The Argumentative Essay

I’m right and you’re wrong

So, let’s talk about the WRITING FSAThe real test is in a few short weeks! You have come a LONG WAY and I am very proud of each of you!

BUT! There is still a lot of work to do to make sure you will do your best on the test! Based on the results from the 3rd FPMA, we need to practice:

1. Not using personal pronouns2. Creating clear and precise claims/controlling

ideas3. Using a variety of different kinds of evidence4. ELABORATING on cited evidence and

CONNECTING it to your claim/controlling idea

5. Creating clear conclusions

NO Personal Pronouns!But how can I say my opinion without using

I … ME … YOU … MY … MINE????Go to www.morales8la.weebly.com and click on the BLOG tab.

Follow the directions on the post titled “NO ONE CARES”

Claims!Last week, you answered the prompt that asked you whether or not you feel that the American Dream is achievable by ALL Americans. Now that we have practiced writing statement sentences, you need to turn your answer (which was your opinion) into a CLAIM.This is an argumentative prompt: Take a position on whether or not you believe that the American Dream is achievable by all Americans based on the evidence provided by the texts we read in class.Post your claim to Padlet

PEEL It! P: point! Your claim/controlling idea E: evidence! What evidence BEST supports your point? EL: elaboration! Explain WHY your evidence BEST

supports your point.POINT

(claim/controlling idea)

EVIDENCE(including source)

ELABORATION

Example of how to PEELPOINT

(claim/controlling idea)EVIDENCE

(including source)ELABORATION

The American Dream is not achievable because the average income of most Americans does not support the needed costs of what makes the American Dream possible.

1. “Up to 15 million young Americans today are at risk.” (source 1, paragraph 5)

2. “Total income needed to live the American Dream: $130, 357.” (source 2)

1. Children are the most at risk in America because many parents are unable to provide the basics to ensure kids are successful in life.

2. Therefore, children are the most vulnerable victims of the loss of the American Dream.

3. For just the basic costs of living, the amount of money you need to make a year already exceeds the average income of most Americans.

4. The total cost of the American Dream can change depending on where you live.

This is an argumentative prompt: Take a position on whether or not you believe that the American Dream is achievable by all Americans based on the evidence provided by the texts we read in class.

Types of Evidence-Based Elaboration

TYPE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLEExplanation

Explain the evidence provided. (Often used when a direct quote is given.)

Evidence: According to authors, Africa lost more than 60% of its elephants to poachers over the last ten years.Elaboration: That is more than half of all the elephants in the country, meaning that at this speed, the elephants could soon die out.

Evaluation Evaluate the evidence based on other facts in the passages.

Evidence: Surveys indicate that many citizens do not even realize that the elephants die when poachers get the ivory.Elaboration: However, this is not a good enough reason to let this practice continue, since groups like CITE educate their citizens with such facts.

Definition Defining concept or idea to help your reader better understand the evidence.

Evidence: Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is one possible reason why honeybees are disappearing.Elaboration: Colony collapse disorder is when bees leave their nest but never return. Scientists are searching for the cause.

Types of Evidence-Based Elaboration

TYPE DESCRIPTION

EXAMPLE

Analyze (Compare)

Provide a comparison to the evidence.

Evidence: As the polar ice melts, polar bears become less afraid of humans as they look for food.Elaboration: The graphic provided shows a polar bear trying to get into a truck. Thus, as their habitat disappears, they search elsewhere, finding food wherever possible.

Analyze (Prediction)

Analyze the evidence and make a prediction based on evidence in the text.

Evidence: Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is one possible reason why honeybees are disappearing.Elaboration: If this continues to happen and bees keep leaving their hives, crops will fail, costing farmers millions of dollars.

Analyze (Cause/Effect Relationships)

Analyze the evidence to show a likely cause and effect relationship.

Evidence: Experts say that the coral reefs are disappearing at a rapid rate.Elaboration: Therefore, many aquatic creatures like the clown fish will become greatly in danger of losing their natural habitat.

The Introductory ParagraphThe easiest way to write it is by using the

outline! Open the PDF file titled “Introductory Paragraphs

Outline” from you class folder on the EETT2_REAL drive.

On our class website, it is the file titled “Introductory Paragraphs Outline”

Transitions and Counterclaims! W - while A – although I – in spite of T - though E – even though D – despite

The first sentence of your body should address the COUNTERCLAIM … the opposite claim that you took from the prompt.

For example, if you claim that the American Dream IS achievable, your counterclaim is the American Dream IS NOT achievable.

To introduce the COUNTERclaim, you need a W.A.I.T.E.D. word to introduce it.

THEN, you need to state what the opposing side argues.

