Defining Argument Writing 8th ELA

Claim This is an opinion supported by one or more compelling reasons EXAMPLE of a claim Voldemort is an extremely evil person because he values power over human life. This is an opinion supported by one or more compelling reasons

Reason: He values power over human life. Is supported by: In the first book, Voldemort killed Harry’s parents, and he tried to kill Harry because he believed Harry was a threat. EVIDENCE: should be relevant and text-based

Counterclaim: Some people might think that Counterclaim: Some people might think that Voldemort was not evil but that he was misunderstood and lonely. Presents the opposing view Rebuttal: Harry was misunderstood your logical RESPONSE and lonely too, but he did not TO THE COUNTERCLAIM brutally murder innocent people.

Conclusion where you make a call to action or offer a recommendation “We should not sympathize with Voldemort simply because he had a sad childhood. He chose to be evil.”

Types of claims Substantiation evaluation recommendation (FACT) -Tries to prove the existence or truthfulness of something- -evidence would be definitions, data, statistics, etc. (Value) -Argues that one thing is better than another - Evidence would be standards for value, or offering comparisons with specific examples (policy) -Calls for a specific action or policy change -evidence would establish a creed, make a plan or outline benefits

Organization Reason 1 Reason 2 Reason 3 Claim Evidence/ details + Evidence/ details Evidence/ details+ Evidence/ details Evidence/ details + Evidence/ details Counterclaim + rebuttal Conclusion

Your turn to practice identifying the parts of an argument The end Your turn to practice identifying the parts of an argument

Your Writing assignment: Write an argumentative paragraph convincing the reader that 8th grade should be in the building, and 6th should be out in the trailers because they want to move out here. Write an argumentative paragraph convincing the reader that 8th grade should remain out in the trailers, and 6th should remain inside the building, although they want to move out here.