Writing an Argument Essay...effective introduction. Know at least 4 methods for creating a hook. Write an effective introductory paragraph that includes a hook, explanatory material

ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING

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Writing an Argument Essay

Standards

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.

Learning Targets:

I can distinguish persuasive writing from argumentative writing.

I can identify the components of an effective argument essay.

I can identify and compose an effective claim.

Overview: What is Argument?

A statement of the writer’s position regarding an issue

Overview: What is Argument?

A statement of the writer’s position regarding an issue

Supported by valid, significant reasoning

Overview: What is Argument?

A statement of the writer’s position regarding an issue

supported by valid, significant reasoning

AND relevant, sufficient,thorough, and unbiased evidence

PERSUASION versus

ARGUMENTATION

Persuasion: The writers’ aim is to get the

audience to do, to believe, and to agree

with their perspective.

Argumentation: The writers’ aim is to

provide the truth and get the audience

to accept their perspective as credible.

Persuasion Argument

• The writers’ aim is to get the audience to do, to believe, and to agreewith their perspective.

• The writers’ aim is to provide the truth and get the audience to accept their perspective as credible

• Makes a claim based on opinions

• Often one-sided and biased

• Makes claims based on factual and researchedevidence

Persuasion Argument

• May not acknowledge opposing ideas; never provides reasons

• acknowledges opposing views with reasons and evidence

• Persuades by Pathos, appealing to the audience’s emotion,

• relies on the credibility of the writer, not the validity of the evidence

• Convinces through validity and rationality of the claim, supports, and evidence

• Relies on logic or Logos

• Relies on the credibility of the research and evidence, not the writer

Key Components: develop a

Claim

• Before making a claim, the writer would read texts and consider logical reasons of choices

A miner would be a good mascot selection for the University of West Virgina.

• States a position

After developing a claim,…

Reasons

1. Mascots should be strong or tough and represent the community.

2. Mascots should represent qualities people admire and value.

Evidence-Facts

• Determine credibility of sources

Evidence requires explanation and elaboration

Explanation

• The state has mining as one of its primary industries, so the choice would represent the university’s community.

• In addition, miners need to be tough because they do strenuous work—and dangerous work.

Elaboration

• Miners work hard to provide for their families and countries. People admire those who fulfill their responsibilities.

Acknowledging the opposing viewpoint

Counterclaim-followed by reason + evidence

Although some people may say, coal mining has negative environmental impacts. +E

Rebuttal-followed by reason + evidence

In fact, in the state of West Virginia, coal miners remain a source of strength and continue to support the community.+E

Effective Arguments

Don’t Forget: Just as the song mentioned, effective argument writing always recognizes and addresses the opposition or counterclaim, then rebuts it with a rebuttal.“Yea, I’ll mention the counterclaim, so they see the other side.

But then I’ll show how my claim is more logical, and it’s right.”

Making a Claim

➢In order to write an argumentative essay, a clear, precise, definitive, and debatable statement regarding the position on an issue is mandatory.

➢This statement is the claim or thesis statement.

➢ All reasoning, evidence, and writing MUST relatesto the claim or thesis statement.

➢It is the foundation on which the whole essay is built.

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under CC BY-SA-NC

Poor Claim Examples

Too Specific: Wind power could provide eighty percent of Georgia’s power needs.

Too General: Wind power could be beneficial as an alternative energy source in Georgia for many reasons.

Takes both sides: Wind power could be an alternative energy source, but at the same time, it may not be totally beneficial for Georgia.

Do NOT “sit on the fence”!

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claim + reasoning example

Effective Claim: Wind power should continue to be developed and utilized as an alternative energy source in Georgia. (debatable)

Definitive Claim: adds main supporting ideas or the “Road map” for the audience

Example:

Wind power should continue to be developed and utilized as an alternative energy source in Georgia because it provides substantial environmental, health, and economic benefits.

Evaluate the claims.Which of these would be effective claims for an argumentative essay?

Choose three and write them on your paper.

1. Cell phones can be beneficial and harmful in the classroom.

2. Cell phones should not be allowed in schools.

3. Daylight Saving Time is implemented in 48 of the 50 states.

4. Daylight Saving Time is a problematic system, so it should be replaced.

5. Spending too much time using social media harms children.

6. Advertising to children provides information, but it also leads them to be lifelong consumers.

Which of these would be effective claims for an argumentative essay? Check and correct your answers.

