Argumentative Essay Packet of Awesomeness!

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

Essential elements of an argumentative essay:

1. Claim —the main point of the argument; what your whole essay will focus on.

2. Evidence —the researched facts that support your claim3. Supporting Details —explain how evidence relates to topic sentence

and claim and why the reader should care4. Counterargument —the argument of the opposing side5. Rebuttal —the response to a counterargument; explains why the

opposition is so, so wrong

Table of Contents:

1. Argumentative Essay Structure Outlines………………………. pg. 2-32. Counterargument/rebuttal version one………………………..pg. 43. Example essay—Version one……………………………………..pg. 5-94. Counterargument/rebuttal version two………………………..pg. 105. Example essay—Version two……………………………………..pg. 11-156. In-text citations……………………………………………………... pg. 167. Thesis/Claim tips……………………………………………………. Pg. 17-188. Attention getter tips……………………………………………….. pg. 19-209. Transitions…………………………………………………………….pg. 21

Argumentative Essay StructureOPTION ONE

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INTRODUCTION: 1. Attention Getter (2-3 sentences):

Grabs reader attention and gets him/her invested in the writing. 2. Connector (2-3 sentences):

Leads reader from attention getter to thesis; can provide background information about topic.

3. Thesis (1-2 sentences): Provides the reader with exactly what the essay is about. Sets up

major points.

BODY PARAGRAPHS (3 total): 1. Topic sentence (1 sentence):

Indicates what the paragraph will focus on. 2. Evidence #1 (1-2 sentences):

Specific evidence that supports topic sentence. 3. Supporting Details (2-3 sentences):

Explain evidence and how it connects to overall topic. 4. Evidence #2 (1-2 sentences):

Specific evidence that supports topic sentence. 5. Supporting Details (2-3 sentences):

Explain evidence and how it connects to overall topic. 6. Evidence #3—OPTIONAL (1-2 sentences):

Specific evidence that supports topic sentence.7. Supporting Details—OPTIONAL (2-3 sentences):

Explain evidence and how it connects to overall topic. 8. Counterargument and rebuttal (2-3 sentences):

State the opposition’s position on this specific topic. Then, explain why opposition is wrong/dumb/lame/the worst.

CONCLUSION: 1. Thesis again (1-2 sentences):

Restate thesis/claim using concluding transition. 2. Wrap things up (3-6 sentences):

This can be done in a number of ways: o Explain why this topic is important/why people should care. o Reinforce essential points. o Provide new insight not included in paper. o Provide a “call to action”

Always end with a strong, definitive final statement.

Argumentative Essay StructureOPTION TWO

INTRODUCTION:

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1. Attention Getter (2-3 sentences): Grabs reader attention and gets him/her invested in the writing.

2. Connector (2-3 sentences): Leads reader from attention getter to thesis; can provide background

information about topic. 3. Thesis/claim (1-2 sentences):

Provides the reader with exactly what the essay is about. Sets up major points.

BODY PARAGRAPHS (3 total): 1. Topic sentence (1 sentence):

Indicates what the paragraph will focus on. 2. Evidence #1 (1-2 sentences):

Specific evidence that supports topic sentence. 3. Supporting Details (2-3 sentences):

Explain evidence and how it connects to overall topic. 4. Evidence #2 (1-2 sentences):

Specific evidence that supports topic sentence. 5. Supporting Details (2-3 sentences):

Explain evidence and how it connects to overall topic. 6. Evidence #3—OPTIONAL (1-2 sentences):

Specific evidence that supports topic sentence.7. Supporting Details—OPTIONAL (2-3 sentences):

Explain evidence and how it connects to overall topic.

COUNTERARGUMENT/REBUTTAL PARAGRAPH (8 sentences minimum): In this paragraph, you anticipate and identify the arguments of your opposition. There is no specific structure, but you should make sure to include at least THREE opposing arguments, provide a rebuttal for each opposing argument (i.e. why the opposition is wrong), and then end the paragraph with a statement that reinforces your thesis/claim as a whole.

CONCLUSION: 1. Thesis again (1-2 sentences):

Restate thesis/claim using concluding transition. 2. Wrap things up (3-6 sentences):

This can be done in a number of ways: o Explain why this topic is important/why people should care. o Reinforce essential points. o Provide new insight not included in paper. o Provide a “call to action”

Always end with a strong, definitive final statement.

