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Writing Bootcamp: Day 3 - Argumentative Essay

Morgan Velez

Created on March 4, 2026

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Transcript

Step 2

Step 3

  • Body Paragraphs
    • Reminders & Requirements
  • Transitional Phrases
    • In argumentative essays, we use these in body paragraphs to connect our ideas.

+ b

+ A

Step 1

Step 4

  • Organization
    • How do we structure an argumentative essay?
  • Rapid Fire: Counterargument and Rebuttal Drills!

Focus: Proficient Argumentative Essays

+ Info

Paragraph:

School uniforms are a good idea. They make students look the same. Some people don’t like them. They say students can’t show their personality. They help reduce bullying. They save money.

What MUST go in an argumentative essay?

In an argumentative essay, you will: State your claim (what you believe about the topic). Give evidence and reasons that support your claim. Address the counterargument (what someone on the other side might say). Explain why your argument is stronger than the other side. End with a conclusion that reminds the reader of your main point.

  • Think of it like a respectful debate in writing. Instead of arguing with your voice, you use logic, evidence, and clear explanations to prove your point.
  • Example:
    • Topic: School uniforms
    • Claim: School uniforms should be required because they reduce distractions and help students focus on learning.The writer would then give facts, examples, and explanations to prove why uniforms are a good idea.
The writer would then give facts, examples, and explanations to prove why uniforms are a good idea.

3 Body Paragraphs

How do we structure (or build) body paragraphs for an argumentative essay?
  • Body Paragraph 1
    • Reason #1
    • Evidence
    • Explanation
  • Body Paragraph 2
    • Reason #2
    • Evidence
    • Explanation
  • Body Paragraph 3
    • Counterargument
    • Rebuttal

comparison

add ideas

Transitional Words

  • And
  • In adition
  • Furthermore
  • Similarly
  • In the same way
  • Likewise

+ Info

Emphasis

transitions

  • Above all
  • Indeed
  • Especially
Indeed, the price for two tickets and popcorn can sometimes be more expensive than dinner in a restaurant.

Establish logical connections between ideas.

+ Info

Tip Center:

📌 Transition Categories + Transition Phrases to Use:To Add a Point

  • Furthermore
  • In addition
  • Another reason
  • Also
To Show Contrast
  • However
  • On the other hand
  • Although
  • In contrast
To Introduce Counterargument
  • Some may argue
  • Opponents claim
  • Critics believe
To Rebut
  • However, this is incorrect because…
  • This argument fails to consider…
  • Although this is true, it does not…

Remember: Transitions help us connect ideas.

Rapid Fire Drills

#1 Teacher Model

#2 Drill - You Try!

Drill

#4 Drill

Challenge

#3 Drill

+ challenge

💡 Why Transitions Matter Click here for deep dive

Transitions:

  • Connect ideas
  • Improve flow
  • Help readers follow your thinking
  • Strengthen formal tone

Rapid Fire

🔁 What Is a Counterargument?A counterargument is the opposing side’s viewpoint. 🛡 What Is a Rebuttal? A rebuttal explains why the counterargument is weak or incorrect.

How It Works:You will be shown a statement. You respond with: Counterargument sentence starter Rebuttal sentence Keep responses to 2–3 sentences max.

Click to start!

Directions

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of writing where you take a clear position on a topic and try to convince your reader that your opinion is correct. You do this by: using facts, examples, and strong reasons to support your claim.

What does it HAVE to have?

How do we organize/structure an argumentative essay? CLICK HERE to find out.Remember: Structure means how we "build" this essay

Click here for Body Paragraph Deep Dive!

What makes an argumentative essay different from an informative essay?-Informative essays give INFO. They explain a topic to a reader. They do not have opinion.Argumentative Essays are trying to ARGUE a point! What do we have to have to convince our reader we are correct? --> STRONG EVIDENCE & the ability to acknowledge the other side's opinions. *We do ALL of this in the body paragraphs.

#3 Drill

Extra Challenge

Pick a topic: school days should be shorter OR schools should offer more field trips

Sent. Starters

#4 Drill

Teacher Model

🧠 Example Claim: Schools should require uniforms. Counterargument: Some people argue that uniforms prevent students from expressing themselves. Rebuttal: However, students can still express themselves through hairstyles, accessories, and extracurricular activities.

Ambitious Goal Reminder

As we gear up for the Workshops, we are setting an ambitious goal to show major growth in our writing by completing Writing Bootcamp lessons and putting all of it into practice at the Workshop.You will know that you have grown as a writer if you can do these things by the time we get to the Workshop: -write 5 paragraph essays -use formal tone -write a claim and back it up with evidence properly (FRAME IT!) -put all of the work we have already done with RACES into action!