Argumentative Writing Unit What is argumentative writing Argumentative

Argumentative Writing Unit

What is argumentative writing? • Argumentative writing is when an author (you): – Researches a topic – Takes a position/forms an opinion on the topic – Justifies his/her position using evidence • The essay should include: – Argument – Claims – Evidence and reasoning

You will see this type of essay A LOT! • In school – English – History – Science – health • Outside of school – Letters of Recommendation – News articles – Political speeches/advertisements – Closing arguments in trials

Argument (Included in Introduction) Claim 1 (body) Evidence & Reasoning Claim 2 (body) Evidence & Reasoning Claim 3 (body) Evidence & Reasoning Counterargument and Rebuttal Evidence & Reasoning Conclusion Evidence & Reasoning

What is a claim? • A claim is what you believe and what you want your readers to believe. • Your stance on the issue or topic.

Writing a good argument • You MUST start out with a solid claim. • Evaluate your claim – Is it valid? – Is it precise? – How can it be improved? Note: when writing your paper, do not use the word “I”

Testing the strength of your claim • Perform the “weight test” – Can you back it up with data or facts (evidence) – You should have at least 3 solid reasons to support your claim – This requires research!!!

Linking claims and evidence • You need to link your claims and evidence together – Helps the reader see the connection between the two • How do I do this? – Use transition words that explain how the evidence supports the claim, and why it’s so important – You will be given a list of transition words

Evidence does not equal your explanation!!!! • It is essential! • Do not restate the facts you found, that I’ve already heard as part of your evidence. • Without your explanation – Reader will form their own opinion – Thus, you are not PERSUADING them! – Lose the argument

Counterargument/Counterclaim • The counterclaim is also referred to as the opposing claim. It’s a chance for you to expose any weakness in the other sides argument. • It is the “other side” that may call your argument into question. – It is your job to recognize this claim and then disprove it by providing one more piece of evidence and reasoning to strengthen your claim. – Shows you have looked at both sides. – Shows your credibility

Counterclaim Examples Claim Counterclaim • Fast food restaurants are very unhealthy. • Fast food restaurants offer some healthy options. • Law enforcement cameras are necessary to protect citizens. • Law enforcement cameras can give citizens a false sense of security. • Cell phones can improve student learning. • Cell phones can distract students from their learning.

Introduction • Hook the audience – Surprising fact of statistic – Rhetorical question – Use sensory images – Introduce a dilemma – Use a quote--- do not use the dictionary example! – DO NOT MENTION THE COUNTERARUGMENT! • Thesis – Usually the last sentence in the introduction – Clear position that you will support and develop throughout your paper– AKA your argument/claim – Guides and controls your paper

Body Paragraphs • Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence. – A topic sentence is the first sentence in a body paragraph that sums up what the paragraph is about. • Evidence and Reasoning – Without it, you will not persuade the audience. • Begin citing your sources as you go.

Linking claims and evidence • You need to link your claims and evidence together – Helps the reader see the connection between the two • How do I do this? – Use transition words that explain how the evidence supports the claim, and why it’s so important – You will be given a list of transition words

Counterargument/Counterclaim • The counterclaim is also referred to as the opposing claim. It’s a chance for you to expose any weakness in the other sides argument. • It is the “other side” that may call your argument into question. – It is your job to recognize this claim and then disprove it by providing one more piece of evidence and reasoning to strengthen your claim. – Shows you have looked at both sides. – Shows your credibility

Counterclaim Examples Claim Counterclaim • Fast food restaurants are very unhealthy. • Fast food restaurants offer some healthy options. • Law enforcement cameras are necessary to protect citizens. • Law enforcement cameras can give citizens a false sense of security. • Cell phones can improve student learning. • Cell phones can distract students from their learning.

Counterargument Topic Sentence • Use words that alert the reader this is not part of the argument. – Many people [believe, argue, feel, think, etc. ] that [state the argument here] – It is often [thought, imagined, supposed, etc. ] that [state the counterargument here]. – It might [seem, appear, look, etc. ] as if [state the counterargument here]. • Opposite of your thesis

Counterargument Examples cont. • Another approach is to mention and expert in the field that disagrees with your argument. – On the other hand, Dr. Richards believes that… – However, Dr. Richards takes the position that…

The Rebuttal • If the counterargument requires careful signaling, so does the rebuttal. • Counterargument=180 degree turn from thesis • Rebuttal= 180 degree turn back to thesis.

Rebuttal Examples • What this argument [overlooks/fails to consider/ does not take into account] is… • This view [seems/looks/sounds] [convincing/plausible/persuasive] at first but… • While this position is popular, it is [not supported by the facts/not logical/impractical…

The Conclusion • Your last chance to make an impact on your reader. • Don’t restate your reasons. – Boring – Repetitive • Instead, remind them WHY your argument is IMPORTANT.

The Conclusion Continued… • The most effective conclusions circle back to the hook. – Rhetorical Question: give an answer that supports the argument/claim. – Shocking Fact: tell readers the consequences if your claim is not followed through… some of you may have done this in the bodies. – Offer a solution to the problem or an alternative plan. – Give the reader something to think about.

• Don’t introduce any new information. • Summarize key points mentioned in the body paragraphs

Editing

Publishing