MacGregor

Grade 10/American Literature

OM+M Argument Essay
Background:
In our class so far, weve completed the drafting processes for an expository
essay (human imperfection) and a narrative essay (based on TEWWG). The last
major essay we need to write this semester is an argument essay. Argument
essays are a little different from expository essays in that while you will still have
a thesis, cite textual evidence to support your points, and have a conclusion that
extends the significance of your points beyond the realm of your essay, you need
to employ specific rhetorical strategies to convince your reader to agree with you
on a controversial topic.
Prompt:
In John Steinbecks novel Of Mice & Men, George makes a surprising and
controversial decision to kill his best friend, Lennie, at the end of the novel. Some
readers may think that George had no other choice to kill Lennie. George may
have had Lennies best interest in mind, saving him a painful death, jail, or a
continued path of destruction. On the other hand, some readers may feel that
George made a rash decision to murder his friend to selfishly protect himself or to
finally rid himself of the burden of Lennie. Decide whether or not you feel
Georges decision to kill his friend was justified.
In a well-organized, 5-paragraph essay, persuade your audience to agree that
Georges decision to kill Lennie was/was not justified. Use rhetorical devices
throughout your essay to support your argument. Finally, connect Georges
decision to one of Steinbecks overall themes (friendship, loneliness, labor, the
American Dream, etc.).
High-scoring essays will include:
A clear, concise, argumentative thesis (should appear at the end of your
introduction)
Evidence of logical appeals, emotional appeals, and ethical appeals
(remember: logos, ethos, pathos)
Striking imagery to persuade your reader
At least two rhetorical questions
Specific reference and response to at least two potential counter-claims that
your critics might levy against your argument
Textual evidence from OM+M to support your points in each body
paragraph
Quotes and textual support from Friendship in an Age of Economics
and/or Actors in a Play
A correctly-formatted Works Cited page and correctly-formatted in-text
citations

We will use class time this week to draft our essays.

Your first draft is due at the beginning of class on Thursday, 5/21.
Your final draft is due at the end of class on Friday, 5/22.