1. Argumentative Writing
A Key Focus of the
Common Core State Standards

2. Argumentative vs. Persuasive
Argumentative is:
Fact-based
Presents two or more sides of an issue
Persuasive:
Blends fact with emotion
Presents only the author’s side of the issue

3. ACTIVITY Read both essays on animal testing.
Mark the differences you find.

4. Did you notice that the ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY also presented the opposing arguments (counterclaims)? How many did you find? What follows each counter claim?

5. The ELEMENTS of ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING
Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Closing
Claim
Counterclaim
Rebuttal
Evidence

6. CLAIM The CLAIM establishes where the author stands on the issue
The CLAIM is supported by facts, called EVIDENCE
The CLAIM is presented without using the personal pronoun, “I.” (ELABORATE)
Find the CLAIM in the sample essay and underline it.

7. Is always followed by a REBUTTAL
COUNTERCLAIM
Acknowledges an opposing argument—at least one is required; two or more is optimal.
Is always followed by a REBUTTAL
Revisit the counterclaims in the essay.
Notice the rebuttals after each.

8. REBUTTAL The REBUTTAL refutes the counterclaim.
The REBUTTAL is supported with factual evidence.

9. The CLOSING Ties all of the information together.
Answers the question “So What?”
Packs the punch---leaves the reader with something to think about.

10. Guided Practice

11. SELECT A DEBATABLE TOPIC
SOME SUGGESTIONS:
The world is/is not experiencing global warming.
Common Core State Standards should/should not be implemented.
__________ was the best/worst coach Arkansas ever had.
Other ideas?

12. WRITE your ARGUMENT 30 minutes of “on demand” writing
Include all of the elements.
Only the introduction and closing have a set “place” in the essay. The claim is in the intro; counterclaims and rebuttals are married, and can occur anywhere in the essay.

13. Use facts---research if you have to.
Remember…
Do not use “I.”
Use facts---research if you have to.
Students should be taught to cite
sources.

14. BREAK—15 min

15. GRAB A PARTNER Exchange your essay with a partner.
Label the CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM(S) and REBUTTAL(S) in your partner’s essay
Did the closing “pack the punch”?

16. How Will You Use Argumentative Writing in YOUR Classroom?
Math:
Science:
Social Studies:

17. OTHER DISCIPLINES
The Arts: Argue that an artist was before his or her time; argue that FINE ARTS should not be cut from the curriculum.
Foreign Language: Any topic, only in written in the focus language.
Others?

18. Resources www.corestandards.org www.parcconline.org