Argumentative Writing

Mini Quiz True or False You can only make an argument about something if you feel very strongly about it. Persuasive writing is meant to convince someone that something is true. All arguments are equally strong. An argument is a statement that one believes to be true. There is a right and wrong side to every argument.

ideas (what you have have to say) CLEAR without errors COHERENT easily understand DEVELOPMENT ideas (what you have have to say) ORGANIZATION beginning, middle, end STYLE how you write AUDIENCE who you are writing for TASK the format of your writing PURPOSE the reason you are writing

What is an argument? An argument is just a statement that someone believes is true or should be true.

School uniforms are needed in public school. Students should be allowed to use cell phones in class. The legal driving age should be 18. Cats make better pets than dogs. Students should have to go to school on Saturday.

Counter argument or Counter claim Expresses the opposite point of view

School uniforms are NOT needed in public school. Students should NOT be allowed to use cell phones in class. The legal driving age should NOT be 18. Cats DO NOT make better pets than dogs. Students should NOT have to go to school on Saturday.

What's the truth about argument writing? MYTH REALITY An argument is people just yelling at each other. You have to totally believe what you are arguing. Every argument has a right and wrong side. Arguments can be very calm. Argument writing is silent. Argument has nothing to do with how you feel. Most of the time, the two sides of the argument are just different points of view. Neither side is really right or wrong.

Not an argument... (Watch the first 4 min) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQF KtI6gn9Y#t=3

WHY ARGUE? TO PERSUADE You want to convince your parents to extend your curfew. You want to convince your friends about new rules in a game. You want to convince your teacher your idea is valid. You want to convince your little brother to clean your room. You want to convince your coach to let you back in the game.

Arguments need support! Support your argument with reasons and evidence! Students should NOT have to go to school on Saturday. Main argument Some students have jobs. Family time is important. Students need rest Supporting details

Did Ashley really violate the rule? Let's practice... This is Ashley. She is starting new school. The school has a rule the no hats are allowed. Hats are defined as anything that covers and protects a person's head. She got in trouble for breaking the "no hats" rule. Did Ashley really violate the rule?

There are two possible main arguments... 1 Ashley DID NOT violate the rule because a scarf is not a hat. 2 Ashley DID violate the rule because her scarf is a hat. Making arguments is a SKILL that you learn. What you think really doesn't matter at all. You should be able to argue for BOTH SIDES no matter which side you think is right.

Hat or not? Let's look at some arguments about Ashley's scarf. Remember, the school rule says that a hat is anything that covers and protects a student's head. For each argument choose A or B. Argument #1 The scarf is something on her head. A. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did not violate the rule because a scarf is not a hat. B. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did violate the rule because her scarf is a hat.

Hat or not? Let's look at some arguments about Ashley's scarf. Remember, the school rule says that a hat is anything that covers and protects a student's head. For each argument choose A or B. Argument #2 The scarf on her head is too flimsy to be a hat. A. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did not violate the rule because a scarf is not a hat. B. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did violate the rule because her scarf is a hat.

Hat or not? Let's look at some arguments about Ashley's scarf. Remember, the school rule says that a hat is anything that covers and protects a student's head. For each argument choose A or B. Argument #3 The scarf does not cover all of Ashley's head. A. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did not violate the rule because a scarf is not a hat. B. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did violate the rule because her scarf is a hat.

Hat or not? Let's look at some arguments about Ashley's scarf. Remember, the school rule says that a hat is anything that covers and protects a student's head. For each argument choose A or B. Argument #4 The scarf can keep Ashley's head warm. A. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did not violate the rule because a scarf is not a hat. B. This argument supports the idea that Ashley did violate the rule because her scarf is a hat.

If you've seen one argument, you have not seen them all Some arguments are stronger than others. Look at the four arguments below. Which one is the strongest? The scarf doesn't look like a hat. Only girls wear scarfs. The scarf is dumb. The scarf doesn't cover all of her head. Strongest

Mini Quiz True or False F T F T F You can only make an argument about something if you feel very strongly about it. Persuasive writing is meant to convince someone that something is true. All arguments are equally strong. An argument is a statement that one believes to be true. There is a right and wrong side to every argument. T F T F

Organizing your Argument Essay (watch from beginning to 4:40) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAm gEa1B1vI#t=1

What's the purpose of argument What's the purpose of argument? When you write persuasively, you use arguments to convince the reader that something is true. Think with your group: Write a main argument, the objection (counter argument), and reply argument. Group 1 Are cell phones dangerous? Group 2 Should animals be used for research? Group 3 Should English be the official language of the US? Group 4 Do video games cause behavior problems? Group 5 Are actors and professional athletes paid too much? Group 6 Is homework harmful or helpful?

What's the purpose of argument What's the purpose of argument? When you write persuasively, you use arguments to convince the reader that something is true. Idea: Cell phones are dangerous Main argument: Cell phones are dangerous when used while driving. Counter argument: Cell phones aren’t dangerous while driving when used correctly. Reply Argument: (Deals with the main argument and proving that it is true) How many times do drivers have an actual emergency while driving? Support: (Supporting my counter argument) Drivers need to use hands free, voice command, or simply pull over.

Supporting Evidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc8 1u6TT6HM#t=0

Write down three examples of evidence that support this argument: The little old lady is guilty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbF hATUfuow#t=1

Supporting your arguments Go back to your arguments: Write two supporting details for each one. Group 1 Are cell phones dangerous? Group 2 Should animals be used for research? Group 3 Should English be the official language of the US? Group 4 Do video games cause behavior problems? Group 5 Are actors and professional athletes paid too much? Group 6 Is homework harmful or helpful?

Guided Writing Practice Is Summer Vacation Bad for You? Read and annotate the article. highlight the two main arguments underline supporting evidence Using your annotations, complete the Pro's and Con's chart.

Guided Writing Practice Step 1: Determine your opinion Step 2: Find your support Step 3: Acknowledge the other side (counter argument) Step 4: Craft your thesis (main argument/claim) Step 5: Write your hook Step 6: Summarize the issue Step 7: Write the rough draft