1. Argument Writing
2019

2. The Assignment Write an argumentative researched based essay
Use a minimum of three (3) sources
One must be a magazine or newspaper article from the Homer High library web page

3. So What’s your opinion?
Let’s look at how to prove you are right. Because you are right.

4. Parts of an Argument
Claim
Reasons
Evidence
Counterclaim

5. Claim Your stance on an issue Needs to be BOLD
Something two reasonable people could have an argument about
Also known as the thesis

6. Reason Big ideas that led you to your claim.
Typically the topic sentence of body paragraphs
Coffee can help fight cancer  BIG IDEA
Women who drank 5 cups of coffee a day were 57% less likely to get certain kinds of cancers......EVIDENCE
 Spotify has better song selection BIG IDEA
Spotify has 20,000,000 songs. Spotify lets you create your own playlists EVIDENCE
LED lights are energy saving BIG IDEA
LED bulbs are o.o69 watts. LED bults have an energy star rating. LED bulbs have a 200,000 hour life span EVIDENCE

7. Evidence Facts that support your claim
Be sure to explain to your reader HOW the evidence proves your point.
It’s not enough to just list interesting data and facts.
YOU connect the research to your claim with solid argumentation and voice.

8. Evidence Sources Research and cite reliable sources
Using Evidence: Quotations
Paraphrasing
Summary
Statistics, data, charts, graphs, illustrations
A general rule of thumb: less than 10% of your paper should be Quotes

9. Counterclaim
Show that you are smart and have thought deeply about this issue by acknowledging the strongest point your opponents will likely make and then immediately Take Them DOWN

10. Counterclaims Should be short. Maybe a paragraph
Maybe a single sentence in each body paragraph
Followed by your reason and evidence supporting your claim

11. Conclusion Restate the claim or thesis using new words
Briefly review key points
Consider:
inviting the reader to support Argument
Provide a call to action
Leave the reader with something to think about (but not new information)

12. Tips from the New York Times
Know your bottom line.
Be concise – avoid wordiness.
Boldly state your claim.
Do research.
Write clearly.
Every writer needs an editor.
Be prepared for a reaction.

13. The Assignment Write an argumentative researched based essay
Use a minimum of three (3) sources
One must be a magazine or newspaper article from the Homer High library web page

14. Make the source do the work

15. Getting to the good stuff
Homer High Library
bsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/
Research Help
KPBSD to Student to Digital Pipeline

16. EBSCO Make the search engine do the work: Check the Full Text Box
Narrow the dates
Choose publication type
Record the MLA citation
Click print; then select citation MLA from the citation format dropdown menu

17. Nuts and bolts
Create a separate Works Cited Page (use your MLA 8 flipbook)
Please follow “the Bishop Way” aka MLA formatting:
(1.5 or 2.0 spacing, size 12 plain font, MLA heading, last name and page number)
Essays should be 3 – 5 pages plus the Works Cited page