ENGL 100
ARGUMENT ESSAY: PREWRITING TEMPLATE
Directions: Download this document, complete the 5 steps, save your work, and submit the
completed assignment. To complete the 5 steps, fill in the fields below with information
described in the Argument Essay: Prewriting Assignment Instructions. Be sure to complete
each component of the planning on the template to ensure that your content is correct.
Step 1: Argument Essay Thesis Statement and Planning
Directions: Complete all of the planning elements; otherwise, the content of your piece will not
be accurate.
My Topic: Convicted felons should not lose their voting rights.
My Attitude: For fairness and second chances
My Purpose: To inform and persuade my classmates on the importance of giving convicted
felons to vote.
My Thesis Statement: Convicted felons should retain their right to vote because it upholds the
principles of fairness, redemption, and civic responsibility.
My Audience: Classmates in a college-level English course.
1. How much does my audience know about my subject?
They may have general knowledge of the topic but may not be aware of the specifics
regarding voting rights for convicted felons.
2. Age? Gender? Race? Social status? Location? Religion?
Diverse demographics; likely ranging from 18 to 25 years old; varied backgrounds.
3. Where does my audience stand on the issue; are they opposed or neutral?
3. Likely neutral or unaware of the complexities of the issue
Page 1 of 6
, ENGL 100
Outline:
I. Introduction Paragraph
A. Topic sentence introducing the issue of voting rights for convicted felons.
B. Transition to the importance of this issue in a democratic society’s. Thesis statement
presenting the argument for retaining voting rights for convicted felons.
II. Body Paragraph #1: Fairness
A. Detail #1: The principle that all citizens should have equal rights.
B. Detail #2: Examples of how disenfranchisement disproportionately affects certain
communities.
C. Transition sentence leading to the next point.
III. Body Paragraph #2: Redemption and Second Chances
A. Detail #1: The concept of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
B. Detail #2: Case studies or examples where individuals have turned their lives around.
C. Transition sentence leading to the next point.
IV. Body Paragraph #3: Civic Responsibility and Engagement
A. Detail #1: The role of voting in fostering civic responsibility.
B. Detail #2: How allowing felons to vote can aid in their reintegration and reduce recidivism.
C. Transition sentence leading to the conclusion.
V. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Restate thesis in light of the arguments presented.
B. Summarize key points discussed.
C. Final application: Call to action or thought-provoking statement encouraging support for
voting rights for convicted felons.
Page 2 of 6
ARGUMENT ESSAY: PREWRITING TEMPLATE
Directions: Download this document, complete the 5 steps, save your work, and submit the
completed assignment. To complete the 5 steps, fill in the fields below with information
described in the Argument Essay: Prewriting Assignment Instructions. Be sure to complete
each component of the planning on the template to ensure that your content is correct.
Step 1: Argument Essay Thesis Statement and Planning
Directions: Complete all of the planning elements; otherwise, the content of your piece will not
be accurate.
My Topic: Convicted felons should not lose their voting rights.
My Attitude: For fairness and second chances
My Purpose: To inform and persuade my classmates on the importance of giving convicted
felons to vote.
My Thesis Statement: Convicted felons should retain their right to vote because it upholds the
principles of fairness, redemption, and civic responsibility.
My Audience: Classmates in a college-level English course.
1. How much does my audience know about my subject?
They may have general knowledge of the topic but may not be aware of the specifics
regarding voting rights for convicted felons.
2. Age? Gender? Race? Social status? Location? Religion?
Diverse demographics; likely ranging from 18 to 25 years old; varied backgrounds.
3. Where does my audience stand on the issue; are they opposed or neutral?
3. Likely neutral or unaware of the complexities of the issue
Page 1 of 6
, ENGL 100
Outline:
I. Introduction Paragraph
A. Topic sentence introducing the issue of voting rights for convicted felons.
B. Transition to the importance of this issue in a democratic society’s. Thesis statement
presenting the argument for retaining voting rights for convicted felons.
II. Body Paragraph #1: Fairness
A. Detail #1: The principle that all citizens should have equal rights.
B. Detail #2: Examples of how disenfranchisement disproportionately affects certain
communities.
C. Transition sentence leading to the next point.
III. Body Paragraph #2: Redemption and Second Chances
A. Detail #1: The concept of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
B. Detail #2: Case studies or examples where individuals have turned their lives around.
C. Transition sentence leading to the next point.
IV. Body Paragraph #3: Civic Responsibility and Engagement
A. Detail #1: The role of voting in fostering civic responsibility.
B. Detail #2: How allowing felons to vote can aid in their reintegration and reduce recidivism.
C. Transition sentence leading to the conclusion.
V. Conclusion Paragraph
A. Restate thesis in light of the arguments presented.
B. Summarize key points discussed.
C. Final application: Call to action or thought-provoking statement encouraging support for
voting rights for convicted felons.
Page 2 of 6
