1. Creating the Perfect Paragraph
S.P.E.S.
Creating the Perfect Paragraph

2. Every good argumentative must have…
An opinion – We call this a Statement
Evidence to support that opinion – We call this Proof.
An explanation of the evidence – We call this Explanation
A summary and/or extension of the argument – We call this Synthesis
The first step in learning how to write a good argument is to graduate from the Heritage Detective Training School.

3. Detective Training School

4. Task 1: Oral Report
You will be given a crime to solve. Using opinions, observable evidence, and explanations, your group will report your findings to your fellow cadets.

5. Police Report
At five-feet-six and a hundred and ten pounds, Queenie Volupides was a sight to behold. When she tore out of the house after a tiff with her husband, Arthur, she went to the country club where there was a party going on. She left the club shortly before one in the morning and invited a few friends to follow her home and have one more drink. They got to the Volupides house about ten minutes after Queenie, who met them at the door and said, “Something terrible happened. Arthur slipped and fell on the stairs. He was coming down for another drink—he still had the glass in his hand—and I think he’s dead. Oh, my God—what shall I do?” The autopsy conducted later concluded that Arthur had died from a wound on the head and confirmed that he’d been drunk.

6. What Happened to Arthur?

7. Opinion
Observable Evidence
Explanation
1. What does the position of Mr. Arthur’s body suggest about his fall?
2. Would Queenie have any reason to want Arthur dead?
3. What is in Arthur’s hand and how might it contradict Queenie’s story?
4. What could be a possible murder weapon?