Argumentative Essay Writing Checklist

4 steps that will guarantee a happy reader.

Before handing in your essay please make sure you can answer affirmatively to the
following steps. These are steps for a five paragraph argumentative essay.
Step 1 Write a topic sentence from the topic that you have been given.
A topic sentence must have the following characteristics.
a) It must be a complete sentence. (Do not use uestions.)
b) It must be related to the topic.
c) It must contain an opinion.
d) It must be placed in the introduction.
Step Write a brief outline.
Arguments must defend the topic sentence! i.e. the arguments need to answer the uestion
"hy.
#our outline should look like this.
Topic $entence
Argument %
Argument &
Argument '
( )ake sure the arguments are different. If you can not find ' arguments! modify the
topic sentence.
Step ! Write the essay.
A five paragraph essay should have * paragraphs.
"aragraph 1
The introduction+ It must contain the topic sentence and background information.
"aragraph
Argument %
"aragraph !
Argument &
"aragraph 4
Argument '
"aragraph #
,onclusion
-eep in mind the following points when writing+
a) .ach paragraph should be more or less the same length. b)
A paragraph needs to have a minimum of & to ' sentences. (As a rule of thumb! one
sentence should probably not be more than & lines long.) c)
Avoid the use of words that are too general such as+ things! something! bunch! stuff! get
etc.
d) )ake sure all sentences you have written belong. Do they back your argument/ If
they don0t! then don0t include them.
e) Develop your ideas! don0t assume the reader knows what you are thinking. 1nce you
have made your point! however! there is no need to restate it.
Step 4
"hen you are finished! write a heading or title for the essay. It shouldn0t be too long and
it should reflect what the essay is about. If it is catchy! all the better2