Persuasive Techniques and Essay Writing Mrs. Elias

What is an argument? A claim supported by reasons and evidence NOT a fight or disagreement

What is a claim? A claim is the writer’s position on a problem or issue A claim can be stated directly or implied by the author

What is support? Support is the reasons (asks WHY) and evidence that is used to “support” the claim Supporting evidence can take many forms such as Facts, Statistics and Examples Facts=can be proven Statistics=numbers from research Examples=real life stories

Elements of an Argument Identify the CLAIM – what “should” happen or what action “should” occur as a result Identify the REASONS “why” Identify the SUPPORTING EVIDENCE and what form it takes What is the author asking the reader to do (ACTION)

Counterargument and rebuttal Evidence Evidence Counterargument and rebuttal conclusion

Counterargument Arguments made to address the points that someone with an opposing viewpoint may make When reading arguments think…what might another who disagrees say and how would the author respond to this (response to counterargument)??? People who argue your point are called dissenters.

“Kids in Monument Park” Read the article and please fill in the answers on the corresponding worksheet Take notes on the page while reading the article paying particular attention to all of the argument elements previously discussed