Argumentative Essay PRACTICE: "The Briefcase"

Write an argumentative essay in which you argue what the story “The Briefcase” by Rebecca Makkai ultimately suggests about human behavior in times of crisis. Choose a specific claim (for example: “People reveal their true character under pressure” or “People will compromise their morals to survive”) and defend it using evidence from the text.

In your essay, you must:

• Present a clear, debatable claim about what the story reveals about human behavior in crisis situations.
• Use strong, relevant evidence from the text to support your argument.
• Explain how your evidence proves your claim, not just what happens in the story.
• Organize your essay logically, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Use formal, academic language appropriate for an argumentative essay.

Your goal is to show how the story uses characters, conflict, and events to make a larger point about how people act when they are under extreme pressure.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-Additional Tips to Guide You

Use transitions

They help your writing flow. Examples:

• Furthermore, in addition, however, on the other hand, as a result, ultimately

Stay focused on the prompt

Every paragraph should connect back to:

• Human behavior
• Crisis or pressure
• The story’s message

Avoid retelling the entire plot

Assume your reader knows the story. Focus on interpretation, not summary.

Write in a formal academic tone

• No “I think” or “I believe”
• No slang
• Use precise language

Check for clarity

Ask yourself:

• Does each paragraph support my thesis?
• Does my evidence clearly connect to my argument?
• Have I explained why the story suggests this idea about human behavior?