Argumentative writing

An Introductory Guide for Middle School Students

An argument in writing

• IS DIFFERENT THAN ARGUING WITH A PARENT OR FRIEND

Characteristics of Argument Writing

• Convinces reader claim is true

• Uses evidence—facts and data

• Acknowledges counterclaims—the other side of the argument

An Effective Claim

• Takes a clear position

• Has two sides

• Is narrow enough to be supported within essay

• Can be supported by facts or citations from a text

Types of Claims

• Cause and effect—a person, thing, or event caused something else to happen

• Example: Rikki Tikki Tavi’s victory over the snakes was the result of his natural abilities as a mongoose, rather than his desire to protect the people in the cottage.

Types of Claims

• Claims of definition or fact—argue what a definition is or if something is really a fact

• Example: In the story, “Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry, the two characters have been described as foolish because of the outcome of the story, when they sell their most precious possessions.

Types of Claims

• Claims about values—argue the worth of something and if it is valued.

• While Perrault’s “Cinderella” is an interesting story, it is a second-rate story when compared to Grimms’ Cinderella version.

Types of Claims

• Claims about solutions or policies—argue for/against certain approaches to problems.

• Example: In the short story “Utzel and His Daughter, Poverty,” by Isaac B. Singer, Utzel and his daughter go to work to solve their problem, and this is the best solution to their problem.

What Does a Counterclaim Do?

• Refutes, or proves wrong, another point

• Recognizes the other side’s points

• Makes the writer more believable NOT Sure what this means

Components of Effective Argument Writing?

• Well-constructed claim

• Clear stance

• Good text support

• Lucid explanation of text support

• Addresses counterclaims