Your first argumentative essay should have at least the following parts:
1. An introductory paragraph with a personal theme (a hook).
2. A paragraph that follows the personal them and generalizes it.
3. At least two paragraphs that demonstrate why going to college is a good idea (to
contrast with the story about someone who dropped out or chose not to go).
4. A summary of W. J. Reeves' argument.
5. A response to at lease one of Reeves' points.
6. A summary of Leef's argument.
7. A response to at least one of Leef's points.
8. A concluding paragraph.
The concluding paragraph should follow this general pattern:
I have argued in this essay that information is extremely important in preventing date
rape. While some believe that the circumstances surrounding date rape are so extreme
that nothing can prevent the crime, evidence indicates that many cases of date rape
could be prevented. I have shown that personal awareness, information from schools
and parents, and knowing how to avoid potentially dangerous situation all help people
avoid date rape. While it is true that date rape drugs are powerful and that date rape can
sometimes be avoidable, I believe that my argument shows that these are not
determining factors always.
I have argued in this essay that information is extremely important in preventing date
rape. In fact, Camille Sommers might have avoided her tragedy if she knew more about
it. While some believe that the circumstances surrounding date rape are so extreme that
nothing can prevent the crime, evidence indicates that many cases of date rape could be
prevented. I think that this ignores the cases of real people like Camille. I have shown
that personal awareness, information from schools and parents, and knowing how to
avoid potentially dangerous situation all help people avoid date rape; all of these could
have helped Camille. While it is true that date rape drugs are powerful and that date rape
can sometimes be avoidable, I believe that my argument shows that these are not
determining factors always.