1. Argumentation & Civil Discourse in the Classroom
Mrs. Hansen
Freshman Book Club
9/2017

2. Here’s how we know if we are successful today. You should be able to…
give an example of each of the three parts of an argument
refute an argument civilly

3. Factual Claim Versus Opinion
FACTUAL CLAIM: Information that can be proven.
EX: That room measures ten feet by twelve feet.
OPINION: A person’s belief, feeling, or thought.
EX: I think that green is the best color for any room.

4. There’s also an argument called a Commonplace Assertion
What does commonplace mean?
What does it mean to assert?
Example of a Commonplace Assertion:
One bad apple spoils the barrel.

5. 3 Parts of an Argument = ARE
A = Assertion
R = Reasoning
E = Evidence

6. Assertion is usually too simple of an argument to be effective.
EX: Everyone hates homework.

7. Reasoning is the “because” added to an assertion
Reasoning is the “because” added to an assertion. It usually supports an assertion in a basic way.
EX: Everyone hates homework because it takes time away from other activities.

8. Evidence supports reasoning
Evidence supports reasoning. It’s the “for example” and “such as” of argument.
EX: Everyone hates homework because it takes time away from other activities that are more important such as going outside and getting fresh air and exercise.
REMEMBER, EVIDENCE DIFFERS IN QUALITY, SOURCE, AND VALIDITY, BUT THE PRESENCE OF ANY EVIDENCE IS AT LEAST A START!

9. Refutation is a denial of the truth or accuracy of something.
Step 1 = Restate (“The speaker said…” not “You said…”)
Step 2 = Refute (“but,” “however”)
Step 3 = Support (“because,” “for
example, “such as”)
Step 4 = Conclude (“therefore”)

10. A Sample Refutation The speaker says that everyone hates homework.
The assertion with reasoning and evidence:
Everyone hates homework because it takes time away from other activities that are more important such as going outside and getting fresh air and exercise.
Restate the assertion (argument):
The speaker says that everyone hates homework.
Refute (state the objection) and then support it:
The speaker said that everyone hates homework because it takes away from more important activities, but I disagree because homework is the most important activity for my success in the future.
Conclude:
The speaker said that everyone hates homework because it takes away from more important activities, but I disagree because homework is the most important activity for my success in the future. Therefore, hating homework because it takes away time for other things is short-sighted towards one’s future.

11. We can be civil in our refutations.
What’s the difference between discussing and fighting?
Should we interrupt each other when we discuss?
Does evidence make discussions better?
When do you feel the most comfortable about expressing your ideas? When do you feel most uncomfortable?
How can people show that they respect each other in discussions?

12. Principles of Civil Discourse
1. Thoughtful/productive conversation
2. Listening to all points of view
3. Distinguishing between facts and opinions
4. Considerate of other’s feelings but not
swayed by emotion
5. Allows for changing minds

13. Principles of Civil Discourse
6. Looks for new information
7. Discourages trite words and phrases
8. Seeks to find accuracy
9. Eliminates name-calling and labeling
10. Helps develop empathy for people and ideas we have not always agreed with

14. Principles of Civil Discourse
11. Replaces emotional outbursts with reasoned
discussions
12. Enhances understanding
13. Uses reasoned argument instead of
unsubstantiated opinion
14. Makes listening active not passive