Argumentative Evaluation and Writing RI.7.8 and W.7.1

What is the purpose of an argumentative essay? To establish a position on a topic supported by relevant evidence. In an argumentative essay it’s important to identify the claim. Once you have identified the author’s claim, determine whether the evidence is relevant AND strong enough to support the argument. *Remember, relevant means it is connected to the topic at hand. RI. 7.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. Materials: from “A Generational Challenge to Repower America” –Gore from “Clean Cars for California”

Persuasive verses Argumentative “OK, I’ve heard of persuasive writing. I get the audience to think like I do, right? Is argumentative like persuasive?” “Well, persuasive does involve some emotion and opinion and sometimes a call to action. Whereas an argumentative presents both sides . The argumentative is factual and most importantly contains evidence. It also addresses and neutralizes the counterclaim--takes away its effect.”

Persuasive verses Argumentative “Do note that both an argumentative and persuasive will attempt to CONVINCE the reader.” “I get it! In a persuasive, they will appeal to your emotions, but in an argumentative, they have to have sufficient evidence to support their claim!”

An Argumentative Essay Differences An Argumentative Essay A Persuasive Essay Makes claims based on factual evidence. Makes counter-claims. The author takes opposing views into account. Neutralizes or "defeats" serious opposing ideas. Convinces audience through the merit and reasonableness of the claims and proofs offered. Often compares texts or ideas to establish a position. Logic based. May make claims based on opinion. May not take opposing ideas into account. Persuades by appealing to the audience’s emotion or by relying on the character or credentials of the writer – less on the merits of his or her reasons and evidence. Emotion-based.

Writing argumentative essays--W.7.8 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence. Establish and maintain a formal style. “When we write an argumentative essay, we follow a certain structure.”

Topic (& Hook),Claim, Thesis Introductory paragraph Introduce your topic with a general statement State why it is important/ Preview your points State there is a difference of opinion about this topic End with a strong thesis statement (this will set up your body paragraphs— for instance, if you mention two points in the thesis, you will address one in body paragraph 1 and the other in body paragraph 2) Introductory paragraph

Body paragraphs-1, 2, 3 or MORE… in advanced papers Begin with a transition and state your claim Support your claim with evidence Use quotes Explain each quote and how it supports your claim Body Paragraphs 1, 2, 3…

Refutation First, many of you are probably wondering what a refutation paragraph is, so before we do anything else, let me explain. A refutation paragraph is used in an argumentative essay to show the opposite of an argument. This paragraph shows your readers that you’re being fair; that you’ve carefully thought about both sides of a debate before making up your mind, but it should then show disagreement with the opposition and help the readers see the logic in the claim made in your own thesis.

Transition Words

Refutation notes Refutation (address the counterclaim) Acknowledge the other side One or two sentences giving it fair representation Do NOT focus on the counterclaim Now use evidence to prove that counterclaim is insufficient (WRONG) Prove why your claims are stronger WITH EVIDENCE

Conclusion Now that you have made your point, and shown the opposite point and remarked on why it was incorrect or wrong, you are going to sum up your entire argument. You will not provide new evidence in this paragraph. Instead you will re-visit the main ideas of your argument you have presented so far.

Conclusion Restate the main claim Present one or two general sentences which accurately summarize your arguments Provide a general warning of the consequences of not following the premise that you put forward and/or a general statement of how the community will benefit from following that premise (call to action)

W. 7. 1 http://unilifeapps. curtin. edu. au/TheLearningCentre/Display Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence. Establish and maintain a formal style.