Writing an argument with supportive claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence D. Burkey H. Jones

 An author’s attempt to prove that their claim is true and to convince the reader to adopt the same viewpoint by using a series of related statements.

 Take five minutes and read the article.  Compare and contrast the two types of writing with colleagues.

 Author’s claim – the author’s thesis or assertion (what the author is trying to prove)  Author’s Argument – a series of related statements which represent an attempt to support the author’s claim.

 Clearly Stated Claim  Distinguished counter claim (7 th and 8 th grade only)  Facts and evidence supporting the claim  Facts and evidence supporting the counter claim (8 th grade only)  Conclusion supporting the claim

 Strategically Organized  Formal Style  Precise Word Choices  Standard Conventions

 Students think that an argument is a fight and that they must “spar” with the text.  Students take an inflexible position without recognizing the nuances of the argument.  Students think an argument is just an opinion.  Students think emotions must be involved.  Students think an argument should be five paragraphs.

 Should the Howard County Public School System stop selling junk food in the cafeteria?  The current driving age in MD is 15 years and 9 months. Should the driving age in MD be raised to 17 years?  Currently the Howard County Public School system runs on a traditional ten-month school calendar. Should the HCPSS change to a year-round school calendar?

 Read the anchor paper and annotations for your grade level.  Use the rubric to determine the anchor paper’s score for the first four categories.  Partner with someone from your grade level and discuss why you chose those scores.

 Essay  Political Cartoon  Business Letter  Friendly Letter  Editorial  Web Page  Brochure  Advertisement  Critique  Speech

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