1. Argumentative Writing
As argued by Lucy Calkins

2. Questions to Ask When Reading With a Critical Eye
How does the information presented connect with and/or contradict information learned from the sources?
Who wrote it? What’s his/her role? What does the author, or sponsor, stand to gain from this position?
Are these patterns evident in the kinds and sources of information that have not been included and valued?
Are there things in the source that give you pause or make you uneasy?

3. Evaluating Evidence
When ranking and choosing evidence to support a point, argument writers ask…
How well does each piece of evidence match my specific point?
How hard is this evident to argue against?
How surprising or compelling is this evidence? Will it get my reader nodding in agreement with my point?
What work will this evidence do? How will I use it to strengthen my argument?

4. Make “Quotes” Work Transition into a discussion/ analysis of the quote
Transition into the quote
For example, the text (or a person) says; according to the text; (so and so) claims; (so and so) describes this…
Give some context or background if it is needed
Name the source and give credentials that set him/her up as an expert if you can
Explain the speaker’s relationship to the cause/issue
Cite the bibliographic information so others can find the information
Transition into a discussion/ analysis of the quote

5. NOTE CARD 1
Claim 1
Evidence to support Claim 1
Explanation

6. NOTE CARD 2
Claim 2
Evidence to support Claim 2
Explanation

7. Do children ever belong on reality TV?
Question:
Do children ever belong on reality TV?
Claim 1
Evidence to support Claim 1
Explanation

8. Which piece of evidence is the strongest and WHY?
Question: Do children ever belong on reality TV?
Which piece of evidence is the strongest and WHY?
EVIDENCE
1) “‘I think it’s a great way for kids to look back on their childhood.’” – Kate Goesslin (mom of reality TV kids)
2) “‘Reality TV can be a good thing for children, but we don’t see it often,’ said educational consultant and psychotherapist, Russell Hyken, of St. Louis. ‘Kids overcoming difficult circumstances that role models success, means kids benefit.’”

9. Ways to Analyze Evidence and Get Others to Follow Your Argument
This is important to notice because…
This is significant because…
The part of this which seems especially relevant is the…
This suggests…
This demonstrates…
This illustrates…

10. Question: Do children ever belong on reality TV?
What is your explanation for your evidence?
(Why did you pick this evidence?)
“‘Reality TV can be a good thing for children, but we don’t see it often,’ said educational consultant and psychotherapist, Russell Hyken, of St. Louis. ‘Kids overcoming difficult circumstances that role models success, means kids benefit.’”
BACK
EXPLANATION: This is important to notice because it was provided by a credible source who sees a real-world connection that kids can make with these so-called “role models.”

11. Question: Do children ever belong on reality TV?
What is your explanation for your evidence?
(Why did you pick this evidence?)
EVIDENCE: “And even on sets of TV shows with rules to protect those kids, many of those child stars still wound up going to jail, getting stuck on drugs or alcohol or having destroyed relationships.”
BACK
EXPLANATION: This suggests that reality TV has a negative effect that could ruin a child’s life because the effects can follow him or her into adulthood.

12. Claim + Evidence + Explain
A claim is a topic sentence that connects to your thesis.
Begin with an appropriate transition word or phrase.
It should be one sentence long.
After your claim, you will put your evidence that supports that claim.
Then, you’ll write an explanation as to HOW or WHY that piece of evidence supports your thesis.

13. Does the evidence support the claim?
Question: Do children ever belong on reality TV?
What CLAIM can you make?
Does the evidence support the claim?
Front
CLAIM: Children belong on reality TV because…
Identify with the struggles that other kids on TV face
Not making a sports team  relate to a kid who didn’t “make the cut” on America’s Got Talent
Dealing with conflicts with others
EVIDENCE: “‘Reality TV can be a good thing for children, but we don’t see it often,’ said educational consultant and psychotherapist, Russell Hyken, of St. Louis. ‘Kids overcoming difficult circumstances that role models success, means kids benefit.’”

14. Which piece of evidence is the strongest and WHY?
Question: Do children ever belong on reality TV?
Which piece of evidence is the strongest and WHY?
Front
CLAIM: Children do not belong on reality TV because…
It could expose them to situations in which bad choices are easier to make.
Surrounded by older peers
Demanding schedule  stress
EVIDENCE: “And even on sets of TV shows with rules to protect those kids, many of those child stars still wound up going to jail, getting stuck on drugs or alcohol or having destroyed relationships.”

15. Let’s Argue About Texts
READ texts and gather evidence and ideas so as to take a position.
CAUCUS with those who share your position to plan what your claim, evidence and reasons will be, referring to the text.
STATE YOUR CASE in front of your opponent and explain your position with reasons and evidence.
CAUCUS with those who share your position in order to plan a point-by- point rebuttal of your opponent’s position.
REBUT each point from your opponent.
2nd ROUND or CONCLUDE by creating a new position on which both opponents agree.
Refer to page to help teach how to debate. These are steps to help us teach them how to debate.

16. Debate Card Requirements
Research topic on Monday,
Debate Topic on Friday
10 pts

17. Front
Ms Moury Period 2
(2 pts)CLAIM: Cell phones should be forbidden in school because (IN YOUR OWN WORDS) _____________________________________________________________________________(Complete sentence) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(2 pts) EVIDENCE: IN THE FORM OF A QUOTE FROM YOUR SOURCE (1 pt for acknowledging) This is where to mention your citation and where you found it. This is a quote, NOT in your own words!

18. Back
(4 pts) EXPLANATION: 3-6 Sentences about why you chose this quote and how it supports your claim.
(1 pt) rebuttal – listen to your opponent and close with why your claim and evidence in stronger