1. Cell phones can be beneficial and harmful in the classroom. (takes both sides)

2. Cell phones should not be allowed in schools.

3. Daylight Saving Time is implemented in 48 of the 50 states. (fact)

4. Daylight Saving Time is a problematic system, so it should be replaced.

5. Spending too much time using social media harms children.

6. Advertising to children provides information, but it also leads them to be lifelong consumers. (takes both sides)

Let’s Recap: Making a Claim

➢Claims are a statement.

➢Claims are clear and definitive .

➢Claims are debatable.

➢Claims choose one side or the other. No sitting on the fence.

➢Claims can be supported with logical reasons.

Responding to prompts

When responding to a prompt, use Key Words/Phrases from the

prompt in your claim.

Use the language of the prompt or question!

Use the language of the prompt or question.

Example–

Prompt: It has been said that a positive attitude is the key to

success in life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement about the importance of attitude? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasons and specific examples.

Possible Claim: Having a positive attitude is the key to success in life. (Why– brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons)

OR

Having a positive attitude in life is not the key to success. (Why– brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons)

Use the language of the prompt or question. Underline key words/phrases

Example–

Prompt: It has been said that a positive attitude is the key to success in

life. Do you agree or disagree with this statement about the importance of attitude? Take a position on this issue. Support your response with reasonsand specific examples.

Possible (For/ Pro) Claim: Having a positive attitude is the key to success in life. (Why– brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons) OR

Possible (Against/ Con)Claim: Having a positive attitude in life is not the key to success. (Why– brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons)

Circle which position has logical reasons? For/Pro or Against/Con

because positivity allows ______________, _________________,and ________________________________.

Use the language of the prompt or question. Underline key words/phrases

Your turn to practice:

PROMPT: Think about the benefits of working with a group or working alone. Which do you feel is more beneficial? Do you prefer working with a group or working alone. Convince your teacher of your preference. Support your position with reasons and specific examples.

Possible (For/ Pro) Claim: ______________________

____________________________(Why? brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons) OR

Possible (Against/ Con)Claim: ______________________

____________________________(Why? brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons)

Circle which position has logical reasons? For/Pro or Against/Con

because _______________________, _________________,and _____________________________________.

Use the language of the prompt or question. Underline key words/phrases

Your turn to practice:

PROMPT: Your friend has asked your advice because he is thinking of becoming a language arts teacher. Think of the positive and negative aspects of teaching language arts. Should your friend choose to become a language arts teacher or not? Write a letter with your advice; be sure tpprovide clear reasons and examples for your decision.

Possible (For/ Pro) Claim: ______________________

____________________________(Why? brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons) OR

Possible (Against/ Con)Claim: ______________________

____________________________(Why? brainstorm main supporting ideas-both for and against or pros and cons)

Circle which position has logical reasons? For/Pro or Against/Con

because _______________________, _________________,and _____________________________________.

Making a Claim: Application

Considerations When Critiquing a Claim: Ask these questions?

To Consider: Is it a statement?

Is it clear and precise?

Does it take a position?

Can it be supported with

logical reasons?

Objectives: After today’s lesson you will…

Know and be able to identify the components of an effective introduction.

Know at least 4 methods for creating a hook.

Write an effective introductory paragraph that includes a hook, explanatory material that maps the context of the issue, and a clear, precise thesis/claim.

Let’s Review!

How to create an argument

Make a claim

Provide reasons

Explain/elaborate on reasons

Difference between persuasion and argument

Persuasion uses ethos (author credibility) and pathos (emotional appeal) to convince

Argument uses logos ( logical reasoning) to convince

Effective claims should be

Clear and precise

Take a position

Be able to be supported by logical reasons

Once one has a claim and a basic plan, how does he/she go about writing an essay?

Introduction Paragraph

An introductory paragraph should

❑ grab the reader’s attention

❑ explain why the topic is relevant and

important

❑ states the position on the subject/topic and provides main supporting reasons.

INTRODUCTION

Think of the introduction as having a funnel

shape or inverted triangle:

General statement (hook)

Specific information

Thesis

The introductory paragraph has three basic components/parts:

Hook – interest reader’s curiosity

Context /Background/Bridge –Why is this topic debatable and important to my reader?

Thesis/Claim – Position taken with reasons to prove it.

Take a look at this Introductory Paragraph!

What society will do when fossil fuels, such as gasoline, oil, and coal are depleted, is the great unknown.

Hook

Take a look at this Introductory Paragraph!

