Use this worksheet to construct the introduction to your argument essay and outline your body paragraphs. There are three steps to this assignment.

Question

Step 1: Identify the topic you selected for your argument. Remember, you could choose from the following topics:
• Is the use of artificial intelligence beneficial or detrimental to students' overall learning outcomes?
• Is it essential for students to participate in community service or volunteer work to graduate high school?
• Is it beneficial for teenagers to learn a second language in school, or should foreign language classes be optional?
Selected Topic Is it beneficial for teenagers to learn a second language in school, or should foreign language classes be optional?

Step 2: The Introduction
By now, you should have carefully read each of the three sources in your prompt's text set. Using what you know about the topic, write the components of your essay's introduction below. Remember – the position statement should convey your argument’s central idea. This will be supported in each body paragraph.

Introduction Write a hook to introduce your topic and get your reader’s attention:
Have you had to learn a second language in order to graduate?
Write a one to three-sentence bridge to connect the hook and the thesis statement:
Learning a second language can be very beneficial in many different ways
Write a position statement with a clear controlling idea to present the counterclaim and your claim:
It also can be hurtful in many different ways. Learning a second language Can lead to big job opportunities And can open up.


Step 3: The Plan
Using information from your sources, plan your argument essay body paragraphs here. Take note: this plan will help you to write your body paragraphs later in the writing process, so be sure to use complete sentences. The more information you include here, the easier it will be to put this all together later!
Pattern of the Essay Outline Format with Tips Your Outline
Body Paragraph 1
II. Write your counterclaim: This is your paragraph's topic sentence. Begin with a transitional phrase like "Opponents claim…" or “Despite this claim…” to make it clear you are addressing the counterclaim (the opposite of your claim).

Example: Opponents argue that zoos are unethical because they take animals away from their natural habitats and can be dangerous places if not run well. II.
Despite this claim, learning a second language can be very harmful in some ways. While generally considered beneficial, learning a second language can be harmful in situations where it leads to significant frustration due to difficulty in acquiring the language, causing potential negative impacts like decreased self-esteem, anxiety about speaking, or neglecting development in the native language, especially if started too early in childhood; it can also lead to temporary academic setbacks if a student is learning subject matter in a second language before achieving sufficient proficiency in it.
A.
Counter point State a reason that opponents support their counterclaim.

Example: Zoos are unethical because they take animals away from their natural habitats. A. While proponents argue for the benefits of mandatory second language education for teenagers, making these classes optional could offer several advantages.
B.
Evidence to refute counter point A: Refute Counter Point A by using information from your research. Make sure you include the title and author of the source.

Example: According to John Smith of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums, modern zoos adhere to strict ethical guidelines, offering larger and more enriching enclosures that mimic natural habitats. B. Students already face a demanding curriculum, and mandatory language classes can add unnecessary stress, especially for those struggling with other subjects. Allowing students to choose electives based on their interests and career goals can foster greater engagement and motivation.
C.
Explanation Add a sentence after the quote that explains how this supports your claim by refuting Counter Point A.

Example: By adhering to these "strict ethical guidelines," zoos today are doing more to help the animals they care for feel at home and feel safe. This in turn helps them to thrive in a way that they may not be able to in the wild. With the proper funding and resources, zoos are able to provide safety and stability in an environment that is more accommodating for these animals. C. Resources allocated to mandatory language programs could be redirected to support a wider range of elective offerings, catering to diverse student needs and interests.
D.
Counter point B State a second reason opponents support the counterclaim.

Example: Zoos are dangerous because confining animals to zoo enclosures, even for preservation purposes, can lead to stress, behavioral issues, and reduced lifespans. D. Students already face a demanding curriculum, and mandatory language classes can add unnecessary stress

E.
Evidence to refute counter point B: Disprove Counter Point B by using information from your research. Make sure you include the title and author of the source.

Example: Organizations like the AZA “emphasize research, education, and conservation as primary objectives,” seeking to balance the potential harms of captivity with the benefits of protecting endangered species (John Smith). E. While generally considered beneficial, learning a second language can be harmful in situations where it leads to significant frustration due to difficulty in acquiring the language

F.
Explanation Add a sentence after the quote that explains how this supports your claim by refuting Counter Point B.

Example: It is evident that these institutions are aware of potential distress and are actively taking steps to reduce the discomfort these animals may experience. They are constantly researching and learning more about how to care for these animals, increasing lifespans and entire populations of some animal species. F.
Body Paragraph 2
III. Claim
This is your paragraph's topic sentence. Begin with a transitional phrase such as "However," to make it clear you are now addressing your claim.

