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Steps to build a STRONG ARGUMENTParagraph:
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You can always have more reasons with evidence and other counterclaims.
This just means that it will be longer than 5 paragraphs.
USEFUL TIPS FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAYS
To write well developed paragraphs:
Write about personal experiences - but AVOID FEELINGS
Don't say I feel, I believe, I think, in my opinion
Make reference to other sources - if they have provided you with sources
According to our local Humane Society, the cost of surgery can be as low as forty dollars.
Include facts, details, and precise language as they are appropriate in your writing.
Here is SAMPLE 1
Argumentative Essay written by Mrs. Johnson
Sample Argumentative Essay
Kim M. Smith
April 13, 2017
Kim M. Smith
April 13, 2017
"Fixing" What Isn't Broken
Every pet owner knows that there are enormous responsibilities that go along with having a cat or dog. It must be fed and exercised, and it must be
given love, attention, and protection. However, there is another responsibility that not all pet owners think about. That responsibility is spaying or neutering,
or "fixing.” What does “fixing” a pet mean? Simply put, it means a quick, cheap surgery that will prevent a pet from ever becoming a mother or father. This
surgery solves problems that pet owners know about and some that they might not have considered before. In fact, all pet owners should be required to have
their pets fixed because failure to do so overburdens shelters and increases the health risks of pets.
Firstly, everybody loves a cute new puppy or kitten. But those cute babies soon get bigger, and right now, there simply aren’t enough homes for all of
them. Some unwanted animals go to shelters, but many shelters have limited funds and limited space. They simply cannot keep all the animals they
ollect (Esmonde). If a cat or dog is not adopted within a certain time period, that animal is euthanized or in other words, put to death. Besides, not all
unwanted animals go to a shelter. What happens to a homeless animal left out on the street? Pets are not wild animals. They cannot find fresh water
or hunt their own food, especially in a city. They don’t understand traffic laws, so they often get hit by vehicles. They are vulnerable to common
llnesses—which can then spread to other animals, including pets. They are not tame, so they may attack other animals or people. In either case,
the life of most unwanted animals is not long, but it is full of misery and pain, and it’s also dangerous to other animals or people who they meet.
By not “fixing” one’s own animal, a pet owner will almost certainly be adding to this problem overburdened shelters.
Another thing to consider is the health of the pet itself. Animals, especially those who eat processed foods, are prone to the same illnesses as
humans, like heart disease, kidney stones, and cancer. A spayed or neutered animal is at less risk from these diseases, especially cancer. Furthermore,
animals who are not fixed can sometimes behave aggressively when trying to find mates. They can injure themselves trying to escape from their homes,
or they may fight with other animals. Additionally, while running free, they are in danger of getting hit by a vehicle. And finally, for females who become
mothers, giving birth is not a safe process. For the ordinary pet owner, all these reasons should be strong enough to convince them to “fix” their pet.
Of course, some people will not agree. “I don’t want to give my animal an unnecessary surgery,” they will say. “Surgery is too risky and
expensive.” That idea shows ignorance. Spaying or neutering should be done as soon as you get your pet—when he or she is young and healthy—and
it is almost 100% safe. Your animal is in much more danger if not fixed, for the urge to run away from home will put your pet in extremely dangerous
situations. And almost all cities have a fund to help pay for the surgery. Just ask a vet or the local Humane Society. The cost can be as low as forty
dollars (“I have an animal”). Others might feel that this surgery will change their pet’s personality. They might think that a “fixed” dog might not be a
good watchdog, for example. Or they may simply say “I like my pet the way he/she is” (Smith). This shows a basic misunderstanding of what the
effects of spaying or neutering are. A pet’s personality, like a human’s personality, is his or her own, and it won’t change after a “fixing.” It’s true
that some behaviors will change. A pet will not want to mark objects with urine as much, and females won’t go into heat every few months (“I have
an animal”). A watchdog will still be vigilant, but it probably will not want to fight with other dogs as much. This simple surgery solves many behavior
problems that can frustrate pet owners. The best solution is simply to get your pet “fixed” as soon as you get it home, as young as possible.
That way, fewer bad habits will form.
There’s really no valid reason not to spay or neuter your pet. Whether considering the potential suffering of unborn animals, the health and
comfort of one’s own pet, or the convenience as a pet owner, the facts all show that spaying or neutering is the way to go. It’s not only the convenient
choice, but also morally the right choice, and one that all pet owners should make.
For each Literature Project, you will need a TITLE PAGE that gives the following information:
Your Name
The Literature Project #
The Title and Author of the book
SAMPLE 2 - based upon a book
SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Mrs. Kim Johnson
The Literature Project #10
The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Mrs. Kim Johnson
The Literature Project #10
The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Parents or No Parents
It is May 13, 1929. Ada is born in London. She is not an ordinary healthy baby girl. She is born with a clubfoot - her right foot. Her mother and
father argue about what should be done and eventually decide to “let nature take its course”. It seems obvious to me that they have really decided to do
nothing. Parenthood is a big responsibility. You would think that parents would want what is best for their child. When parents decide to do nothing,
they are not fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations as a parent. Some people should not have the right to be parents. In this case, choosing medical
intervention for Ada would seem like the “natural” thing to do as parents. I have several reasons for believing this.
