Argumentative Writing Ms. Summerford

An argument in writing IS DIFFERENT THAN ARGUING WITH A PARENT OR FRIEND

Characteristics of Argumentative Writing Convinces reader claim is true Uses evidence—examples, facts and statistics Acknowledges counterclaims—the other side of the argument

An Effective Claim Takes a clear position Has two sides Is narrow enough to be supported within an essay Can be supported by examples, facts, statistics or citations from a text

Types of Claims Cause and effect—a person, thing, or event caused something else to happen Claims of definition or fact—argue what a definition is or if something is really a fact Claims about values—argue the worth of something and if it is valued.

Types of Claims Claims about solutions or policies—argue for or against certain approaches to problems.

Addressing the Counterclaim… Refutes or proves wrong, another point Recognizes the other side’s points Supports the writer’s claims

Components of Effective Argumentative Writing Clear and forceful claim Well-constructed argument Strong textual support with clear explanations of how the text supports the claim Addresses counterclaims Strong conclusion

Essay Structure Paragraph 1 – Introduction – Includes attention grabber and claim Paragraph 2 – First Reason – Includes supporting examples, facts, and statistics Paragraph 3 – Second reason – Includes supporting examples, facts, and statistics Paragraph 4 – Counterclaim – a viewpoint different from yours (the other side) and your attack of the counterclaim

Essay Structure Paragraph 5 - Conclusion – Restate main claim and reasons, sum up essay and leave reader with something to remember. Remember to use transitions – from one paragraph to another and within paragraphs Remember to use strong words to emphasize a point Do not use “I”