Argumentative Writing
Argumentative WritingCCSS.9-10.W1Write arguments to support
claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid
reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.Terms to knowClaim:
the overall thesis the writer will argue for
Data: evidence gathered to support the claim
Warrant (bridge): explanation of why or how the data supports
the claim (connect your data to your claim)Terms to knowBacking:
additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the
warrant
Counterclaim: a claim that negates or disagrees with the
thesis/claim
Rebuttal: evidence that negates or disagrees with the
counterclaimSample text--ClaimHybrid cars are an effective strategy
to fight pollution.DataDriving a private car is a typical citizens
most air polluting activity.WarrantBecause cars are the largest
source of private, as opposed to industry produced, air pollution
switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting
pollution.Sample text--CounterclaimInstead of focusing on cars,
which still encourages a culture of driving even if it cuts down on
pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging use
of mass transit systems.RebuttalWhile mass transit is an
environmentally sound idea that should be encouraged, it is not
feasible in many rural and suburban areas, or for people who must
commute to work; thus hybrid cars are a better solution for much of
the nations population.Close Reading StrategyBefore readingnumber
the paragraphs.During readingchunk the text. Look for paragraphs
that go together.During readingunderline words that you think are
important. Circle words you do not know.After readingsummarize each
chunk in the left column.After readingdig deeper in the right
column. Ask questions, make connections, etc.Examining Text
FeaturesWith your first color, highlight/underline the claim.With
your second color, highlight/underline evidence that directly
supports that claim.With your third color, highlight/underline the
warrants.With your fourth color, highlight/underline the
counterclaim.Jigsaw StrategyNumber 1-4 in your group.Find your
fellow numbers.Share your findings about your article.Discuss
authors craftwhat does the writer do well?
Homework
Write an argumentative essay in response to the article you
read. Rough drafts due Wednesday.Would you rather?Choose a side and
defend your answer to your partner.Would you rather be able to
pause the world around you or silence it?
Would you rather wear the same thing every day or never wear the
same thing twice?
Would you rather be the first killed in a group or the last
killed in a group?
Would you rather be a mall cop or a prison guard?
Would you rather eat only buffalo wings for the rest of your
life or drink only buffalo sauce for the rest of your life?
Would you rather bring back someone you love who died or bring
back someone famous who died?
Would you rather always have sticky fingers or always have bad
breath?
Would you rather know everything and die tomorrow or live
forever and be ignorant?
Revising and EditingChoose one of your three drafts to perfect
into a final draft.Thinking about argumentsExamine your rough draft
and think about the argument.Use this chart to flush out all sides
of the argument:
What are the main points of your argument?What are the main
points of evidence to support your argument?What are the
counterarguments you will hear from others?What are the
counterarguments you would present to others?Writing StylesTips to
get your startedIntroductionsBegin with a hookget your reader
interested.End with a thesis.
Examine the mentor text for the hook and the thesis.What do you
like? What do you think needs work?Write your thoughts and process
on the chart paper.Students will use the graffiti strategy to have
a written conversation about two mentor texts.22Time to Write!
Body ParagraphThe Hamburger ApproachSet Them Up; Knock Them
Down
Examine the mentor texts.What do you like? What do you dislike?
What tips can this writer offer you?Write your thoughts and process
on the chart paper.Time to Write!
Choose one of your body paragraphs to examine closely. What
changes will you make?
Writing the ConclusionWhat to do and what not to doDoDontAsk a
provocative questionSimply restate your thesis statementLeave with
an interesting quotationIntroduce a brand new ideaCall for
actionFocus on a minor point of the essayLoop back to the anecdote
in the introductionUse the following phrases: In conclusion, In
summary, or In closingEnd with a warningAdd extra information that
should have been in the body of the essayPaint a strong
imageExpress your hopesAnswer the so what? questionPoint to broader
implicationFinal Draft PapersHow to FormatGeneral GuidelinesFinal
drafts must be typed.Double space & use a legible font.Set the
margins to one inch.Indent (using the tab key) the first line of
every paragraph.Create a header that includes your last name and
numbers all pages in the upper right-hand corner. Formatting the
First PageDo not make a title page.In the upper left-hand corner of
the first page, list your name, my name, the course, and the
date.Center the title. Do not underline, italicize, or place your
title in quotation marks.
Formatting the Works Cited PageBegin your works cited page on a
separate page at the end of your research paper.Label the page
Works Cited and center the title at the top.Double space all
citations.Use a hanging indentationthe first line is not indented,
but all others are.Citing Electronic SourcesAuthor and/or editor
namesArticle name in quotation marksTitle of the website, project,
or book in italics.Any version numbers available, including
revisions, posting dates, volumes, or issue numbersPublisher
information, including name and datePage numbersMedium of
publicationDate you accessed the materialSample CitationsFelluga,
Dino.Survey of the Literature of England. Purdue U, Aug. 2006. Web.
31 May 2007.
"How to Make Vegetarian Chili."eHow. Demand Media, n.d. Web. 24
Feb. 2009.
Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing the Living Web."A List
Apart: For People Who Make Websites. A List Apart Mag., 16 Aug.
2002. Web. 4 May 2009.Final drafts due by the end of the school day
Friday.