1. Organizing Your Argument The Argumentative Essay

2. What is an argument? An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.

3. Why is organization important in building an argument? Guides an audience through your thinking process Offers a clear explanation of each point Demonstrates your credibility

4. Organizing your argument Title Introduction  Thesis statement Body Paragraphs  Constructing Topic Sentences  Building Main Points  Refuting the Opposition Conclusion

5. What is the introduction? Introduces the reader to the topic and purpose of the essay Gets the reader interested in the topic Has a strong Thesis Statement taking ONE side of the argument

6. Gaining Interest (Hook) personal anecdote example-real or hypothetical question quotation

7. What is a Thesis Statement? The MOST IMPORTANT SENTENCE in your essay Lets the reader know the main idea of the paper Answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?” Not a statement of fact, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper

8. Purpose of the thesis statement The thesis statement should guide your reader through your argument. The thesis statement is in the introduction of the essay.

9. Which thesis statement is the most effective for an argument about the need for V-chips in television sets? Parents, often too busy to watch television shows with their families, can monitor their children’s viewing habits with the aid of the V-chip. To help parents monitor their children’s viewing habits, the V-chip should be a required feature for television sets sold in the U.S. This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the uses of the V-chip in American-made television sets.

10. Body Paragraphs and Topic Sentences Body paragraphs build on the claims made in the introductory paragraph Have topic sentences that introduce the main idea of each paragraph. Help the reader get to know the topic and the complexity of the issue.

11. Body Paragraphs Paragraphs may be ordered in several ways, depending upon the topic and purpose of your argument:  General to specific information  Most important point to least important point  Weakest claim to strongest claim

12. Offering a Counterargument (Refutation) Addressing the claims of the other side is an important part of building a convincing argument. It demonstrates your credibility as a writer-- you have researched all sides of the argument and have come to an informed decision.

13. Offering a Counterargument Counterarguments may be located at various locations within your body paragraphs. You may choose to offer a refutation  Before you argue your main points  After you have stated your main claims.

14. Refuting effectively Consider your audience when you offer your counterargument. Accepting some of your opposition’s points can make your argument seem weak. Don’t be rude about the other side!  Using rude language can cause your audience to stop taking you seriously.

15. Conclusion Your conclusion should restate the main points made in your essay. You may want to repeat a call to action or make a prediction about the future of your topic. Don’t make new claims in your conclusion.

16. Organizing your argument Title Introduction Body Paragraphs  Using Topic Sentences  Building Main Points  Refutation Conclusion

17. DIGITAL PRIVACY ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

18. Privacy in the Digital Age AGAINST (Privacy) It helps companies gain insight about what users want and how to serve them Specific consumers can be targeted Companies can send info that consumers need and special offers that they may be unaware of Companies gain competitive advantage FOR (Privacy) Government and companies access users’ computers and information without their consent Many disagree with the way information is obtained Consumers have no control over how the information is obtained and will be used

19. Issues in information technology – cookies AGAINST (Privacy) They help save website preferences & customize the way a website looks They can track users to give recommendations They can allow 1-click shopping They provide information exchange security info i.e. log on info & Used to prevent session hijacking (When an attacker gets in between a user and a site) FOR (Privacy) Cookies are computer dependent; different users have access to information stored on the computer Access to user e-mail, passwords, and credit card info is dangerous for security reasons Cookies can be used as a research tool for controversial issues such as for abortion, gun control) Info can be gathered without user knowledge

20. Benefits of a Database AGAINST (Privacy) It identifies cost effective treatment It fights false claims (insurance companies) A person’s medical info is immediately available It helps track certain diseases & patients’ responses to drugs Info is available to drug companies for research Better organization of medical files (reduction of paperwork and help with billing) FOR (Privacy) Employers might have access to this information and could deny employment and promotion People might be denied insurance More people will have access to these records Information can be easily misused