Creating a Counterargument and Rebuttal

Counterargument: the argument of the opposing sideRebuttal: response to counterargument; explains why the opposition is so, so wrong.

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Example prompt: Should people do volunteer work? Example Counterargument/rebuttal: Some scholars believe

volunteer work is unnecessary for personal growth, but research shows that people who volunteer their time for charity work are 98% more likely to be happy in their lives.

For argumentative writing, you have TWO choices: 1. Add a counterargument and rebuttal to the end of each body

paragraph. 2. Create a separate counterargument/rebuttal paragraph.

For Option 1:

Step One: Identify opposing argument (counterargument) Introduce with phrases such as:

a. Some scholars believe that…b. Others may say that…c. It has also been stated that…d. The opposition claims that…

Example: a. Others may say that Harry Potter is not the greatest wizard of all

time…Step Two: Respond to counterargument/prove it wrong (rebuttal)

Introduced with words such as: a. ,but…b. However…c. On the other hand…

Example: a. Others may say that Harry Potter is not the greatest wizard of all

time. However, it’s clear from the research that his ability to defeat Voldemort makes him greater than any other wizard who ever existed.

Dana Comiskey

English IB: All Periods

Argumentative Essay: Version One

September 10, 2015

The Incredible Importance of the Harry Potter Series

4

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” These impactful

words were spoken not by a former president, great historical leader, world famous

humanitarian, or even a rags-to-riches celebrity. Rather, these impactful words were

spoken by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, the fictional headmaster of

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and they have affected many lives since

their publication in J.K. Rowling’s fourth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter

and the Goblet of Fire. The Harry Potter series, which began publication in 1998 with

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and ended in 2007 with Harry Potter and the

Deathly Hallows, tells the story of Harry Potter and his friends, young wizards working

to defeat evil Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who wishes to take over the world. Because

of the plot of the book series, people often dismiss it as silly fiction that should not be

taken seriously; however, an incredible amount of learning can be gleaned from these

books. Thus, the Harry Potter book series is worthy of close study and research because

it has been a social phenomenon, it accurately reflects issues in society, and it teaches

valuable life lessons.

To begin, this series is worthy of close study and research, because it has been a

social phenomenon. To explain, “over 450 million copies of the Harry Potter books have

been sold around the world” (Herrera, 2013, p. 47). In America alone, over 120 million

copies have been sold; America’s population is 313 million people, which means for

every 2.6 people, one Harry Potter book has been sold. This is an amazing statistic that

demonstrates how popular these books are, and anything this popular in a hugely diverse

country like the United States deserves a closer look. In addition, since the publication of

the books and production of the movies, thousands of internet communities surrounding

5

Hogwarts and the entire wizarding world have developed and thrived. In fact, it is

possible now for a muggle (non-magical being) to pay money to “enroll” in Hogwarts

and take classes online. This truly demonstrates the social impact this story has had; the

fans are generally obsessive and, even after the series ended, still continued to keep

investing in it. To continue, “The Harry Potter books and movies have generated a

cultural renaissance in which ‘cosplay’ and emersion in fantasy worlds has become part

of the ‘zeitgeist’” (Sassypants, 2014, p. 687). Being a nerd is now cool, and that could

have never happened without the creation of the Harry Potter universe. J.K. Rowling’s

work has literally changed the face of popular culture. Those who find Harry Potter silly

might say that spending time researching a fictional story is a waste, because it’s only a

story about wizards. However, it’s clear that this story has made a significant impression

on society and thus is worthy of close study.

To continue, Harry Potter is also worthy of close study and research, because it

accurately reflects issues in current society. To illustrate, Harry spends a significant

amount of his time struggling with the death of his parents and his subsequent feeling of

depression around his lack of any family that truly cares for him. To explain further,

Harry’s parents were killed by Voldemort when harry was a baby; Harry then lives with

his aunt and uncle, who make it clear on multiple occasions how much they do not want

him around. Harry then struggles with this feeling of not having a real home or family

throughout the series. As Herrera (2013) explains, “Family issues similar to Harry’s exist

in many people’s lives, and being able to read about them and watch a character work

through and eventually overcome them not only helps those struggling deal with their

difficulties, but it also shows others that these issues do exist and potentially encourages

