Writing an Argument

Persuasion vs. Argument — Differences Attempts to convince the reader to accept a thesis as truth. Appeals to the credibility, character, or authority of the writer (ethos). Is often grounded more in feelings (pathos) than in facts. Is often associated with speeches and frequently requires listeners/ readers to take some sort of action to remediate an issue. Argument Attempts to convince the reader to accept a claim as truth. Focuses on evidence (logos). Is grounded more in facts, data, and logic. Requires critical reading of the text(s); may include evidence from other sources. Addresses counterclaims fairly in order to present a complete argument

Format of Essay Small introduction w/claim Three reasons with evidence and explanation Counterclaim paragraph with rebuttal. Small conclusion Use your notes about introductions and conclusions to help with those pieces.

Introduction Make your introductory paragraph interesting. How can you draw your readers in? What background information, if any, do we need to know in order to understand your claim? REQUIRED ELEMENTS If you’re arguing about a literary work—state author + title If you’re arguing about an issue or theory – provide brief explanation of your of issue/theory. STATE your claim at the end of your introductory paragraph

An Effective Claim Takes a clear position Is debatable – people could reasonably have different opinions on the issue Is narrow enough to be supported effectively within the scope of the assignment Add types of claims – see Mary Add link to the CCS that support the page

How to Focus a Claim A claim is a statement with which others may agree or disagree. It is not an opinion. Non-claim Margot is the sympathetic figure in the story “All Summer in a Day.” Claim Revision Margot misses the anticipated hour of sun because of her classmates’ actions, but she has really brought this punishment on herself.

Types of Claims Claims of cause and effect Argues that one person, thing, or event caused something else to occur Claims of definition or fact Argues what a definition is or if something accepted as a “fact” is really so Claims about values Argues the worth of something and whether we value it or not. Claims about solutions or policies Argues for or against specific approaches to problems.

Reasons and Evidence You need to have three reasons why your claim is accurate. Then find pieces of evidence from resources that support those reasons. Reasons should be logical and evidence should be factual. Cite your sources with MLA format You need internal citation as well as a Works Cited page.

Counterclaim and Rebuttal After presenting your reasons and evidence, you should state the strongest point of the opposition. Then explain why the statement is false according your claim.

Conclusion Your conclusion should not simply restate your intro paragraph. If your conclusion says almost the exact same thing as your introduction, it may indicate that you have not done enough critical thinking during the course of your essay (since you ended up right where you started). Your conclusion should tell us why we should care about your paper. What is the significance of your claim? Why is it important to you as the writer or to me as the reader? What information should you or I take away from this?

Grammar and Word Choice Everything should be written in 3rd person. Contractions should not be used. Abbreviations are not considered good writing. (lbs., &, etc…) Choose words with strong connotations to support claim Varied sentence beginnings also help keep the reader interested.

Example: Claim: Mrs. Thomas has the qualities of an effective teacher in English language arts. Reason: She teaches the curriculum. Evidence: Her daily lessons directly correlate with the curriculum documents. Reason: She challenges her students to work hard. Evidence: She makes her students do difficult work everyday. Reason: She engages students. Evidence: She uses technology and group work, as well as bad jokes. Counterclaim: Her lack of strict discipline makes her ineffective due to the wasted time by students who shout out and misbehave. Rebuttal: However, her discipline strategy allows students a second chance at success fostering trust and growth.

Assignment Choose one of the following topics: Immigration Terrorism Gay rights Nuclear warfare Human trafficking Gun control Then narrow your focus to write a claim. What are you trying to prove about one of these topics?

Moving forward… This weekend: Come up with a claim and three supporting reasons. Library Monday (Period 3 Wednesday) Using “Opposing Viewpoints” Database Find 2-3 viewpoint articles that would support your case and one for the counterclaim. Document the information that will support your claim. Document bibliographical information.

Using the Database At Whitcomb homepage, go to Downey Library and Research Resources. Whitcomb Page

Outline Introduction Reason 1, 2, 3 Counterclaim & Rebuttal Conclusion Hook Background Information Claim Reason 1, 2, 3 Evidence Explanation Counterclaim & Rebuttal Conclusion Summary of main points Call to action

Claims BAD – Terrorism is evil. Good – Terrorism could be prevented with stronger security. Think of it this way – Something COULD, WOULD