Writing Simplified and Paper #3

Pages 34-37 in Writing Simplified” provide detailed tips on how to successfully write different styles of essays and paragraphs such as classification, compare and/or contrast, cause and or effect, and argumentative. For our third paper, we are asked to write a persuasive essay and validly argue our points and opinions. Section 51 talks about the key components of an argumentative paper. It emphasizes that a good paper should have an arguable topic, not a fact. Our papers will be based on our personal opinion of what needs to be changed in the K-12 school system, which on its own, is an arguable topic. It also talks about having a strong, “to the point” thesis statement, and supportive evidence to back up your reasoning.

Since we will be writing an argumentative/persuasive paper, we can compare and contrast certain aspects of our opinion to further prove and explain our point. Like we did for our second paper, WS suggests that you make sure you give enough information, and explain your ideas thoroughly and clearly. Providing facts, statistics, and detailed examples will give the reader a clear understanding of what you are saying, and will persuade them to seriously consider your ideas.

I believe a significant addition to our next assignment will be adding causes and effects. A topic such as the one we are writing about would seriously benefit from the writer critically analyzing why and how the K-12 school system needs to change. WS says the most important thing to remember is sticking to the obvious causes and effects, and not branching out to far off topic.