Argumentation: The Art of Written Arguments www.esl-sleuth.com

OBjective By the end of this presentation, you will be able to write a 5-paragraph basic argumentation (argument essay).

What is an argumentation? is a written argument. attempts to convince the reader to agree or persuade the reader to act. includes well-chosen and strong evidence. exercises artful control of lanuage. requires the writer to be very strategic.

There are two methods of argumentation Persuasive (Emotional) Appeals Target a reader’s emotions, subconscious, biases, and prejudices Use strategic word choices (diction) Figurative language (metaphors, similes, symbols) Usually try to get the reader to take action. Logical Appeals Target a reader’s intellect (sense of logic, reason, and knowledge). Use Reasoning to move from proof to counter-proof Evidence for proof Usually try to get the reader to accept a certain viewpoint, rather than to act.

“I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Which is which? “The Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson “I Have a Dream” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Truth is... While no argument is 100% persuasive or 100% logical, each example shows strong features of oen or the other. *Dr. MLK, Jr. uses emotional language and religious symbolism to try to pursuade the audience to ACT and improve racial relations through policy changes. *Thomas Jefferson uses a clear point-counter-point method appealing to the logic and knowledge of the reader. “

So, how do I write an argumentation? Follow these steps! Make a claim! (Have an opinion.) Think about your audience! Gather evidence (and ideas)! Choose an organizational pattern! Consider opposing views! Avoid logical fallacies (errors in logic)! Conclude forcefully!

Now you try! First, choose a topic: Grades and intelligence Social media and friendship

Prewrite! Talk with a partner! Freewrite! (penzu.com) Brainstorm! Make a yes/no question! Draft a thesis!

Should high school students work during the year? Yes (Pro) No (Con) They can make new friends. They can save for college. They can learn responsibility. They may discover a career for themselves. They can get better grades if they don’t work. They can participate in extracurricular activities if they don’t work.

Step 2: Analyze your topic Before you decide on your point of view, analyze the pros and cons. Benefits: By making a list, you can begin to understand the issue (topic) well. Later, you can use the reasons to develop your arguments and predict the opposition. Let’s Try!

Limit your topic While analyzing, you might discover that your topic is too big, or that you are only partly for or partly against. In this case, you may need to limit the topic. EX. Should high school students work during the school year? How can we limit the topic? Teenagers should work only during their summer vacations. Only teenagers who have passing grades in all their classes should work. Teenagers should work if they can find jobs that teach them useful skills. Teenagers should work no more than ten hours a week during the school year.

Format Your Document! Size 12 font Times New Roman font Double-space Justify (line-up text on) left Type your name in the upper left-hand corner Add your teacher’s name Add the class name Add the date: day/month/year

Write your introduction! Is there an interesting hook? Yes No Does the introduction logically lead the reader from hook to thesis? Is the main idea (thesis) stated clearly at the end of the introduction?

Developing Body Paragraphs How can you support your claim?

Body Paragraphs Remember, that your paragraph still must have the basic parts: Topic sentence Supporting ideas Details Concluding sentence Also, your paragraphs might include: Opposing views (near the topic sentence; sometimes in the topic sentence) Counter/rebuttal

Developing Body Paragraphs Here are the most common ways to develop your support: Use cause-and-effect reasoning Provide examples Offer facts and statistics (real, not made up!) Compare situations Include outside sources (cited appropriately) If you are having a hard time brainstorming or organizing, try out this link: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/essaymap/ Remember, there is more than one way to support your claim, and you SHOULD USE more than one way to support your claim.

Writing a Concluding Paragraph The conclusion is the last thing your reader will read; therefore it is vital That it be a strong finish That it not introduce new ideas or points That it restate your thesis That it summarize your main points

How do I conclude my conclsuion? Choose one or two of the following strategies: Making a suggestion/recommendation (Subjunctive is useful here) Making a prediction Giving a warning Call to action (urge the reader to take action)

STOP and Check your Work! Avoid silly errors by running spell check in your Google Doc! See how on the next slide.

Click “Tools” on the taskbar. Look at each error. If it is a name, and you are sure it is spelled correctly, click “Ignore.” Look at the options and highlight the one you want to use To accept the change, click “Change.”