Argumentative Essay

Journal Entry (Write this as you journal heading) What makes a good argument? (Write this as you journal heading) 1.Suppose you really wanted to win an argument, that you really wanted to convince someone to agree with your point of view. What does a good argument need? 2.Explain. Use at least half of the page to describe what a good argument needs to be able to convince someone to accept the claim. 3.Be ready to share with your partner and then with the class.

Argumentative Essay Vocabulary Take out a sheet of paper. Add your heading with the subject “Argumentative Vocabulary” Copy the word. Restate the definition in your own words. Add these notes to your English II Honors Binder/Folder. Be sure to study! You will have a quiz on these words this Friday, 1/9/15.

WordDefinition ClaimThe position being argued; the conclusion of the argument QualifierThis word restricts or modifies the meaning of another word (i.e. some, most, many, in general, usually, typically) ReasonWhy the writer believes the claim he or she makes Evidence/SupportSupports or upholds the claim – types of evidence: anecdotes (personal examples or stories), commonly accepted beliefs (ideas that most people share), examples (specific instances), expert opinion, facts (that which can be proven true – statistics or other data) WarrantExplanation or analysis of the evidence; justifies, sanctions, validates the evidence CounterclaimThe opposition’s position ConcessionThe acknowledgement of the oppositions evidence or reasoning RebuttalThe argument against the oppositions evidence (argument against the counterclaim acknowledged)

WordDefinition Urge for Acceptance/ Call to Action Restates the claim and specifically calls for action. Urges acceptance of the claim. Presents one or two sentences summarizing the reasons/evidence Provides a general warning of the consequences if the claim is not followed and/or a general statement of how the reader will benefit from accepting the claim. RhetoricThe art or skill of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people FallacyFaulty, misleading, or unsound argument A failure in reasoning that renders an argument invalid. CredibilityThe quality of being trusted and believed in SourceA place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained; origin Qualitative Evidence Descriptive information, which often comes from interviews, focus groups or artistic depictions such as photographs. Quantitative Evidence Numerical or statistical information (data), which often comes from surveys, surveillance or from administration records.

Journal Wrap-Up Revisit your Journal Entry. Reread what you wrote in today’s entry. After completing the vocabulary, add more to make your explanation more complete. This addition should take up the rest of the page in your journal. Be ready to share.