1. Unit 3: Research Lesson 03
I can gather the most important and relevant information from a variety of credible sources.
I can write a MLA citation for each source I find.
I can write a claim that takes a clear side.

2. Agenda Bell Ringer – Writing Lesson
Research utilizing synthesis and choosing the best evidence skills – 45 minutes
Writing a credible claim – 30
Homework: Complete the Synthesis Chart for organizing your argument due A- 11/28 & B- 11/22
Agenda

3. For each source, be sure to write down the information needed for an MLA Works Cited Entry.
Gather the most important and relevant information:
Identify the author’s main idea and major premises.
Pick out evidence that might be useful in answering your research question.
Narrow the information
Eliminate any unimportant information
Is it necessary to support an author’s (and eventually your) ideas?
Eliminate irrelevant information
Does it make sense? Does it connect to the topic? Is it appropriate?
Synthesize the information
Make Inferences, Draw Conclusions, Determine Relationships between sources
As you are Researching: Apply what you have learned to your own research.

4. Writing a Claim

5. An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a strong claim.
Claims must be debatable and narrow
Debatable
Example of a non-debatable claim: Pollution is bad for the environment.
Example of a debatable claim: At least 25 percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.
Narrow
Example of a broad claim: Drug use is detrimental to society.
Example of a narrow claim: Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence.
Claims

6. Steps for Writing a Claim
A successful claim needs:
Topic or subject
STRONG verb
Directions/Reasons
Universal idea
Qualifier
except for “counterargument” besides “counterargument” while “counterargument”
Steps for Writing a Claim

7. Example of Claim & Class Practice
While a few Internet users may utilize the available technology inappropriately, censoring the world wide web for the masses precipitates larger societal and governmental problems and smaller private problems, leading to an infringement of an American’s basic right to free speech.
Topic or Subject:
Strong Verb:
Directions/Reasons:
Universal Idea:
Qualifier:
Example of Claim & Class Practice

8. Example of Claim & Class Practice
While a few Internet users may utilize the available technology inappropriately, censoring the world wide web for the masses precipitates larger societal and governmental problems and smaller private problems, leading to an infringement of an American’s basic right to free speech.
1. Topic or Subject:  Web censorship
2. Strong Verb: precipitates
3. Directions/Reasons: larger societal and governmental problems and smaller private problems
4. Universal Idea: leading to an infringement of an American’s basic right to free speech.
5. Qualifier: While a few internet users may utilize the available technology inappropriately…
Example of Claim & Class Practice

9. Label the parts of the thesis statement given on your claim handout. 
Practice

10. After reviewing your research, write a claim for your position.
Writing a Claim

11. Homework Due 11/22 (B Day) & 11/28 (A Day)
Complete the Evidence Chart for your topic, synthesizing the information you located in your research.
Make sure that for each “Reason” you provide, you use at least two sources with evidence to support your reasoning.
Homework Due 11/22 (B Day) & 11/28 (A Day)