Speaker: Don Knight, English teacher from Westfield, Indiana
Topic: Argument essay with a focus on body paragraphs
Prerequisite: Previous video on thesis statements (optional)
Argument Essay Structure
Focus: Always centered on the thesis statement
Task: Write an essay that argues a position on the value of exploring the unknown
Thesis: Present a defensible position
Body Paragraphs: Provide evidence to support reasoning
Thesis and Body Paragraphs
Working Thesis Example: "Although it can be dangerous to explore the unknown, it is valuable because it leads to personal growth and scientific advancements."
**Body Paragraph Structure: **
Focus on a claim that supports an element of the thesis
Example Organization:
1st paragraph: Personal growth through exploring the unknown
2nd paragraph: Scientific advancements from exploring the unknown
Recommendation: Two well-written paragraphs are stronger than multiple weak ones
Developing the First Body Paragraph
Claim: Exploring the unknown leads to personal growth
Evidence Selection:
Use personal anecdotes if they effectively support the claim
Avoid personal anecdotes unless relevant to personal growth
Commentary:
Explain how evidence supports the claim
Acknowledge complexities and potential dangers
Example of Body Paragraph 1
Claim: Personal growth from the unknown
Evidence:
Moving to a new school, meeting diverse people, and discovering new talents
Scuba certification and overcoming fear of the ocean
Complexity: Acknowledge dangers while focusing on growth
Developing the Second Body Paragraph
Claim: Exploring the unknown leads to scientific advancements
Evidence Selection:
Provide as much detail as possible
Cite credible sources (class, documentary, etc.)
Avoid fiction unless widely acclaimed and applicable
Potential Evidence Examples:
Space race technological developments
DNA exploration advancing health and medicine
Mars exploration aiding climate change understanding
Example of Body Paragraph 2
Claim: Scientific advancements from the unknown
Evidence Options:
Space race between the US and Russia
DNA exploration impacts on health
Mars exploration and climate change insights
Non-Examples:
Molecule movement in class (not unknown exploration)
Early explorers causing devastation (lacks scientific progress)
Conclusion
Goal: Write a nuanced argument acknowledging complexities
Evidence: Relevant, convincing, sophisticated
Commentary: Explore tensions and complexities
Closing Note: Reminder to be kind to yourself and others.