Writing an argumentative essay is similar to arguing a case in court. Like a trial lawyer, your job is to convince the jury – the reader, in your case – that they should agree with your point of view. A skillful argument writer knows that presenting a clear case, with strong evidence and a well-phrased conclusion is essential for getting it right. In this lesson, you will write a 5-paragraph essay arguing your position on an issue.

During my time as a federal trial court judge, I have  

identified—and this Article will discuss—eight traits of highly  

effective trial lawyers: (1) unsurpassed storytelling skills, (2) gritty  

determination to become a great trial lawyer, (3) virtuoso cross-examination skills, (4) slavish preparation, (5) unfailing courtesy,  

(6) refined listening skills, (7) unsurpassed judgment, and (8)  

reasonableness. By mastering these, one can become a feared and  

admired trial lawyer.9  Of course, readers will not become great trial lawyers by   reading and memorizing these eight traits. This Article is not a trial  

lawyer’s “magic bullet” that can be obtained from an infomercial by

 trial is as office Clarence Darrow's. They file motions as if they are  

preparing to go to trial and bill endless hours for developing untested and  

unrealistic trial strategies—knowing they will never be used. ALs earn a  

living by generating Everest-like mountains of paper. They are paper  

tigers. They never work alone, always traveling in packs. As trial dates  

approach, their relentless bravado evaporates into unlimited excuses to  

settle. They will do virtually anything to avoid trial.  

the correct answer is d.   to change the pace

explanation: