1. Essential elements of an argument

2. What is an argument?
An argument is a discussion in which reasons are put forward in support of and against a claim, a statement that describes the position the writer is taking on an issue.

3. Argument (Topic: College)
“COLLEGE ISN’T (AND SHOULDN’T HAVE TO BE) FOR EVERYONE” Robert Reich
“ACTUALLY, COLLEGE IS VERY MUCH WORTH IT” Andrew J. Rotherham

4. What makes a written argument effective?
The central claim needs to be debatable.
The claim must be supported by evidence.
The writer needs to address the opposition by acknowledging counterclaims and the evidence supporting them.
A written argument must meet several conditions in order to be a valid argument and not merely an effort to persuade.

5. What is the purpose of an argument?
An argument has three major purposes:
To change a reader’s or listener’s point of view
To ask the reader or listener to take an action
To gain acceptance for the writer’s idea about a problem or issue

6. Elements of an effective argument

8. Elements of an effective argument
1.) Introduction and claim An opening that grabs the reader’s attention while informing the reader of the claim, which is a clear and straightforward statement of the writer’s belief about the topic of the argument.
How does Robert Reich, the author of “Why College Isn’t (And Shouldn’t Have to Be) For Everyone,” grab the readers attention?
What is Reich’s claim?

9. Elements of an effective argument
What reasons does Reich offer in support his claim?
What are the different types of evidence that he uses to support his reasoning?
2.) Supporting paragraphs / evidence The reasons offered in support of a claim, supported by different types of evidence.

10. Elements of an effective argument
3.) Concession and/or refutation Concession – restatements of valid counterclaims made by the opposing side Refutation – the writer’s arguments against those opposing viewpoints, explaining why the writer’s position is more valid.
Where does Reich bring up valid points of the opposition?
How does Reich explain why his position is more valid?

11. Elements of an effective argument
What statement does Reich make that can be considered his closing statement which restates his major argument?
What action does Reich challenge his reader to take?
4.) Conclusion / call to action closing statements restating the major arguments in defense of the claim with a final challenge to the reader to take action.

13. Extended writing-Response
Now that you have read “College Isn’t and Shouldn’t Have to Be for Everyone” and “Actually College is Very Much Worth It,” create a plan for and write your argumentative essay. (Use the graphic organizer provided to begin planning and devising ideas for your essay.)

14. Writing TASK
Currently, there is an ongoing debate between those who feel that college is not and should not have to be for everyone and those who believe that college is actually very much worth it. Weigh the claims on both sides, and then write an argumentative essay in your own words supporting ONE side of the debate. Be sure to use evidence from BOTH texts in your argumentative essay.