Writing An Argument

STANDARDS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1a Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1b Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

Thesis Your stance plus your two (or three) reasons. THESIS EXAMPLE: Wheeler should adopt uniforms because it will improve school safety and remove dress code violations.

CEEC Strategy-Body paragraphs C- LAIM + REASON E- evidence- give your quote from the text E- Explain the quote in your own words and tell how the line proves your original point C-Conclude and give an overall statement that summarizes your point and connects it to something else in literature, life etc.

COUNTER AN ARGUMENT That is not true because… That does not matter because…

CREEC Strategy (paragraph 4) C-Counterclaim-State what people on the opposite side think R-refute-tell why those people are wrong -Some people may think that….but that isn’t true because E-evidence –This evidence should support your refute E-explain-All quotes/evidence must be explained C-concluding statement for paper

EXAMPLE: Sample prompt: Should Wheeler get school uniforms? Wheeler would benefit from getting school uniforms because uniforms are proven to have a positive impact on student behavior. According to the article, “In a Long Beach case study, after school uniforms were adopted, overall crime rate dropped by 91 percent, school suspensions dropped by 90 percent, and incidents of vandalism decreased by 69 percent” (“School Uniforms and the Effects on Children”). This means that the use of school uniforms improved the student behavior in a significant way. If uniforms would help Wheeler in the same way, then they should be adopted. Some people may say that uniforms shouldn’t be adopted because they restrict student’s freedom of expression. However, that doesn’t matter because students sometimes freely express themselves by showing too much skin which is a distraction in the classroom. Using uniforms would keep students focused on their education instead of on their clothes. The text states, “A 2010 University of Houston study found that elementary school girls' language test scores increased by about three percentile points after uniforms were introduced” (Whitman). This proves that uniforms help students stay focused on their education and increase their scores. Since this is the case, Wheeler should adopt them.

CONCLUSION In your conclusion, you should wrap up your main points again. Also include a call to action- tell what will happen if we don’t listen to you or call us to take action for change

Paper structure intro Body par #1-about reason #1 introduce the topic of argument, why is it an argument, why should we care about this argument, why is it important, finish by stating your thesis intro Body par #1-about reason #1 CEEC or CEEEEC about your first reason CEEC or CEEEEC about your second reason Body par #2-about reason #2 CREEC Give counterclaim, refute, and evidence Body par #3-counterclaim / or about reason #3 CONCLUSION Restate points and give call to action CONCLUSION