Argumentative writing Ms. Bartucci 8th grade Language Arts

PERSUASION versus ARGUMENTATION Persuasion: The action or fact of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something. Argumentation: The process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.

I can define argumentative terms: From today’s lesson: I can define argumentative terms: lead/hook clear claim Evidence counter-claim

Everyday Life Example When we argue: Bob: That was a lame movie! Suzy: Why? Bob: The special effects were bad. The monsters were obviously fake. Suzy: I thought the movie was good because the acting was believable. Bob’s bad response: You are an idiot. Bob’s good response: Yes the acting was good but the horrible special effects were too distracting and caused some awkward moments. Claim Evidence Counterclaim Refutation

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

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

Elements of Argumentative Writing Introduction Good lead or hook Clear claim or thesis Body paragraph 1 Evidence Body paragraph 2 Body paragraph 3 Counter-claim Conclusion Restate claim

Lead or Hook Occurs in the opening paragraph (introduction) Grabs the reader’s attention

A hook can be a few sentences written with any of these ways: Methods for Constructing an Introduction’s Lead/Hook A hook can be a few sentences written with any of these ways: personal anecdote example-real or hypothetical question quotation shocking statistics striking image

Thesis statement is in the introduction Defines the paper’s goal Is the main argument of an essay Will be supported by evidence located in the body paragraphs

Claims/Reasons Are in the introduction paragraph There are 3 reasons Support your argument Written after your thesis statement One reason for each body paragraph EX: reason 1 discussed in body paragraph 1 Reason 2 discussed in body paragraph 2 reason 3 discussed in body paragraph 3

Body Paragraphs: Reason & Supporting Evidence Evidence can be written in any of these methods: DRAPES Dialogue Rhetorical question Analogy Personal experience Example Statistics (Facts) Relevant and verifiable Supports the claim Found in the body paragraphs

Current events (local, municipal, state, national, global) Appropriate Evidence Current events (local, municipal, state, national, global) Historical events Literature (and other academic texts) Analogies and hypotheticals Personal anecdotes (if appropriate to the prompt) Jillian Examples of sources of evidence

Creating an Argument Claim Evidence Explanation A scorpion would be a good mascot selection for our school. Evidence Mascots should be strong or tough and represent the area. They should be something people would be proud to be. Explanation Scorpions are strong and defensive so the choice would represent our school. In addition, scorpions need to be tough because they are small yet dangerous. They defend themselves in any situation and never give up. That’s something to be proud of.

How can argument writing support the use of T3C’s 1. TOPIC Sentence (debatable claim) 2. Concrete evidence (x3) statistics data experimental results textual evidence 3. Commentary Unit of Justification Reasoning 4. Conclusion

Counter-claim Opposite or opposing view of the claim Is the 4th body paragraph Although _____________, some people believe______________. They may believe this because _________________. However, _________because ____________________. Also because _______________. Therefore, (restate your argument again).

Conclusion #4 -Have I ended the discussion of the logical argument? -Have I restated my claim? -Have a summarized the main points of the argument? Jillian

Leslie Let’s practice with content specific reading focusing on Claims, Evidence and Argument

Let’s Practice Arguments Should the government implement a tax on junk food? Resources: Adult Obesity Facts Would high junk food taxes really make people eat better? Poll: Most Oppose High Tax on Junk Food

Junk Food Tax Use the resources to write a claim and support it with evidence and reasoning using the 3C model for argument. Closely read and annotate the following texts to make your argument.