1. Argumentative Writing
Review

2. What is an Argument?
a discussion in which people express different opinions about a subject and back up their positions with evidence
Not an angry disagreement or a fight
Argument Clinic – YouTube

3. Parts of an Argument
Qualification Evidence Claim Warrant Counter-Argument

4. Question Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
Should always start looking at an argument with a question
Examples:
Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
Is torture ever acceptable?
Do Americans eat too much food?
Should the government provide health care?

5. Thesis Your overall opinion of a topic Always be decisive Examples:
Take a side and stick with it even if you agree with parts of both sides.
Examples:
Curfews are ineffective and lead to more problems.
Torture is never acceptable, no matter the situation.
Americans eat entirely way too much food.
Health care should be the responsibility of the individual.

6. Claim/Reasons Statements of what side you are taking on a position
Can be over entire issue or one part of it.
Should begin each paragraph of the body with a claim
Examples:
More kids will sneak out with curfews
Lots of kids will ignore curfew and more kids will get tickets for being out.

7. Qualifications Almost nothing is absolute
QUALIFIED
Will
May, might, could
Forms of “be” (am, is, are, was, were)
May be, might have been, may have been
All
Many, most, some, numerous, countless, a majority
Every
(Same as “all”)
None/no
Few, not many, a small number, hardly any, a minority
Always
Often, frequently, commonly, for a long time, usually, sometimes, repeatedly
Never
Rarely, infrequently, sporadically, seldom
Certainly
Probably, possibly
Impossible
Unlikely, improbable, doubtful
Almost nothing is absolute
Use words to qualify or show the probability
Examples:
A lot of crimes happen at night.
Most suspects tortured will lie to stop the torture.
Fast food is mostly unhealthy.
Almost all people will have to go to the doctor in their life.

8. Evidence Facts, Data, Statistics, and Testimonials
Helps to back up claims
Helps to inform you and make a decision about an argument
If there is no evidence to your claim you may need to change it
If none of your claims have evidence you need to change your opinion

9. Warrant
Common sense rules that people accept as generally true, laws, scientific principles or studies, and thoughtfully argued definitions.
Used to explain why your evidence backs up your claim.
Examples:
A lot of crimes happen at night.
Every person is born with certain rights.
Fast food is mostly unhealthy.
Everyone will be sick at one time or another in their life.

10. Counter-Argument Shows the other side of your argument
Allows other side to feel validated or cared about
Not only talk about other sides opinions, but show why they are misguided or wrong
Have to use evidence, warrants, etc.

11. Conclusion
You need to restate your thesis (do not just copy and paste from the beginning).
Go briefly over your claims/reasons.
Address the counter-claims
Should end with a call to action or something to think about