1. Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book 2, Third Edition
Dave Kemper, Verne Meyer, John Van Rys, and Pat Sebranek, Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing, Book 2, 3rd Edition. © 2019 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

2. Chapter 10 Reading and Writing Arguments
Dave Kemper, Verne Meyer, John Van Rys, and Pat Sebranek, Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing, Book 2, 3rd Edition. © 2019 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

3. Chapter 10 Outline This chapter addresses:
10.1 Understanding Argumentation
10.2 Reading and Responding to Arguments
10.3 Planning an Argument Essay
10.4 Writing the First Draft
10.5 Revising the Writing
10.6 Editing the Writing

4. 10.1 Understanding Argumentation (1 of 7)
A strong argument includes a logical claim (thesis) and solid evidence (details).
Strong arguments acknowledge opposing points of view and either counter or concede their value.
Arguments provide meaningful and logical examinations of issues.
Arguments are made about issues on which people have differing points of view.
Arguments are weakened by logical fallacies or false statements.

5. 10.1 Understanding Argumentation (2 of 7)
Forms of writing that might have argumentation
Editorial: presents a point of view on a currently debated topic
Personal commentary: presents an opinion, but can be written by anyone and on any topic
Problem-solution essay: an argument that explains a problem and provides a solution for that problem
Position paper: demonstrates a student’s thoughts about the material being covered in class or related readings

6. 10.1 Understanding Argumentation (3 of 7)
Analyzing the parts of an argument
Main claim (thesis)
Usually occurs early in the essay, presents a viewpoint about the topic
Supporting claims
Statements that provide reasons for accepting the main claim
Evidence
Facts and statistics
Examples
Expert testimony

7. 10.1 Understanding Argumentation (4 of 7)
Counterarguments
Should address opposing points of view
Counter: shows why the opposing point lacks value
Concession: admits the value of an opposing point
Call to action
Many arguments end by requesting that the reader respond to the argument by thinking or acting in a certain way.

8. 10.1 Understanding Argumentation (5 of 7)
Analyzing logic
Reliable and logical evidence
Facts (as opposed to opinions)
Observations
Quotations
Facts and statistics
Comparisons
Explanations
Inferences

9. 10.1 Understanding Argumentation (6 of 7)
The evidence must be:
Accurate
Do most experts agree on the information?
Is it up to date?
Complete
Does the evidence tell the “whole story”? Or do some legitimate counterarguments seem to be ignored?
Relevant
Is all the evidence related to the main point?

10. 10.1 Understanding Argumentation (7 of 7)
Faulty logic (logical fallacies)
Exaggerating the facts
Offering extremes
Half truths
Appealing to popular position
Straw man
Broad generalization
Impressing with numbers
Red herring
Ad populum

11. 10.2 Reading and Responding to Arguments (1 of 2)
Using a line diagram

12. 10.2 Reading and Responding to Arguments (2 of 2)
Understanding voice
Use these questions as a guide:
Does the author seem honest and sincere?
Does he or she make a realistic claim?
Does he or she seem respectful and understanding?
Does he or she focus on issues rather than personalities?
Does the author engage the reader, rather than lecture?

13. 10.3 Planning an Argument Essay (1 of 2)
Consider a debatable topic that you feel strongly about.
Create a main claim to defend.

14. 10.3 Planning an Argument Essay (2 of 2)
Gathering and organizing the support
– Order of importance: a common pattern of arrangement in which you present your supporting reasons either from most to least important or the other way around
Considering opposing points of view
Conceding: admitting the value of another point of view
Countering: showing why the opposing point of view lacks value

15. 10.4 Writing the First Draft (1 of 2)
To develop an opening paragraph:
Start with a brief, dramatic story.
Offer a surprising statistic.
Connect with the reader.
In the middle paragraphs:
Present supporting arguments in an order that best suits your topic.
Provide enough evidence to make each point clear.
Consider possible objections.

16. 10.4 Writing the First Draft (2 of 2)
To create the closing paragraph:
Restate the main claim.
Review the important support.
Provide a final thought.

17. 10.5 Revising the Writing Checking for bias
Argumentation versus persuasion
Argumentation:
Explains a point of view
Appeals to logical thinking
Reveals balance
Persuasion
Tries to change beliefs
Appeals to emotions
May be one-sided
More subjective

18. 10.6 Editing the Writing Check for these three clarity problems:
Indefinite pronoun reference
Incomplete comparisons
Sentences with multiple meanings