First, for the majority of babies born with a clubfoot, research shows that it can be corrected in infancy in about 6-8 weeks with the proper gentle
manipulations and plaster casts. Even though being born with a clubfoot is actually considered a birth defect, it does not have to remain a defect. It also has
been found through research that less than 5 percent of infants born with clubfeet require special treatment and may or may not need surgical correction.
Treatment should begin in the first week or two of life in order to take advantage of the elasticity of the tissues. Research also shows that the average cost
of a cure for clubfoot is only about $400.
Secondly, is that without treatment, arthritis commonly will develop in the foot and can cause a lifetime of issues. When the book begins, Ada is
10 years old. She has never left her apartment in London. Her mother is too embarrassed to let her go outside because of her twisted foot. Ada is forced to
spend her days inside a one-bedroom apartment with only a window that lets her see the outside world. She spends her entire life crawling and can barely
stand up. Children who have parents that are sensitive to their needs and emotions are more likely to be socially competent and communicate better. Ada
does not have any friends. She only has her brother, Jamie, who is 6 years old. She doesn’t go anywhere. Her relationship with her mother has impacted her
physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her mother seems to treat Jamie better than her. Nature has taken its course in the past 10 years and she is not even
able to really do anything like a normal 10 year old child.
On the other hand, there are many who disagree with the idea that some people should not have the right to be parents. The Supreme Court has
maintained that parents possess a fundamental constitutional right to raise their children as they see fit. The fundamental liberty interest of natural parents in
the care, custody, and management of their child is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. Even still parents play an irreplaceable role in the
lives of their children. The definition of care and management of their child should include doing whatever is necessary to help the child lead a normal life.
Ada’s mother is abusive to her. She doesn’t treat her like she is even capable of learning and doesn’t really try to help her succeed at anything. In fact, when
Ada has returned home from her foster home, she is on crutches and her mother takes them away. She even tells Ada “with a foot like that, there’s nothing
useful you can do. You’ll be a cripple all your life.”
As you can see, Ada is in a situation where she has no control of her life. Everything her mother says is abusing Ada emotionally. She is
only 10 years old and her mother has already decided that she is a cripple and will not ever amount to anything. With medical intervention, Ada could have
had a normal first ten years of her life. With medical intervention, Ada could have had friends and possibly have had a relationship with her mother. She
could have played outside with friends like normal children do. However, there really is no comparison to the cost of the cure for her club foot and the cost of
her 10 years being unable to walk. Between diapers, formula, food, clothes, furniture, and hospital costs, children are expensive. And later in life, they will
need a phone, a car, college, food, and even more clothing. Being a parent means that you may have to give up things for yourself. Ada’s mother tells her
“I’m never paying to fix your foot.” She even goes on to say “I never wanted either of you” speaking to Ada and her brother. Every child should have the right
to good parents and this is why some parents should not have the right to be parents.
father argue about what should be done and eventually decide to “let nature take its course”. It seems obvious to me that they have really decided to do
nothing. Parenthood is a big responsibility. You would think that parents would want what is best for their child. When parents decide to do nothing,
they are not fulfilling their responsibilities and obligations as a parent. Some people should not have the right to be parents. In this case, choosing medical
intervention for Ada would seem like the “natural” thing to do as parents. I have several reasons for believing this.
First, for the majority of babies born with a clubfoot, research shows that it can be corrected in infancy in about 6-8 weeks with the proper gentle
manipulations and plaster casts. Even though being born with a clubfoot is actually considered a birth defect, it does not have to remain a defect. It also has
been found through research that less than 5 percent of infants born with clubfeet require special treatment and may or may not need surgical correction.
Treatment should begin in the first week or two of life in order to take advantage of the elasticity of the tissues. Research also shows that the average cost
of a cure for clubfoot is only about $400.
Secondly, is that without treatment, arthritis commonly will develop in the foot and can cause a lifetime of issues. When the book begins, Ada is
10 years old. She has never left her apartment in London. Her mother is too embarrassed to let her go outside because of her twisted foot. Ada is forced to
spend her days inside a one-bedroom apartment with only a window that lets her see the outside world. She spends her entire life crawling and can barely
stand up. Children who have parents that are sensitive to their needs and emotions are more likely to be socially competent and communicate better. Ada
does not have any friends. She only has her brother, Jamie, who is 6 years old. She doesn’t go anywhere. Her relationship with her mother has impacted her
physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her mother seems to treat Jamie better than her. Nature has taken its course in the past 10 years and she is not even
able to really do anything like a normal 10 year old child.
On the other hand, there are many who disagree with the idea that some people should not have the right to be parents. The Supreme Court has
maintained that parents possess a fundamental constitutional right to raise their children as they see fit. The fundamental liberty interest of natural parents in
the care, custody, and management of their child is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. Even still parents play an irreplaceable role in the
lives of their children. The definition of care and management of their child should include doing whatever is necessary to help the child lead a normal life.
