1. Basic Parts of an Argument
The Issue:
A controversy, problem, or an idea about which people have different points of view
Climate change and global warming is an issue.
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

2. The Claim: The point of view the writer tries to prove
Claim of Fact: Can be proved or verified but is a general statement (dependent on facts and data)
“Stem cell treatment has the potential to dramatically improve health for patients with life-threatening illnesses.”
Claim of Value: Shows how one idea is better than another idea (right vs. wrong)
“Stem cell research is morally objectionable because it uses embryonic stem cells and kills innocent unborn humans.”
Claim of Policy: Offers one or more solutions to a problem (Often uses “should” and/or “must”)
“Federal funding should be provided to pursue stem cell research studies.”
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

3. Try to write three claims with the issue of “Social Media & Bullying”
Claim of Fact
Claim of Value
Claim of Policy
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

4. Examples for claims: Social Media & Bullying
Claim of Fact: Sometimes people use Facebook, Twitter, and other social media to bully one another.
Claim of Value: It is wrong (or immoral) to use social media to bully people.
Claim of Policy: There should be criminal charges brought against people who use social media to bully others.
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

5. © 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)
The Support
Reasons
General statements that back up a claim
Explain why the writer’s view on an issue is reasonable and correct (justification)
Evidence from research (reliable sources)
Facts -Anecdotes
Statistics -Scientific studies
Expert quotes -Analogies
Examples -Data
Consider the Author’s Credibility (Ethos)
Knowledgeable about the topic?
Qualifications?
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

6. © 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)
Real-World Example
Imagine that you work at a daycare center…
Your Claim: The daycare needs
to purchase a set of
Dr. Seuss books.
Write a reason
(your justification)
Write possible evidence
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

7. © 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)
Real-World Example
Your Claim: The daycare needs to purchase a set of Dr. Seuss books.
Write a reason (your justification).
To make books available for students so they will learn and read.
Write possible evidence
Dr. Seuss books teach life lessons (The Lorax, Cat in the Hat, Places You’ll Go).
They teach vocabulary and rhyme.
Research shows that reading at a young age increases success in future school and work.
They inspire creativity, which helps with learning.
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

8. The Counterargument & Refutation (“However” Paragraph)
May also be called “rebuttal”
First the writer anticipates a potential objection & states it (the counterargument)
Then the writer accommodates the counterargument by saying it has merit
Next the writer argues against the counter argument by finding weaknesses in the opponent’s argument
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

9. Example of Counterargument & Refutation:
Issue: Violence is an increasing problem in our society. The news reports about shootings in schools and other public places. Many believe that violent video games contribute to this problem.
Claim: There should be stricter regulation of violent video games.
Counterargument: Kids will get the games anyway, and some parents will let them play the mature games.
Refutation: While this may be true, it doesn’t mean that our society should stop trying to keep children from playing the games. If there is better enforcement of the laws, it will be harder for them to get them. Parents could receive fines if they let their children play the games.
© 2014 K.Patrick(OCBeachTeacher)

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