Hi, I'm trying to start on my argumentatvie essay today and at least get the rough draft done. The topic is Recent changes to Georgia's HOPE scholarship program. I have found a few sources that I can include in the essay but what I need help on is how to start this out. Obviously, being a college student who uses this scholarship, I am against the new changes made to it. So i have my view laid out I just need help getting started.
I'm also following the Toulmin Model for this essay so the steps are:
Claim, Data, Warrant, Backing, Rebuttal, and Qualifier.(2-3 paragraphs on each of these things)
I figured that my claim would be that the state is not doing everything possible to help students stay in college and that the new changes to HOPE are bad for the students who are currently using it. (this is just a rough draft)
I thought my warrant would be that every student has the right to go to college...
the other stuff I haven't figured out yet, but can someone please help me start this out! THanks
I'll give you the text of the lessons I have for writing arguments. Then you can see which information helps you (and discard the rest).
Lesson 1 - Formal argument (Aristotle's terminology)
Formal terminology:
Exordium (claim is the last sentence in this section) – draw reader into your position; build common ground; establish tone and style; establish “credentials;” clarify why this topic and your position are important; build ethos
Narratio (data; background) – tell the story behind the argument; give necessary background information; clarify the issue; define the issue in terms favorable to your stance
Propositio (Warrant) – state your central position carefully and clearly; perhaps set the stage for important sub-points
Refutatio (Rebuttal) – stating the opposition’s viewpoint(s) and explaining why they are wrong
Confirmatio (Backing) – develop and support your own position/stance; use traditional thesis/ support format (including examples, facts, statistics to support your claim); avoid logical fallacies; argue from authority, definition, analogy, cause/effect, value, purpose; use logos; rank supporting points
Digressio – optional; touching or entertaining anecdote; brief; build pathos or ethos
Peroratio – conclusion; review of main points in your favor; reference to position statement in intro; plea for action; end strongly, with conviction
Other possible patterns of organization: You may or may not care about these.
A
~~Intro
~~Refute strongest opposition point
~~State own case
~~Confirm own position
~~Refute weaker opposition point
~~Concl
B
~~Intro
~~Own proposition as open-ended question
~~State case
~~Examine and refute opposition
~~Examine and confirm own position
~~Concl
C
~~Intro
~~Offer rival proposition
~~Offer own position
~~Confirm own position
~~Refute opposition
~~Concl
There might be ideas in here that'll be useful:
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS379US379&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Claim%2C+Data%2C+Warrant%2C+Backing%2C+Rebuttal%2C+and+Qualifier
And this is the BEST website I believe to help you with all this:
http://www.powa.org/argumentative-essays.html
Be sure to click on Read More for each section.
Now ... between what your teacher has taught you and all the information above, you should be able to plan out your whole paper.
And here are the the instructions I give every student, no matter what type of paper he/she is writing:
DON'T start any paper's first draft by writing the introduction! How can you introduce a paper that you haven't written yet?
Follow the writing process, whether you're writing for science, history, English, or whatever:
Prewriting: Brainstorm, research, plan, outline, thesis statement
Writing: Write first draft by starting with section II of your outline; write the introduction after the body of the paper is written; write the conclusion last.
Polishing: Revise, concentrating first on the body of the paper, then the intro, then the concl (revision = making sure ideas are logical and sequential and support your thesis); proofread (spelling, grammar, usage, etc.)
Do you have a thesis yet? Have you done your brainstorming (and maybe research) yet? Have you written an outline?
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html#org
from http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html
http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Check in the Essay & Research Paper Level.
Thank you for all this!
I have no brainstorming done yet, but I guess that's how I'll start...and then start with the body paragraphs.
Thank you, I'll let you see the firs draft once it's written.
OK -- just let me know! =)
Sure! I'd be happy to help you get started on your argumentative essay about the recent changes to Georgia's HOPE scholarship program. It's great that you have already identified your claim and warrant, as these are important elements in establishing your argument. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to start each section of your essay according to the Toulmin Model:
1. Introduction:
To capture the reader's attention, you can start with a compelling opening sentence or a relevant statistic about college education in Georgia. Then, introduce the topic of recent changes to the HOPE scholarship program, providing some background information on why this scholarship is significant for college students in Georgia. End the introduction with your clearly stated claim, which is that the state is not doing everything possible to help students stay in college and that the new changes to HOPE are detrimental to current recipients.
2. Data:
In this section, present factual information and evidence to support your claim. Start by discussing the specific changes that have been made to the HOPE scholarship program, such as reduced funding, stricter eligibility criteria, or limitations on award amounts. Provide statistics, examples, or anecdotes to illustrate how these changes negatively impact students and make it harder for them to afford and continue their college education.
3. Warrant:
Next, explain the rationale behind your claim by establishing your warrant. Build a logical argument to justify your assertion that every student has the right to go to college. You can discuss the societal benefits of accessible education, the importance of equal opportunities, or the economic advantages of an educated workforce. Support your warrant with facts and statistics to make your argument more persuasive.
4. Backing:
In this section, provide additional evidence to reinforce your warrant and support your claim. You can include expert opinions, research findings, or historical context that highlight the significance of education in society. These sources should help strengthen your argument and lend credibility to your position.
5. Rebuttal:
Address and respond to potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints in this section. Anticipate the arguments that someone might make against your claim and provide counter-evidence or reasoning to refute them. By acknowledging and refuting opposing views, you strengthen your own argument and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
6. Qualifier:
Finally, include a paragraph that acknowledges limitations or exceptions to your claim. This qualifier section allows you to show that you understand the complexity of the issue and that your argument may not apply universally in all scenarios. Consider discussing any potential counterexamples or situations where the new changes to the HOPE scholarship program might have some benefits or unintended positive outcomes.
Remember to provide clear transitions between paragraphs and support your ideas with specific examples, evidence, and citations from reliable sources throughout your essay.
I hope this guidance helps you start writing your essay effectively. Good luck with your rough draft!