Argument Writing Key Characteristics of an Argument Essay

Argument Essay ► Your Goal: When writing an argument as opposed to a persuasive essay, your goal is to convince your reader(s) that you have a valid point after exploring all sides to the argument. You are not trying to get the reader(s) to agree with you or to do something. That is the goal of persuasive writing. To write an argument, you need to have a few key elements in your essay.

Claim: An opinion that is debatable/arguable. ► A claim has a counter-argument that is also a reasonable conclusion. ► Example: When a person is convicted of driving drunk for the first time, he/she should have his/her license suspended for should have his/her license suspended for five years. * This is debatable/arguable. For instance, someone might claim that five years is too harsh.

NOT a Claim Example: Driving while intoxicated is dangerous to other drivers. ► The above is not debatable. Most reasonable people would agree with that statement. reasonable people would agree with that statement.

Qualified Claims ► Sometimes, you need to qualify a claim, meaning that you have an “if” or “under these conditions” qualifiers. For example, “Marijuana should be legalized in all fifty states” would be qualified by writing, “Marijuana should be legal for anyone over the age of 21 as long as a person has less than an ounce purchased at a government- regulated facility.

Warrant: A warrant is an accepted truth by most sane people. It is your REASON for your claim. For instance, the “non-claim” statement that driving intoxicated is dangerous to other drivers is a warrant. It is a reason for your claim. ► Example: Too many Americans do not have health insurance. warrant (accepted truth/reason) The Affordable Care Act is necessary to provide insurance to all Americans. claim (debatable opinion) The Affordable Care Act is necessary to provide insurance to all Americans. claim (debatable opinion)

Evidence: Evidence is the facts that help support your claim. ► It can be statistics, examples from personal experience and observations, literary examples, and expert opinions that strengthens a warrant/reason and supports a claim. ► Example: In 2011, 46.8 million Americans did not have health insurance (NPR). evidence (supports the above warrant). ► Therefore, going back to the drunk driving example, actual statistics as to how many innocent people are killed by first-time drunk drivers would be evidence supporting the warrant and, ultimately, the claim.

Counterargument ► In an argument essay, you must address all sides to the argument. This includes explaining the other sides as well as providing expert opinion/evidence that supports the counterargument. It is not enough to have a concession sentence merely acknowledging the other side. You should begin your body paragraphs with the counterargument to your claim

Steps to writing the counterargument/claim paragraph ► 1) Begin with a transition that lets your reader know that you are addressing the other side, such as “Critics argue...” or “The other side of this argument is...”. ► 2) Support the CA with evidence and/or expert opinion supporting it. Be sure to give the expert’s credentials. ► 3) Explain the point being made. ► 4) Acknowledge the validity of some part of their argument (a concession). ► 5) Beginning with a transition such as “however” or “nevertheless,” respectfully point out the shortcomings to the counterclaim and lead the reader back to yours.

Practice: For each statement, write “claim”, “warrant” or “evidence”. ► 1. According to National Geographic, Americans spent 21.7 billion in 2011 on bottled water. ► 2. Drinking bottled water is a waste of resources and money. ► 3. Most of the money spent on bottled water is for the plastic and shipping costs.

More Practice ► 4. According to the “End to Cyberbullying Organization (ETCB), 1 in 3 teens have admitted to being cyberbullied. ► 5. Cyberbullying can lead to depression, suicide, and even violence in some people. ► 6. When a student feels afraid to come to school due to being cyberbullied, the situation affects the school. ► 7. Schools should have rules and consequences in place dealing with instances of cyberbullying.