This brief spiral-bound booklet provides a portable, scannable, and simple guide to the basics of argumentative essay writing. Designed to complement in-depth classroom instruction, it serves as a portable resource that students can use on their own or in class for quick, step-by-step guidance on how to plan, research, write, and edit argumentative essays. Advice on avoiding plagiarism and documenting sources is included, along with up-to-date MLA and APA citation guidelines and a sample essay. Laminated for convenience and durability, the booklet is intended as a lasting reference tool that students can use throughout their academic studies. Additional resources, including an essay outline tool and grammar exercises, are provided on a free companion website.

Step 1: Get Started Tips for Brainstorming and Pre-Writing Step 2: Choose a Topic Thesis Statements Step 3: Conduct Research Where to Find Sources How to Assess Sources Taking Notes Step 4: Construct an Argument Support Your Thesis Counter-Arguments Fallacies of Reasoning Modes of Persuasion

Step 5: Sketch an Outline

Step 6: Create a First Draft Audience Parts of the Essay Transitions Integrate Sources Step 7: Revise and Edit Checklist: Content Checklist: Mechanics

Sample Essay

Documenting Sources MLA APA