1. Argumentative Essay
A Review

2. Definition
Argumentation is a logical way of asserting the soundness of a debatable position, belief, or conclusion.
Argumentation appeals to reason

3. Argumentation Takes a Stand
The stand is known as a claim
Urges the audience to share the writer’s perspective and insights.

4. Argumentation Leads to a Logical Conclusion
Unlike persuasion it doesn’t’ try to move an audience to action
It’s purpose is to demonstrate that certain ideas are valid and others are not.
Formal structure
Points ( three points of your thesis)
Evidence (research resources)
Examples (personal examples)
Logical chain of reasoning (commentary)
Refutes opposing arguments (counterargument)
Accommodates the audiences views.

5. Thesis: subject, opinion, points of the opinion.
Topic: Is Classical Music The Best For Studying?
Thesis: Classical music is best for studying because it improves mood, helps focus, decreases stress.
Antithesis: Classical music is not the best music for student because some classical music fans find the opposite – that the music is too compelling to fade into the background and ends up distracting from the task at hand.
COUNTERARGUMENT (COMEBACK, REBUTTAL, PROOF THAT IT IS INCORRECT)
Perhaps it is the type of classical music (beat)
Perhaps it is too loud
Perhaps one simply needs a 5 minute break from studying.

6. CRITERIA FOR EVIDENCE RELEVANT REPRESENTATIVE SUFFICIENT
Relate/support thesis
REPRESENTATIVE
Represent the full range of opinions (students, researchers, music theorist)
SUFFICIENT
Enough facts/research/evidence/examples

7. Evaluating Sources Authoritative Accurate Objective Current
Experts in the field
Published information
No author equal no authority
Accurate
University press
Scholarly Journal
Book
High level journal/magazines—Atlantic, Economist, Psychology Today, Wall Street Journal, New York Times. VERSUS NATIONAL ENUIRER
Why not Wikipedia—no single editor who checks entries for accuracy, credibility, objectivity. The users themselves write/edit entries.
Objective
Unbiased, special-interest groups, paid-to-write,
Current
Last date/update.
Comprehensive
Doesn’t just cover one side. Detailed coverage—more than a sentence or a paragraph

8. Finding/Evaluating Sources
College Library databases (UNM University Library)
Online Catalog
Electronic Databases
Reference Works

9. Structure of the Essay. Intro
Thesis with opinion points: Classical music is best for studying because it improves mood, helps focus, decreases stress.
1st Body Paragraph—address first opinion point of thesis—improves mood
CD (Research), EX(personal or research), CM (three-4 sentences explaining how your research and example supports your point.
2nd Body Paragraph—addresses second opinion point of thesis—helps focus
3rd Body Paragraph—addresses third opinion point of thesis—decreases stress
4th Body Paragraph—counterargument-- Classical music is not the best music for student because some classical music fans find the opposite – that the music is too compelling to fade into the background and ends up distracting from the task at hand.
CD(Research)MOZART THEORY CD –explanation or reason why this may not support your opinion.
CD—alternatives to counterargument VOLUME OF MUSIC, TYPE OF MUSIC, BREAK FROM STUDYING
CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH

10. Requirements
7-10 reputable resources in the body paragraphs—must have authors
UNM ONLINE RESOUCES
1 book
3 journal
2 magazine
GENERAL INTERNET SEARCH
2 reputable sources w/authors

11. DUE DATES 10/24 Topic 10/25 General Research 10/26 Brainstorming
10/29 Outline
11/5 1st Draft/revision
11/7 Class Google Hangouts
11/8 PE
11/12 TE
11/14 Google Hangouts.