1. Purpose and Argument

2. AUTHOR’S PURPOSE
The author’s purpose is his/her reason for creating a piece of writing.

3. PURPOSE
TO INFORM: This is focused on giving information and facts. It is expository.
TO EXPLAIN: This type of writing is also expository, but focuses on explaining a process, like baking a cake or assembling a shelf.
TO PERSUADE: This type of writing is not expository. It is persuasive, and it focuses on winning someone over to believe or do something.

4. Reading and Evaluating Arguments

5. Learning Objectives: To recognize the elements of an argument
To recognize types of arguments
To evaluate arguments

6. Argument over an issue = to support a logical viewpoint
What is an argument?
An argument usually is found in Non-Fiction (articles, essays, political cartoons) and has specific parts:
Argument over an issue =
Claims + Reasons + Evidence
to support a logical viewpoint

7. Parts of an Argument
ISSUE - problem or controversy about which people disagree
CLAIM – an arguable statement on the issue
SUPPORT - reasons and evidence that the claim is reasonable and should be accepted

8. Claim or Fact? An argument needs a claim first and foremost. CLAIM:
An statement that takes a position and is arguable, meaning, not everyone will agree with it.

9. Claim or Fact?
Which of these statements are arguable? Is this a claim or a fact?:
“Within ten years, destruction of rain forests will cause hundreds of plant and animal species to become extinct.”
Claim
“Women currently are not allowed to fight in the military.”
Fact
“One third of Americans are currently obese.”

10. Claim or Fact?
Which of these statements are arguable? Is this a claim or a fact?:
“Requiring community service in high school will produce more community-aware graduates.”
Claim
“Children under18 make up 27% of the homeless population”
Fact
“More gun and metal detectors should be installed in public schools.”

11. Types of Support REASON
a general statement that supports a claim:
Claim: “More gun and metal detectors should be installed in public schools.”
Reason: To reduce school violence

12. Types of Support EVIDENCE
consists of facts, statistics, experiences, comparisons, and examples that show why the claim is valid.
Claim: “More gun and metal detectors should be installed in public schools.”
Reason: To reduce school violence
Evidence: After using metal detectors in Chicago school, officials went from confiscating 15 guns and 294 weapons in 92 to just two guns in 1995.