Argumentative Writing Unit

What is argumentative writing? Argumentative writing is when an author (you): Researches a topic Takes a position/forms an opinion on the topic Justifies his/her position using evidence The essay should include: Argument Claims Evidence and reasoning

You will see this type of essay A LOT! In school English History Science health Outside of school Letters of Recommendation News articles Political speeches/advertisements Closing arguments in trials

Argument (Included in Introduction) Claim 1 (body) Claim 2 (body) Claim 3 (body) Evidence Evidence Evidence Evidence Evidence Evidence & Reasoning & Reasoning & Reasoning & Reasoning & Reasoning & Reasoning Counterargument and Rebuttal Evidence & Reasoning Conclusion

What is a claim? A claim is what you believe and what you want your readers to believe. Your stance on the issue or topic.

Writing a good argument You MUST start out with a solid claim. Evaluate your claim Is it valid? Is it precise? How can it be improved? Note: when writing your paper, do not use the word “I”

Testing the strength of your claim Perform the “weight test” Can you back it up with data or facts (evidence) You should have at least 3 solid reasons to support your claim This requires research!!!

Linking claims and evidence You need to link your claims and evidence together Helps the reader see the connection between the two How do I do this? Use transition words that explain how the evidence supports the claim, and why it’s so important You will be given a list of transition words

Evidence does not equal your explanation!!!! It is essential! Do not restate the facts you found, that I’ve already heard as part of your evidence. Without your explanation Reader will form their own opinion Thus, you are not PERSUADING them! Lose the argument

Counterargument/Counterclaim The counterclaim is also referred to as the opposing claim. It’s a chance for you to expose any weakness in the other sides argument. It is the “other side” that may call your argument into question. It is your job to recognize this claim and then disprove it by providing one more piece of evidence and reasoning to strengthen your claim. Shows you have looked at both sides. Shows your credibility

Counterclaim Examples Fast food restaurants are very unhealthy. Law enforcement cameras are necessary to protect citizens. Cell phones can improve student learning. Fast food restaurants offer some healthy options. Law enforcement cameras can give citizens a false sense of security. Cell phones can distract students from their learning.

Introduction Hook the audience Thesis Surprising fact of statistic Rhetorical question Use sensory images Introduce a dilemma Use a quote--- do not use the dictionary example! DO NOT MENTION THE COUNTERARUGMENT! Thesis Usually the last sentence in the introduction Clear position that you will support and develop throughout your paper– AKA your argument/claim Guides and controls your paper

Body Paragraphs Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence. A topic sentence is the first sentence in a body paragraph that sums up what the paragraph is about. Evidence and Reasoning Without it, you will not persuade the audience. Begin citing your sources as you go.

Linking claims and evidence You need to link your claims and evidence together Helps the reader see the connection between the two How do I do this? Use transition words that explain how the evidence supports the claim, and why it’s so important You will be given a list of transition words

Counterargument/Counterclaim The counterclaim is also referred to as the opposing claim. It’s a chance for you to expose any weakness in the other sides argument. It is the “other side” that may call your argument into question. It is your job to recognize this claim and then disprove it by providing one more piece of evidence and reasoning to strengthen your claim. Shows you have looked at both sides. Shows your credibility

Counterclaim Examples Fast food restaurants are very unhealthy. Law enforcement cameras are necessary to protect citizens. Cell phones can improve student learning. Fast food restaurants offer some healthy options. Law enforcement cameras can give citizens a false sense of security. Cell phones can distract students from their learning.

Counterargument Topic Sentence Use words that alert the reader this is not part of the argument. Many people [believe, argue, feel, think, etc.] that [state the argument here] It is often [thought, imagined, supposed, etc.] that [state the counterargument here]. It might [seem, appear, look, etc.] as if [state the counterargument here]. Opposite of your thesis

Counterargument Examples cont. Another approach is to mention and expert in the field that disagrees with your argument. On the other hand, Dr. Richards believes that… However, Dr. Richards takes the position that…

The Rebuttal If the counterargument requires careful signaling, so does the rebuttal. Counterargument=180 degree turn from thesis Rebuttal= 180 degree turn back to the thesis.

Rebuttal Examples What this argument [overlooks/fails to consider/ does not take into account] is… This view [seems/looks/sounds] [convincing/plausible/persuasive] at first but… While this position is popular, it is [not supported by the facts/not logical/impractical…

The Conclusion Your last chance to make an impact on your reader. Don’t restate your reasons. Boring Repetitive Instead, remind them WHY your argument is IMPORTANT.

The Conclusion Continued… The most effective conclusions circle back to the hook. Rhetorical Question: give an answer that supports the argument/claim. Shocking Fact: tell readers the consequences if your claim is not followed through… some of you may have done this in the bodies. Offer a solution to the problem or an alternative plan. Give the reader something to think about.

Don’t introduce any new information. Summarize key points mentioned in the body paragraphs

Editing

Publishing