1. Introduction to Argumentative Writing and Speaking
Making an Argument
Introduction to Argumentative Writing and Speaking

2. End Product
Letter to a REAL PERSON who can change something that you think needs changing
Yes! You will be sending it to that person.
A speech in front of the class (based off the letter)

3. Claim An arguable statement or assertion
Example: The Green Bay Packers are the best team in football.

4. Which ones are claims? My favorite food is pizza.
Children should not be required to go to school.
Dogs have larger brains than cats.
The United States went to the moon in 1969.
Chocolate chip cookie dough is the best ice cream.
The Fourth of July should no longer be a national holiday.
Donald Trump has been president since January, 2017.
Twenty-three percent of people don’t like plain cheese pizza.

5. Which ones are claims? My favorite food is pizza.
Children should not be required to go to school.
Dogs have larger brains than cats.
The United States went to the moon in 1969.
Chocolate chip cookie dough is the best ice cream.
The Fourth of July should no longer be a national holiday.
Donald Trump has been president since January, 2017.
Twenty-three percent of people don’t like plain cheese pizza.

6. Reasons v. Evidence
Reasons: the REASONS a claim is true; the basis for a claim
Evidence: FACT; can’t be argued with
*Note: You might be able to argue with the conclusion that can be drawn from a piece of evidence, but evidence itself should be a fact.
*Some evidence is higher quality than others.
*Professional opinion can be used as evidence

7. Claim: Beyoncé is the best overall artist of all time.
She sounds great without tuning technology, and this is something a lot of artists cannot do.
She has been producing incredible songs for over 15 years.
Lemonade sold 1.5 million copies.
When with a group of fans, Beyoncé sang “Halo,” and she was on key as she sang every note.
Beyoncé has had 22 chart-topping songs (third most of all time).
She is innovative.

8. Claim: Beyoncé is the best overall artist of all time.
She sounds great without tuning technology, and this is something a lot of artists cannot do.
She has been producing incredible songs for over 15 years.
Lemonade sold 1.5 million copies.
When with a group of fans, Beyoncé sang “Halo,” and she was on key as she sang every note.
Beyoncé has had 22 chart-topping songs (third most of all time).
She is innovative.

9. NOT ALL REASONS ARE CREATED EQUAL
Claim: Beyoncé is the best overall artist of all time.
She can sing incredibly difficult notes and runs on key, live, and without the help of tuning technology.
Her concerts are always sold out, and everyone is always trying to get tickets to see her.

10. The Packers are the best team in football.
Reason 1: They have won the most championships of any NFL team. Reason 2: Green and gold are both good colors. Reason 3: They run incredibly creative plays. Reason 4: Aaron Rodgers, arguably the best quarterback in football right now, is their quarterback. Reason 5: They beat the Bears twice last year.

11. The Packers are the best team in football.
Reason 1: They have won the most championships of any NFL team. Reason 2: Green and gold are both good colors. Reason 3: They run incredibly creative plays. Reason 4: Aaron Rodgers, arguably the best quarterback in football right now, is their quarterback. Reason 5: They beat the Bears twice last year.

12. Delineating an Argument
What is the claim?
*Did the reasons and evidence build a strong enough case for this opinion?
What are the reasons?
* Are they relevant? (Does it actually back up the claim?)
*Are they logical? (Does it make sense?)
What is the evidence?
* Is it relevant? (Does it actually back up the reason?)
* Is it true? (Can you verify this information elsewhere?)

13. Activity: Delineating an Argument
Step 1: Read the article independently.
Step 2: With your group, sort the cards into the correct pile. FIRST, match up terms and definitions and then sort the claim, reasons, and evidence into the proper place.
Step 3: When done, ask me to come check your work.
Step 4: When you get the OKAY, grab the article and handout from the side table.

14. CONFIRMATION BIAS
People’s likelihood to believe information that reinforces things they already believe and dismiss information that contradicts thing they already believe
BEWARE: just because something goes against your beliefs doesn’t mean it isn’t credible.