Wednesday, January 13 th – Greetings future leaders of the world. Today we will take a look at the different components of an argumentative essay. – WARM UP: In your notebook, I’d like you to compile a list of all the components (parts) that are needed in an argumentative essay that you know of. List as many as you can, and give a brief description of those you list – Today’s Learning Target: I can identify and define the necessary components of an argumentative essay

What we will look at today… – Thesis and thesis statements – Topic Sentences – Evidence – Counter Claims – Conclusions

Thesis – A position stated or put forward for consideration – Ex. School start time in Central Bucks should be moved back an hour. – In argumentative or persuasive writing, the thesis (or claim) must be an arguable statement

Thesis Statement – The thesis statement not only informs your audience of the position you will be taking and defending, but it also tells your audience what type of evidence you will be providing, as well as the order in which you will be providing it. – School start times should be pushed back because it improves student brain function, morale, and overall achievement.

Topic Sentences – A topic sentence is a sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or suggests the main idea (or topic) of a paragraph. – Ex. There have been many studies that show the positive effects that later school start times have on the brain functions of young people. – Topic sentences relate back to the thesis and maintain focus

Evidence – In argumentation, evidence refers to facts, documentation, or testimony used to strengthen a claim, support an argument, or reach a conclusion. – Ex. A 2014 controlled study at Yale University showed that 82% of students showed increased brain function when given an extra hour of sleep on a nightly basis. – For our upcoming essay, all of the evidence will come from the text of “A Christmas Carol”

Counter-Claim – Counter-claims are the same as claims in that they are debatable, but in an argument, counter claims refute (or counter) the original claim – Ex. While there is plenty of evidence that supports later start times, there are those who defend earlier start times because it allows more time for after- school activities, and it is easier for the adults in the family because of work schedules. – For the upcoming essay, your counter claim with involve evidence that supports the impact that a ghost other than your own had on Scrooge

Conclusions – The conclusion of an argument does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided. – Ex. In light of the extensive scientific research and the testimony given by students and teachers alike, it is clearer than ever that school start times need to be pushed back in order to improve the overall schooling experience. – The conclusion is the last thing your audience will read, so review the main points, the thesis, and absolutely DO NOT INTRODUCE NEW RESEARCH/INFORMATION

Closure – What are the necessary components of an argumentative essay?

Looking ahead – Tomorrow- Essay structure, sentence structure, and comma use – Friday- In-text citations – Tuesday- Return of narratives and the commencement of argumentative essays

SSR or TDA self-assessment

SELF ASSESSMENT Based off of the keys you received on Monday, as well as your writer’s checklist, what would you give your TDA on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being the perfect TDA Write a paragraph long explanation as to why you gave yourself the score you did Write a paragraph long explanation as to why you gave yourself the score you did This is to be done on the back of your TDA This is to be done on the back of your TDA You are to read from your SSR book once you are done You are to read from your SSR book once you are done