1. Argumentative Writing Body Paragraphs
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2. Review: Elements of Argumentative Writing
Claim (versus thesis)
Logic (versus emotion in persuasive writing) – based on evidence
Explanation of how evidence supports the claim
Counterclaims

3. Claim Thesis
A Thesis is a statement that explains, supports, or clarifies a main point. A Claim is a statement that is always debatable. Claims are used in argumentative writing.

4. Persuasive writing Argumentative Writing
A persuasive paper often relies on emotion. An argumentative paper has to rely on LOGIC. Evidence must be factual.

5. Counterclaims
An argumentative paper must present the opposing viewpoint (a counterclaim)
Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

6. Possible Outline for an These do not have to be in this order.
Argumentative Essay
Introduction (An introduction can be more than one paragraph if the content requires.)
a hook or grabber to get the audience’s attention
a thesis (claim)
a mention of a counterclaim
an overview of how the claim will be proven
These do not have to be in this order.

7. Possible Outline for an
Argumentative Essay
The BODY of an argumentative paper: Please note that the number of paragraphs is completely dependent on the content of your paper and the time/length requirements.
Optional paragraph (might also be part of the introduction)
Background— provide a foundation and any info on your topic that might be necessary to further under- stand the claim.

8. Possible Outline for an
Argumentative Essay
Evidence / Elaboration paragraphs –as many as you need
Topic Sentence: What point will you make to get people to understand / support your claim?
Introduce and State Evidence: Use signal phrases and provide evidence from the text to support your claim. What supporting evidence (reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and/or quotations) can you include to prove/support/explain your topic sentence?

9. Possible Outline for an
Argumentative Essay
Elaborate on Evidence: You cannot just plug it in. You have to show how the evidence proves the point you are trying to make in this paragraph. Give more detail.
Concluding Sentence: End your paragraph with a concluding sentence that reasserts the claim and moves into your next point.

10. Possible Outline for an
Argumentative Essay
The Paragraph
Grade 9-10 standards require that you “distinguish” the claim from a counter claim - and that you develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both.
Name a counterclaim and explain your reason why the counterclaim is faulty.

11. Possible Outline for an
Argumentative Essay
reinforce that your claim has been proven
give the essay a sense of completeness and closure
leave an impression on the reader

12. Let’s take a look at signal words/phrases
before we move on.

13. Signal Phrases introduce the support and evidence
(summaries, direct quote, or paraphrases).
Here are a few examples
The first passage states that….
The article “____________” explains how….
The author of _________ agrees by explaining ____________
According to ____________________
Other signal words/phrases
addresses adds agrees believes claims
confirms declares estimates focuses on implies
mentions notes observes points out questions
recommends reports says sees states
suggests writes

14. Sample #1
Assume the student sample on the following pages was written after the student read about whether or not gym classes should be mandatory.

15. Sample #1: The Introduction
Childhood obesity is on the rise in America! About 19 percent of children ages 3 through 19 are considered obese. In today’s society children spend more time indoors engaged in sedentary activities than in years past. It is crucial that America’s children begin to build habits that will ensure a healthy future. Schools that require mandatory gym classes are in a position to help. Critics claim that today’s students cannot afford to “waste” time in gym classes evaluations depend wholly on student performance on standardized tests. Supporters of mandatory gym class disagree. Gym classes help children develop strength and endurance, learn cooperation and teamwork, and improve self-confidence.

16. Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs
Mandatory gym classes help students to develop good exercise habits and healthier lifestyles.
Topic Sentence

17. Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs
Mandatory gym classes help students to develop good exercise habits and healthier lifestyles. In a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 17 who spent at least one hour per day engaged in physical activity were more likely to continue exercising and have healthier lifestyles as adults. Students who did not participate in daily physical activity were more likely to be sedentary as adults and suffer from health issues related to weight gain.
Topic Sentence
Signal Phrase
Text Evidence

18. Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs
Mandatory gym classes help students to develop good exercise habits and healthier lifestyles. In a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 17 who spent at least one hour per day engaged in physical activity were more likely to continue exercising and have healthier lifestyles as adults. Students who did not participate in daily physical activity were more likely to be sedentary as adults and suffer from health issues related to weight gain. By requiring students to participate in gym class we ensure that America’s youth engage in daily physical activity. Through team and individual sports students can improve their overall fitness and reduce their risk of becoming obese. Activities such as strength training and aerobics, found in gym classes, are key in developing overall physical fitness.
Topic Sentence
Signal Phrase
Text Evidence
Elaboration

19. Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs
Mandatory gym classes help students to develop good exercise habits and healthier lifestyles. In a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 17 who spent at least one hour per day engaged in physical activity were more likely to continue exercising and have healthier lifestyles as adults. Students who did not participate in daily physical activity were more likely to be sedentary as adults and suffer from health issues related to weight gain. By requiring students to participate in gym class we ensure that America’s youth engage in daily physical activity. Through team and individual sports students can improve their overall fitness and reduce their risk of becoming obese. Activities such as strength training and aerobics, found in gym classes, are key in developing overall physical fitness. Mandatory gym class is a simple way to begin combating the growing problem of childhood and adult obesity in America.
Topic Sentence
Signal Phrase
Text Evidence
Elaboration
Concluding Sentence

20. This is kind of like RACE—you’ve already been doing this all year!
Mandatory gym classes help students to develop good exercise habits and healthier lifestyles. In a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under the age of 17 who spent at least one hour per day engaged in physical activity were more likely to continue exercising and have healthier lifestyles as adults. Students who did not participate in daily physical activity were more likely to be sedentary as adults and suffer from health issues related to weight gain. By requiring students to participate in gym class we ensure that America’s youth engage in daily physical activity. Through team and individual sports students can improve their overall fitness and reduce their risk of becoming obese. Activities such as strength training and aerobics, found in gym classes, are key in developing overall physical fitness. Mandatory gym class is a simple way to begin combating the growing problem of childhood and adult obesity in America.
Topic Sentence
Signal Phrase
Text Evidence
Elaboration
Concluding Sentence

21. Sample #2: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs
Today’s gym classes include new curriculum for physical education that promote noncompetitive team-building and problem solving activities. These activities are designed to help students develop confidence and a strong sense of self. In a recent interview psychologist William Edwards stated, “Children who participate in team and individual sports are typically more optimistic, confident and independent than children who do not (participate in sports).” Students who possess these traits are better equipped to make decisions about social situations that occur in and outside of school. The team sports played during gym classes require students to respect one another. Mutual respect helps improve confidence which leads to a healthy self-esteem. Students who have positive self-images perform at higher levels of achievement on classwork and standardized assessment. One way to help students reach their academic and social potential is to require them to attend gym classes.
Topic Sentence
Signal Phrase
Text Evidence
Elaboration
Concluding Sentence

22. Sample #2: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs
Today’s gym classes include new curriculum for physical education that promote noncompetitive team-building and problem solving activities. These activities are designed to help students develop confidence and a strong sense of self. In a recent interview psychologist William Edwards stated, “Children who participate in team and individual sports are typically more optimistic, confident and independent than children who do not (participate in sports).” Students who possess these traits are better equipped to make decisions about social situations that occur in and outside of school. The team sports played during gym classes require students to respect one another. Mutual respect helps improve confidence which leads to a healthy self-esteem. Students who have positive self-images perform at higher levels of achievement on classwork and standardized assessment. One way to help students reach their academic and social potential is to require them to attend gym classes.
Topic Sentence
Signal Phrase
Text Evidence
Elaboration
Concluding Sentence

23. Write two paragraphs that progress logically and support your claim about Gender Separated Schools.
You will use several things as you write:
Handout: Brainstorming sheet (in your writing resource packet)
Introduction (Written by YOU previously)
Writing Prompt Packet

24. Write a body paragraph using these elements:
Topic sentence: Include a sentence with one reason that supports your claim.
Introduce and State Evidence: Use a signal phrase/word and provide evidence (reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and/or quotations) from the text to support your claim.
Elaborate on Evidence: Show how the evidence proves the point you are trying to make in this paragraph. Give more detail.
Concluding Sentence: End your paragraph with a concluding sentence that wraps up this paragraph and moves into your next point.

25. Checklist for Logical Progression and Elaboration of your paper.
Checklist for Logical Progression and Elaboration of your paper.
Use the following questions to revise and elaborate your essay.

26. What’s the most important thing I want to say about my subject?
Is my claim clearly defined (narrow) and arguable?
Where is the most important point located? Is this the best place for it?
How many reasons did I give for my claim?
How much support (elaboration--DRAPES) did I give for each reason?
Did I overlap or repeat any points?
Did I leave any points out or add some that aren’t relevant to the claim?

27. How many paragraphs did I use to talk about each point?
Why did I talk about them in this order?
Should the order be changed?
Can I substitute better examples, reasons, or details?
Did I mention the opposition (a counterclaim) and offer a rebuttal?
How does my paper end?
Did I prove the claim I made at the beginning of the paper?