1. Argumentative Essay

2. What Makes Up A Good Argument Essay?
Consider whether the topics have different positions (Are the topics controversial?)
Consider each side before taking a position (claim/counter claim or two different points of view)
Provide logical facts and evidence for each position
Avoid judgmental statements

3. What Are Some Judgment Words?
right/wrong
fair/unfair
shouldn’t
stupid
lazy
wonderful
perfect
bad
terrible

4. How Can You Stop Judgments?
See but DON’T EVALUATE
Just the facts
Focus on “what” not good or bad
UNGLUE YOUR OPINIONS
Note the who, what, when, and where
ACCEPT the RELIABLE evidence at face value
“It is what it is.” rather than positive or negative

5. Judgment vs Non-Judgment
Judgment Statements
Non-Judgmental Statements
This movie is bad.
Drinking alcohol is bad.
Spending too much money is very dumb.
The movie was not enjoyable because it did not accurately reflect the book.
When people drink alcohol, it makes them intoxicated and tends to make people act more impulsively.
If you spend more money than you have, this can get you into trouble.

6. Being non-judgmental does not mean you agree or approve.
REMEMBER
Being non-judgmental does not mean you agree or approve.

7. Practicing Non-Judgmental
See “Suspend Judgment: Pencil Challenge”
on You Tube

8. Good Argument Essays Make sense and are believable
Displays solid logic, reasoning, & depth of analysis
Communicates ideas with clarity & organization,
Has three components with details
Claim, evidence, elaboration (connects claim with the evidence)
Presents a clash of ideas by countering arguments

9. Planning Suspend judgment- List ideas for both sides using a T-Chart
Take a side – Place a star next to the side you will take
Organize your ideas – check off 3 or more ideas for your claim and check off 1 or more idea for the counter claim
Plan more as you write – move on to DARE

10. TOPIC:
FOR:
AGAINST:
REASON #1:
EVIDENCE:
REASON #1:
EVIDENCE:
REASON #2:
EVIDENCE:
REASON #2:
EVIDENCE:
REASON #3:
EVIDENCE:
REASON #3:
EVIDENCE:

11. Develop your topic sentence/paragraph
Applying Self-Regulated Strategy Instruction to Argument Writing: Writing
Develop your topic sentence/paragraph
Bottom Line Up Front
Add supporting ideas
Reject possible arguments
End with a conclusion

12. SAMPLE
I believe that it would be beneficial for our schools to adopt dress codes. Although some may argue that this action would restrict the individual student’s freedom of expression, I do not agree. Our right to express ourselves is important, but in our society none of us has unrestricted freedom to do as we like at all times. We must all learn discipline, respect the feelings of others, and learn how to operate in the real world in order to be successful. Dress codes would not only create a better learning environment, but would also help prepare students for their futures.