A strong title that hints at your argument
An engaging introduction that offers the reader some sense of your concerns
A debatable claim as your thesis
Some understanding of the stakes of your argument: tell the reader why this argument matters
Paragraphs of support: what are the reasons why you are making this argument. What evidence is most compelling?
A fair representation of the counter-argument, along with some response that addresses these objections. It is not enough that you mention the counter-argument; you need to respond to it. You are showing the reader that you have anticipated these objections and have an answer for them.
At least one quote. This should be from the required editorial. Be sure that all of the sources you use are introduced (ask yourself each time: where is this quote or statistic or information tidbit coming from?) and that you integrate the quotes into the grammar of your own sentences.
A conclusion that doesn’t begin with “In conclusion” but that offers a summation of your ideas and leaves the reader with something that resonates as they think again of your argument.
