To write an effective "argumentative" essay, you have to be clear on what an "argument" is in this context. It is not the squabble with your siblings or disagreement over the issues of the day with your parents or neighbors.
An argument is the idea you are putting forth for your readers, which you help them understand by showing them why you think what you do; you give them evidence. This is a simplified way of saying have a thesis and support your claim with evidence.
If you do an internet search for an outline for an argument essay, you will find hundreds. Those outlines are guidelines to place your ideas in so your readers can follow your logic; after they are done reading your claim and evidence, they will, hopefully, see things your way, too.
So how do you get an idea about a story like "House Taken Over"? It's a short story, so save yourself time with workarounds by reading the story! If your instructor has not asked you to address the specific literary aspects of the story (magical realism, symbolism, imagery, repetition, etc.), you can develop your own points about the story.
Ask yourself some questions:
- What issues do these characters have? (How would you have responded to a mysterious sound in your house?)
- What forces influenced them and why?
- What life lesson did you take away?
- What discussions did you have in class and what points did you agree or disagree with?
- How have your views changed after reading the story?
Do you think, for example, that people become complacent when they have everything, so much that they are too lazy to recognize or to challenge a threat, even in their own homes?
Armed with your main idea, choose an outline to follow, such as the classical form of the argument or five-paragraph essay. Follow the prompts and fill in your evidence. With your ideas hung on the framework, you can go in to polish the writing style and grammar.
A good conversation can spark ideas, so set up a tutoring session to help get you on your way.
