1. Argument

2. What is Argument? It is NOT: --An absolute truth. --A revelation or brand new insight. --The last word. --Bad-tempered complaining. --An exercise in pure logic. --A chance to prove that you’re smarter than everyone else. --And, most emphatically, it is not necessarily about some grand issue of concern to humankind in general.

3. An Argument is… An argument is merely an essay that has a thesis, which a substantial part of your audience may disagree with and that seeks to convince them you’re right. That’s all, and that’s not much. To know your essay is an argument, look for three things: -An opposition -An implied “should” -A call to action

4. An Argument Should… According to the CCSS, in the 6 th grade, you should be able to: Introduce claims and organize reasons and evidence clearly. Support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic. Use words, phrases and clauses to clarify relationships among claims and reasons. Establish and maintain a formal style. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.

5. Parts of an Argument Claim: an assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt. In argument, must be defensible and controversial. Data: facts or information used usually to calculate, analyze, or plan something; supports the warrant. Warrant: a reason for thinking, deciding, or doing something; the “so what?” Is almost always some kind of general principle. Counterclaim: an opposing claim Rebuttal: to prove (something) is false by using arguments or evidence

6. OVERCOMING ARGUER’S BLOCK 1. Notice that you make arguments all the time. 2. Get rid of the idea that there is only one absolute and exclusive truth. 3. Forget the idea of the “final word”. 4. Begin with arguments that are easy to make.

7. Position Words When writing an argument, the use of research and facts is often required. Often times, when discussing what an author has said on a subject, we do that by using phrases like “The author says….” “According to the author…” or “She/He writes…” This can become repetitive and take away from the force of what the author is trying to say…

8. Strong Position Words Agreement: applauds, congratulates, extols, praises, supports Argument: alerts, argues, boasts, contends, convinces, emphasizes, exhorts, forbids, insists, proves, promises, persuades, threatens, warns Believing: asserts, guarantees, insists, upholds Questioning: accuses, attacks, complains, contradicts, criticizes, denies, discards, disclaims, discounts, dismisses, disputes, disregards, negates, objects to, opposes, refutes, rejects

9. More Strong Position Words… Discussion: reasons Emphasis: accentuates, emphasizes, highlights, stresses, underscores, warns Evaluation/Examination: blames, complains, ignores, scrutinizes, warns Presentation: announces, promises Suggestion: asserts, recommends, urges

10. Transition Words Transition words (also called “connecting” words) are important words that signal the relationship between one word, phrase, or sentence and the next word, phrase, or sentence. These are especially important in Argumentative writing!

11. There are several main classes of transition words: Chronological (words about the order of things) First, second, third Next, then After Following Cause-Effect (words about things which make other things happen) So, thus Therefore, hence Consequently Due to

12. Example (words to show what a thing is) One such, another For instance, for example Addition (words that add more information) Similarly, additionally Another Also Moreover Opposition (words that signal a conflict or problem) But, though, however On the other hand Conversely Yet Nonetheless, nevertheless

13. Advice for Argumentative Writing Look at both sides of the argument: before you jump into an argument, consider where your opposition is coming from. This way you can think about how to refute what they are saying. Rely on facts: use exact statistics, supported by evidence. This gives the audience a tangible statistic and a reputable source, and they’re more likely to be swayed by your argument.

14. Advice for Argumentative Writing Choose Your Words Carefully Effective Nouns: Using words such as proponents, advocates, and supporter, as well as opponents and challengers are useful in argumentative writing, so you’re not stuck using the tired phrases “those in support of…” or “those who oppose…” Effective Verbs: Use words such as allege, contend, and suggest when referring to statistics in favor of your argument. When referring to statistics that refute the opposing argument, use words such as dispute, deny, doubt, or question.

15. Let’s practice! As a class we will watch a short video clip about education. Choose a side from the clip. Basically you will have to decide which side you agree with, and come up with reasons WHY. Do you agree with Bartleby or with his opposition? Consider this while viewing. Clip

16. Practice! On a separate piece of paper, do the following: 1. Answer the following questions about the clip: 1. What is Bartleby trying to convince the board of? What is his claim? 2. What evidence does he provide? 3. Was his argument successful? 2. Pick a side. Do you agree with Bartleby or the opposition? 3. Write a paragraph arguing for your side. Include at least two reasons why, two transition words, and circle the transition words you have used!