Assignment Requirements: Our goal will be to write a 5 paragraph argumentative essay in MLA format. An effective essay should:
organize ideas in a logical way, such as by main idea
include an introduction that clearly introduces a topic and previews the text
develop a topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and examples
use transitions to show how ideas are related
use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary when writing
include a conclusion that follows from and supports the ideas
Resources:
How to write a thesis statement video
Thesis Statement Graphic Organizer
Plagiarism, What is it? Don’t be caught plagiarizing your writing
MLA Formatting Guidelines
Argumentative Writing Rubric
Outline Template
Graphic Organizer Template
Renewable Energy (9th Grade Level)
As a contribution to the website your environmentalist club is creating, you decide to write an argumentative essay that addresses the importance of renewable energy sources, such as wind energy. Your essay will be displayed on the website and will be read by students, teachers, and parents who visit the website.
Your assignment is to use the sources to write a multi-paragraph argumentative essay about the benefits of renewable energy sources. Make sure you establish an argumentative claim, address potential counterarguments, and support your claim from the sources you have read. Develop your ideas clearly and use our own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
3 answers
Introduction:
- Start with a hook to grab the reader's attention, such as a statistic or a thought-provoking question about renewable energy.
- Provide some background information on renewable energy to establish the context.
- Clearly state your argumentative claim, such as "Renewable energy sources, like wind energy, are incredibly important for our society and the environment."
Body Paragraphs:
Paragraph 1:
- Start with a topic sentence to introduce the main idea of this paragraph, such as "Renewable energy sources offer numerous environmental benefits."
- Use relevant facts, definitions, and examples from the sources to support this idea.
- Include a transition sentence at the end to lead smoothly into the next paragraph.
Paragraph 2:
- Start with a topic sentence that focuses on the economic benefits of renewable energy sources, such as "In addition to environmental benefits, renewable energy sources also have significant economic advantages."
- Use supporting details and examples to further develop this idea.
- Address any potential counterarguments related to the cost of renewable energy and provide a rebuttal.
- Include a transition sentence at the end to lead into the next paragraph.
Paragraph 3:
- Start with a topic sentence that emphasizes the importance of renewable energy sources for energy security and independence, such as "Another crucial benefit of renewable energy sources is their role in enhancing energy security and independence."
- Provide evidence and examples to support this claim.
- Address counterarguments related to reliability and intermittency, and provide a counterargument.
- Include a transition sentence at the end to lead into the next paragraph.
Paragraph 4:
- Start with a topic sentence that addresses how renewable energy sources can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth, such as "Furthermore, investing in renewable energy sources can lead to job creation and economic growth."
- Use supporting details and examples to reinforce this idea.
- Address potential counterarguments related to the job market and provide a counterargument.
- Include a transition sentence at the end to lead into the conclusion.
Conclusion:
- Restate your argumentative claim and summarize your main points.
- Emphasize the importance of transitioning towards renewable energy sources for the benefit of our society and the environment.
- End with a strong concluding statement that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
Remember to properly cite and reference the sources you have read within the essay according to MLA formatting guidelines.
Thesis statement example: Renewable energy sources, particularly wind energy, offer significant environmental, economic, and societal benefits that make them crucial for a sustainable future.
Body paragraph 1: Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy
- Discuss how renewable energy sources reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
- Use facts and examples from the sources to highlight the positive impact on air and water quality.
- Emphasize the importance of renewable energy in preserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.
Body paragraph 2: Economic Benefits of Renewable Energy
- Explain how the growth of the renewable energy industry creates job opportunities and stimulates economic growth.
- Provide examples and statistics from the sources to support your argument, showcasing the potential for long-term economic benefits.
- Address potential counterarguments regarding the initial costs of renewable energy and offer a rebuttal.
Body paragraph 3: Energy Security and Independence
- Discuss how renewable energy sources reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy security.
- Explain the concept of energy independence and how it can be achieved through diversification of energy sources.
- Use evidence from the sources to illustrate how wind energy, in particular, can play a significant role in achieving energy independence.
Body paragraph 4: Social and Community Benefits
- Highlight the positive social impacts of renewable energy, such as improved public health due to reduced pollution.
- Discuss how renewable energy projects can benefit local communities through job creation, investment, and revenue generation.
- Address possible counterarguments related to the visual and noise impacts of wind farms and provide a counterargument about their minimal impact on communities.
Conclusion:
- Restate the thesis statement and summarize the main arguments from each body paragraph.
- Reinforce the importance of transitioning to renewable energy for a sustainable future.
- End with a thought-provoking statement, urging readers to support and invest in renewable energy sources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Remember to cite and reference the sources you have used in the essay according to MLA formatting guidelines.