Argumentative Writing 8th Grade ELA

Purpose of Argument Writing Argument writing uses evidence to prove that one’s view or opinion is correct. It attempts to persuade others to agree. In order to write an effective argument, you have to think like a lawyer. Like a lawyer, you will need to use effective evidence to prove your case. You will add persuasive explanations to connect the dots and prove that your argument is correct.

Outline Introduction Hook Thesis Body Paragraphs Claim (or counter-claim) Evidence Explanation Conclusion Restatement of thesis Closing

Elements

Common Hooks The purpose of a hook is to grab the reader’s attention. Great hooks avoid being clique or making sweeping generalizations. Common Hooks: rhetorical question startling fact/statistic anecdote/story joke onomatopeia quotation/saying

Thesis Statement In argumentative writing, the thesis statement states your main argument. It should be arguable (right or wrong). State your opinion as though it was a fact. Avoid saying “I” or words like “think,” “believe,” or “opinion.” While it can be based on words from the prompt, it should be rephrased in your own words. It should refer to the claims (reasons) that you will use in your body paragraphs. It should be a general statement without any specific text evidence.

Thesis Examples Prompt: Is Atticus Finch a good role model for Scout and Jem? Thesis: Due to his bravery and selflessness, Atticus Finch is a positive example for his children. Prompt: Which character is the best example of a “mockingbird” in To Kill a Mockingbird? Thesis: Tom Robinson was the best representation of a mockingbird since he was innocent and unjustly punished.

Claims A claim is a more specific aspect of your thesis statement that you will prove in one body paragraph. Don’t include specific text evidence yet; this is your topic sentence. Keep claims in the same order throughout your essay. SAMPLE Thesis- Tom Robinson is the best representation of a mockingbird since he was innocent and unjustly punished. Claim 1- Tom Robinson was the prime example of a mockingbird due to his innocence. Claim 2- The unfair punishments that Robinson received throughout the novel also make him the best example of a mockingbird.

Text Evidence A lawyer would never expect to win a case with one flimsy piece of evidence. Writers don’t convince readers with one flimsy quote either. Choose your evidence wisely, use more than one quote when possible, and explain all quotes in detail. It’s up to you to connect the dots to show how the evidence proves your argument is right. Introduce quotes with an evidence sentence starter and punctuate quotes correctly with quotation marks. Ex: On page 245, “Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts, Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed.”

Common Evidence Sentence Starters According to the text, In the novel/poem/play/article, On page _____, it says, As stated by (author’s name), For example, The author implies/states/writes,

Explaining Evidence Provide context and background information needed for the reader to truly understand the evidence. You may need to explain previous plot events, character feelings, settings, etc. Avoid quoting more of the text to explain. Text evidence comes from the text, while explanations come from your brain.

Body Paragraphs Think of your body paragraphs as similar to the RACES format. The R and A are your claim. C is for citing text evidence. E is for explaining text evidence, connecting the dots to prove your argument. S is for summarizing the argument/claim you made.

Counter-Claim Anticipate one argument the other side might make. That is your counter-claim. Good arguments include a counter-claim to be on step ahead of those arguing the other side of the issue. Then, provide a rebuttal, or a response to that argument. Just like for your claims, provide evidence that the counter-claim is wrong, and explain thoroughly. Sample Counter-claim: There are those that say the best example of a mockingbird is actually Boo Radley. Sample rebuttal: Boo Radley shares many qualities of a mockingbird, but since he is not treated as unfairly as Tom Robinson, he isn’t the best choice.

Word Choice Part of writing an effective argument is choosing words carefully. Consider the connotation of words (whether they are positive, negative, or neutral). Instead of lower level vocabulary words, replace them with more vivid synonyms. Avoid using I, me, or my. Avoid telling readers “I think,” “I believe,” or “my opinion” because it weakens your argument.

Citing Sources The last step, as always, is to give credit to your sources. Use MLA format to ensure that your in-text citations and works cited page are done correctly.