1. Argumentative writing

2. Argumentative writing—why do I need it?
So you can argue like this:

3. What is argumentative writing?
Argumentative writing is writing in which a writer makes a claim about a topic and then supports it with logic and evidence.
Note: Argumentative writing DOES NOT contain feelings and emotions!!

4. Argumentative Writing Terms
Argument– Making a claim and supporting it using logic.
Persuasion—Making a claim and supporting it using feelings and emotions.
Claim—The position that you are trying to get your readers to accept.
Evidence– Facts that support your claim.
Bridge/warrant—Statement that explains how the evidence supports and connects to the claim. This is explaining your evidence.
Counterargument—Challenging your side of the argument by addressing the position of someone who may not agree with the argument.
Turn-back/Roast—Demonstrating why the counterargument is wrong.

5. How do I organize an argumentative essay?
An argument essay usually contains 5 or more paragraphs.
Argumentative essays require an introductory paragraph, at least 3 body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph.
Introduction
(Includes a hook and a claim/thesis statement)
Body Paragraph #1
(Includes the first reason that the claim is valid and supporting evidence)
Body Paragraph #2
(Includes the second reason that the claim is valid and supporting evidence)
Body Paragraph #3
(Includes the counterargument and turn-back)
Conclusion
(Restates the claim/thesis statement, summarizes the argument, and uses a strong concluding statement

6. Writing the Introductory Paragraph
The introduction has three parts and purposes:
Lead: The lead “hooks” readers and encourages them to keep reading. Try using one of the following:
Lead
Example
Quote
President Obama once said, “During the summer, students are losing a lot of what they learn. A longer school year makes sense.”
Unusual Detail
According to historians, American farm children once attended school from December to March and mid-May to August.
Statistic or Fact
Experts say that during the summer, students lose approximately 22 percent of what they learned during the school year.
Strong Statement
Students must attend school; a shorter school year is comparable to child neglect.
Question
Are most Americans satisfied that compared to their peers in Europe and Asia, American students score lower on achievement tests?
Anecdote
There was a time when summer vacation meant endless lazy days, sitting on the porch, and watching the bees pollinate the flowers.

7. Introductory Paragraph
EVERYONE 
MOST (Your side of argument) 
ALTHOUGH SOME MAY DISAGREE (Other side) 
CLAIM (like the thesis – give two reasons why your side is right)
Introduce the issue: Briefly explain the issue and the controversy surrounding the argument. Give background information.
State your claim: This is the thesis statement. It is a promise to the reader that the essay will address the argument and prove the claim. Use one of these key words to form the thesis: Reasons, Benefits, Advantages or Disadvantages

8. Introductory Paragraph Example
Everyone should know about the "Shut Down Your Screen Week" movement that is continuing to grow across the country. Most would agree that it is something schools should participate. Although some may disagree because it is boring to not have a screen, it is actually beneficial for two reasons: firstly, it gives students a chance to be free from social media, and, secondly, it increases learning at school. 

9. Introductory Paragraph Example
Everyone could easily describe Harriet Tubman as heroic and courageous. Most would agree that after reading Ann Malaspina's "Leader of the Civil War Era: Harriet Tubman" and Walter Olesky's and Meg Mims' "The Woman called Moses," it is clear that Malaspina's article shows a better example of Tubman being heroic and courageous. Although some may disagree due to Olesky and Mims' article describing Tubman's childhood, this does not give as much information on how she is courageous. Malaspina's article portrays Tubman in a more heroic way because it details how she freed slaves, and shows how she persevered. 

10. Writing Body Paragraphs #1 and #2: Support the Claim/Thesis Statement
Start with a topic sentence that introduces the first reason people should be convinced by the argument.
Then include specific evidence to support the thesis statement (the claim). Use facts, examples, and statistics to back up the claim. These MUST come from the texts.
There MUST be at least two pieces of text evidence per paragraph.

11. Writing Body Paragraphs #1 and #2 (continued):
This is how each body paragraph should be set up – this comes from the Perfect Essay Formula you have in your notebook. Topic Sentence Evidence Explanation Summary Sentence

12. Writing Body Paragraph #3/ Counterargument Paragraph
The opposing argument, called the counterargument, proves that you fully understand the topic, and that you are fair-minded.
Transition words and phrases to use in the counterargument:
It might seem that It’s true that Admittedly,
Of course, One might object While
Certainly At first glance, Some people claim
The turn-back/roast is a return to the original argument. Be sure to refute the opposing claim.

13. Writing the Concluding Paragraph
The concluding paragraph is important, as it must close the issue by showing that the topic has been covered thoroughly. It should also provide an idea as to how people should be warned about the topic, or how they can benefit from the position argued.
Reverse Funnel Method

14. General Tips Do Do Not Use strong, convincing language
Weaken your argument by using “I believe” or “I think”
Use reliable facts
Make up “facts” or statistics
Use 2-3 facts, examples, and/or statistics per body paragraph
Rely on personal experiences
Be respectful of those who disagree with your position
Insult those who disagree