Argumentative Writing Review

What is an Argument? a discussion in which people express different opinions about a subject and back up their positions with evidence Not an angry disagreement or a fight Argument Clinic – YouTube

Parts of an Argument Qualification Evidence Claim Warrant Counter-Argument

Question Do curfews keep teens out of trouble? Should always start looking at an argument with a question Examples: Do curfews keep teens out of trouble? Is torture ever acceptable? Do Americans eat too much food? Should the government provide health care?

Thesis Your overall opinion of a topic Always be decisive Examples: Take a side and stick with it even if you agree with parts of both sides. Examples: Curfews are ineffective and lead to more problems. Torture is never acceptable, no matter the situation. Americans eat entirely way too much food. Health care should be the responsibility of the individual.

Claim/Reasons Statements of what side you are taking on a position Can be over entire issue or one part of it. Should begin each paragraph of the body with a claim Examples: More kids will sneak out with curfews Lots of kids will ignore curfew and more kids will get tickets for being out.

Qualifications Almost nothing is absolute QUALIFIED Will May, might, could Forms of “be” (am, is, are, was, were) May be, might have been, may have been All Many, most, some, numerous, countless, a majority Every (Same as “all”) None/no Few, not many, a small number, hardly any, a minority Always Often, frequently, commonly, for a long time, usually, sometimes, repeatedly Never Rarely, infrequently, sporadically, seldom Certainly Probably, possibly Impossible Unlikely, improbable, doubtful Almost nothing is absolute Use words to qualify or show the probability Examples: A lot of crimes happen at night. Most suspects tortured will lie to stop the torture. Fast food is mostly unhealthy. Almost all people will have to go to the doctor in their life.

Evidence Facts, Data, Statistics, and Testimonials Helps to back up claims Helps to inform you and make a decision about an argument If there is no evidence to your claim you may need to change it If none of your claims have evidence you need to change your opinion

Warrant Common sense rules that people accept as generally true, laws, scientific principles or studies, and thoughtfully argued definitions. Used to explain why your evidence backs up your claim. Examples: A lot of crimes happen at night. Every person is born with certain rights. Fast food is mostly unhealthy. Everyone will be sick at one time or another in their life.

Counter-Argument Shows the other side of your argument Allows other side to feel validated or cared about Not only talk about other sides opinions, but show why they are misguided or wrong Have to use evidence, warrants, etc.

Conclusion You need to restate your thesis (do not just copy and paste from the beginning). Go briefly over your claims/reasons. Address the counter-claims Should end with a call to action or something to think about