Argument WritingAmory High School
September 30, 2013
Argument?Persuasion?
What is the difference in argument writing and persuasion writing?
Argument Writing
•Influences the reader by using evidence and reasoning to express a point of view and uncover a truth for the reader
Argument Writing
“Argument is mainly about logical appeals and involves claims, evidence, warrants, backing, and rebuttals. Argument is the heart of critical thinking and academic discourse; it is the kind of writing students need to know for success in college and in life---the kind of writing that the Common Core State Standards puts first.”
George Hillocks, Jr.Teaching Argument
Writing
Argument is Everywhere!
• We all use argumentation on a daily basis. The more students improve their skills in this area, the better they will be at thinking critically, reasoning, making choices, and weighing evidence.
Persuasion Writing
• Blends facts and emotion in an attempt to convince the reader to agree with his/her point of view (often relies heavily on opinion)
Argument in the CCSS
Text Types and Purposes (Anchor Standards)
• 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
• 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
• 3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
The Elements of Argument
1. a claim
2. based on evidence of some sort
3. a warrant that explains how the evidence supports the claim
4. backing supporting the warrants
5. rebuttals or counterclaims that refute competing claims
Argument Writing Video
• How does the graphic organizer help students?
• Notice the components of the writing assignment. What makes the assignment effective and engaging?
• What can you learn from Ms. Davaney-Graham about making lessons relevant to students?
Four Corners
Tablets should replace textbooks in K-12 schools.
Strongly Agree?
Agree?
Disagree?
Strongly Disagree?
Argument Research Notebooks
• In mini-research clubs, students read various articles/texts (hard copies and online) and watch video clips to research both sides and the evidence that supports both sides of the claim they are research.
• While reading and viewing, they take organized notes in an argument research notebook.
Argument Resources
www.procon.org
www.bedfordstmartins.com/patterns
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/2/
Need Data?
http://yarp.com/
http://www.polleverywhere.com
http://www.surveymonkey.com/
http://freeonlinesurveys.com/