6

them to help others” (p. 45). Also, the story itself is a story of good versus evil. Every

day, people make choices—some of these choices are positive, some are negative. This is

the way the world works. The Harry Potter series tells a tale of good versus evil, where

good triumphs in the end; this not only holds a mirror up to society and encourages

people to evaluate their choices and where they might fall in the spectrum of good and

evil, but it also demonstrates how good can truly win out in the end, which makes it

incredibly valuable to study. Adding to that, the story supports feminism as it breaks

away from the typical “hero” storyline. “Most epic stories involve a love triangle or at

least a love story between the hero and heroine; Harry Potter breaks that mold”

(Sassypants, 2014, p. 65). Hermione is strong, independent, and a crucial member to the

story, not because she and Harry fall in love, but because she is powerful. Rowling’s use

of such a strong heroine further supports the development of feminism in today’s society.

Opposing ideas state that the Harry Potter series does not reflect society, because it is set

in a fictional world. However, even if this is a fictional story, the issues are so real to

current society that they cannot be ignored.

Finally, the Harry Potter series is worthy of close study and research, because it

teaches valuable life lessons. To elaborate, Harry experiences a significant amount of

difficulties throughout his journey, and these difficulties are made more challenging

because of his lack of a family for support. While he does struggle, though, he eventually

realizes that his friends are his family; they have and always will support him. People

often get “hung up” on the idea that family involves only those who are blood related

and, like Harry, become saddened if they do not have any such family in their lives.

However, this series shows that there is no rigid definition of family, providing those in

7

the world without families a valuable lesson and, hopefully, comfort during difficult

times. Likewise, as Herrera (2013) explains, “The Harry Potter series praises

perseverance and hard work” (p. 56). Working to defeat Lord Voldemort took years for

Harry and his friends. People died, were injured, and were made to be terrified

throughout the experience; however, their dedication to saving the world from

Voldemort’s wrath and their ability to remain resilient helped them defeat him in the end.

Many people in society need reminders about the importance of this resilience, especially

when life gets hard, which is why this series is so valuable to research. Finally, the Harry

Potter series exemplifies the importance of self-confidence. It’s true that Harry couldn’t

be successful without the help of his friends. However, more than that, he couldn’t be

successful without believing in his own abilities. “Harry believes in his friends, yes, but

he also truly believes in himself” (Sassypants, 2014, p. 8). The characterization of such a

confident character provides a strong example for those who read about him. Those who

disagree may say that this story is a childish one about magic from which little can be

learned. On the contrary, this tale is filled with valuable life lessons from which every

human on the planet can benefit.

Thus, the Harry Potter book series is worthy of close study and research because

it has been a social phenomenon, it accurately reflects issues in society, and it teaches

valuable life lessons. These books and movies have changed people’s lives in ways no

one could have predicted with the publication of the first novel, and they continue to

change lives today as more people are introduced to the entire wizarding world. Some

people may say the tale of Harry Potter is an interesting story but nothing more. These

people are wrong. This world is full of amazing things, but there are still many things that

8

ought to be improved; the Harry Potter book series can help with these improvements.

As Dumbledore says, “Happiness can be found in even the darkest of times, when one

only remembers to turn on the light.” The Harry Potter can be that light.

For Option 2:

1. Topic Sentence: Introduce the opposing side’s arguments. You are acknowledging the other point of view. You will use phrases such as the following:

Some critics argue/assert/contend/claim/state . . . Many believe that . . . It has been argued/asserted/contended/claimed/stated . . . Opponents argue/assert/contend/claim/state . . .

2. Expert Source that supports the counterargument: This sentence backs

up the sentence with a quotation or paraphrase of evidence from an expert. It

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includes the name of the author/source, the title of the article or web site, and, if necessary, the expertise of the source to show the validity of the evidence.

For example:In “When Patients Request Assistance with Suicide,” Dr. Michael Maskin, an associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia-PresbyterianMedical Center in New York, argues that in many cases, dying patients’thinking is simply occupied by negative reactions to their condition (2).

3. Explanation sentence: This sentence begins with a transition (therefore, thus, to explain, as a result, to elaborate, in other words, etc.) and explains the evidence and/or provides an example of what it is saying.