What society will do when fossil fuels, such as gasoline, oil, and coal are depleted, is the great unknown.Advocates of nuclear energy claim that without nuclear power plants the future will see people shivering in the dark. Survivors of the Chernobyl disaster can testify, however, to the risks of nuclear power.

Hook Context: Why is my

audience interested in this?

Take a look at this Introductory Paragraph!

What society will do when fossil fuels, such as gasoline, oil, and coal are depleted, is the great unknown.Advocates of nuclear energy claim that without nuclear power plants, the future will see society shivering in the dark. Survivors of the Chernobyl disaster can testify, however, to the risks of nuclear power. Countries should invest in safe, alternative fuel sources because fossil fuels are rapidly being depleted and other fuel sources are better for the environment.

Hook Context: Why is my Thesis/Claim

audience interested in this?

Take Notes - THE AUDIENCE

When introducing the topic, think about the

audience first.

❖ How much does the audience know about the

topic?

❖ Is the audience likely to agree

or disagree with your position?

❖ How can you “hook” the audience’s

attention?

How many times have you heard that First Impressions are so important?

It is true that the first impression—whether it’s a first meeting with a person, the first sentence of a book, the first line of a movie, or the first sentence of an essay—sets the stage for a lasting opinion.

• The introductory paragraph of any essay, long or short, should start with a sentence that piques the interest of your readers.

• It is your big chance to be so clever that your reader can’t stop reading.

Just in Case you Missed Something

1. Opening with shocking statement: “Weird things have been found inside a shark, such as a nail, a bottle of wine, a treasure chest, coats, a suit of armor, a drum and a torpedo.”)

2. Opening with a Quotation: (Elbert Hubbard once said, "Truth is stronger than fiction.")

3. Opening with an Anecdote(story): An anecdote can provide an amusing and attention-getting opening if it is short and to the point.

4. Opening with a Statistic or Fact: Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your topic. It may be wise to include the item's authoritative source. (“The record for attacks in a sing

5. Opening with creative figurative language.

The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important questions:

What is this?

Why am I reading it?

What do you want me to think?

Drafting Your Hook

• As you brainstorm and research your topic, you will think of or discover many interesting anecdotes, quotes, or trivial facts.

• This is exactly the sort of thing you should use for an engaging introduction.

Mapping Context

• In a typical essay, that first sentence (the hook) leads into a few sentences that provide details about your subject or your process.

• All of these sentences build up to your thesis/claim statement. They link your hook to your thesis/claim, explaining whyyour reader should be interested in your topic.

Mapping Context

With your group, analyze a couple of the previous examples and take note of exactly how the author maps the context in each.

What types of things are included in the mapping context portion of each?

What similarities in mapping context do you see between these?

How does the author map context here?

What will our generation do when fossil fuels, such as gasoline, oil, and coal, are depleted? Advocates of nuclear energy claim that without nuclear power plants, the future will see us shivering in the dark. Survivors of the Chernobyl disaster can testify, however, to the risks of nuclear power. The solution to the energy crisis lies in safe, alternative fuel sources: the sun, the wind, and the oceans.

Notes: Both mention that there is disagreement on or controversy around the issue/claim.

“Advocates of nuclear energy claim that without nuclear power plants, the future will see everyone shivering in the dark.”

“the answer is a legal dilemma. Experts disagree over whether schools have constitutional authority to punish students in these cases. Regardless of the philosophical debate, the bottom line is that school has to be a safe place for students, and safety reaches farther than the physical school building.”

Thesis Statement

The Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the most important part of the essay introduction.

It introduces the topic in a structured manner.

It appears as the last sentence of the introduction.

In an argumentative essay, it must take a stand by making a claim.

It must also include the logical supporting reasons for the claim.

Argument VocabularyKey Terms for Argumentative Writing

1. argument – a reason or a set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an

action or idea is write or wrong; an exchange of opposite views

2. claim – a statement that is open to challenge and that requires support

3. counterclaim – the opposing position to a claim which must be acknowledged in an

effective argumentative essay

4. audience – who the argument is intended to persuade

5. reason – a logical support for a claim

6. evidence – research-based facts and expert opinions to back up the reasons

7. thesis statement – a sentence that states the purpose of the essay by combining the

claim and reasons (main supports)

8. rebuttal – an opportunity to disprove the counterclaim with reasoning and evidence

9. objective – based on facts; not influenced by personal feelings or bias

10. subjective – based on or influenced by personal feelings or opinions; always biased

11. tone – the writer’s attitude

12. rhetoric – the art of using words to persuade in writing or speaking