Argument Notes English IV

What is an argument paper? An argument paper is different from a persuasive paper. In an argument paper, you choose a side on a topic, address the claims against it, and then build a case for your stance using evidence. An argument paper is like a debate in essay form – your reasoning relies on unbiased evidence, not your opinions.

Building an argument paper: Your Claim You will begin writing your essay by establishing your claim. Claim – debatable and controversial statements or assertions you hope to prove Can be demonstrated to be true through logic or evidence Should answer the question “What’s your point?”

Concessions Because you want the audience to know that you are an unbiased “expert,” you will offer a concession in your thesis before stating your claim. Concession – acknowledgments of potential objections a reader may have to your argument You will address your concession in your thesis statement by beginning your thesis with “Although.”

Thesis Your thesis will be a combination of your concession and your claim. Example: Although some parents may oppose paying the extra tax for public schools, schools need an additional source of income if they are to continue providing many programs. Although___________(Concession)___, __________(Claim)________________.

Counter Argument Paragraph 1. Start by stating your concession in a complete sentence. It states the other side’s reason for why you are wrong. Nouns used in this sentence are critics and opponents. Verbs used in this sentence are argue, claim, and contend. Example 1 Some critics / opponents + argue / claim + that + argument against your thesis. Nevertheless, some critics argue that the reason why some terminally ill patients wish to commit suicide is nothing more than melancholia. Example 2 It is argued that + argument against your thesis. Nevertheless, it is argued that the reason why some terminally ill patients wish to commit suicide is nothing more than melancholia.

Counter Argument Paragraph 2. Next transition into evidence that supports the concession. This sentence backs up the topic sentence with a quotation or paraphrase of evidence from expert(s). You want to pick something that will be easy for you to refute. 3. Explanation sentence. It explains the supporting evidence from expert(s). You need to minimize the impact of the opposing research here. 4. Now refute what the opposing view says. This is known as the counterargument. An easy way to do this is with a however statement. It counters the controlling idea, the topic sentence. This is where you prove the other side is actually wrong. 5. Expert evidence sentence. This sentence backs up the counter argument sentence with a quotation or paraphrase of evidence from expert(s). Make sure your evidence is the opposite of what was presented before. 6. Explanation sentence. It explains the supporting evidence from expert(s). This is where you show that your side of the argument is stronger. 7. Conclusion sentence. Wrap up the paragraph by summarizing the information and restating why the opposing argument is not valid or as important as your side.

*Sample Counterargument Paragraph (1) It is argued that cats make better living companions than dogs because cats are more convenient to own. (2) For example, cats can use a litter box and do not require walking. Experts claim dog owners lose 728 hours a year walking their dogs (Hilarious, 2017). (3)728 hours is a lot of time to spend simply walking a pet. (4)However, time spent walking your dog is not time wasted. (5) Studies show that dog owners are 24% more fit than cat owners (Lies, 2017). (6) Walking your dog actually provides needed exercise for the human body and provides an opportunity for socialization. (7) While some may argue that a cat is more convenient, dogs provide opportunities to exercise and spend time outdoors.

Starting Your Body You need to start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence (This is a mini claim). Next you need to transition into your research and commentary. Example: Additional taxes are needed to provide funding for fine arts programs. (TS) In a society of school budget short falls, the fine arts are often one of the first groups to be cut. (transition)

Common Transitional Words and Phrases for example in other words likewise in fact furthermore in addition therefore as a result on the contrary even though however while this may be true ordinarily generally previously in the meantime

Evidence (This is from your research.) Evidence – information or research that supports your argument They should support your claim. You need to have two pieces of evidence per body paragraph. (That means for this paper you need six total.) Any evidence (research) needs to be cited and properly embedded into your sentence. Hint Listing the reasons you have for believing the claim can help focus your search for research supporting your claim.

Commentary/Analysis In an argument paper, it is important that there is a logical and persuasive connection between a claim and the reasons and data used to support it. The commentary is the connection. Commentary lets the reader see the principle used to justify your movement from the reason to the specific claim. Don’t switch arguments. It confuses the reader. You need strong commentary/analysis for a strong argument

Thesis Statements Common Items 1. They do not contain personal opinion that cannot be argued against. Wrong: Guns are dumb and should be banned. Right: Although guns provide a degree of personal protection, guns should be banned because research shows that they are dangerous.

Common Traits 2. They do not state what you will be talking about in a direct statement. Wrong: In this paper, I am going to discuss why I think computers should be banned. Right: Although they offer useful educational programming, computers cause problems in the classroom and should be banned.

Common Traits 3. They do not contain first person pronouns. Wrong: I believe that we should all use computers in the classroom. Right: Although computers can be a distraction, computers should be used in the classroom because they are tools that help students achieve success.

Common Traits 4. Thesis statements should contain strong, definite language. Wrong: Computers might be useful in the classroom. Right: Computers must be used in the classroom to help students achieve success.

Thesis practice: Choose whether the sentences below qualify as argument thesis statements. Email is a modern form of communication. Although some people find learning email frustrating, it can also be exciting and beneficial for business. I am going to talk about learning email. Although some people prefer Chrome, students should use Netscape for online classes as it is the easiest to use of all the browsers. If students don't use Netscape in online classes, they will be sorry. Different email software causes different problems. Although learning multiple software can prove confusing, knowing how to use different email software will help students become more proficient in their computer abilities. Taking online classes can give a student credit. Although students can earn credit, students should not take online classes as they make you upset, and you work too much.