4. Concession sentence: Concede (acknowledge) the other side’s validity in a respectful way. You might begin with phrases such as the following:

For this reason, opponents believe/argue/claim/contend/stress etc. As a result of _______________, many believe/argue etc. It is understandable why the opposition believes/argues etc. Critics have a valid point about . . .

5. Rebuttal sentence: This is where you refute or challenge the opposition’s viewpoint and remind readers of your stance. You will beginby using a phrase such as the following:

Nevertheless/nonetheless/however + your argument Though it is a valid point/argument + your argument Even though (one part of the argument) is true, it still does not . . . Though he/she/they make a good point, + your argument

6. Explanation sentences: Explain in multiple sentences your rebuttal. Provide multiple examples and specific research to support your rebuttal and disprove the opposition.

Make sure that you complete the rebuttal by refuting the actual counterargument that you are using in this paragraph. Do not argue against a different counterargument, as there are usually several. Stick to the one counterargument throughout the entire paragraph. If you want to address more than one counterargument, then you will need to do so in separate paragraphs. Obviously, it helps to pick counterarguments that you can refute easily.

Dana Comiskey

English IB: All Periods

Argumentative Essay: Version Two

September 10, 2015

The Incredible Importance of the Harry Potter Series

10

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” These impactful

words were spoken not by a former president, great historical leader, world famous

humanitarian, or even a rags-to-riches celebrity. Rather, these impactful words were

spoken by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, the fictional headmaster of

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and they have affected many lives since

their publication in J.K. Rowling’s fourth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter

and the Goblet of Fire. The Harry Potter series, which began publication in 1998 with

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and ended in 2007 with Harry Potter and the

Deathly Hallows, tells the story of Harry Potter and his friends, young wizards working

to defeat evil Lord Voldemort, a dark wizard who wishes to take over the world. Because

of the plot of the book series, people often dismiss it as silly fiction that should not be

taken seriously; however, an incredible amount of learning can be gleaned from these

books. Thus, the Harry Potter book series is worthy of close study and research because

it has been a social phenomenon, it accurately reflects issues in society, and it teaches

valuable life lessons.

To begin, this series is worthy of close study and research, because it has been a

social phenomenon. To explain, “over 450 million copies of the Harry Potter books have

been sold around the world” (Herrera, 2013, p. 47). In America alone, over 120 million

copies have been sold; America’s population is 313 million people, which means for

every 2.6 people, one Harry Potter book has been sold. This is an amazing statistic that

demonstrates how popular these books are, and anything this popular in a hugely diverse

country like the United States deserves a closer look. In addition, since the publication of

the books and production of the movies, thousands of internet communities surrounding

11

Hogwarts and the entire wizarding world have developed and thrived. In fact, it is

possible now for a muggle (non-magical being) to pay money to “enroll” in Hogwarts

and take classes online. This truly demonstrates the social impact this story has had; the

fans are generally obsessive and, even after the series ended, still continued to keep

investing in it. To continue, “The Harry Potter books and movies have generated a

cultural renaissance in which ‘cosplay’ and emersion in fantasy worlds has become part

of the ‘zeitgeist’” (Sassypants, 2014, p. 687). Being a nerd is now cool, and that could

have never happened without the creation of the Harry Potter universe. J.K. Rowling’s

work has literally changed the face of popular culture.

To continue, Harry Potter is also worthy of close study and research, because it

accurately reflects issues in current society. To illustrate, Harry spends a significant

amount of his time struggling with the death of his parents and his subsequent feeling of

depression around his lack of any family that truly cares for him. To explain further,

Harry’s parents were killed by Voldemort when harry was a baby; Harry then lives with

his aunt and uncle, who make it clear on multiple occasions how much they do not want

him around. Harry then struggles with this feeling of not having a real home or family

throughout the series. As Herrera (2013) explains, “Family issues similar to Harry’s exist

in many people’s lives, and being able to read about them and watch a character work

through and eventually overcome them not only helps those struggling deal with their

difficulties, but it also shows others that these issues do exist and potentially encourages

them to help others” (p. 45). Also, the story itself is a story of good versus evil. Every

day, people make choices—some of these choices are positive, some are negative. This is

the way the world works. The Harry Potter series tells a tale of good versus evil, where

