3.3 Using Evidence to Build Arguments

CONNECTION Purpose of flash drafts is to see what we need to work on to make goals for ourselves. So…what did we learn? What are our goals so we can make an effective argument? Why is making an effective argument important? I wanted a cell phone. When I asked my parents, they said no. I asked again. They said no. So…I made an argument. I did research and they said yes! You should get me a cell phone because it would keep me safe and you could contact me in emergencies. The first reason I should have a cell phone is because it would keep me safe. I am driving now. What if I get in an accident and need to call for an ambulance or for the cops? What if I get lost while driving? Makeuseof.com says that cell phones can actually be faster at finding your location than traditional GPS devices. This would make it safer to use while driving because it would be faster, making it less likely I would get scared and make a stupid decision. You know I don’t make smart decisions when I’m scared! Also, Global News says that cell phones can be turned into live monitoring devices that can immediately start recording, contact emergency services like 911, and use the GPS to find you! This would be helpful if I find myself in an unsafe area while away at college. The second reason I should have a cell phone is because you could contact me in emergencies. Now that I am away at college, I am not always around an easy to access phone. What if you get into an accident or someone gets sick? I may be in class or in someone else’s dorm room or studying at the library. I do not have a phone in my dorm room either! If I had a cell phone, you could contact me whenever you wanted to.

TEACHING POINT Today I want to remind you that argument writers don’t just say what they think personally. They give compelling evidence to prove their point by researching materials, analyzing evidence, and putting that evidence into their own words.

TEACHING What is the evidence? What are some ways we could help him use more evidence?

TEACHING Let’s look at Nutrition in Disguise for some evidence we can add. If you secretly love chocolate milk, you’re in for some happy news. Recently the Midwest Dairy Association released an infomercial that argues chocolate milk is, according to nutritionist Melissa Dobbins, “nutrition in disguise.” In the infomercial, Ms. Dobbins, who introduces herself as a nutritionist for the Dairy Association and a mom, brings along three young friends to help her demonstrate that chocolate milk is a healthy part of a young person’s diet. As Ms. Dobbins puts it, “the fact is, that chocolate and other flavored milks have the same essential 9 nutrients as white milk, and a small amount of added sugar compared to other beverages. Best of all, because they love the taste, some kids drink more milk when it’s flavored.” “We serve six or seven cartons of chocolate for each one of white milk at lunch,” says Mrs. Rally, a server in a local elementary school cafeteria. “In fact, it’s pretty much only with breakfast cereal that any kid would choose white milk.” What’s the attraction of chocolate milk? Well, if you haven’t had any for awhile, give it a try. You’ll have to admit that the creamy, smooth, chocolaty taste is truly delicious. But is it good for you? Ms. Dobbins says…yes. “Research shows that children who drink flavored milk meet more of their nutrient needs, do not consume more added sugar, fat, and calories, and are not heavier than non milk drinkers,” says Ms. Dobbins.

TEACHING It’s important that Ms. Dobbins is a nutritionist. I would add the note somewhere that: Ms. Dobbins, a nutritionist for the dairy association, says that chocolate milk has the same nine nutrients as regular milk. Notice that I said that in my own words. This is a summary of what Ms. Dobbins said. Look at her original sentence: the fact is, that chocolate and other flavored milks have the same essential 9 nutrients as white milk Where does this best fit in Jack’s draft? This says that milk is good for you. Where does Jack talk about this?

TEACHING

TEACHING Where else can we add evidence?

HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENT Collect evidence that allows you to think through various sides of an argument Rehearse by explaining your position and listing your reasons point by point Plan your claim and reasons into boxes-and-bullets structure Use evidence to support your reason PARAPHRASE, PUTTING IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS