Argumentative Writing: Effective Introductions Grade 9 Copyright © 2015 by 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 Versus 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.

Argumentative Writing Versus Persuasive 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: Claims Counter Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

Argumentative Writing: The Introduction Your introduction should include the following: a hook (or grabber) to get the audience’s attention a thesis (claim) a mention of a counterclaim an overview of how the claim will be proven CLAIM counterclaim NOTE: An introduction can be more than one paragraph if the content requires.

Argumentative Writing: Sample #1 Assume the student sample on the following page was written after the student read about mandatory gym class. Note the four parts of the introduction.

Hook The claim Mentions opposing side Childhood obesity is on the rise in America! About 19 percent of children ages 3 through 19 are considered obese. In today’s society children spend more time indoors engaged in sedentary activities than in years past. It is crucial that America’s children begin to build habits that will ensure a healthy future. Hook The claim Schools that require mandatory gym classes are in a position to help. Critics claim that today’s students cannot afford to “waste” time in gym classes evaluations depend wholly on student performance on standardized tests. Mentions opposing side Supporters of mandatory gym class disagree. Gym classes help children develop strength and endurance, learn cooperation and teamwork, and improve self-confidence. Highlights how the paper will address the claim

Argumentative Writing: Sample #2 Now, take a look at the next sample on the same topic (mandatory gym class). Identify the four parts of the introduction.

Where is the Hook? Where is the claim? In just 720 days you hope to be graduating from high school. You are a freshman and have exactly four years to earn the credit and grades you need to get into college. Your class schedule includes subjects designed to prepare you for your collegiate experience and future as a contributing member of society; reading, writing, civics, mathematics and… PE? Where is the Hook? Where is the claim? In today’s high stakes educational system there is little available time in students’ schedules for frivolous electives like gym class. Supporters of mandatory gym classes believe that PE forces students to engage in physical activity that they would otherwise avoid, and as a result helps students to improve their physical health and reduce stress. Where is the mention of the opposing side? Mandatory gym classes do not guarantee a student will be healthier or stress free. Mandatory gym classes increase the likelihood of injury to students and reduce the number of minutes devoted to core subjects required for entrance into college. Where is the information that will address the claim?

On back: plagiarism definition and consequences Claim + Counterclaim – Rebuttal +- Thesis Statement TS Evidence Ev Reasons Rs On back: plagiarism definition and consequences In today’s high stakes educational system there is little available time in students’ schedules for frivolous electives like gym class. (+) Mandatory gym classes do not guarantee a student will be healthier or stress free. (+-) Supporters of mandatory gym classes believe that PE forces students to engage in physical activity that they would otherwise avoid, and as a result helps students to improve their physical health and reduce stress. (-) Mandatory gym classes increase the likelihood of injury to students and reduce the number of minutes devoted to core subjects required for entrance into college. (TS)

Writing an Introduction: We’ll use several things to write our introductions: Handout: Drafting the Introduction Article: Gender Separated Schools: Creating Academic Excellence Article: Gender Separated Schools: A Destructive Experiment

First, look at the Handout - Argumentative Writing: Drafting The Introduction What is the debatable topic? Name two sides to the argument. SIDE 1: SIDE 2: What evidence supports each? Which do YOU agree with and why? (Remember, these reasons have to be based on LOGIC not emotion)

Brainstorm possibilities for a hook/grabber Brainstorm possibilities for a hook/grabber. What is unique about this topic? What interesting facts or statistics do you know? Any true stories to connect? Draft your introduction. Capture their attention, state your claim, and summarize how you will prove your claim.

Addresses Counterclaim Peer Checklist: Effective Ineffective Notes/Comments Hook Claim Addresses Counterclaim Summary of Evidence

Now, read through the articles. Using the handout as a guide, complete a draft of an introduction.