1. Writing Argumentative Papers Mrs. Walker Room 150

2.  When planning make a list of points for both sides of the argument  Then, once you pick which side you will argue for, you can use this list to make a counterclaim  The counterclaim you will argue against why their point is incorrect or that your side is better

3. When Brainstorming/Planning…  Think of what people normally argue against your point  Identify two things: ◦ 1. You could argue that… ◦ 2. …but here’s the weakness…  For example if your thesis is that schools should not have a uniform set it up like this: (think of the other side) ◦ 1. You could argue that… if a school had a uniform that the students would not have to worry about what they have to wear. ◦ 2. …but here’s the weakness… Although that is true, the students would not be able to show their individuality if they had a uniform.

4.  Example 1 (Thesis was about social media benefiting our society): Some argue that social media harms are society. This is shown in the article, _, when it states, “…social media is harming our society due to bullying” (_, 1). This shows that bullying is happening due to social media.  Example 2: Some argue that social media is benefiting our society. This is wrong because it is harming our society.

5.  Although some people think that social networking sites are bad for our society because as shown in the text, “…”, it states, “13 million users said they had not set or did not know about Facebook’s privacy settings…Companies have admitted to using Facebook as a hiring tool” (Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society, 1). This information may be correct, but is not a downside to social networking because companies using Facebook as a hiring tool has nothing to do with Facebook doing something wrong; it has to do with what you let companies see. Also, just because 13 million people did not know about the private setting, does not mean it was not there to use. So, none of these allegations show that Facebook is the one doing the sharing, it is what you allow Facebook to share and everyone to see.

6.  However, some people believe that social networking is benefitting our society because people learn about breaking news. Also, in the passage, “Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?”, it states, “Over 50% of people learn about breaking news on social media” (_, 1). This is wrong because as stated earlier, 49.1% of people are receiving false information from social networking.

7.  However, social networks are claimed to be bad according to “Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?” because students who are heavy social users tend to have lower grades. This is wrong because in the article, “…”, it states, “George Middle School in Portland, OR introduced a social media program to engage students, grades went up by 50%; chronic absenteeism went down by 33%...” (_, 1). This proves social networking can help students because the student’s grades increased by 50%.

8.  Social network sites are benefiting our society because it’s what makes us evolve and helps other people too. But those who say that social media can be unsafe are probably aren’t using it properly.  Social networking sites benefit our society by the way it connects people, raises money, and spreads news quickly. However, others blame social networks for not having privacy, when really it’s their fault, not social networking’s fault.

9.  Practice writing a counterclaim  First, plan out what you are arguing and write your thesis statement  Second, copy the pieces of evidence you want to use  Third, write out a few interpretations that support your evidence  Finally, decide what the other side will argue against (jot down a few examples)  Once the brainstorming is complete write a paragraph that comes before the conclusion, that shows the counterclaim (feel free to use the textual evidence on your quote sheet)

10.  Alternatively, another possibility, aside from, barring, beside, but, conversely, except, excluding, exclusive of, even though, hence, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, other than, on one hand, on the other hand, on the contrary, rather, save, still, yet

11.  Avoid emotional language (best, awesome, etc.)  Cite your sources  Make an outline, if you have time  Be prepared to defend your side by knowing what the strongest argument for the other side is (counterclaim)