Stages in Writing an Argumentative Essay

I. Stage 1 (Defining / Clarifying Terms and Generating Ideas)

A. Defining / Clarifying of Key Words in the essay question

B. Generating / Brainstorming ideas

II. Stage 2 ( Sorting & Organising for Relevance)

1. Assess relevance of points which you have brainstormed vis a vis the question.
2. Eliminate irrelevant points and group relevant ones under "For" and "Against"

III. Stage 3 (Broadening Scope)

	Examine the points which you have jotted I
	Ask "Are there other perspectives which I may want to consider the issue? Are there points which I might have left out ?"

IV. Stage 4 (Deepening Thought)

1. Carefully consider the points of argument which you have jotted down.
2. Ask "Do I need to qualify some of the points? Do I need to further explain and illustrate using examples?"

V. Stage 5 (Stand & Balance)

	Now, consider to what extent you agree with the given statement
	Write down your stand in the thesis statement

VI. Stage 6 Writing Your Arguments

A. The Introductory Paragraph has three parts :

	Grabber – begin in an interesting manner that grabs the readers’ attention
	Transition Statement – brings the discussion back to the issue at hand
	Thesis Statement – sums up your stand and the main points of arguments to give shape and direction to your essay.

B. Begin the subsequent "Body" paragraphs each with a topic sentence. (A topic sentence tells in a nut shell what the paragraph is about)

C. Conclude the essay using one or more of the following ways:

	Give a final thought
	Ask a thought-provoking question
	Recommend solution(s)

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