1. Argumentative Writing
Things you will need to be able to do

2. Know the basic Terms Claim/Writer’s Intent Logical Appeals
Counterclaim
Facts/Statitistics
Refutation/Rebuttal
Expert Testimony
Intended Audience
Tone
Credibility
Fallacies
Evidence/Support
Hasty Generalization
Emotional Appeals
False Cause and Effect
Loaded Words
Name-Calling
Bandwagon
Either-or-Fallacy
Personal Story
Stereotyping

3. Standards you will demonstrate
9-10 WS.1
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence
A) Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claims from opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes a clear relationship among the parts of the argument
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both so that the audience can be enlightened
Use words, phrases and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create unity, and distinguish relationships between claims and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claims and counterclaims
Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the conventions of the type of writing
Provide a concluding statement that follows from and supports the argument presented

4. What is the difference? Argumentative Writing Persuasion Writing
An argument is a reasoned, logical way of demonstrating that the writer’s position, belief, or conclusion is valid. In English, students make claims about the worth or meaning of a literary works, defending their interpretation with evidence from the text, for example.
Argumentative Writing
Persuasion Writing
Makes a claim based on factual evidence
May make claims based on opinion
Makes counter-claims; takes opposing views into account
May not address the opposition
Convinces audience through merit and logic of claims and proof offered
Persuades by appealing audiences emotion or relying on credibility of writer rather than reasons and evidence
Compares ideas to establish a position
Logic based
Emotion based

5. Argument analysis charts

6. Evaluating an argument
Ask yourself What is the claim that the author makes? Does the author show credibility? Are the main arguments (reasons) logical? How valid is the evidence used to support the arguments? Does the author address the opposition?

7. Sample argument writing
Does technology bring us closer together? That is the question, and the answer is, no. One way it isolates us is by the simple fact that some people have acess to computers and the internet and other people do not. More and more people, for example, need to use computers to do homework assignments. Students who have computers at home can do their homework easily. It is harder for students who have to use the computers at school or in the library and than miss the bus home. You can get lots of information from the internet, but you don’t always know if its correct. Computers also don’t give you face-time with real people. Real people have expressions that you can’t see online. Some computers have Webcams so you can see. Although the Internet is a great and powerful tool it fails in its potenshul to bring us together and until all people can have easy access to computers, it will drive a wedge between people who do and don’t have them.

8. Your TURN TO ARGUE
A group of parents and teachers in your school plan to make a proposal to the school board. In their proposal, they will suggest that the school join in a national movement called “Shut Down Your Screen Week.” The parents and teachers in the group believe that not using any electronic media for an entire week would be good for students for many reasons. They have decided they would like student input before making the proposal. This is not a simple issue, so you need to think very carefully about it. You have three texts to read relating to the issue: “Social Media Social Life,” “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” and “Attached to Technology and Paying a Price.” As you read and re-read these texts, think about what the texts tell you about the issue. In addition, you will locate, access and use an additional source from DISCUS. Think about what position you will take and what evidence you will use to support your thinking. Finally, write a well-developed letter to the parents and teachers, explaining your thinking.

9. The Assignment
For the essay, your Focusing Question is: Should your school participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen Week?” Be sure to use evidence from the texts, as well as your own knowledge, to support and develop your thinking.