ARGUMENTATIVE writing

Directions: You will complete 3 tasks total for your argumentative writing lesson.

Task #1: read carefully over the following slides, taking notes on your “Argumentative Essay Notes”

ARGUMENTATION

The aim of writing argumentative writing is to: convince or persuade the reader.

One attempts to change the reader’s mind and convince the reader to agree with the point of view or claim of the writer.

So an argumentative essay needs to be highly persuasive and logical.

Key Terms to Learn

Argumentation _____

Refutation _____

Proponent _____

Opponent _____

Counter Argument (CON) ____

(aka Counter claim)

Pro Argument (PRO) _____

1. a person who disagrees with something and speaks against it

2. the act or process of forming reasons, drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in discussion

3. point or statement that supports one’s ideas and/or thesis

4. point or statement in opposition to the argument being made in a written document or speech

5. the process of discrediting the arguments that oppose your thesis statement

6. someone who argues in favor of something; advocate

2

5

6

1

4

3

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF ARGUMENTATION?

present an opinion on a controversial topic to the reader; explain, clarify and illustrate that opinion; persuade the reader that the opinion supported in the essay is

valid by:a. moving the reader to action,b. convincing the reader that the opinion is correct, orc. persuading the reader that the opinion is at least worth considering;

support the opinion by means of giving evidence: facts, examples, physical description, support of authority, and statistics;

present counterarguments to the thesis (belief statement) and refute them respectfully and critically.

Arguable or Not Arguable?

Marijuana should be legalized.Arguable

Smoking is harmful to people’s health.Not Arguable

Salem is the best school in the district.Arguable

Emissions testing hurts the ozone.Not arguable

Gather Data to Support Your Claim

Complete research as necessaryUse appropriate web sitesMake sure your experts are validPrepare your Works Cited page and your

parenthetical citations (Source Notes) in advance

Logos, Pathos, and Ethos

Logos-logical appealEvidence and the reasoning based on that

evidence

Ethos-ethical appealAccording to Aristotle--the credibility or

trustworthiness that the author establishes in his writing

Pathos-Emotional appealPersuades the audience by using emotions

Now go to the next handout in your packet and complete it using the following slides……

Introduction (1 paragraph)

1-Get the attention of the audience Attention Getter or Hook

2-Provide background information to orient the reader to the issue What does the reader need to know about this

issue? Define terms

THESIS= Create a thesis statement or assertion to guide the reader (this is what you believe- the main focus of the essay that will guide your points. This is called the PRO of the argument).

The Antithesis= anti thesis (=against the thesis (pro side); the “other” side of the argument; this is the CON side)

Address the case of the opposition Several paragraphs at the beginning or weaved throughout

the paper (argument-concession)

Concede points which cannot be refuted Use signal words and phrases such as Admittedly, While it is

true that etc.

Offer refutation for claims which can be countered Use signal words and phrases such as It has been argued,

However etc.

Body Paragraphs (3 total) Provide a clear topic sentence for each

paragraph 3 ways to organize the body: -use Topic Sentence, Concrete Detail, Commentary (TS, CD, COMM) or -Statement, Evidence, Explanation (S-E-E) or-Claim, Data, Warrant (CDW)

Build to the strongest argument Use a variety of appeals Demonstrate logic and reasoning Address the opposition

Conclusion

Restate your main premise Provide a brief summary of your argument Show how a group will benefit from following

your assertion Explain what might happen if your idea is not

accepted End with a rhetorical question Ask for a call to action

Practice: a Sample Argument Essay

1-Go to the class website and click on “Sample Essays for notes packet.”

2-Read the annotated essays and highlight your handout to match it.

3-Next, review the following items, marking these in your handout (use your notes if you need help):

attention getter organization antithesis—con how author refutes the con connective words—transitions development of arguments slippery slope metaphor conclusion