Argumentative Writing! Yay! uses elements of rhetoric, reasoning and researched evidence to take a stand on a controversial or debatable issue Ms. C is the best! I know! I did research!

Expository vs. Argumentative Basic, foundation essay. Written to inform the reader, not convince him/her of anything. Can be researched or not. Focuses only on information related to topic. Awesome More advanced organization/thinking Written to prove a specific point about a specific issue. Must be researched and include logical evidence. Identifies opposing ideas (counterargument) to further prove point. Also awesome

Don’t worry! They’re also similar! Expository and argumentative writing both… -Are organized into at least five paragraphs. -Include an introduction, body, and conclusion. -Include a thesis, topic sentences, evidence, and links, but with different names. -Require use of one’s brain.

The Toulmin Model The structure we will be using to write amazing argumentative essays. It’s pretty great, people. Get excited!

Toulmin Model Terms Claim—the main point of the argument; what your whole essay will focus on. Sounds like the…THESIS! Evidence—the researched facts that support your claim Sounds like the…EVIDENCE! Warrant—explains how evidence relates to topic sentence and claim and why the reader should care Sounds like the…LINK!

Toulmin Model Terms Affirmative: the “pro” side of an argument. Negative: the “con” side of an argument. Counterargument: the argument of the opposing side Rebuttal: response to a counterargument explains why the opposition is so, so wrong Here’s why you’re so wrong! Here’s my opposing argument!

Argumentative Essay Structure Introduction (paragraph #1) Attention Getter (1-3 sentences) Connector (2-3 sentences) Claim/thesis (1 sentence): informs reader of your position/what essay will be about Example prompt: Should people do volunteer work? Example claim: All people should do volunteer work, because it benefits the environment, other people, and their own growth.

Body (paragraphs #2, #3, #4)—TELCount! T: topic sentence—one reason supporting claim E: evidence—specific fact supporting topic sentence L: link (aka warrant)—how fact proves claim Count: Counterargument + Rebuttal—identify opposing argument and explain why it’s wrong. (1-2 sentences)

Example prompt: Should people do volunteer work? Example Count: Some scholars believe volunteer work is unnecessary for personal growth, but research shows that people who volunteer their time for charity work are 98% more likely to be happy in their lives. counterargument rebuttal

Conclusion (paragraph #5) ST: Summarize Thesis/Claim O: Oh Yeah! P: Powerful Statement—end that argument on a strong note! (make your audience tear up!)