Argumentative Writing: Writing Body Paragraphs

Evidence In argumentative writing, you must support your claim with evidence. The evidence that you use will must be convincing enough to persuade someone to support your view.

Types of evidence As a writer, there are several ways to support your claim such as: Anecdotes- short stories used to make a point Quotes- a reference to something someone has said or to common expressions Personal experiences- examples from your life that can be used in your essay Citations from articles, books, websites Examples- specific examples that can be used to prove a point. statistics- using numeral data( such as percentages, surveys, and numbers to support your claim).

Article Read “Snacks: The USDA’s Solution to Student’s Healthy Lunch Complaints.” As you read, highlight and label information that may be useful in an argumentative essay.

Article Read “Snacks: The USDA’s Solution to Student’s Healthy Lunch Complaints.” Click Here to watch the video.

Writing Prompt Writing Situation: In the United States, 1 in 3 (33%) children and teens are overweight. In response, the Federal Lunch Plan enacted new rules concerning school lunches. School lunches may not exceed 850 calories and must serve healthy fruit and vegetables. What is your opinion on the issue? Writing Directions: Write a letter to your Congressman to express your thoughts about the new rules. Include examples and evidence in your letter.

Pro/Con Chart Pro ( positive aspects of new lunch program ) Con (negative aspects of new lunch program)

Complete the graphic organizer Write your claim and write 3 reasons for your argument. You must support it with evidence such as: Anecdotes Examples Statistics Citations from the article quotes

Claim Reason 1: Evidence: Reason 1: Evidence: Reason 1: Evidence: Conclusion

Write your introduction Start it off with a hook or lead Include some background information State your claim. End with your thesis statement.

Write body paragraph When you finish your first paragraph and move to the second paragraph, start it with a transition word so that it flows. Then add your first reason from your thesis statement. Add examples, statistics, anecdotes, and other supporting sentences.

Example of introduction The United States is facing an epidemic. One out of three students is currently overweight and obese. Many of these students each lunch each day in the cafeteria. In the past, they served unhealthy foods such as pizza, nachos, and hamburgers. In response, the federal government passed new rules that limits the number of calories to 850 per meal. Limiting the number of calories in a school lunch will benefit Americans. This new rule will educate student’s on how to eat healthy, it is going to help reduce the obesity problem, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Example of body paragraph To begin, the government's new lunch program will teach students about healthy eating. For example, at our school we have a salad bar that is very good. I now eat salads at home because I realize that salads taste good if you have the right ingredients. Almost all of my friends get a salad everyday, and most of them eat it. A lot of young people don’t know how to eat healthy, and it is up to the schools to help educate kids about how to eat healthy.

Write introduction and body paragraph Writing Situation: In the United States, 1 in 3 (33%) children and teens are overweight. In response, the Federal Lunch Plan enacted new rules concerning school lunches. School lunches may not exceed 850 calories and must serve healthy fruit and vegetables. What is your opinion on the issue? Writing Directions: Write a letter to your Congressman to express your thoughts about the new rules. Include examples and evidence in your letter.