5. What argument writing is NOT:
A fight
One position that is “right” and does not recognize other possibilities
An opinion
Based on feeling and emotions

6. Opinion vs. Argument Opinion Argument Opinion - I love my computer
Reason - It's durable
Example - I dropped it, a corner chipped off and it still worked
Claim- the Dell 3000 is a great computer
Reason - It's durable
Example - I dropped it, a corner chipped off and it still worked
Evidence - PC World ranked it #2 on its 2013 laptop rating list

8. Parts of a Powerful Argument

9. CLAIM
= Statement the writer is proving true

10. ARGUMENT
= Statement supporting the claim; a reason

11. EVIDENCE
= Proof from a credible source supporting the argument; facts

12. EXPLANATION
= What the evidence proves, how the evidence supports the argument

13. SO WHAT?
= How the evidence and explanation support the claim

14. COUNTERCLAIM
= a reasonable statement (with proof) opposing the writer’s claim; the other side

15. REBUTTAL
= a reasonable statement (with proof) about why the counterclaim is not as important or strong as the claim

16. TONE
FORMAL = serious
OBJECTIVE = no opinions or personal pronouns

17. CLAIM
Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution.

18. ARGUMENT
Driving a private car is a typical citizen's most air polluting activity.

19. EVIDENCE
A 2007 study by the U. S. Dept. of T. estimates there are million private cars in the U. S.

20. EXPLANATION
Cars are a large source of private, as opposed to industry produced, air pollution.

21. SO WHAT?
Switching to hybrid cars should have an impact, reducing pollution.

22. COUNTERCLAIM
The nation should focus on building and encouraging mass transit systems

23. REBUTTAL
Mass transit is not feasible in many rural and suburban areas, thus hybrid cars are a better solution.