Argumentative Writing

Day 1:February 10

I can define argumentative terms: lede/hook, clear claim, evidence, and counter-claim.

W’s of Argumentative Writing

WHY? Improves

research skills

Emphasizes a point of view

Prepares for the future

WHO? Anyone

expressing a specific point of view

8th graders to people in the workplace

W’s of Argumentative Writing

WHEN? Explaining a point of

view

To change the reader’s point of view

What you want the reader to do something

WHAT? Usually a main

idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis statement,” backed up with evidence that supports an idea with reasoning

Elements of Argumentative Writing

1. Introduction

2. Good lede or hook

3. Clear claim or thesis

4. Body Paragraph 1

5. Evidence

6. Body Paragraph 2

7. Evidence

8. Body Paragraph 3

9. Counter-claim

10.Evidence

11.Conclusion

12.Restate Claim

Lede or Hook

Occurs in the opening paragraph (introduction)

Grabs the readers attention

Claim

Defines the paper’s goal

The main argument of an essay

Supported by evidence

The initial claim is in the introduction

Evidence

DRAPESDialogueRhetorical questionAnalogyPersonal experienceExampleStatistics (Facts)

Relevant and verifiable

Supports the claim

Found in the body paragraphs

Counter-claim

Opposite or opposing view of the claim

In the 3rd body paragraph

Activity: Get out a sheet of paper

Compare and Contrast

Distinguished Novice

Compare and Contrast

Look for similarities Place those in

the middle

Look for differences Place those on

the outside

Look for: Claim Hook Evidence Counter-claim

Day 2:February 11

I can compile evidence to support a claim.

Do you Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree with this statement: Completed homework makes students more successful in class.

Take a few minutes to write supporting your opinion.

Evidence

DRAPESDialogueRhetorical questionAnalogyPersonal experienceExampleStatistics (Facts)

Relevant and verifiable

Supports the claim

Found in the body paragraphs

• Make a list of what makes evidence reliable and verifiable

• Find evidence to support your claim

What makes evidence reliable and verifiable?

Day 3:February 12

I can identify a claim.I can make a claim for my paper.

Identifying ClaimsAfter reviewing the political cartoon, identify with your group the main claim.

Who are you writing to?

Don’t assume your audience knows what you’re writing about.

Your audience needs to understand: What you think about the claim Why you have taken the position

you’ve chosen

Introduction:

Lede or Hook:What is a Lede or Hook?Examples: Quotes, stories, or examples

Thesis (main claim)What are your 2 points for your body paragraphsIs your last sentence in the introduction

One sentence that states the main argument of your paper

Previews the rest of your paperAbout 5 sentences

Writing Prompts (Pick 1) Students should be in school during spring break

to supplement the days missed due to snow.

Students should be allowed to take off five days of school without those days counting against their attendance record.

People have become overly dependent on technology.

Students who have good grades should be paid with the money going into a college savings account.

A woman should be given the choice to have an abortion.

Gun control laws need to be enforced and restricted.

Days 4 and 5:February 13-14

Research? What am I looking for?

What information can I find to support my claim?What is out there that counters my claim?How can I disprove that counterclaim?What evidence do I need to disprove this claim?

How much evidence is enough evidence?

I can discover evidence that supports my claim

Body Paragraphs

Must support your thesis (and major claim)

1. Topic sentence

2. DRAPES (evidence)

3. Support

4. DRAPES (evidence)

About 8 sentences each

5. Support

6. DRAPES (evidence)

7. Support

8. Transition statement into next paragraph

Day 6:February 17

I can form a counter-claim that is supported by relevant and verifiable evidence.

Counter-Claim What is a counter-claim?

Consider what someone would say who disagrees with your position about your argument. What is the opposite view? How do you respond to the opposite view

(counter-claim)? Will you say your opposition has a point,

but explain why your audience should accept your argument?

Will you reject the counter-claim and explain why it is mistaken?

Counter-Claim

Goal:

Get your audience to believe your main claim argument is STRONGER than the

counter-claim argument.

About SEVEN sentences

Conclusion

Restate the initial claim (or thesis)

Take Away: What is the most IMPORTANT thing

you want your reader (or your audience to take away)?

About FIVE sentences