Body Paragraph Example Outline1. Although many politicians argue that global warming is not real, there is evidence that proves otherwise. 2. 1ST piece of evidence with citation. 3. Elaboration. 4. Elaboration. 5. 2nd piece of evidence with citation. 6. Elaboration. 7. Elaboration. 8. Leading sentence OR concluding sentence.

W.A.I.T.E.D. word ->

Counterclaim ->

You can focus 1 body paragraph on the counterclaim if you wish. You can also focus 1 body paragraph per piece of evidence and elaboration if you wish. Just be aware of how much time you would have during the drafting stage during the 90 minute test.

Writing 360 – The Conclusion Paragraph

Introduction with

claim/controlling idea

Body with cited evidence, elaboration,

and counterclaim

Conclusion with restated

claim/controlling idea

Your conclusion paragraph completes the circle. Just like your intro, you will re-state your claim but in a different way. Start with a transition sentence that signals the reader that you are concluding your argument/explanation. Re-state your claim/controlling idea in different words. Then write a last concluding sentence that leaves a lasting impression with the reader.

Practice Re-stating Claims/Controlling Ideas

1. The American Dream is not achievable because the average American does not make enough income to cover most extra expenses.

2. The American Dream is achievable because there are many opportunities in the United States for anyone willing to work hard enough to use them.

3. Global warming is a real issue because scientists have discovered enough troubling evidence to provide undeniable proof.

4. By keeping animals in captivity, they act as ambassadors for their wilder counterparts which encourages people to protect wildlife and the environment.

Conclusion Mini-Paragraph Outline1. Transition sentence. 2. Re-stated claim/controlling idea. 3. Wrap-up/final thought.

Think of the last sentence of your essay as similar to your hook sentence. Instead of grabbing attention, it leaves the reader thinking.

What is Revision?

How Do You R.A.D.a.R?1. Move your desks so that you are facing or directly

shoulder to shoulder with your teammates.2. Decide on a favorite song you know the tune of very

well.3. On a sheet of notebook paper, create new lyrics for

your favorite song that uses the steps for R.A.D.a.R4. You have 15 minutes for this activity. You don’t have

to sing, but be prepared to share!

R.A.D.a.R Checklist1. INTRODUCTION:

1. REPLACE—repetitive words, non-specific words, unclear sentences

2. ADD—descriptive words3. DELETE—unrelated information/details,

unnecessary sentences, opinion words/pronouns4. REORDER—start with hook, claim 2nd or 3rd

sentence, 3rd or 4th leading sentence

R.A.D.a.R Checklist1. BODY PARAGRAPH(S):

1. REPLACE—repetitive words, non-specific words, unclear sentences

2. ADD—descriptive words, more detailed elaboration/details, source # and paragraph # if missing from evidence (citation), counterclaim if missing

3. DELETE—unrelated information/details, unnecessary sentences, opinion words/pronouns

4. REORDER—start with WAITED word and counterclaim, evidence from source #1, at least 2 sentences of elaboration/explanation, evidence from source #2, 2 sentences of elaboration/explanation for 2nd evidence, last should be a wrap-up sentence or lead to new body paragraph

R.A.D.a.R Checklist1. CONCLUSION:

1. REPLACE—repetitive words, non-specific words, unclear sentences

2. ADD—descriptive words, re-stated claim if missing, reversed hook for last sentence

3. DELETE—unrelated information/details, unnecessary sentences, opinion words/pronouns

4. REORDER—start with a transition word or phrase, followed by restated claim in different words, last should be your concluding sentence for the entire essay

Now on to

editing!

Editing Checklist1. Use the yellow checklist called “Spartans Proof-It” and write

your name and class period on the top of the yellow paper2. Give your rough draft and your yellow checklist to a

classmate. Tell your classmate to write their name next to “Edited by” and today’s date

3. As your classmate reads your draft and goes down the list, they should put a checkmark in the appropriate answer box. N/A means “not applicable” or “not used”

4. When finished, take your rough draft and yellow checklist back. Begin your final copy with all corrections from R.A.D.a.R and from the Proof-It list. As you correct the problems, write the date in the “Revision Date” box.

5. Staple the Proof-It yellow checklist to your rough draft.

Are you finished? Check it off if the following are done …

Planning__ PEEL chart Rough Draft__ Introduction w/claim__ Body w/cited evidence and elaboration__ Conclusion w/restated claim Revision__ R.A.D.a.R corrections for intro, body, and conclusion__ Spartans Proof It editing corrections and checklist Final Copy

__ Neat handwriting __ 1 space between paragraphs__ Revision corrections included___ All spelling/grammar/punctuation correct