 I can determine three clear reasons to support my claim. W.7.1  I can present my claim and reasons orally using appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. SL.7.4

 Write a brief summary of what steps you have toward writing your argument.  What is the next step that you need to take?  Questions? (Class discussion of where we have been, where we are going, next steps…)

 Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of argument writing is that of identifying clear reasons to support your claim. Each reason must…..  * support the claim,  * represent a somewhat broad idea or category  * be supported by relevant evidence

 When writing an argument using sources, you MUST use the source (texts) for at least one, preferably two, of your reasons.  Each of these points must be cited through an in-text citation, quotations (if using a direct quote), rewording (unless using a direct quote), and inclusion in the bibliography.

 A current event tied to the topic  A personal example that ties to the topic  Each of these must be tied to the claim and be relevant to the topic.

 I could support the use of radiation as a positive energy source since the benefits outweigh the negatives for its use in the treatment of caner.  - personal example: I was treated for cancer with radiation. I have been cancer free for 12 years.  A friend who chose not to use radiation treatment has had two reoccurrences whereas I have had none.  Another friend who refused the treatments died within five years.  Conclusion: If radiation is so helpful to our bodies, it is worth the potential risks to attempt to harness it for energy purposes.

 My personal example ties to the topic because I drew a conclusion that tied it together. That conclusion would represent the last sentence of the paragraph.  If radiation is so helpful to our bodies, it is worth the potential risks to attempt to harness it for energy purposes.

Some of you are having trouble determining what REASONS to use to support your claim. Let’s Discus: What are some GENERAL reasons to support the use of any type of energy as the best source to meet our general needs? Work with a partner to jot down a few ideas…..

 It could be most cost effective.  It could protect the environment.  It could be renewable.  It could be easily accessible.  It could be inexpensive to maintain.  It could provide a built in back up.  It could support the American economy.  It could use American resources rather than foreign.  More……..

 As the teacher, I will choose 10 random people to come before the class to share their reasons.  The student will read his or her claim and then reason one, using eye contact with the audience, a clear voice, and adequate volume.  After each reason, students will give a thumbs up if the reason clearly supports the claim or a thumbs down if the reason is unclear.  Give feedback.  Repeat.

 Return to your article and graphic organizer. Many of you have listed reasons that are more statements or supporting details. So, that means that MANY of you need to REWRITE the reasons.  After reading your three reasons, place a check beside the number of the one/ones that you think are acceptable.  Circle the number of the one/ones that need revisions.

 Take turns reading your reasons to your partner. Be sure to make eye contact with your partner, use a volume level of one, and speak clearly.  Does your partner agree or disagree with your reasons. Jot down the suggestions that your partner makes.  Now listen to your partner’s reasons. Make appropriate comments.

 Revise your reasons.  Make sure that each supports the claim.  Make sure that each is broad enough to support with evidence.  Make sure that each can be supported with evidence from the text OR a personal example or current event.  Your teacher will check to make sure that your reasons are acceptable before returning them to you.