Argumentative Writing: Logical Progression Grade 8 Copyright © 2015 Write Score LLC

Review: Elements of Argumentative Writing Claim (versus thesis) Logic (versus emotion in persuasive writing) – based on evidence Explanation of how evidence supports the claim Counterclaims

Claim Thesis A Thesis is a statement that explains, supports, or clarifies a main point. A Claim is a statement that is always debatable. Claims are used in argumentative writing.

Persuasive writing Argumentative Writing A persuasive paper often relies on emotion. An argumentative paper has to rely on LOGIC. Evidence must be factual.

Counterclaims An argumentative paper must present the opposing viewpoint (a counterclaim) Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.

Logical Progression: - the flow of ideas in the essay, particularly in the body paragraphs

Argumentative Essay The BODY of an argumentative paper: Please note that the number of paragraphs is completely dependent on the content of your paper and the time/length requirements.   Optional paragraph (might also be part of the introduction) Background— provide a foundation and any info on your topic that might be necessary to further under- stand the claim.

Argumentative Essay Evidence / Elaboration paragraphs –as many as you need Topic Sentence: What point will you make to get people to understand / support your claim? Introduce and State Evidence: Use signal phrases and provide evidence from the text to support your claim. What supporting evidence (reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and/or quotations) can you include to prove/support/explain your topic sentence?

Argumentative Essay Elaborate on Evidence: You cannot just plug it in. You have to show how the evidence proves the point you are trying to make in this paragraph. Give more detail. Concluding Sentence: End your paragraph with a concluding sentence that reasserts the claim and moves into your next point.

Argumentative Essay The Paragraph Grade 8 standards require that you “distinguish” the claim from a counterclaim. As opposed to grade 7, you need to present why one is better. Do not go into much detail but name a counterclaim briefly and briefly explain your reason why the counterclaim is faulty.

Let’s take a look at signal words/phrases before we move on.

Signal Phrases introduce the support and evidence (summaries, direct quote, or paraphrases). Here are a few examples The first passage states that…. The article “____________” explains how…. The author of _________ agrees by explaining ____________ According to ____________________   Other signal words/phrases addresses adds agrees believes claims confirms declares estimates focuses on implies mentions notes observes points out questions recommends reports says sees states suggests writes

Sample #1 Assume the student sample on the following pages was written after the student read about whether or not students should be required to wear school uniforms.

Sample #1: The Introduction Middle school can be a really hard time in a kid’s life. Kids are learning to be more independent and to participate in more social events. Peer pressure to fit in with other kids is huge! School can be really rough; especially if you are someone who can’t afford to have all the things that everyone else has. Some people think it is important for kids to be able to have choice and express themselves through their clothing. Being safe, able to focus on your schoolwork, and developing friendships is more important than style. Uniforms help make schools safer for students, encourage students to focus more on their studies, and help to eliminate the “have and have nots”.

Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs School uniforms can improve student safety. Topic Sentence

Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs School uniforms can improve student safety. According to the article, “Uniforms in U.S. Schools” instances of crime have decreased by more than 46 percent in schools where students wear uniforms. Topic Sentence Signal Phrase Text Evidence

Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs School uniforms can improve student safety. According to the article, “Uniforms in U.S. Schools” instances of crime have decreased by more than 46 percent in schools where students wear uniforms. Uniforms prevent students from hiding weapons under their clothing because they are designed to fit correctly. When the threat of weapons is eliminated, assaults in school decrease. Uniforms also help keep outsiders out. When everyone is dressed the same it is easy for school officials to identify and remove intruders on campus. Topic Sentence Signal Phrase Text Evidence Elaboration

Sample #1: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs Topic Sentence Signal Phrase Text Evidence Elaboration Concluding Sentence School uniforms can improve student safety. According to the article, “Uniforms in U.S. Schools” instances of crime have decreased by more than 46 percent in schools where students wear uniforms. Uniforms prevent students from hiding weapons under their clothing because they are designed to fit correctly. When the threat of weapons is eliminated, assaults in school decrease. Uniforms also help keep outsiders out. When everyone is dressed the same it is easy for school officials to identify and remove intruders on campus. Uniforms are an important resource in improving student safety in school.

Sample #2: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs Topic Sentence Signal Phrase Text Evidence Elaboration Concluding Sentence School uniforms improve student performance by helping students focus on learning rather than fashion. According to Principal James Covey, a veteran of Chicago Public Schools, stated that when “students all wear the same outfit, they become less concerned about how they fit in. They can concentrate on their schoolwork, instead of how their outfit compares to what their friends are wearing.” It is easy to choose what to wear to school when you wear a uniform, so students aren’t tardy as often. Less time is wasted in class dealing with inappropriate clothing, too. Fewer tardies and distractions mean students who wear uniforms are able to devote more time to learning.

Sample #2: Evidence and Elaboration Paragraphs Topic Sentence Signal Phrase Text Evidence Elaboration Concluding Sentence School uniforms improve student performance by helping students focus on learning rather than fashion. According to Principal James Covey, a veteran of Chicago Public Schools, stated that when “students all wear the same outfit, they become less concerned about how they fit in. They can concentrate on their schoolwork, instead of how their outfit compares to what their friends are wearing.” It is easy to choose what to wear to school when you wear a uniform, so students aren’t tardy as often. Less time is wasted in class dealing with inappropriate clothing, too. Fewer tardies and distractions mean students who wear uniforms are able to devote more time to learning.

Write two paragraphs that progress logically and support your claim Write two paragraphs that progress logically and support your claim. Should students be required to take art classes? You will use several things as you write: Handout: Logical Progression: Using Evidence and Elaboration Introduction (Written by YOU previously) Article: Students Should Be Required to Take Art Classes Article: Students Should Not Be Required to Take Art Classes

Write a body paragraph using these elements: Topic sentence: Include a sentence with one reason that supports your claim. Introduce and State Evidence: Use a signal phrase/word and provide evidence (reasons, examples, facts, statistics, and/or quotations) from the text to support your claim. Elaborate on Evidence: Show how the evidence proves the point you are trying to make in this paragraph. Give more detail. Concluding Sentence: End your paragraph with a concluding sentence that wraps up this paragraph and moves into your next point.

Checklist for Logical Progression and Elaboration of your paper.   Checklist for Logical Progression and Elaboration of your paper. Use the following questions to revise and elaborate your essay.

____ What’s the most important thing I want to say about my subject ____ What’s the most important thing I want to say about my subject? ____ Is my claim clearly defined (narrow) and arguable? ____ Where is the most important point located? Is this the best place for it? ____ How many reasons did I give for my claim? ____ How much support (elaboration--DRAPES) did I give for each reason? ____ Did I overlap or repeat any points? ____ Did I leave any points out or add some that aren’t relevant to the claim? ____ How many paragraphs did I use to talk about each point? ____ Why did I talk about them in this order? ____ Should the order be changed? ____ Can I substitute better examples, reasons, or details? ____ Did I mention the opposition (a counterclaim) and offer a rebuttal? ____ How does my paper end? ____ Did I prove the claim I made at the beginning of the paper?