Argumentative Writing Day 1: February 10

I can define argumentative terms: lede/hook, clear claim, evidence, and counter-claim.

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

W’s of Argumentative Writing WHEN? WHAT? Explaining a point of view To change the reader’s point of view What you want the reader to do something 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 lede or hook Clear claim or thesis Body Paragraph 1 Evidence Body Paragraph 2 Evidence Body Paragraph 3 Counter-claim Conclusion Restate Claim

Lede or Hook Occurs in the opening paragraph (introduction) Grabs the readers attention

Claim Defines the paper’s goal The main argument of an essay Supported by evidence The initial claim is in the introduction

Evidence DRAPES Dialogue Rhetorical question Analogy Personal experience Example Statistics (Facts) Relevant and verifiable Supports the claim Found in the body paragraphs

Counter-claim Opposite or opposing view of the claim In the 3rd body paragraph

Activity: Get out a sheet of paper

Compare and Contrast Distinguished Novice

Compare and Contrast Look for: Look for similarities Place those in the middle Look for differences Place those on the outside Look for: Claim Hook Evidence Counter-claim

Day 2: February 11

I can compile evidence to support a claim.

Take a few minutes to write supporting your opinion. Do you Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree with this statement: Completed homework makes students more successful in class. Take a few minutes to write supporting your opinion.

Evidence DRAPES Dialogue Rhetorical question Analogy Personal experience Example Statistics (Facts) Relevant and verifiable Supports the claim Found in the body paragraphs

Make a list of what makes evidence reliable and verifiable Find evidence to support your claim Make a list of what makes evidence reliable and verifiable

What makes evidence reliable and verifiable?

Day 3: February 12

I can identify a claim. I can make a claim for my paper. Where does the claim occur?

Identifying Claims After reviewing the political cartoon, identify with your group the main claim.

Who are you writing to? Don’t assume your audience knows what you’re writing about. Your audience needs to understand: What you think about the claim Why you have taken the position you’ve chosen

Introduction: About 5 sentences Lede or Hook: What is a Lede or Hook? Examples: Quotes, stories, or examples Thesis (main claim) What are your 2 points for your body paragraphs Is your last sentence in the introduction One sentence that states the main argument of your paper Previews the rest of your paper About 5 sentences

Writing Prompts (Pick 1) Students should be in school during spring break to supplement the days missed due to snow. Students should be allowed to take off five days of school without those days counting against their attendance record. People have become overly dependent on technology. Students who have good grades should be paid with the money going into a college savings account. A woman should be given the choice to have an abortion. Gun control laws need to be enforced and restricted.

Days 4 and 5: February 13-14

Research? What am I looking for? What information can I find to support my claim? What is out there that counters my claim? How can I disprove that counterclaim? What evidence do I need to disprove this claim? How much evidence is enough evidence?

I can discover evidence that supports my claim

Must support your thesis (and major claim) Body Paragraphs Must support your thesis (and major claim) Topic sentence DRAPES (evidence) Support About 8 sentences each Support DRAPES (evidence) Transition statement into next paragraph

Day 6: February 17

I can form a counter-claim that is supported by relevant and verifiable evidence.

Counter-Claim What is a counter-claim? Consider what someone would say who disagrees with your position about your argument. What is the opposite view? How do you respond to the opposite view (counter- claim)? Will you say your opposition has a point, but explain why your audience should accept your argument? Will you reject the counter-claim and explain why it is mistaken?

Counter-Claim Goal: Get your audience to believe your main claim argument is STRONGER than the counter-claim argument. About SEVEN sentences

Conclusion About FIVE sentences Restate the initial claim (or thesis) Take Away: What is the most IMPORTANT thing you want your reader (or your audience to take away)? About FIVE sentences