ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING UNIT

DAY 1: ANALYZING

Why Do We Argue? Think about the many reasons why people argue with one another, then write down a short list of these reasons: #1 ________________ #1 ________________ #2 ________________ #2 ________________ #3 ________________ #3 ________________

Why Do We Argue? Now write a complete sentence explaining which of these reasons is the best one for why we argue. (“The best reason for using arguments, or argumentation, is ___________________.”)

In small groups, think about recent arguments you have had with peers, siblings, parents, teachers or employers. Who, when and where did this happen? (context) Who, when and where did this happen? (context) Why did you argue with them? (reason) Why did you argue with them? (reason) What method/strategy did you use? (technique) What method/strategy did you use? (technique) By Brandon Bolyard & Cecilia Pattee (Boise State Writing Project) Winning Personal Arguments

Create an Anchor Chart to record the group’s responses for three different arguments: Context ReasonTechnique 1)2)3)

Toulmin Model for Arguments *Create this chart in your notebook, then fill in the following facts… The facts or evidence used to prove the argument. Statement being argued. Logical statements serve as bridges between claims and data. Counter-argument (“backup argument”). Statements that serve to support the warrants. “Analysis”“Production”“Presentation”

*View Monty Python’s “Argument Clinic” *View Monty Python’s “Argument Clinic” Poor Arguments Look Like…

P-M-I (Plus, Minus, Intriguing) Used to express how you feel--or reacted to-- points made in a story, a concept or an issue.

Fill in the chart below according to your response to the following statement. Claim 1: Claim 1: “All cars should be yellow.” “All cars should be yellow.”

Claim 2: “Teachers should wear mood indicators.”

Now, make your own claim and let your partners respond to it on their charts. Claim 3: “ _______________________________.”

DAY 2: RESEARCHING

Do you trust this source? Does it make you feel a strong emotion? Does it make you use your sense of reason or logic?

Researching Arguments  Go to English III activity Go to English III activity Go to English III activity  Go to Honors English III activity Go to Honors English III activity Go to Honors English III activity

We will now watch the video of an argument. Take notes about the case using a T-Chart:

*View The People’s Court - “The Wig” *View The People’s Court - “The Wig”

Warrants & Reasons in Arguing (gen) -Now we will split into six groups; each being assigned a different claim statement to defend. -Each group should use the internet to research evidence that will support (not oppose) this claim---remember Ethos, Logos and Pathos. *The group with the strongest, best evidence and reasons will be the winner!!!

Do you trust this source? Does it make you feel a strong emotion? Does it make you use your sense of reason or logic?

 Go to DAY 3 Go to DAY 3 Go to DAY 3

Now we will work through a very famous argument together. Read carefully for understanding of the author’s claim, and to correctly answer each of the study questions that accompany the reading.

*View “Mark Twain Tonight” (1967) *View “Mark Twain Tonight” (1967)

Warrants & Reasons in Arguing (adv) -The class will be split into two groups and each assigned the same claim statement to defend. -Each group should use the internet to research evidence that will support (not oppose) this claim---remember Ethos, Logos and Pathos. *Only the strongest, best-supported argument will be the winner!!!

Do you trust this source? Does it make you feel a strong emotion? Does it make you use your sense of reason or logic?

DAY 3: BRAINSTORMING

Copy this into your Writer’s Notebook! Predator Drones

*Frontline: “Digital Nation – Predator Drones” *Frontline: “Digital Nation – Predator Drones” As we view the following video clip, take note on your organizer the claim, reasons and evidence provided for BOTH sides of the argument.

*Fill in the reasons and any evidence to support this claim. Predator Drones should be used as a weapon of choice for U.S. military actions.

*Fill in the reasons and any evidence to support this claim. Predator Drones should not be used as a weapon of choice for U.S. military actions for many reasons.

*Food, Inc.: “Fast Food & Meat Industry” *Food, Inc.: “Fast Food & Meat Industry” *Food, Inc.: “Industrial Chicken Farmers” *Food, Inc.: “Industrial Chicken Farmers” As we view the following video clips, be ready to discuss claims, reasons and evidence for the argument.

Finding Evidence When you write an argument, you must provide evidence to support your claim:  Facts  Figures  Statistics  Quotes

Practice Finding Evidence Read the following article and identify the authors’: Claim Claim Reasoning Reasoning Evidence Evidence

Copy this into your Writer’s Notebook! Homework Assignments

*Fill in the reasons and any evidence to support this claim. Homework has a positive effect on students’ lives.

Homework has a negative effect on students’ lives. *Fill in the reasons and any evidence to support this claim.

*Frontline: “Digital Nation – Multitasking” *Frontline: “Digital Nation – Multitasking” As we view the following video clip, take notes about the claim, the reasons and any evidence provided for this side of the argument.

Multitasking The negative effects of multitasking on student performance outweigh the positive effects. The positive effects of multitasking on student performance outweigh the negative effects.

DAY 4: DRAFTING

Writing An Argument Most arguments can be written using the following steps: 1) Decide on a topic and what you think 2) Write a Topic Sentence 3) Summarize the Issue 4) Support Your Opinion 5) Mention the Other Side (Counterclaim!) 6) Write a Conclusion

Should animals be used for scientific and medical research?

Animals should be used for scientific and medical research.

There has been and continues to be significant debate about animals being used as test subjects in scientific and medical research across the United States. Every year…

It leads to cures for deadly diseases. It determines product safety for human use. It has saved and will save human lives.

Animals should not be used for scientific and medical research. Although there are some risks to animals through experimentation, with proper rules and regulations the benefits of testing would outweigh the risks.

*View “How to Teach a Counterclaim” *View “How to Teach a Counterclaim”

The use of animals for scientific and medical research has a positive impact on…

DAY 5: EDITING

Why?Think

DAY 6: FINAL DRAFTING

Why?Think

DAY 7: REVISING

Why?Think

DAY 8: CELEBRATING!!!