Or how to prove others wrong Argumentation Or how to prove others wrong

Our Task Today We have several key objectives today: Become familiar with argumentation techniques and formats. Work together as a group to assess our ideas; Revise and confirm a thesis statement.

Methods of Argumentation Write the following down in your journal . . . Claim – an arguable statement of belief EX. Coke is the best cola. Counterclaim – an arguable statement in contrast to one’s belief. EX. Pepsi is actually far better than Coke.

Methods Continued Data – the evidence or proof that supports the claim EX. 1 billion more people drink Coke than Pepsi Warrant – the underlying assumption that links the proof to the claim or counterclaim EX. More people consuming a product must make it a better product.

Imagine the following situation, You want to go out on a date with a person you know your parents do not or will not approve of. So, before they even have a chance to say “No, absolutely not, huh uh, no way, honey, neva’ gonna’ happen!” you devise a clever explanation to convince them to let you go. Construct the argument you would give to your parents to convince them to let you go. Think carefully about claim, counterclaim, data, and warrant to craft your response.

Next Steps This is what you are essentially doing with the argument about who is most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet: You must think about and prove your argument while also taking in account what you audience is likely to say.

Testing the Waters For the next fifteen minutes, in a group discuss your thesis statement or your ideas about who is most responsible and who might be a counterargument. Listen carefully to others’ ideas as they might offer you evidence to support your own thoughts or evidence you can use within the counterclaim portion of your essay. You should take notes while you listen to catch anything that you feel might be useful for your own essay.

Return to Thesis Land Now, go back to your thesis statement. Look it over, keeping in mind the things you just heard in the conversation with your group. Does this thesis statement present the best argument you can make? Does it need to be revised? How? Make corrections or revisions to your thesis statement based on what you just heard.

Data Search Find and identify fifteen lines or passages that address the argument or counterargument of your essay. For each entry, identify the act, the scene, and line numbers like this 1.2.12-14. Be sure to note what each quotation references.

Now in Groups Gather together with the other people who are addressing the same argument as you. Together, 1. share your thoughts as to why that person or group is most responsible; 2. decide upon two counterarguments that you will all address in your essay; 3. locate fifteen different pieces of evidence from the play to support the argument and counterarguments. Remember to cite the instance as act, scene, and line numbers (ex. 1.2.13-14). 4. Write your primary argument on the top of the paper and then make a list of your details.

Essay Formatting An argumentative essay can have multiple types of formats, depending on what you have to say and how you want to argue. Write the following three down in your notes:

Format #1 Format #1 – Argument - Counterargument Introduction Your argument The counterargument (plus rejection of the counterargument) Conclusion When to use: The counterargument is really strong

Format #2 Format #2 – Counterargument - Argument Introduction The counterargument Your argument Conclusion When to use: The counterargument is not as strong

Format #3 Format #3 – Point by Point Introduction Point #1 – argument – counterargument – rejection Point #2 – repeat Point #3 – repeat Conclusion When to use: You have multiple points to make and each point has a clear counterargument

Thesis and Outline Return to your original thesis statement. Does it still make sense after all we have discussed and all the work you have done? What changes need to be made? Craft an outline due Friday, 12/5 given your thesis statement’s success.