1. Argumentative Writing
Day 1:
February 10

2. I can define argumentative terms: lede/hook, clear claim, evidence, and counter-claim.

3. W’s of Argumentative Writing
WHY?
WHO?
Improves research skills
Emphasizes a point of view
Prepares for the future
Anyone expressing a specific point of view
8th graders to people in the workplace

4. W’s of Argumentative Writing
WHEN?
WHAT?
Explaining a point of view
To change the reader’s point of view
What you want the reader to do something
Usually a main idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis statement,” backed up with evidence that supports an idea with reasoning

5. Elements of Argumentative Writing
Introduction
Good lede or hook
Clear claim or thesis
Body Paragraph 1
Evidence
Body Paragraph 2
Evidence
Body Paragraph 3
Counter-claim
Conclusion
Restate Claim

6. Lede or Hook Occurs in the opening paragraph (introduction)
Grabs the readers attention

7. Claim Defines the paper’s goal The main argument of an essay
Supported by evidence
The initial claim is in the introduction

8. Evidence
DRAPES Dialogue Rhetorical question Analogy Personal experience Example Statistics (Facts)
Relevant and verifiable
Supports the claim
Found in the body paragraphs

9. Counter-claim Opposite or opposing view of the claim
In the 3rd body paragraph

10. Activity: Get out a sheet of paper

11. Compare and Contrast
Distinguished
Novice

12. Compare and Contrast Look for: Look for similarities
Place those in the middle
Look for differences
Place those on the outside
Look for:
Claim
Hook
Evidence
Counter-claim

13. Day 2:
February 11

14. I can compile evidence to support a claim.

15. Take a few minutes to write supporting your opinion.
Do you Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree with this statement: Completed homework makes students more successful in class.
Take a few minutes to write
supporting your opinion.

16. Evidence
DRAPES Dialogue Rhetorical question Analogy Personal experience Example Statistics (Facts)
Relevant and verifiable
Supports the claim
Found in the body paragraphs

17. Make a list of what makes evidence reliable and verifiable
Find evidence to support your claim
Make a list of what makes evidence reliable and verifiable

18. What makes evidence reliable and verifiable?

20. Day 3:
February 12

21. I can identify a claim. I can make a claim for my paper.
Where does the claim occur?

22. Identifying Claims
After reviewing the political cartoon, identify with your group the main claim.

23. Who are you writing to?
Don’t assume your audience knows what you’re writing about.
Your audience needs to understand:
What you think about the claim
Why you have taken the position you’ve chosen

24. Introduction: About 5 sentences
Lede or Hook: What is a Lede or Hook? Examples: Quotes, stories, or examples
Thesis (main claim) What are your 2 points for your body paragraphs Is your last sentence in the introduction
One sentence that states the main argument of your paper
Previews the rest of your paper
About 5 sentences

25. Writing Prompts (Pick 1)
Students should be in school during spring break to supplement the days missed due to snow.
Students should be allowed to take off five days of school without those days counting against their attendance record.
People have become overly dependent on technology.
Students who have good grades should be paid with the money going into a college savings account.
A woman should be given the choice to have an abortion.
Gun control laws need to be enforced and restricted.

26. Days 4 and 5:
February 13-14

27. Research? What am I looking for?
What information can I find to support my claim?
What is out there that counters my claim?
How can I disprove that counterclaim?
What evidence do I need to disprove this claim?
How much evidence is enough evidence?

28. I can discover evidence that supports my claim

29. Must support your thesis (and major claim)
Body Paragraphs
Must support your thesis (and major claim)
Topic sentence
DRAPES (evidence)
Support
About 8 sentences each
Support
DRAPES (evidence)
Transition statement into next paragraph

30. Day 6:
February 17

31. I can form a counter-claim that is supported by relevant and verifiable evidence.

32. Counter-Claim What is a counter-claim?
Consider what someone would say who disagrees with your position about your argument.
What is the opposite view?
How do you respond to the opposite view (counter- claim)?
Will you say your opposition has a point, but explain why your audience should accept your argument?
Will you reject the counter-claim and explain why it is mistaken?

33. Counter-Claim
Goal: Get your audience to believe your main claim argument is STRONGER than the counter-claim argument. About SEVEN sentences

34. Conclusion About FIVE sentences Restate the initial claim (or thesis)
Take Away:
What is the most IMPORTANT thing you want your reader (or your audience to take away)?
About FIVE sentences