Argument Body Paragraphs (Topic Sentence and Commentary Templates Included)

Summary

This video teaches viewers how to effectively write commentary in an argumentative essay. Using the example of Starbucks’ controversial red holiday cups, the speaker breaks down the process of connecting evidence to reasoning, explaining how to provide clear analysis and commentary. Key steps include crafting strong topic sentences, using transitions, and linking arguments back to the thesis. The speaker emphasizes the importance of structure, offering a template for writing well-organized body paragraphs. By the end, viewers are encouraged to practice the outlined approach to improve their writing skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video teaches how to effectively write body paragraphs for an argumentative essay using clear topic sentences, evidence, and reasoning.
• 😀 It emphasizes the importance of including evidence in your argument and supporting it with logical commentary that links back to the thesis.
• 😀 The instructor uses the example of the Starbucks holiday cup controversy to show how small changes can lead to major social reactions.
• 😀 Commentary should not only analyze evidence but also connect it back to the overarching thesis or argument of the essay.
• 😀 Transitions between evidence, reasoning, and commentary help create a clear flow in the paragraph and guide the reader through the argument.
• 😀 Human temperamental nature and societal overreactions are used as evidence to demonstrate the difficulty in anticipating what may offend others.
• 😀 The instructor stresses the importance of moving beyond surface-level evidence and connecting it to deeper societal patterns and assumptions.
• 😀 The video offers a template for structuring argumentative body paragraphs, starting with topic sentences and followed by evidence and analysis.
• 😀 The discussion of Starbucks' red cup controversy illustrates how people often create controversy over trivial matters, highlighting the fickle nature of human beings.
• 😀 Despite challenges in universally labeling offensive content, the video argues that there are areas, like media ratings for children, where consensus can be reached.
• 😀 The video ends with a call to action, encouraging viewers to like, subscribe, and support the channel for more educational content on essay writing.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The primary focus of the video is to teach how to effectively structure and write body paragraphs in argumentative essays, with an emphasis on providing strong commentary that connects evidence to the thesis.

How does the speaker use the Starbucks red cup controversy in the example?

The speaker uses the Starbucks red cup controversy as evidence to highlight the easily offended nature of people. They explain how a simple marketing decision became a figurative 'war on Christmas,' showing how trivial things can cause disproportionate outrage.

What is the significance of using commentary in body paragraphs?

Commentary is crucial because it explains the relevance of the evidence, showing how it supports the thesis. It helps the writer connect the evidence back to their argument and provide deeper analysis of the situation.

Why does the speaker emphasize using transitions in body paragraphs?

The speaker emphasizes transitions because they ensure that the argument flows logically from one point to the next. Transitions help maintain clarity and coherence in the writing, making it easier for the reader to follow the logic of the argument.

What does the speaker suggest about the temperamental nature of human beings?

The speaker suggests that humans are temperamental because they tend to make bigger deals out of small, often insignificant issues, as demonstrated by the controversy over Starbucks’ holiday cup design and the shift in holiday language.

How does the speaker connect the topic of holiday language changes to the broader thesis?

The speaker connects the shift in holiday language (from 'Merry Christmas' to 'Happy Holidays') to the thesis by explaining how this change, alongside other small changes, sparks controversy. It further reinforces the idea that people are easily offended over trivial matters.

What role does evidence play in the structure of the body paragraph?

Evidence serves as the foundation for the body paragraph, providing concrete examples that support the thesis. In this video, the speaker uses real-world examples like the Starbucks cup and holiday language changes to back up their argument about human nature.

How does the speaker suggest students approach writing commentary?

The speaker suggests that students should first provide evidence, then follow with commentary that explains how the evidence supports the argument. Students should use cause-and-effect reasoning to tie the evidence to the thesis, ensuring a clear and logical connection.

What is the ultimate message the speaker conveys about labeling content that may offend others?

The speaker concludes that while it is difficult to predict what will offend people, there are areas where common agreements exist, such as media ratings for children's content. However, the general takeaway is that labeling everything for potential offense is unrealistic.

Why does the speaker consider the controversy over the Starbucks cup to be ironic?

The speaker finds the controversy ironic because the color change of the Starbucks cup, which still maintained traditional Christmas colors (red and green), became a polarizing issue. This highlights the irrational and disproportionate nature of how people can get offended by minor changes.