Argument Writing 2019

The Assignment Write an argumentative researched based essay Use a minimum of three (3) sources One must be a magazine or newspaper article from the Homer High library web page

So . . . What’s your opinion? Let’s look at how to prove you are right. Because you are right.

Parts of an Argument Claim Reasons Evidence Counterclaim

Claim Your stance on an issue Needs to be BOLD Something two reasonable people could have an argument about Also known as the thesis

Reason Big ideas that led you to your claim. Typically the topic sentence of body paragraphs Coffee can help fight cancer .......... BIG IDEA Women who drank 5 cups of coffee a day were 57% less likely to get certain kinds of cancers......EVIDENCE  Spotify has better song selection..........BIG IDEA Spotify has 20,000,000 songs. Spotify lets you create your own playlists..........EVIDENCE LED lights are energy saving.......BIG IDEA LED bulbs are o.o69 watts. LED bults have an energy star rating. LED bulbs have a 200,000 hour life span........EVIDENCE

Evidence Facts that support your claim Be sure to explain to your reader HOW the evidence proves your point. It’s not enough to just list interesting data and facts. YOU connect the research to your claim with solid argumentation and voice.

Evidence Sources Research and cite reliable sources Using Evidence: Quotations Paraphrasing Summary Statistics, data, charts, graphs, illustrations A general rule of thumb: less than 10% of your paper should be Quotes

Counterclaim Show that you are smart and have thought deeply about this issue by acknowledging the strongest point your opponents will likely make and then immediately Take Them DOWN

Counterclaims Should be short. Maybe a paragraph Maybe a single sentence in each body paragraph Followed by your reason and evidence supporting your claim

Conclusion Restate the claim or thesis using new words Briefly review key points Consider: inviting the reader to support Argument Provide a call to action Leave the reader with something to think about (but not new information)

Tips from the New York Times Know your bottom line. Be concise – avoid wordiness. Boldly state your claim. Do research. Write clearly. Every writer needs an editor. Be prepared for a reaction.

The Assignment Write an argumentative researched based essay Use a minimum of three (3) sources One must be a magazine or newspaper article from the Homer High library web page

Make the source do the work

Getting to the good stuff Homer High Library http://homerhighlibrary.blogs.kp bsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/ Research Help KPBSD to Student to Digital Pipeline

EBSCO Make the search engine do the work: Check the Full Text Box Narrow the dates Choose publication type Record the MLA citation Click print; then select citation MLA from the citation format dropdown menu

Nuts and bolts Create a separate Works Cited Page (use your MLA 8 flipbook) Please follow “the Bishop Way” aka MLA formatting: (1.5 or 2.0 spacing, size 12 plain font, MLA heading, last name and page number) Essays should be 3 – 5 pages plus the Works Cited page