QUARTER 3 TEST REVIEW: Fact & Opinion, Elements of an Argumentative Essay, and Persuasive Techniques

Fact or Opinion? Remember: A fact can be proven (true or false). FACT: There are more head and spinal injuries each year from cheerleading than all other sports combined. An opinion can be argued with evidence. OPINION: The Dallas Cowboys have a terrible defensive line.

You try! Is it a fact or an opinion? Think! Spitting in your hand before you pick up a baseball bat gives you good luck. Opinion Mary Lou Retton was the first American to win the gold medal in the Women’s All-Around event. Fact São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, has over 6000 pizzerias. Fact Pizza tastes better than broccoli. Opinion

Claim Statement-It should include your issue, your claim, and your points. End your intro with it! Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance. There are numerous downsides to year- round schooling because it has no positive effects on education, it adds to costs, and it disrupts the long-awaited summer vacation. School uniforms are the better choice because they make students lives easier, influence students to act responsibly, and help make all students feel equal. Which part of an argumentative essay are these?

Your claim should be supported with…? REASONS that you support with evidence! Each reason should be developed into a body paragraph. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that clearly states your reason.

Don’t forget the counterclaim (counterargument) and rebuttal!! Anticipate what the other side will argue (counterargument) and offer a rebuttal. Place this paragraph after your final body paragraph. For example… Some may argue that students lack the responsibility to have drinks in class. This, however, is not true. Students drink soda in the cafeteria all the time, and rarely is there a spill. Also, there could be a compromise where students only bring in clear liquids. This would eliminate any stains if there was a spill. A final reason is that there could be a rule that all drinks had to have twist on or snap on lids. These reasons eliminate the concern of our lack of responsibility… For example… Many students will argue that gum aids them in their concentration during quizzes and tests, as well as focusing on daily activities. Chewing gum, when used for this purpose has been proven to have its benefits. However, at the middle school level the workload is not comparable to that in a high school or college setting. Aiding in concentration when students are usually engaged in such middle school activities as cooperative learning and physical activities is irrelevant. Middle school students are not yet at an age where they are mature enough to handle the responsibilities that accompany gum chewing.

Last but not least… END your argumentative essay with a strongly written conclusion. It should repeat your claim, summarize your points, and end with a strong final thought or call to action!

ARE YOU EVER PERSUADED?? Persuasive techniques in advertising… Decide which technique is being used. Quiz yourself!!

Which persuasive technique is used in these ads? Appeal to Fear!!

Which technique is used in these ads?? Bandwagon!

Testimonial

How are you being persuaded now? Appeal to Pity

And now? Snob Appeal!