Argumentative Essay What Makes Up A Good Argument

Argumentative Essay

What Makes Up A Good Argument Essay? – Consider whether the topics have different positions (Are the topics controversial? ) – Consider each side before taking a position (claim/counter claim or two different points of view) – Provide logical facts and evidence for each position – Avoid judgmental statements

What Are Some Judgment Words? • • • right/wrong fair/unfair shouldn’t stupid lazy wonderful perfect bad terrible

How Can You Stop Judgments? • See but DON’T EVALUATE – Just the facts – Focus on “what” not good or bad • UNGLUE YOUR OPINIONS – Note the who, what, when, and where • ACCEPT the RELIABLE evidence at face value – “It is what it is. ” rather than positive or negative

Judgment vs Non-Judgment Statements • This movie is bad. • Drinking alcohol is bad. • Spending too much money is very dumb. Non-Judgmental Statements • The movie was not enjoyable because it did not accurately reflect the book. • When people drink alcohol, it makes them intoxicated and tends to make people act more impulsively. • If you spend more money than you have, this can get you into trouble.

REMEMBER Being non-judgmental does not mean you agree or approve.

Practicing Non-Judgmental See “Suspend Judgment: Pencil Challenge” on You Tube

Good Argument Essays • Make sense and are believable – Displays solid logic, reasoning, & depth of analysis – Communicates ideas with clarity & organization, • Has three components with details – Claim, evidence, elaboration (connects claim with the evidence) • Presents a clash of ideas by countering arguments

Planning Suspend judgment- List ideas for both sides using a T-Chart Take a side – Place a star next to the side you will take Organize your ideas – check off 3 or more ideas for your claim and check off 1 or more idea for the counter claim Plan more as you write – move on to DARE

TOPIC: FOR: AGAINST: REASON #1: EVIDENCE: REASON #2: EVIDENCE: REASON #3: EVIDENCE:

Applying Self-Regulated Strategy Instruction to Argument Writing: Writing Develop your topic sentence/paragraph Bottom Line Up Front Add supporting ideas Reject possible arguments End with a conclusion

SAMPLE I believe that it would be beneficial for our schools to adopt dress codes. Although some may argue that this action would restrict the individual student’s freedom of expression, I do not agree. Our right to express ourselves is important, but in our society none of us has unrestricted freedom to do as we like at all times. We must all learn discipline, respect the feelings of others, and learn how to operate in the real world in order to be successful. Dress codes would not only create a better learning environment, but would also help prepare students for their futures.