Argumentative Essay

Step One : Obviously READ the prompt

• figure out what the theme of the prompt is aka what exactly is the debate?

  • underline the task → usually it will asked you to argue a position on something specific

Step Two : Make a list of all the evidence.

• Spend a couple minutes listing out all the evidence you can thing of related to the topic. it can be literally anything (history, media, current events, books, etc.,)

  • my tip : pick your argument based on the evidence, not what you believe

• Categorize your evidence into three main groups

  • two should be supporting your argument and once should be counterargument

Step Three : Write the Essay

• Template

  • Introduction :

    • Hook → contextualization

    • Thesis → I usually go for a counterargument thesis, where I include main argument AND a counterargument.

      • Format : Although (counterargument), (argument/claim). Therefore, (solidify position)

      • EXAMPLE : Although Tiktok can lead to doom scrolling at times, Tiktok also fosters important developmental traits, such as curiosity and creativity. Therefore, it remains an integral component of societal growth for Generation Z.

  • 3 Body Paragraphs

    • Introduction Sentence

    • Evidence

    • Commentary

      • any time you introduce evidence you HAVE TO actually say something about it & connect it back to the thesis to get points

  • Conclusion → only if you have time

    • restate your thesis

    • anything else you want to say

Rhetorical Essay

(for this one, make sure you spend some time going through this set on common rhetorical devices you can use)

Step One : READ the passage with an end goal in mind

• As you read the passage, start outlining places where you see specific rhetorical strategies being employed.

• Make sure you understand the context of the source, the message and the audience.

• Spend a minute outlining your essay before you start

Step Two : Write the Essay

• This is the template I follow for rhetorical essays

  • Introduction :

    • Hook → contextualization

    • Thesis

      • list the rhetorical choices that will be analyzed in the rest of the essay

      • your thesis should argue something about your author’s rhetorical choices. this should be an argument someone else might disagree with

  • Body Paragraphs

    • Introduction Sentence

    • Evidence

      • When introducing a source, include the author’s name & the source

        • Ex : “In his speech about the importance of social media, Mr. Shew acknowledges ….”

      • Include specific quotes that flow into your sentences naturally

      • Don’t just summarize the evidence or state quotes. Actually say something about it.

    • Commentary

      • any time you bring up evidence, explain how it contributes to your overarching thesis

  • Conclusion

    • restate your thesis

    • anything else you want to say

** according to CB, to earn be sophistication point you must be doing one of these things :

• Explaining the significance or relevance of the writer’s rhetorical choices.

• Explaining the purpose or function of the passage’s complexities or tensions.

• Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.

Synthesis Essay

Step One : READ the prompt

• get a general idea of what the sources will be about & the claim you will be discussing

Step Two : READ the passage with an end goal in mind (~13 minutes)

• You only need to use three sources but I highly recommend you read them all

• As you read each source, take quick notes so it’s easy to come back to while writing

  • underline any sentences that stand out to you

  • make a note of whether it defends, challenges, or qualifies the claim

• Divide your sources into groups!! Each can become its own paragraph.

Step Three : Write the Essay

• This is the template I follow for synthesis essays

  • Introduction :

    • Contextualization/Hook

    • Defensible Thesis

      • you must choose to either defend, challenge or qualify a claim that’s been made in the prompt

      • do not just restate the claim made in the prompt

      • STATE YOUR POSITION and then say why.

  • Body Paragraphs

    • Introduction Sentence presenting the claim you’re making in that paragraph

    • Evidence #1

      • when introducing a source you can do it like this “Tiktok is, as qualified in Source C, helpful for small businesses”

      • Commentary #1

    • Evidence #2 (if you have a second one)

      • Commentary #2

  • Conclusion

    • restate your thesis

    • anything else you want to say