Write an argumentative/persuasive essay on one of the suggested topics below. Suggested Topics

• Respond to one of the sample argumentative/persuasive essays.
• Write on a topic of your choice.

Checklist

• Is the subject suitable for a short argumentative essay?
• Have you made your position or recommendation on the subject clear in the thesis statement?
• Have you included (and refuted) possible arguments against your position?
• Have you included sufficient evidence to support your position?
• Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence?
• Is the topic of each paragraph sufficiently developed?
• Have you inserted transitions to show the connections between your ideas?

You can adjust the length of the essay by restricting or increasing the breadth of the thesis statement. You can also adjust topic sentences so the scope of a paragraph increases or decreases. Remember that a body paragraph is usually six to eight sentences long.