Live-Scoring Argumentative Essay

Agenda Thesis Notes Organization Notes Live-Scoring Protocol Review the Prompt Group Essay Writing Share Out for Exemplar

Writing an Argument Thesis Statement Organization

Open Thesis vs. Closed Thesis The thesis is a declarative sentence. It is a clear, specific statement, which states the main point of a the paper, thereby limiting the topic and indicating the author’s approach to the topic. For the following examples, let’s say you are writing a paper on the relationship between the United States criminal court system and the media.

Open (Implicit) Thesis: If you make an assertion about the broad topic without stating any of the reasoning in your argument, then you have written an open thesis statement. Example of an open (implicit) thesis statement: The media plays too influential a role in criminal court trials. Benefits: It does not limit you as much so that you don't have a specific number of reasons that you must address. Dangers: It's very easy to go off topic or be too vague in your support.

Closed (Explicit) Thesis: If you make an assertion and include the reason(s) which support your assertion, you have written a closed thesis statement. Example of a closed (explicit) thesis: The media plays a very influential role in criminal court trials because of their access to the people, their bias, and because of the special privileges. Benefits: This provides a roadmap for you and your reader that outlines the main reasoning of your argument. Dangers: You can choose reasons that are too narrow and do not provide adequate information to support your argument.

Organization: The logical progression of ideas Effective organization begins with a purposeful lead and moves towards a logical, thoughtful ending. AP readers do not wish to read formulaic writing. They DO NOT want to see this: Introduction Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 Conclusion This will lead to a score of no more than 5 (if you are lucky!). While you can make a tolerable argument in a five-paragraph essay, it is an immature style of writing that limits your ability to fully address all the implications of the argument.

Organization through Structure Once you have determined your thesis and your reasoning/evidence, you MUST pick an organizational structure. Compare/Contrast Cause/Effect Problem/Solution Order of Importance Sequential/Historical Always consider what will be most effective in guiding your audience logically through your reasoning. Don’t forget to determine where you will place your counterargument!

How do I know when to start a new paragraph? When you begin a new idea or point. New ideas should always start in new paragraphs. If you have an extended idea that spans multiple paragraphs, each new point within that idea should have its own paragraph. To contrast information or ideas. Separate paragraphs can serve to contrast sides in a debate, different points in an argument, or any other difference. When your readers need a pause. Breaks between paragraphs function as a short "break" for your readers—adding these in will help your writing be more readable. You would create a break if the paragraph becomes too long or the material is complex. When you are ending your introduction or starting your conclusion. Your introductory and concluding material should always be in a new paragraph. Many introductions and conclusions have multiple paragraphs depending on their content, length, and the writer's purpose.

Signposts and Transitions Signposts are internal aids to assist readers; they usually consist of several sentences or a paragraph outlining what the piece has covered and where the piece will be going. Transitions are usually one or several sentences that "transition" from one idea to the next. Transitions can be used at the end of most paragraphs to help the paragraphs flow one into the next. Transitional clauses can be used to help establish these transitions and also help create strong topic sentences. Examples: Not only does the penny prevent further economic strain, it stimulates the economy. Aside from its economic benefits, the penny serves in aiding the preservation of America’s history.

Organization: Paragraph Structure And remember, paragraph structures are still important! Just because you aren’t writing formulaically doesn’t mean that you forget everything you know about good writing! Make sure to include a topic sentence for EACH body paragraph. Also, use sentence-leveling to ensure detailed analysis. Evidence is only a level 2 or 3. You must make sure to expand on the evidence by going deeper in your explanation and connect it back to your claim(s).

Live Scoring Group Write

What is live scoring? Live scoring means that I am going to grade (score) your work immediately (live). This means, you will get feedback instantly and have the opportunity to revise. For today, your assignment will be to write an essay with your group about the text you read last class. These essays will be “live-scored” section by section, and you have to make my corrections before moving on!

Form Groups Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Group 6 Base groups on ability – two options: High with mid-low and Mid-high with Low High with high, mid with mid, low with low

Step 1: Re-read the prompt Max Frisch (1911-1991) wrote, “Technology [gives us] the knack of so arranging the world that we don’t have to experience it.” In a well-organized essay, defend, challenge, or qualify this assertion about technology. Include evidence from your reading, experience, or observations to support your position. As a group determine you the position your group is going to take. Defend, Challenge, or Qualify

Step 2: Review your break down from last class Review the prompt breakdown you completed last class. Share with your group to identify the BEST information that you can use to support your position.

Step 3: Outline Establish an organizational structure for your essay by creating a brief outline. Choose one of the following: Compare/Contrast Cause/Effect Problem/Solution Order of Importance Sequential/Historical Don’t forget to address the acknowledge and respond to/refute counterclaims.

Step 4: Work as a group to write your essay Reminders: This is a GROUP assignment. That means all of you need to work together to make the final product. You are going to have to write the same kind of essay on your own as part of your final, and this is your time to practice and make sure you know how to do it. If you are running short on time, just have them write thesis, 1 body, and conclusion

Additional Support Write an Introduction Background information about the text. Thesis statement – claim that answers the prompt Write well-developed body paragraphs! Topic Sentence Textual Evidence Explanation Connect back to thesis Write a Conclusion! Restate Thesis (IN A NEW WAY) Insight about universal idea

If time, Share Out Share your essay with the class. We will vote on which essay was the best to determine our EXEMPLAR essay Everyone will get a copy of this essay to help them study for the final exam! Exemplar essay will be typed and given to the class.