12

good triumphs in the end; this not only holds a mirror up to society and encourages

people to evaluate their choices and where they might fall in the spectrum of good and

evil, but it also demonstrates how good can truly win out in the end, which makes it

incredibly valuable to study. Adding to that, the story supports feminism as it breaks

away from the typical “hero” storyline. “Most epic stories involve a love triangle or at

least a love story between the hero and heroine; Harry Potter breaks that mold”

(Sassypants, 2014, p. 65). Hermione is strong, independent, and a crucial member to the

story, not because she and Harry fall in love, but because she is powerful. Rowling’s use

of such a strong heroine further supports the development of feminism in today’s society.

Finally, the Harry Potter series is worthy of close study and research, because it

teaches valuable life lessons. To elaborate, Harry experiences a significant amount of

difficulties throughout his journey, and these difficulties are made more challenging

because of his lack of a family for support. While he does struggle, though, he eventually

realizes that his friends are his family; they have and always will support him. People

often get “hung up” on the idea that family involves only those who are blood related

and, like Harry, become saddened if they do not have any such family in their lives.

However, this series shows that there is no rigid definition of family, providing those in

the world without families a valuable lesson and, hopefully, comfort during difficult

times. Likewise, as Herrera (2013) explains, “The Harry Potter series praises

perseverance and hard work” (p. 56). Working to defeat Lord Voldemort took years for

Harry and his friends. People died, were injured, and were made to be terrified

throughout the experience; however, their dedication to saving the world from

Voldemort’s wrath and their ability to remain resilient helped them defeat him in the end.

13

Many people in society need reminders about the importance of this resilience, especially

when life gets hard, which is why this series is so valuable to research. Finally, the Harry

Potter series exemplifies the importance of self-confidence. It’s true that Harry couldn’t

be successful without the help of his friends. However, more than that, he couldn’t be

successful without believing in his own abilities. “Harry believes in his friends, yes, but

he also truly believes in himself” (Sassypants, 2014, p. 8). The characterization of such a

confident character provides a strong example for those who read about him.

Those who find Harry Potter silly might say that spending time researching a

fictional story is a waste, because it’s only a story about wizards that has no bearing on

the betterment of society. In fact, in his anthology, Why Harry Potter is Dumb, Dr.

Cornelious Buttface (2014) states, “There is literally no reason in the world people should

read these books…they have no positive impact whatsoever” (p. 456). Despite this

assertion, however, it’s clear that this story has made a significant impression on society

and thus is worthy of close study. While it is true that Harry Potter is set in a fictional

world, the issues are so real to current society that they cannot be ignored. People may

claim this is a childish series about magic from which little can be learned. Sassypants

(2014) proves the opposite, explaining that “the issues of love, friendship, loyalty, and

integrity that are pervasive throughout the book series are those that construct the fiber of

our being as humans. There is nothing more valuable than that” (p. 265). Despite any

research to the contrary, it’s obvious that J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece series is one

essential for learners of all ages.

Thus, the Harry Potter book series is worthy of close study and research because

it has been a social phenomenon, it accurately reflects issues in society, and it teaches

14

valuable life lessons. These books and movies have changed people’s lives in ways no

one could have predicted with the publication of the first novel, and they continue to

change lives today as more people are introduced to the entire wizarding world. Some

people may say the tale of Harry Potter is an interesting story but nothing more. These

people are wrong. This world is full of amazing things, but there are still many things that

ought to be improved; the Harry Potter book series can help with these improvements.

As Dumbledore says, “Happiness can be found in even the darkest of times, when one

only remembers to turn on the light.” The Harry Potter can be that light.

Using In-Text Citations, APA Style: When using textual evidence to support your claim, you must

properly cite your work. Use the examples below to help with this.

If you are directly quoting from a work, you will need to include the author, year of publication, and the page number for the reference (preceded by "p."). Introduce the quotation with a signal phrase that includes the author's last name followed by the date of publication in parentheses.

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According to Jones (1998), "Students often had difficulty using APA style,

especially when it was their first time" (p. 199). 

Jones (1998) found "students often had difficulty using APA style" (p. 199);

what implications does this have for teachers?

If the author is not named in a signal phrase, place the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the quotation.

She stated, "Students often had difficulty using APA style" (Jones, 1998, p.

