1. Writing an Argumentative Essay – Finding Evidence
Lesson One
Writing an Argumentative Essay – Finding Evidence
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Do this right now:
Take out:
Writing Journal
Pen/pencil
Paper
Four big index cards (or two sheets of 8 ½ by 11 white paper, cut in half)
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Learning Goals
I can identify main ideas and key details.
I can use evidence to support my opinion.
I can research a topic.
I can summarize information.
I can cite my sources.
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Activator
Do you believe that school should start at a later time? Why or why not?
Use some specific examples to support your explanation.
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Types of Evidence
Evidence is proof or support that you use to help prove your point. There are three main types of evidence.
Teacher Directions: Have students take notes on the three types of evidence.
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6. Statistical evidence uses numbers and percentages to prove your point.
The McDonald’s signs stated, “Over 1 billion served.”
Trident chewing gum commercials argues, “4 out of 5 dentists recommend chewing sugarless gum.”
Every time you use numbers to support a main point, you’re relying on statistical evidence to support your argument.
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Testimonial evidence uses personal experiences or testimonies to prove a point.
Commercials that use spokespersons to testify about quality of company’s product
Lawyers who rely on eyewitness accounts to win a case
Students who quote an authority in their essays
These examples all use testimonial evidence.
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Anecdotal evidence is evidence that is based on a person’s observations of the world.
Anecdotes are short personal examples or stories:
For example, Ron Anderson says he enjoys waking up later in the morning before school because he stays up late doing his homework. This way he can still get the 8.5 recommended hours of sleep every night.
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Writing Prompt
In a well-formulated argumentative essay, answer the following question:
Should schools start later in the day? Use textual evidence to support your argument.
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Finding Evidence
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Research Directions
Use the internet, books, articles, encyclopedias, and the library to research your topic and find evidence support both sides of the argument.
Find at least two resources/evidence that support your opinion.
Find at least two resources/evidence that support the other side’s argument.
Record each resource on a research note card.
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12. Frontside of index card
Using your index cards, fill out the following information for each resource.
Name of Article: ________________________________
Author’s Name: ________________________________
Date Published: _________________________________
Page Number(s): ________________________________
Website URL: __________________________________
Type of Resource (Book, website, encyclopedia, news article): _______________________________________
Teacher Directions: Students can use 5 by 8 inch notecards to write their research information down on. Students will need a total of four note cards.
If students do not have access to 5 by 8 inch note cards, have them take a normal sheet of white paper and cut in half. Each half can be one note card.
You could also differentiate for students by requiring more advanced students to find more sources or lower level students to find less sources.
Frontside of index card
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Using your index cards, fill out the following information for each resource.
Write a brief summary of the information:
Write down facts, statistics, testimonials, and expert opinions that support your argument. Make sure to quote the information correctly:
backside of index card
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14. Example Index Card - Front
Name of Article: “Should School Start Later?”
Author’s Name: Justin O’Neill
Date Published: February 2014
Page Number(s): 1-2
Website URL: N/A (not applicable)
Type of Resource (Book, website, encyclopedia, news article): News article
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15. Example Index Card - Back
Summary of Source:
This is a news article that presents both the pros and cons of starting school later. For the pros, it presents research such as students who started school later had improved test scores as well as the anecdotal evidence of Jilly Dos Santos protesting her school’s decision to start school earlier. For the cons, it discusses transportation challenges as well as the idea that students should be prepared for the real world by getting to school on time. Overall, even though it is trying to be objective and present both sides of the issues, the article seems to be more in favor of starting school later.
Evidence:
“The body’s circadian rhythm -- that is, its natural sense of time -- shifts during adolescence. It becomes physically harder to go to sleep early” (O’Neill 1).
“Later start times would mean that some districts might have to invest in additional buses and drivers, which can be expensive” (O’Neill 2).
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Directions
Find your resources.
Complete your research index cards (two supporting your opinion; two supporting the other side’s opinion)
Complete the Pro/Con t-chart to organize your information.
Teacher Directions: Give your students the rest of class to begin finding their resources. Depending on age/ability level, your students might need an additional 1-2 days to gather their sources. Once they finished finding their information, have them complete their pro/con t-chart to examine both sides of the argument.
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What do you think? Should school start later? Use evidence from as your own research to support each side of the debate. Make sure to write down each source where you got your information from.
Yes No 1. 2. 3 3.
Teacher Directions: After students have gather their resources, have students complete the pro/con t-chart. Remind students that it is important for them to have examined arguments from both sides. This especially becomes important when they go to write their rebuttal paragraph(s).
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