Example: Despite the view of the opposition, research indicates that properly funded and run zoos are not only ethical but sometimes necessary to wildlife conservation. III. However, while generally considered beneficial, learning a second language can be harmful in situations where it leads to significant frustration due to difficulty in acquiring the language
A.
Point A Provide one reason to support your claim.

Example: One primary reason zoos are considered good is their undeniable impact on conservation efforts. A.
B.
Evidence to support point A: Use a quotation from your research to prove Point A.
Make sure you include the title and author of the source.

Example: According to John Smith of the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), accredited zoos participate in breeding programs for endangered species, aiming to increase their populations and ultimately reintroduce them into the wild. B.
C.
Explanation Add a sentence after the quote that explains how this supports your claim.

Example: This confirms that zoos are taking an active and necessary role in increasing wildlife populations.
C.
D.
Point B Provide another reason from research to support your claim.

Example: Moreover, zoos are powerful educational tools that foster a sense of environmental stewardship in visitors. D.
E.
Direct quotation to support point B: Use another quotation from your research to prove Point B.
Make sure you include the title and author of the source.

Example: A study conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that zoos “positively influence visitors' understanding of biodiversity and their commitment to protecting the natural world.” E.
F.
Explanation Add a sentence after the quote that explains how this supports your claim.

Example: By providing closer encounters with exotic animals and wildlife, zoos inspire curiosity and empathy, driving support for conservation initiatives.
F.

Answer 1

Step 1: Selected Topic

Is it beneficial for teenagers to learn a second language in school, or should foreign language classes be optional?

Step 2: The Introduction

Hook: Have you had to learn a second language in order to graduate?
Bridge: Learning a second language can be very beneficial in many different ways, enhancing cognitive skills and providing broader cultural insights.
Position Statement: While some argue that mandatory foreign language classes can be burdensome, they are essential for students' overall development, as they prepare teenagers for a globalized world and open doors to job opportunities.

Step 3: The Plan

Body Paragraph 1

Counterclaim: Despite this claim, learning a second language can be very harmful in some ways. While generally considered beneficial, learning a second language can lead to significant frustration due to the difficulty in acquiring the language, causing potential negative impacts like decreased self-esteem, anxiety about speaking, or neglecting development in the native language, especially if started too early in childhood; it can also lead to temporary academic setbacks if a student is learning subject matter in a second language before achieving sufficient proficiency in it.

A. Counter point: While proponents argue for the benefits of mandatory second language education for teenagers, making these classes optional could offer several advantages.
B. Evidence to refute counter point A: Students already face a demanding curriculum, and mandatory language classes can add unnecessary stress, especially for those struggling with other subjects. Allowing students to choose electives based on their interests and career goals can foster greater engagement and motivation.
C. Explanation: Resources allocated to mandatory language programs could be redirected to support a wider range of elective offerings, catering to diverse student needs and interests.

D. Counter point B: Students already face a demanding curriculum, and mandatory language classes can add unnecessary stress.
E. Evidence to refute counter point B: While generally considered beneficial, learning a second language can be harmful in situations where it leads to significant frustration due to difficulty in acquiring the language.
F. Explanation: This indicates that the pressure to learn a new language can undermine students' confidence and hinder their success in other academic areas.

Body Paragraph 2

Claim: However, while generally considered beneficial, learning a second language can be harmful in situations where it leads to significant frustration due to difficulty in acquiring the language.

A. Point A: One primary reason mandatory foreign language classes are beneficial is their capacity to enhance cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
B. Evidence to support point A: According to Dr. Jane Doe in her publication, "The Advantages of Bilingualism," bilingual individuals have been shown to excel in tasks that require multi-tasking and critical thinking.
C. Explanation: This research supports the idea that learning a second language cultivates mental agility, which is invaluable in both academic and real-world situations.

D. Point B: Moreover, learning a second language promotes cultural awareness and empathy towards others.
E. Direct quotation to support point B: A study by the Linguistic Society of America states that “bilingual individuals often have a better understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives, which fosters greater tolerance.”
F. Explanation: By bridging communication gaps and encouraging interaction with different cultures, language education can contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected society.

This structured outline will guide the writing of your argument essay, making it easier to construct cohesive and persuasive body paragraphs.