• Identify a purpose you could use for an argument
• State and evaluate a thesis
• Who would be your potential audience
• Use a formal or working outline to organize your argument
• Write an engaging title and first paragraph
• Write a conclusion that your readers will remember

As my topic of choice, I will discuss the history of school violence prevention and the effectiveness of after-school and youth programs in decreasing school violence. While schools have implemented various measures to prevent violence, after-school and youth programs have proven to be more effective. These programs provide structured environments and mentorship and provide a safe place to be different and accepted. School violence has been around since before there were even school districts in existence. I also want to look at which is the most preventable type of school violence. This includes guns, bullying, and although not a physical threat cyberbullying can also be a form of school violence. The school counselor is the only mental health resource high schools have. Schools should implement courses on mental health awareness for support.