1. Argumentative Writing

2. What is Argumentative writing?
Argumentative writing states an opinion or position and uses sound reasoning and solid evidence to support the argument.

3. What are the goals of Argumentative writing?
To state the writer’s position or opinion
To provide reasons and examples to support the position or opinion
To strengthen the thesis by addressing counterarguments
To give a conclusion that follows from and supports the position

4. What are good topics for Argumentative writing?
A topic that has two clear sides
A topic that you are interested in and knowledgeable about
A topic that you have strong feelings about

5. an Argumentative letter vs. an Argumentative essay:
An argumentative letter is addressed to a specific audience.
An argumentative letter follows the format of a formal letter.
An argumentative letter and an argumentative essay both have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

6. How do I organize An argumentative letter?
State your position or opinion in clear language.
Provide reasons to support your position.
Order your reasons from least important to most important or from most important to least.
Consider possible objections to your position and respond to them.
Restate your position or opinion.

7. Read the argumentative letter
Dear Mr. Carlson, We students need more than 30 minutes for lunch. Some of us have to get all the way from the gymnasium to the cafeteria, which takes 5 minutes. Once we get to the cafeteria, the lines are so long that sometimes we wait 10 minutes just to get our food. Then we only have 15 minutes left to eat. According to “Fast Food,” an article in the New York Times, eating too quickly can result in indigestion, acid reflux, and can contribute to obesity (May 6, 2013). Obviously, rushed meals aren’t healthy. You may think that students are dawdling and wasting time before getting their lunch. Perhaps some students are, but I know that my entire gym class of 30 students always rushes to the cafeteria, and like I explained above, we often only end up with 15 minutes to eat. Thank you for considering giving students more time to eat lunch, which will make our meal less rushed and will therefore be a healthier experience. Sincerely, Stephen J.

8. Analyze What is the writer’s position?
What are the writer’s main points in the letter?
How does the writer address possible objections to his position?
How does the writer restate his position?
How could the letter be improved?