(from The Book: Essentials of Essay and Business Communication by Julie Tagg)

1. LEAD

The lead is vital as it should “hook” the readers and inspire the reader to want to continue to read the essay

Types of Leads	Examples
Quote (that of a famous person)	Victor Hugo notes that “He who opens a school door closes a prison.”
Unusual detail	According to Albert Einstein, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
Statistic or fact	In the workplace, 85% of current jobs and 90% of new jobs require some or more college or post-secondary education
Strong statement	Students must attend school because education provides the only means for changing the rate of illiteracy that plagues societies.
Questions (this can be combined with another lead)	Is our society truly prepared for a future that is rich in illiteracy?
Anecdote	Education once meant learning practical skills for life through work.

• Then… You introduce the topic that you wish to present. Explain this issue and the controversy that surrounds this issue.

Example: Education has evolved in the 21^st century and continues to lean more towards a theoretical approach to building knowledge for the future.

• Now state your claim: Here you provide your thesis. Use one of these keywords to create the thesis:
• Benefits
• Reasons
• Advantages or disadvantages

Writing the Counterclaim in the body paragraph

1. The counterclaim is the opposing argument. It shows that you are cognizant of the opposing arguments on the topic. Use transition words and phrases to present your counterclaims.
2. Place the paragraph with the counterclaim in the body paragraph before the conclusion. This allows you to return to the original argument and prove why the opposing viewpoint is not valid. When refuting the opposing claim, the following transition words and phrases can be used: Yet, nevertheless, still, except, conversely, despite, even so, however             

Example:

1. While it is true that counterargument [ADD YOUR COUNTERCLAIM HERE] … yet return to main points (Turn-back).
2. It is true that (counterargument) …however, (return to main points)

Writing the conclusion

The concluding paragraph is very important to the essay as it closes the arguments. It also shows that you have covered the topic extensively. Some writers may use the conclusion as a call to action where the readers are made aware of what they can do regarding the topic or how the topic can be beneficial. In the conclusion, restate the thesis, then write one or two sentences that give a summary of the reasons and supporting claims. Close, by providing a framework for the readers to want to make a change or give a benefit that comes from heeding the argument.

Outline for writing the argumentative essay

Keep the following points in mind when writing the argumentative essay

1. Start with a clear point of view in an appealing or striking way.
2. Present a range of arguments that will substantiate your points.
3. Focus on the points that support or go against a statement.
4. Be subjective in presenting your views.
5. Present strong opinions with rhetorical devices and persuasive techniques.
6. Use emotive language but do not be rude.
7. Have a strong, clear, and convincing closing that summarizes the main opinion of the writer.