1. So You Think You Can ARGUE?

2. Arguments can be very calm. An argument in writing is silent! MYTH REALITY An argument is just people yelling at each other. Common Myths about Arguing

3. Making an argument has nothing to do with how you feel. MYTH REALITY You have to totally believe in what you are arguing.

4. Most of the time, the two sides of an argument are just different points of view. Neither side is really right or wrong. Common Myths about Arguing MYTH REALITY Every argument has a right and wrong side.

5. A lot of great arguing takes place on paper, where you can take as much time as you need to think everything through. MYTH REALITY You can’t be good at arguing unless you can think fast on your feet. Common Myths about Arguing

6. Why argue?  To change someone’s point of view.  To bring about action on someone’s part.  To convince others to accept your evaluation of a concept, issue, or problem.

7. An argument … - Starts with a CLAIM or a statement that someone believes is true or should be true. Kids should go to school year- round!

8. Hey, wait a minute! - Here’s another example of a CLAIM. Kids should not go to school year round.

9. So … an argument has two sides. For - Year Round School Against - Year Round School

10. I need backup!  Regardless of a person’s claim, he needs EVIDENCE to support it! For - Year Round School Against - Year Round School Students forget what they have learned over the summer. Students earn money for college with summer jobs.

11. Next you need to explain …  how the evidence supports your claim, using:  common sense rules.  laws.  scientific principles.  research.  well-considered definitions.

12. Explanations of Evidence For - Year Round School Against - Year Round School Students forget what they have learned over the summer. - Teachers often have to spend the first month reviewing material that students learned the previous year when they could be starting on new material. Students earn money for college with summer jobs. - Middle school and high school students work all sorts of jobs during the summer to earn money. Businesses like restaurants, gas stations, and motels rely on these students as do home owners and parents who hire students for yard work or child care.

13. Good argument...  uses what the other side CLAIMS, too..  The opposite of your CLAIM is called a COUNTERARGUMENT. For - Year Round School Opponents to year round school claim that students will not be able to earn money for college. However, students will still be able to hold jobs after school, on weekends, and during the numerous breaks that occur during the year round school calendar.

14. MINI QUIZ True or False? 1.You can only make an argument about something if you feel very strongly about it. FALSE

15. MINI QUIZ True or False? FALSE 2. All arguments are equally strong.

16. MINI QUIZ True or False? TRUE 3. A claim is a statement that someone believes is or should be true.

17. MINI QUIZ True or False? TRUE 4. An argument can take place without any yelling at all.

18. MINI QUIZ True or False? FALSE 5. There is a right and wrong side to every argument.

19. MINI QUIZ True or False? TRUE 6. You use arguments to persuade someone that your viewpoint is correct.

20. MINI QUIZ True or False? TRUE 7. An opposing claim is known as a counterargument.

21. MINI QUIZ True or False? TRUE 8. All claims need evidence, not just opinions.

22. MINI QUIZ True or False? FALSE 9. An argument can take place only face to face.

23. MINI QUIZ True or False? FALSE 10. A good arguer focuses only on his/her claim.