1. Argumentative Writing
Ms. Summerford

2. An argument in writing
IS DIFFERENT THAN ARGUING WITH A PARENT OR FRIEND

3. Characteristics of Argumentative Writing
Convinces reader claim is true
Uses evidence—examples, facts and statistics
Acknowledges counterclaims—the other side of the argument

4. An Effective Claim Takes a clear position Has two sides
Is narrow enough to be supported within an essay
Can be supported by examples, facts, statistics or citations from a text

5. Types of Claims
Cause and effect—a person, thing, or event caused something else to happen
Claims of definition or fact—argue what a definition is or if something is really a fact
Claims about values—argue the worth of something and if it is valued.

6. Types of Claims
Claims about solutions or policies—argue for or against certain approaches to problems.

7. Addressing the Counterclaim…
Refutes or proves wrong, another point
Recognizes the other side’s points
Supports the writer’s claims

8. Components of Effective Argumentative Writing
Clear and forceful claim
Well-constructed argument
Strong textual support with clear explanations of how the text supports the claim
Addresses counterclaims
Strong conclusion

9. Essay Structure
Paragraph 1 – Introduction – Includes attention grabber and claim
Paragraph 2 – First Reason – Includes supporting examples, facts, and statistics
Paragraph 3 – Second reason – Includes supporting examples, facts, and statistics
Paragraph 4 – Counterclaim – a viewpoint different from yours (the other side) and your attack of the counterclaim

10. Essay Structure
Paragraph 5 - Conclusion – Restate main claim and reasons, sum up essay and leave reader with something to remember.
Remember to use transitions – from one paragraph to another and within paragraphs
Remember to use strong words to emphasize a point
Do not use “I”