1. CLAIM, DATA, WARRANT WRITING ARGUMENTATIVE PARAGRAPHS
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Coordinated colors
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Graphics, tables, and graphs
Keep it simple: If possible, use consistent, non-distracting styles and colors.
Label all graphs and tables. 1

2. What is the CDW paragraph?
A way of writing paragraphs in which each main point is supported by textual evidence and a good explanations
Aka-The order we write our sentences in our paragraphs
Purpose- to assure all your points are strongly supported by textual evidence and sound arguments. 2

3. CLAIM Paragraph’s Topic Sentence
The main point of the paragraph; exactly what you will prove in this paragraph
Usually one sentence at the beginning of the paragraph
Relatively narrow in scope
Shakespeare was the greatest writer of all time.
BIG CLAIM= HARD TO PROVE
Shakespeare was a good writer.
Smaller claim = easier to prove 3

4. CLAIM
Example:
(C) One of the biggest changes to Elie Wiesel by the end of the novel was his loss of care for family.
This is the point you will prove is by the end of the paragraph. 4

5. DATA
Textual evidence taken from a relevant and reliable source that supports your claim.
Not your words or ideas. Rather, someone else’s words or ideas that support your argument.
Can be a quote, paraphrase, or summary of the text. 5

6. DATA Quotes = best support
Quotes MUST be embedded within your own words.
Don’t make QUOTE BOMBS!
Example of QB: “People need to express themselves one way or another.”
Example of a correct quote: Beneatha is a character who believes that, "People need to express themselves one way or another" (Hansberry 48).

7. DATA Summaries = best for longer ideas
Paraphrases = best when the quote is too awkward to fit into your writing
Regardless which you use, always cite author and page number at the end of every DATA sentence.*
*Unless author has already been mentioned in sentence, then only page numbers at end.

8. DATA
Example:
(C) One of the biggest changes to Elie Wiesel by the end of the novel was his loss of care for family.
(D) Weisel demonstrates this change when he writes ““our first act as free men was to throw ourselves onto the provisions. We thought only of that. Not of revenge, not of our families. Nothing but bread” (109). 8

9. WARRANT The logic that shows how the DATA proves the CLAIM.
2-4 sentences long.
The meat of your argument.
Leaves the reader positive your point is sound and supported.
The crux of your argument.
Where you look like you know what you’re doing or don’t. 9

10. WARRANT
BAD Example:
(C) One of the biggest changes to Elie Wiesel was the gradual loss of care for his family.
(D) Weisel demonstrates this change when he writes ““our first act as free men was to throw ourselves onto the provisions. We thought only of that. Not of revenge, not of our families. Nothing but bread” (109).
(W) This quote shows how Elie lost care for his family.

11. WARRANT
Good Example:
(C) One of the biggest changes to Elie Wiesel was the gradual loss of care for his family.
(D) Weisel demonstrates this change when he writes ““our first act as free men was to throw ourselves onto the provisions. We thought only of that. Not of revenge, not of our families. Nothing but bread” (109).
(W) This quote shows that Elie, at the end of his ordeal, has zero concern left for his family. He likens himself almost to an animal, worried only with the most basic instincts of survival. All sense of emotional ties and familial loyalty has been stripped of him. 11

12. Punctuation Commas are used before the quote
he writes, “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, and splinters.”
Punctuation at the end of a sentence goes INSIDE the quotation marks.
He writes, “The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as best I could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge.” 12

13. Punctuation
Always cite the author, either in the sentence or in the parenthesis. Cite the page number regardless.
Weisel states, “[a]fter my father's death, nothing could touch me any more." (107) OR
He states, “[a]fter my father's death, nothing could touch me any more." (Weisel 107) 13

14. PUNCTUATION
If you need to change a letter or word inside of a quote use [brackets].
Weisel states, “[a]fter my father's death, nothing could touch me any more." (107)

15. DO NOT use… “This story is about…” “Basically” “Pretty much”
“Says/saying/said” (find better verbs)
“Trying to say” 15

16. Most Importantly NEVER USE I !!!!
In my opinion
I think/ I liked
In this essay I will explain
We know it’s your opinion and thoughts. It’s your essay. Do not draw attention to this!
Which sounds stronger?
“I think Macbeth is Shakespeare’s greatest play.”
“Shakespeare’s greatest play is Macbeth.”