1. Argument: Defend, Challenge, or Qualify a Statement
Mrs. Pelletier
English 1

2. Defending and Challenging
Defend Challenge

3. Defending and Challenging
When you defend or challenge a statement, you are COMPLETELY agreeing or disagreeing with it.
Ex.: Cell phones should never be used in class.
Defend: Under no circumstances should cell phones ever be used in class.
Challenge: Cell phones should be used in class under any circumstances.
Ex.: “The average man does not want to be free. He only wants to be safe.” - H. L. Mencken
Defend: The average man NEVER wants freedom, only safety.
Challenge: The average man ALWAYS wants to be free, not safe. Freedom is always more important than safety for the average man.

4. Qualifying
Defend Challenge
Qualify

5. Qualifying
When you qualify a statement, you show don’t completely agree or disagree with it.
You CAN NOT just say, “I somewhat agree with the statement” or “I agree and disagree with the statement.”
To provide a good qualified argument, you must state the specific circumstances under which you agree or disagree.
Ex.: Cell phones should never be used in class.
Cell phones should only be used in class with the explicit permission of the teacher.
Cell phones should only be used in class in cases of emergency.
Ex.: “The average man does not want to be free. He only wants to be safe.” - H. L. Mencken
The average man wants freedom once his safety is threatened, and thus, he has nothing more to lose.