199), but she did not offer an explanation as to why.

STARTING AN INTRODUCTIONAn introduction should:

1. introduce the topic 2. indicate how the topic is going to be developed. 

(cause-effect, reasons, examples -- Will it classify, describe, narrate or explain?)

3. contain a thesis statement 4. should be inviting and entice the reader to continue after reading the

first sentence (attention getter)

Important definitions

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Thesis statement: usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader and provides the major points to be covered in the essay. This may be one or two sentences long. Example of one sentence thesis: Being a dork is the first step on the road toward happiness, because dorks can be themselves, do what they love, and have fun no matter what other people are doing. Example of two sentence thesis: Being a dork is the first step on the road toward happiness. Dorks are joyous because they can be themselves, do what they love, and have fun no matter what other people are doing.

Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.

An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.

An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text which does not fall under these three categories (ex. a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.Other Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:An analysis of the college admission process reveals one challenge facing counselors: accepting students with high test scores or students with strong extracurricular backgrounds.The paper that follows should:

explain the analysis of the college admission process explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

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Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:The life of the typical college student is characterized by time spent studying, attending class, and socializing with peers.The paper that follows should:

explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:High school graduates should be required to take a year off to pursue community service projects before entering college in order to increase their maturity and global awareness.The paper that follows should:

present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

Tips for Writing an Attention GetterAttention getter: something that makes your reader want to continue. Your attention getter should not be cheesy, but should be effective enough to interest the reader enough to continue along. Remember, keep this section short.

Below you will find a thesis statement and a number of ways to write an attention getter for our introductory paragraph on the happiness that comes from dorkiness.

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Thesis: Being a dork is the first step on the road toward happiness, because dorks can be themselves, do what they love, and have fun no matter what other people are doing.

Possible attention getters: Relate a dramatic anecdote.

Kevin had been called a dork as long as anyone knew him. He wore suspenders every day and always sang School House Rock songs. Being cool was so important in high school, so no one how he could come in every day with a smile on his face after being made fun of so often. When asked what kept him happy after all that, he said, “The thing is, I’m a dork and I’m okay with that. I’m not worried about being cool and, because of that, I have no pressure to act in any certain way. I can just be me, and that makes me happy.”

Expose a commonly held belief.Most people believe that being called a dork is an insult. However, the truth is, people who have truly embraced their dorkocity have no problem being called out on it. In fact, to these folks, being called a dork is nothing but a fabulous compliment.

Present surprising facts and statistics.May 25th is Nerd Pride Day, and every year it is celebrated by hundreds of nerds, dorks, and geeks around the world.

Use a fitting quotation.Mohandas Gandhi said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” For those who have truly embraced the dorkiness within, this statement makes perfect sense.

Ask a provocative question.How much energy does the average person spend trying to look cool, act cool, or be cool? It is likely thousands of hours. Thus, being cool is just exhausting.

Tell a vivid personal story (only when first person can be used in the essay).I was the coolest kid at Marian Catholic High School. I was the girl everyone wanted to be friends with. People dressed like me, talked like me, and copied my every mood. I was always told that this kind of popularity would make me happy. Instead, I was miserable. All I wanted to do was watch The Sound of Music, listen to School House Rock, and wear my Velma costume, but that was too dorky. I spent four unhappy years of popularity until I finally understood that, to enjoy my life, I had to embrace my inner dork.

Define a key term.

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The word “happy” has many definitions. One that stands out is as follows: “being especially well-adapted.”

Present an interesting observation.It is interesting that most of the dorks in our society are always smiling, despite all the times they are made fun of by others.

Create a unique scenario.Imagine walking down the hallway, singing your favorite tune from Mary Poppins, excited to get to geometry class, when you realize people are laughing at the awesome flare on your ID lanyard. They are calling you a dork and making weird faces. What do you do in this situation?

Start with the opposite idea and then move to your focus.Life is always better when someone is considered cool. When one is cool, he or she gets to do things like wear the same trendy clothes as everyone else, listen to the same popular music as everyone else, and even laugh at all the same jokes. He or she doesn’t ever get embarrassed because he or she only does things that are cool, and he or she doesn’t ever have to think too hard because he or she just does what everyone else is doing. Life can be so easy living in this manner, but is it worthwhile?

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