Ada’s mother is abusive to her. She doesn’t treat her like she is even capable of learning and doesn’t really try to help her succeed at anything. In fact, when
Ada has returned home from her foster home, she is on crutches and her mother takes them away. She even tells Ada “with a foot like that, there’s nothing
useful you can do. You’ll be a cripple all your life.”
As you can see, Ada is in a situation where she has no control of her life. Everything her mother says is abusing Ada emotionally. She is
only 10 years old and her mother has already decided that she is a cripple and will not ever amount to anything. With medical intervention, Ada could have
had a normal first ten years of her life. With medical intervention, Ada could have had friends and possibly have had a relationship with her mother. She
could have played outside with friends like normal children do. However, there really is no comparison to the cost of the cure for her club foot and the cost of
her 10 years being unable to walk. Between diapers, formula, food, clothes, furniture, and hospital costs, children are expensive. And later in life, they will
need a phone, a car, college, food, and even more clothing. Being a parent means that you may have to give up things for yourself. Ada’s mother tells her
“I’m never paying to fix your foot.” She even goes on to say “I never wanted either of you” speaking to Ada and her brother. Every child should have the right
to good parents and this is why some parents should not have the right to be parents.
Sample 3
Sample Argumentative Essay:
This essay uses 6 paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 – Introduction with YOUR CLAIM
Paragraph 2 - Addresses Claim 1
Paragraph 3 – Addresses Claim 2
Paragraph 4 – Addresses Claim 3
Paragraph 5 – Addresses COUNTERCLAIM
Paragraph 6 - CONCLUSION
This essay uses 6 paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 – Introduction with YOUR CLAIM
Paragraph 2 - Addresses Claim 1
Paragraph 3 – Addresses Claim 2
Paragraph 4 – Addresses Claim 3
Paragraph 5 – Addresses COUNTERCLAIM
Paragraph 6 - CONCLUSION
Animals Are Smart
Some people think that we are superior to animals but in reality animals are smart like us. Pets react to your moods and seem to know just when it’s
dinner time! Some animals use tools, communicate and think for themselves. When they do these things, they show us that they are smart.
If animals can use tools, they must be smart. For instance, a cow named Betty made a hook out of a piece of metal wire. That’s obviously pretty
smart but she didn’t stop there. She then used the hook to get treats out of a glass tube. This is being smart because Betty figured out how to make a tool to
get something she wanted. Another smart animal who used a tool was Fu Manchu, the Orangutan. Fu Manchu first traded food for wire with another
orangutan and then he hid it in his mouth until the right time. Then he used the wire as a tool to pick the lock on his cage and escape. This shows Fu
Manchu was smart because he used a tool and he outsmarted humans by escaping from his cage.
Equally, animals who communicate might be even smarter than animals who use tools. For instance, one clever gorilla named Koko actually
learned sign language! Not only that but she started making her own signs. This showed scientists that she was trying to communicate her thoughts, which
takes big brainpower. This proves that she is smart because when Koko made her own signs, it showed that she wasn’t just memorizing signs, she was
thinking and making her own signs. Another smart animal who could understand communication was Betsy, a dog. Betsy can understand 340 spoken words!
Not only that, but when someone showed her a picture of something she had never seen before she could go and get the item. This is really smart behavior
because Betsy didn’t just memorize words. She could recognize objects and fetch them. Betsy didn’t really communicate with her mouth, but with her
actions and she understood so much. It’s just as good as us communicating with our mouths.
By the same token, for animals who don’t communicate or use tools, there is another category. That category is animals that think on their own.
The poison dart frog is an example. Aside from protecting themselves with poison, they have amazing memories! The mothers hide their polliwogs in
individual nests all over the jungle and have to remember where each one is. They come back to them every couple of days to feed them. That is really
amazing how they think for themselves because every pollywog (up to 35) is in a different, camouflaged spot and their mom can still remember where each
and every one is. Another example of animals thinking on their own is Alex, the African grey parrot. Alex can figure out likeness and difference between two
objects. For instance, when scientists hold up two objects and ask what the difference is he will answer either shape or color, depending on what it was.
This is really smart because not only can Alex tell the difference-he can tell what is the same about objects. That is a pretty smart bird to be able to figure
out what was the same and what was different in his mind, but he also translated that out into words. These animals are really smart in thinking on their own.
Nevertheless, there are people that think that animals are not smart. Some may think that most of the animals I talked about were special, that
they were bred in a lab. But animals in natural life are smart too. For instance, a girl in my class named Erin has a farm, and every day her dad goes out at
2:30 a.m.to milk them. The cows line up at 2:25 am without even being told. This shows they are smart because the cows know what time it is, and line up
early without being told. Another real life example of smart animals is my friend Mandy’s cockatoo. Now, in case you are not aware, cockatoos repeat what
is said. This cockatoo, however, takes it a step farther. Instead of just saying things at random times, she actually answers the door when the doorbell is
rung. No, she doesn’t physically open the door, but she does say things like “Hello” and “Come in.” This proves that she is smart because instead of just
saying random words, she responds with the right words at right time.
As I have stated, animals really are smart. We are not superior to animals. They are as smart as people. I know that animals are smart, especially
ones that use tools, communicate, and think for their own.
