1. Argumentative Introductions
Grade 10
©Copyright by Write Score LLC

2. Argumentative Essay
This week and next week we are going to work on parts of the argumentative essay where I saw widespread weakness in the last Write Score data report.
This includes 3 specific areas: Introductions, Development of Support and Conclusions.

3. 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

4. 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.

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

6. Counterclaims An argumentative paper must
Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

7. Argumentative Writing: The Introduction
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

8. Sample Introduction #1:
Assume the student sample on the following page was written after the student read about year round schools.
Note the four parts of the introduction.

9. Argumentative Writing: An Example Introduction
Summer is a time for many children to fill their days with camping, barbeques, trips to the beach, and movies. But for some, summer is a season like all other seasons. Students in year-round school do not have a traditional summer break. Instead, year round schools provide students with more frequent and consistent breaks from school. Critics cite higher costs and the loss of traditional extracurricular programs such as band and sports as reasons to eliminate year round schools. Yet, there are many benefits to the practice of year round schooling. Year round schools help to reduce the amount of remediation needed by many students after the long summer break. Year round schools more closely match the schedules used in many countries across the world, allowing for a more global educational experience. Additionally, the frequent, shortened breaks allow for both teachers and students to recharge and reenergize.
Hook
Mentions Opposing Side
The Claim
How the Claim Will Be Addressed

10. Sample Introduction #2:
Now, take a look at the next sample on the same topic (year round schools).
Identify the four parts of the introduction.

11. Argumentative Writing: An Example Introduction
For a variety of reasons, in many states, school districts are moving to year round schools. These schools use schedules in which teachers and students no longer have the traditional summer vacation. Supporters of year round schools believe that students achieve more than students in schools using traditional schedule. While the year-round calendar is designed to help students, its effect on student learning and family life can be detrimental. The year round school calendar can be a scheduling nightmare for families, especially for those families with multiple children in multiple schools. Year round schools interfere with job opportunities, family vacations, and extracurricular activities such as summer camps and sports.
Where is the “Hook”?
Where is the mention of the opposing side?
Where is the claim?
Where is the information that will address the claim?

12. Argumentative Writing: An Example Introduction
For a variety of reasons, in many states, school districts are moving to year round schools. These schools use schedules in which teachers and students no longer have the traditional summer vacation. Supporters of year round schools believe that students achieve more than students in schools using traditional schedule. While the year-round calendar is designed to help students, its effect on student learning and family life can be detrimental. The year round school calendar can be a scheduling nightmare for families, especially for those families with multiple children in multiple schools. Year round schools interfere with job opportunities, family vacations, and extracurricular activities such as summer camps and sports.
Hook
Mentions opposing side
The claim
How the claim will be addressed

13. Writing an Introduction:
We’ll use several things to write our introductions:
Handout: Drafting the Introduction
Article: The Disadvantages of Required Student Participation in High School Student Government
Article: The Benefits of Required Student Participation in High School Student Government

14. Argumentative Writing:
Argumentative Writing: Drafting The Introduction
What is the debatable topic?
Name two sides to the argument.
SIDE 1:
SIDE 2:
What evidence supports each?
Which do YOU agree with and why?
(Remember, these reasons have to be based on LOGIC not emotion)
See Handout
Argumentative Writing:
The Introduction

15. Brainstorm possibilities for a hook/grabber
Brainstorm possibilities for a hook/grabber. What is unique about this topic? What interesting facts or statistics do you know? Any true stories to connect?
Draft your introduction. Capture their attention, state your claim, and summarize how you will prove your claim.
Peer Checklist:
Effective
Ineffective
Notes/Comments
Hook
Claim
Addresses
Counterclaim
Summary of Evidence

16. Now, read through the articles.
Using the handout as a guide, complete a draft of an introduction.