Argumentative Writing The of Argument

The Parts of a Good Argument Claim Evidence Warrant Counterclaim Rebuttal

Argument Is the process of stating a claim and then proving it using logical reasoning, examples and research.

Organizing your argument is important.. It lets your audience understand your reasoning process Gives a clear explanation of each point Shows you know what you are talking about

How should you organize? Follow this outline

The TITLE Should introduce the topic and catches the reader by being interesting. This is your first hook!!

The INTRODUCTION Introduces the reader to the topic and purpose of the paper, gets people interested, and states a position on a topic. It may include: Statistics A personal anecdote A real or possible example A quote A statistic A visual image A thesis

The THESIS The thesis is part of the introduction. This is where you state your claim. It does not need to be factual but what you are going to try to prove in your body paragraphs. Example: The Unites States should consider colonizing Mars.

BODY PARAGRAPHS Using your evidence, you organize your proof according to: General to specific least important to most important Weakest claim to strongest claim You may include a counterargument. This is the a way for the writer to dismiss and disprove claims that are counter (or opposite) to their claims. Make sure you include your logical reasons, statistics, or proof to support you claim.

The CONCLUSION This is your opportunity to restate your claim. Remind the reader why you support your claim.

Claim (thesis statement) States what you are arguing for; what point you are trying to make. Claim must be- 1) Debatable: reasonable people could disagree with it 2) Narrow: not too big to deal with Example: Energy drinks are bad for people.

Evidence (data) Supports your claim. -not just more opinions but information from reliable sources that include- Facts or statistics Energy drinks have caused the deaths of 18 people. Expert opinion The Food & Drug Administration has shown … Personal experience I once had to have a heart monitor attached…

Warrant (bridge) Explains your pieces of evidence (arguments) and connects them to your claim. A warrant - Is Logical – makes sense Is Reasonable – avoids excessive emotion Does not assume – sticks with the evidence

Counterclaim (opposite argument) Disagrees with your claim. Reasonable people can disagree with your claim. What do they think? (claim) Energy drinks make workers more efficient. What is their evidence? Productivity increases when workers use …

Rebuttal (evidence) Explains why the counterclaim is wrong. You can reasonably disagree with the counterclaim. Why are they wrong? Productivity is good, but sleep problems can occur. What is your evidence as to why they are wrong? A worker who crashes after a few hours is…

Argumentative Writing Must have: Claim Evidence Warrant Counterclaim Rebuttal