ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF AN ARGUMENT WHAT IS AN

WHAT IS AN ARGUMENT? • An argument is a discussion in which reasons are

ARGUMENT (TOPIC: COLLEGE) “COLLEGE ISN’T (AND SHOULDN’T HAVE TO BE) FOR EVERYONE” Robert Reich

WHAT MAKES A WRITTEN ARGUMENT EFFECTIVE? 1. The central claim A written argument must

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ARGUMENT? An argument has three major purposes: 1.

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT 1. ) Introduction and claim An opening that grabs

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT 2. ) Supporting paragraphs / evidence The reasons offered

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT 3. ) Concession and/or refutation Concession – restatements of

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT • What statement does 4. ) Conclusion / call

EXTENDED WRITING-RESPONSE Now that you have read “College Isn’t and Shouldn’t Have to Be

WRITING TASK Currently, there is an ongoing debate between those who feel that college

Slides: 14

Download presentation

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF AN ARGUMENT

WHAT IS AN ARGUMENT? • An argument is a discussion in which reasons are put forward in support of and against a claim, a statement that describes the position the writer is taking on an issue.

ARGUMENT (TOPIC: COLLEGE) “COLLEGE ISN’T (AND SHOULDN’T HAVE TO BE) FOR EVERYONE” Robert Reich “ACTUALLY, COLLEGE IS VERY MUCH WORTH IT” Andrew J. Rotherham

WHAT MAKES A WRITTEN ARGUMENT EFFECTIVE? 1. The central claim A written argument must meet several conditions in order to be a valid argument and not merely an effort to persuade. needs to be debatable. 2. The claim must be supported by evidence. 3. The writer needs to address the opposition by acknowledging counterclaims and the evidence supporting them.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ARGUMENT? An argument has three major purposes: 1. To change a reader’s or listener’s point of view 2. To ask the reader or listener to take an action 3. To gain acceptance for the writer’s idea about a problem or issue

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT 1. ) Introduction and claim An opening that grabs the reader’s attention while informing the reader of the claim, which is a clear and straightforward statement of the writer’s belief about the topic of • How does Robert Reich, the author of “Why College Isn’t (And Shouldn’t Have to Be) For Everyone, ” grab the readers attention? • What is Reich’s claim?

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT 2. ) Supporting paragraphs / evidence The reasons offered in support of a claim, supported by different types of evidence. • What reasons does Reich offer in support his claim? • What are the different types of evidence that he uses to support his

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT 3. ) Concession and/or refutation Concession – restatements of valid counterclaims made by the opposing side Refutation – the writer’s arguments against those opposing viewpoints, explaining why the writer’s position is more valid. • Where does Reich bring up valid points of the opposition? • How does Reich explain why his position is more

ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE ARGUMENT • What statement does 4. ) Conclusion / call to action closing statements restating the major arguments in defense of the claim with a final challenge to the reader to take action. Reich make that can be considered his closing statement which restates his major argument? • What action does Reich challenge his reader to take?

EXTENDED WRITING-RESPONSE Now that you have read “College Isn’t and Shouldn’t Have to Be for Everyone” and “Actually College is Very Much Worth It, ” create a plan for and write your argumentative essay. (Use the graphic organizer provided to begin

WRITING TASK Currently, there is an ongoing debate between those who feel that college is not and should not have to be for everyone and those who believe that college is actually very much worth it. Weigh the claims on both sides, and then write an argumentative essay in your own words supporting ONE side of the debate. Be sure to use evidence from BOTH texts in your argumentative essay.