essay. Use the template in the handout "Breaking the Five Paragraph Essay Habit" to create your outline. Remember that your essay needs to be between 5-6 pages long. Here is the basic structure:

Introduction      
    
Attention getter
Introduction of controversy
Thesis


Relevant background information OR definition of terms (if necessary)
Counterargument     
    
Evidence and explanation
Statement of understanding


Refutation      
    
Evidence and explanation'
Second evidence
Refer to thesis


Reason I      
    
Evidence and explanation
Second evidence
Refer to thesis


Reason II (same format as above)
Reason III or second counterargument/refutation (same format as above)
continue adding reasons or counterarguments/refutations until you reach the page minimum and fully prove your claim
Conclusion  (you don't need all three)     
    
Call to action or 
Solution or
Further research 



You do not have to follow this exact outline. It is only one way to organize your paper. Move your paragraphs in the order that is best for understanding. Place a strong reason or counterargument at the beginning. Place your weakest arguments in the middle, and put your strongest point at the end. That way your readers walks away with your best idea in their head. Leave them thinking.
The information presented here will be covered in your unit quiz at the end of the unit!
Grading rubric:

An introduction                        15      
    
A full sentence thesis


Background info                      10
Three supporting paragraphs  45      
    
Full topic sentences
Evidence
A brief explanation


A counterargument                  10      
    
Evidence
A brief explanation


A refutation                              10      
    
Evidence
A brief explanation


A conclusion                            10
Total                                        100