The Formal Argument

Parts of a Formal Argument 1.Claim/Assertion 1.Qualifier 2.Reason 2.Evidence/Support 3.Counterclaims/Counterarguments 1.Concession 2.Rebuttal 4.Call to Action/Urge for Acceptance

The First Section of a Formal Argument 1.Claim: the position being argued; the conclusion of the argument 2.Qualifier: words like some, most, many, in general, usually, typically and so on 3.Reason: why the writer believes the claim he or she makes Argumentative writing is the best instruction for improving students’ overall writing. (claim) Argumentative writing is the best instruction for improving most students’ overall writing. (qualified) Argumentative writing is the best instruction for improving most students’ overall writing because students are easily engaged in the process. (Qualified claim with overall reason).

The Longest Section of a Formal Argument The “C” in our ACE! Evidence/Support: facts, examples, statistics, textual support, etc. to back up reasons. Claim: Argumentative writing is the best instruction for improving most students’ overall writing because students are easily engaged in the process. In a survey conducted of VCS students, 92% of the respondents asserted that they enjoyed writing arguments more than any other activity listed on the questionnaire (source). (Citation) If students enjoy an activity, they are more motivated to participate in the pursuit. That explains why, generally speaking, argument writing is the best instruction to improve student writing. (Elaboration – the “E” in our ACE) **Note – I did not write “This quote shows that…” Your writing does not have to be that obvious

The Counterargument Section Counterclaims/Counterarguments: the opposition’s position 1.Concession: acknowledging the opposition’s “unarguable” evidence or reason - the “gimme” 2.Rebuttal: an argument against the opposition’s evidence or reasons

Claim: Argumentative writing is the best instruction for improving students’ overall writing because students are easily engaged in the process. Concession: Granted, some teachers prefer informative/explanatory writing for basic writing instruction since it is often more accessible to struggling writers. Rebuttal: Some teachers may argue that fields like Engineering and Math have little use for argumentation skills; however, a recent study appearing in the journal, Language and Learning Across the Disciplines indicates that...(fill in the blank)

The Wrap Up Call to Action/Urge for Acceptance: Restates the claim and specifically calls for action or urges for acceptance of claim. Presents one or two general sentences which accurately summarize the reasons/evidence. At the highest level, provides a general warning of the consequences of not following the claim and/or a general statement of how the reader will benefit from accepting the claim.

Some Considerations Writer’s Purpose Intended Audience Genre Definition of terms

Some Considerations Logical Fallacies – faulty logic and/or overuse (misuse) of pathos

Appeals –Ethos – the writer’s credibility/ establishment of common ground, appeal to ethics or awareness –Logos – strength of the argument from a logical and rational viewpoint –Pathos – strength of the argument from an emotional perspective Other Considerations

Sample Student Formal Argument Should your school participate in the national “Shut Down Your Screen Week”? Be sure to use evidence from the texts, as well as your own knowledge, to support and develop your thinking. Label the parts of a formal argument in the sample student essay: Claim Qualifier Reason Evidence Counterclaims Concession Rebuttal Call to Action