1. Bell Ringer #12: Argument Writing Word Sort
Write each term in your comp. book and match it with its correct definition. You may use your text book (starting on p. R64, in the back) to help you. Extra points if you can figure out the terms for the extra definitions. Be prepared to share out.
Term
Definition
Claim
Short account of an event, usually intended to make a point in an entertaining/memorable way
Counterclaim
Supporting reason for why the author’s claim is correct
Rebuttal
A writer’s position on issue/problem
Anecdote
Argument made to oppose another argument
Bias
Words with extremely positive or negative connotations signaling prejudice for the side the author favors.
Term
Definition
Claim
Short account of an event, usually intended to make a point in an entertaining/memorable way
Counterclaim
Supporting reason for why the author’s claim is correct
Rebuttal
A writer’s position on issue/problem
Argument made to oppose another argument
Words with extremely positive or negative connotations signaling prejudice for the side the author favors.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason
What are the extra terms? What definitions match those terms? Reveal answers for entire chart.

2. Housekeeping Homework: Complete weekly A3Ks by Sunday at 11:59 P.M.
Announcements:
Overdue new jobs. Teacher will approach you if you’ve been selected and debrief you on your role.
Absent students – Writing Make-Ups at round table
Paper Pass Back
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

3. The Fine Print
Standards: I can… Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (W.1.1) a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence. d. Establish and maintain a formal style. e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented. Essential Question: How am I taking feedback from previous assignments and applying it towards the production of new work?
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

4. How to Write Effective Counterarguments
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5. Counterargument Paragraphs
Counterargument paragraphs can seem tricky.
Just keeping to vocabulary straight might seem like a feat all its own, but you already know how to form good counterarguments.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

6. Some things teens and parents argue about
Painting/decorating room
Hanging out at mall after school
Clothes
Use of technology
Money
Going to unchaperoned
parties
Going away with friends on Spring Break
Going out with older group of friends
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason
What are some other topics you might argue with your parents about?

7. Counterargument Paragraph Construction
The counterclaim will be the TOPIC SENTENCE of your counter argument paragraph.
Your job is to:
Acknowledge the counterclaim
DISPROVE the counterclaim with a REBUTTAL
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

8. Counterargument Paragraph Construction
Step 1) Acknowledge the counterclaim:
You must show you know what the opposing claim is by stating the counterclaim and giving a reason others support the counterclaim.
Example:
There are those who claim that mandatory drug testing is a violation of a student’s privacy. They say making students “pee in a cup” is not a school’s job.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

9. Counterargument Paragraph Construction
Step 2) Disprove counterclaim with rebuttal
A rebuttal is your way of saying, “No, you are wrong, and here’s why.”
The rebuttal is another supporting reason why your point of view is correct. You must use a quote, paraphrase, or summarize with a citation.
Example:
However, other tests may be available, such as hair testing (Source 3.) This is not an invasion of a student’s personal privacy.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

10. Putting It All Together
Counterargument Paragraphs Include:
Counterclaim
Reason/Support for Counterclaim
Rebuttal with citation
Example:
There are those who claim that mandatory drug testing is a violation of a student’s privacy. They say making students “pee in a cup” is not a school’s job. However, other tests may be available, such as hair testing (Source 3.) This is not an invasion of a student’s personal privacy.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

11. Introducing Counterclaims
Some scientists believe that
While it is true that
Although many people claim that
It might seem that
One might object here that
Admittedly
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12. Counterclaim Forms
Drawing a different conclusion from the facts presented
Pointing out disadvantages or drawbacks to what is proposed
Offering an alternative that makes more sense
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13. Introducing Rebuttals
However
It must also be recognized that
One can also argue
Nevertheless
Still
Yet
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14. Rebuttals can do Several Things:
Show that the facts of the counterargument are wrong
Show that the analysis used in the counterargument is incorrect
Show that the objections raised are irrelevant
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

15. Counterargument Type #1 in Action
Position: The city should provide more low-income housing because the majority of homelessness is caused by a severe shortage of such housing.
A different conclusion: Most homelessness is caused by drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, and crime so the city should address those issues instead.
Rebuttal: The majority of the homeless are low-wage earners with families and have been displaced by gentrification of previously affordable neighborhoods.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

16. Counterargument Type #2 in Action
Position: The city should provide more low-income housing because the majority of homelessness is caused by a severe shortage of such housing.
A disadvantage or drawback: Some might argue, more low-income housing will burden police and social services without adding to the tax base that supports these services.
Rebuttal: However, the homeless are more likely to be victims of crime and to use public assistance than people who have permanent homes. Therefore, affordable housing can actually save money.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason

17. Your Turn to Practice
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18. Packing Up Checklist HOMEWORK: Weekly A3Ks due Sunday @ 11:59 P.M
DO THE FOLLOWING:
Turn in class work to the class inbox.
Return teacher’s supplies you borrowed where they belong
Throw away trash
Pack-up personal belongings
Sit silently and wait for teacher to dismiss you

19. Closing
CLAIM: Ms. Barker should give the class candy. If the class can successfully create a counterargument for why Ms. Barker would not want to give the class candy and refute her thinking, the class will get candy.
Copyright 2015 Dianne Mason