1. Evaluating Merits of Argument
June 11-14, 2018

2. Objective
By the end of this class session, we will be able to write a persuasive essay that influences the attitudes or actions of a specific audience on specific issues.

3. Day 1-Hour 1

4. “Public education is the new civil rights battle.”
Writing Diagnostic
“Public education is the new civil rights battle.”
On the lined paper provided, write a persuasive essay to defend or challenge whether public education is worth the investment people put into it.

5. Day 1-Hour 2

6. Peer Editing & Revising
Please complete the peer editing worksheet that you have been given. When prompted, please make the revisions offered if they are relevant.

7. Day 2-Hour 1

8. Prior Knowledge: “I Got That!”
For each statement I read aloud, say “I got that!” to indicate that you KNOW that information!
1. I can identify the elements of an argument… 2. I know what the goal of an argument is… 3. I have made a ‘claim’ in an argument before… 4. I have ‘supported’ my claim in an argument… 5. I know what a ‘counter-argument’ is…

9. Know the Difference
Write these definitions in your composition notebooks:
Persuasion…
Is to convince/influence/sway someone into believing something.
Argument…
A speech or writing that takes a position on an issue and gives evidence to support it.

10. Fact vs. Opinion Don’t confuse these…
A fact is a statement that can be proved:
Example: Graduation will occur on June 6, 2014.**
An opinion is a statement of belief:
Begins with ‘I think’, ‘I believe’
Example: I think people rely on the Internet too much.
**Note: Facts are supported by research.

11. Persuasive Essay vs. Persuasive Argument
Blends facts and emotion to convince readers
Relies heavily on experiences, observations, opinions
One side is presented
May include ONE opposing point, then quickly dismisses it
Persuasive Argument
Argument-Claim/Thesis
Narrative-Summarizes background material
Confirmation-Topics that will support the thesis
Counter-claim-Opposing view
Refutation-Further thesis support
Summation-Strong conclusion that amplifies the force of the argument.

12. Persuasive Argument Example – Instructions: UNDERLINE your claim, CIRCLE your counter-argument and BRACKET your refute or points will be deducted.
State your argument: Schools should make multiple milk options
available to students during lunch.
Brainstorm supporting facts: lactose intolerant students, allergy sufferers or special dietary needs.
Write your thesis statement. Schools should make multiple milk options available to students during lunch because some students may be lactose intolerant, suffer allergies or have special dietary needs.
Establish your counterclaim: Some might argue that students with food restrictions should bring their own milk to school because it is not cost-effective for the school.
Form your refute: However, it would be more cost-effective to provide multiple milk options that students will purchase than to toss out milk that is not being consumed by half of the student body.

13. If These Walls Could Talk…
What persuasive connections can you make to everyday life?
Why is persuasive writing important to everyday life?
Can you think of a profession which would use persuasive writing in everyday life?

14. Day 3

15. Recap: 3x3 Prewriting Strategy
Prompt: Defend or challenge whether recycling should be mandatory.
Brainstorm (support)
Thesis
Topic sentences
Pollution is deteriorating Earth
Can decrease pollution
Prevents waste
Improves economy
Produces a cleaner environment
Reduces global warming
Recycling should be mandatory because doing so can decrease pollution, prevent waste and improve the economy.
Hook: Quote, statistic, thought-provoking statement, etc. [Insert thesis]
(1) For example, if recycling was a governmental non-negotiable, pollution can be decreased.(how/why?) The earth is deteriorating at a rapid pace because mankind is destroying all of its resources. +2-3
(2) Further, if recycling is mandatory, the effects could mean the prevention of waste. +2-3
(3) Also, mandatory recycling can boost the economy. +2-3
(4) (C) Although recycling may be cumbersome and seem like a lot to do at first, (R) the effects of doing so could reduce global warming and save the planet for future generations.
(5) Real-world Conclusion: Finally, If recycling can change the outcome of the environment, then more advocacy should be implemented to make sure every citizen is doing their part to save the world. +1-2
Thesis = restated prompt + supporting reasons

16. 3x3 Practice
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
Design a 3x3 plan to defend or challenge whether dogs should be allowed in restaurants.
You MUST show a COMPLETED 3x3 pre-writing plan.

17. Check out what other students wrote!
Let’s Share!
Check out what other students wrote!

18. LET’S REFLECT…
Can you change someone’s mind? Should you? How do you change someone’s mind? What are some things that people do to change your mind?