1. Argument essays
What they must have

2. Elements of an argument essay
MLA FORMAT
12 point font
Double spaced
MLA heading
Last name and page number in upper right corner
Spacing between paragraphs
European date
Class title
1” margin
INTRO PARAGRAPH
Interesting
Well developed
Clear and understandable
CLAIM
Clearly shows topic of essay
Clearly shows stance/opinion
Debatable, Defendable
Focused
BODY PARAGRAPHS (2-3 minimum)
Clear Mini-Claim- topic + stance
Evidence (examples to prove point)
Warrant
Uses deduction/inference logically
Explains evidence briefly
Connects evidence to claim/mini-claim
Depth of warrant (1/2 to 1/3 of body paragraph)
Paragraph fully developed- 2/3 to ¾ page
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
Wraps up, supports claim
Shows exigence (importance)
Doesn’t just repeat what writer has already stated
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
Rebuttal/Counterargument
Possible counter arguments addressed
Cohesive- everything works together
No repetition of points
Clear transitions, smooth read
Organization
Focused
Logical
Worth time to write/read

3. The Lunchroom Murder
Follow Up

4. EXCHANGE PAPERS Read the response to get a feel for it
Use different colored pens, pencils, highlighters (you may need to swap with classmates) to do the following
Underline or highlight the CLAIM
Make notations for writer- is it defendable? Debatable? Focused? Do you clearly know what their stance is and what they are going to prove?
Using another color, highlight or underline EVIDENCE
How many pieces of evidence do they use? Too much? Too little? It should support their claim, but not be a grocery list (evidence, evidence, evidence)
Using another color, light or underline WARRANT (explanation of evidence)
Do they logically explain each piece of evidence? Is there balance in the response (warrant should be about ½ of the response)
Mark any rebuttal or counterclaim (looking a the other side)
Do you feel they adequately made their argument (if they were a lawyer in court, would they win with this argument?)

5. ARGUMENT- 5 minute free write 1
What should arguments be based on? Emotions? Logic? Personal opinion based on previous life experiences? What are other things arguments are based on? Is there a place for these in argument? Give specific examples as you explore/argue your opinion. Write for 5 solid minutes, looking at all different views, those you agree with as well as those you don’t (counter arguments, rebuttal)

6. Colin Kaepernick controversy
Refusing to stand for the playing of the national anthem in protest of what he deems are wrongdoings against African Americans and minorities in the United States.
"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color," Kaepernick told NFL Media in an exclusive interview after the game. "To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.“ controversy
SMALL GROUPS: Spend about 10 minutes looking on-line- what are people saying? What are the consequences of his actions? Look at comments on articles, Facebook,, social media.
Bullet point what people are saying
Based on this, as a small group write an argument claim
Type it into computer when done

7. CLASS Claim examples

8. CLASS Claim examples

9. Does this example meet the criteria?
Football is America’s sport and since the flag represents America, Collin Kaepernick needs to stand and respect it.
Is it arguable or descriptive?
Does it clearly shows topic and stance/opinion?
Is it Debatable, Defendable, Interesting?
Is it a worthy topic of an entire essay?
Is it based it on evidence or personal opinion?
Is the claim logical or illogical?

10. HW PRACTICE PART 1
Using the controversy you researched, write a solid argument claim using the criteria discussed in class.
Is it arguable or descriptive?
Does it clearly shows topic and stance/opinion?
Is it Debatable, Defendable, Interesting?
Is it a worthy topic of an entire essay?
Is it based it on evidence or personal opinion?
Is the claim logical or illogical?