Question

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.

Answer 1

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.