2. Writing an Argumentative Paragraph
English Language Arts

3. Essential Question:
Why is it important to be able to construct an effective argument?

4. Bell Work
Write for 5 minutes in your “I Think” column to answer any or all of the questions:
What does it mean to have an argument?
What generally causes an argument?
When you’re having an argument, how can you convince someone to agree with you?
Why is it important to be able to have a good argument?

5. Share With someone nearby, share your responses to the bell work.
Add your partner’s thoughts to your “We Think” column.
As the whole class shares, add anything else insightful you hear to your “We Think” column.

6. Group Activity
Rearrange the Argument

7. What is argumentative writing?
Argumentative writing is when you ARGUE one side of discussion.
Argue = to prove or defend a point by using valid evidence
Argumentative writing relies on FACTS, not emotion.
Any claim you make MUST be supported by evidence.
This is different that persuasive writing, which may use an emotional appeal.
You CANNOT argue both sides! Argue one point of view only.

8. Structuring an Argument
An argumentative paragraph is set up MUCH like an expository paragraph:
Claim (introduce work by title and author as necessary)
Lead-in/Evidence/Citation
Commentary
STOP! Here we have to add something new!

9. Counterclaim
An argumentative paragraph has something that an expository one doesn’t—a counterclaim.
A counterclaim addresses the OTHER side of the argument
If you are writing an argument and neglect to acknowledge the other side, your argument is completely invalidated.
The trick is to acknowledge it BRIEFLY, then REFUTE it by explaining why your side of the argument is actually better.
Refute - to prove wrong using evidence

10. Counterclaim Example
Claim: Since smoking can cause cancer, people should not smoke.
<insert evidence and commentary here>
Counterclaim: Some may say that just because something has the potential to cause cancer doesn’t mean that it will, so it isn’t necessary to avoid smoking altogether.
Refutation: However, when your health is on the line, it’s better to weigh the risks and avoid an activity that has been proven to be so dangerous.

11. Counterclaim Example
Claim: Schlotzsky's serves the best sandwiches of any restaurant.
<insert evidence and commentary here>
Counterclaim: Some people may prefer Subway over Schlotzsky's.
Refutation: However, Schlotzsky's offers so much more variety and has a better atmosphere, so it is a more preferable lunch location.

12. Structuring an Argument
Including the counterclaim, an outline of an argumentative paragraph looks like this:
Claim (introduce work by title and author as necessary)
Lead-in/Evidence/Citation
Commentary
Counterclaim
Refutation
Conclusion

13. Example Paragraph
The author’s purpose of Watch This. No, Read It! is to persuade the reader to read books, rather than listening or watching. According to the article, “Just like muscles, the brain benefits from a good workout, and reading is more neurobiologically demanding than processing images or speech.” By telling readers that reading is better for your brain, the author hopes to convince them to read more. The author also says all the reading helps people to remember things better. Since no one wants to be forgetful, they are more likely to read rather than watch. Some may say that this article is not to persuade, but to inform because it gives a lot of facts. However, it’s clear that the author’s intent in providing those facts is to convince readers to read more. All this evidence demonstrates that the purpose of this article was to persuade.

14. The Tell-Tale Heart Prompt
Is the narrator of The Tell Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe, actually insane? Use evidence from the story to support your answer.
Use the outline provided to organize your argument.

15. Essential Question:
Why is it important to be able to construct an effective argument?