Research/Argumentative Writing/Speech 8J English, Winter 2017

BEFORE YOU START: Choosing a topic: Brainstorm multiple topics that you feel strongly about Choose a topic that has two REASONABLE sides to the argument Do not pick a topic that you do not care about or try to argue a topic you don’t agree with Look into research that you could use for your topic before finalizing your selection Outline both sides of the arguments and build support for your side and the rebuttal

FIRST STEPS: Consider your audience: Think back to SOAPSTone – your audience effects what information you can present and what information you should use. Choose a topic and side that will be interesting for your audience. You do not want to present to a bored crowd/reader. Gather three strong reasons that support your side Rank them in order from weakest to strongest for later IF NEEDED: Find a part of the opposite side that you can refute WITH EVIDENCE Be prepared to cite where your evidence comes from YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN EVIDENCE

Finding Good Research: When choosing information to build your arguments, consider the following questions BEFORE taking notes. Is the information: Too General (Does the audience already know it?) Overly Emotional (Can result in misleading research) Backed by CREDIBLE experts Being used correctly? (Many studies aren’t used for what they were designed for) Unbiased (Who paid for/posted the research)

Thesis: Create a thesis statement to present to your audience that states your topic, side, and support If possible, tie the rebuttal into the thesis. Example: While there may be benefits to taking a year off of school, it is better for students to immediately begin college after high school. Example: Despite the costs, Foreign exchange is a life-changing experience that gives students the tools to succeed in life after education. Logical Fallacies to AVOID

Organizing your paper/speech: Organize your writing in a way that helps your audience follow your argument in a natural way. Intro > First Point > Second > Most Interesting> Conclusion OR: Intro > Rebuttal > Weakest > Second > Strongest > Conclusion Or: Intro > Weakest > Second > Rebuttal > Strongest > Conclusion Each of these has its benefits, based on how you want your audience to think

Process Order Brainstorming Research Create an outline Find a topic Research Find three-five sources that are relevant and recent for your topic Create an outline This will serve as the skeleton for your paper Begin your first draft Fill in the skeleton of your outline Work on your second draft Do self revision reading through your own paper and making changes Complete Peer Revision Use the notes to reach a second draft Use Peer Revision to write final draft Read again and again, making changes until you are out of time