1. P URPOSE OF AN A RGUMENTATIVE P APER An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

2. A RGUMENTATIVE THESIS 1. Takes a stand or expresses a particular claim 2. Tells the reader what you will be arguing for

3. F ORMULA FOR AN ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS A specific topic + a particular stand or claim. ___________________________ An effective thesis statement

4. E XAMPLE A specific topic Tweets and posts by college athletes + a particular stand or claim. should be censored by colleges and universities. ___________________________ An effective thesis statement: Tweets by college athletes should be censored by colleges and universities.

5. Y OU TRY Topic: Chick-Fil-A Claim: What is your claim about Chick-Fil-A? Topic: Death penalty Claim: What is your claim or position on the death penalty?

6. G ATHER E VIDENCE FOR A D EBATE Tomorrow you will participate in a formal debate. Today, you will gather evidence to support your position. Hearts and Diamonds: Against the claim (tablets should not replace textbooks in schools) Spades and Clubs: For the claim (tablets should replace textbooks in schools) Claim : Tablets should replace textbooks in schools.

7. Guide for taking notes: 1. What is your thesis/claim? 2. Reasons to support your position 3. What could the other side say? **Textual Evidence must be used to both support your position and refute the opposition. Resources 1. Use www.procon.orgwww.procon.org 2. Click on the Tablets vs. Texbooks link on the bottom