Argumentative writing Probably not what you think!!!

An argument in writing What is it? The argumentative essay is within the genre of expository writing It is formal in style and still has an intro, body, and conclusion It requires that students investigate a topic Collect, generate and evaluate evidence Establish a position on the topic (claim) in a concise manner

What you might think about argumentative writing It is different than arguing with a parent, friend or referee

I used to call it Persuasive writing; is that the same thing? Seriously, what’s in a name? Persuasive Writing Argumentative Writing Goal: To get reader to agree with you/your point of view on a particular topic. Goal: To get reader to acknowledge that your side is valid and deserves consideration as another point of view. Technique: Blends facts and emotion in attempt to convince the reader that the writer is “right.”(Often relies heavily on opinion.) Technique: Offers the reader relevant reasons, credible facts, and sufficient evidence proving the writer has a valid and worthy perspective. Viewpoint: Persuasion has a single-minded goal. It is based on a personal conviction that a particular way of thinking is the only sensible way to think. Writer presents one side— his side. Viewpoint: Acknowledge that opposing views exists, giving you the opportunity to counter these in order to show why you feel that your own view is the more worthy one to hold. Attitude: Want to gain another “vote” so they “go after” readers more aggressively. Persuasive writing is more personal, passionate, and emotional. Attitude: Simply to get the reader to consider you have an idea worthy of listening to. The writer is sharing a conviction, whether the audience ends up agreeing or not.

Know your audience!!! Wait, what, are you talking to me? You need to know your audience so that you have someone who wants to listen to what you are saying You need to know your audience because you would not try to convince a parent in the same way that you would try to convince a teacher Our audience might influence the evidence we choose to use or what information needs to be presented

Characteristics of Argument writing If we aren’t just plane old arguing with someone, than what on earth are we talking about? Convinces/argues that your claim (or position, side, view, belief) is true and worthy of being acknowledged Provides text or other evidence to support the claim Acknowledges counterclaims-the other side of the argument

Is narrow enough to be supported through writing and/or debate an effective claim What is a claim? An arguable statement Takes a clear position Has two sides Is narrow enough to be supported through writing and/or debate Can be supported by evidence (hint: text or other forms)

Let’s look at some issues to practice writing Claims Here are some interesting topics, on which you might like to practice choosing a position and stating a claim… School uniforms Animal testing Downloading free music and movies School lunches Required extracurricular activites

Writing claims Choose a side to an issue and state your claim! Issue: Should school uniforms be required for all middle school students in the state of Connecticut? Claim and counter claim: Claim: All middle school students should be required to wear uniforms in the state of CT. Counter claim: Middle school students should not be required to wear uniforms in CT.

Writing claims Choose a side to an issue and state your claim! Issue: Should animal testing be allowed to test the cures for cancer in the state of Connecticut? Claim and counter claim: Claim: Animals should not be used to test possible cures for cancer in the state of CT. Counter claim: Animals should be allowed as test subjects for cancer research in the state of CT.

Writing claims Choose a side to an issue and state your claim! Issue: Should it be illegal to download music and movies without paying for them? Claim and counter claim: Claim: It should be illegal to “pirate” or download music and movies without paying to the owner of the product. Counter claim: Individuals who can find music and movies on the internet should not have to pay for these products and it should not be illegal.

Time to practice writing claims

Writing claims Choose a side to an issue and state your claim! Issue: Should school lunches be free to all students, regardless of their parent’s income? Claim and counter claim: Claim: In public schools, all k-12 students should be able to access free lunches based simply on their enrollment, rather than on their family’s annual income. YOUR TURN! What is the counter claim for this argument? Work with a partner to write a counter claim statement.

Writing claims YOUR TURN! Choose a side to an issue and state your claim! Issue: Should participation in afterschool activities be a requirement for all students in middle and high school? Claim and counter claim: YOUR TURN! What is the claim for this argument? Work with a partner to write a claim statement. Counter Claim: Students should have the choice as to whether or not they participate in afterschool activities. Schools do not have the right to mandate student’s participation.