Argument From Chapter 13

7/29/2019 Argument From Chapter 13

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Argument


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What is Argument?

True argument involves taking a well-thought-out position on a debatable topica topic onwhich reasonable people may disagree.

Examples of debatable topics:

Should teenagers who commit felonies betried as adults?

Should marijuana be legalized? Should same sex marriage be legally

recognized?


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What is the point of an argument?

In an argument you want to attempt toconvince people of the strength of yourides by presenting evidencefacts and

examples.

In an argument paragraph, your purposeit to persuade readers that your argumenthas merit.


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Guidelines for an EffectiveArgument Paragraph

1. Write a clear topic sentence that statesyour position. Use words like shouldorshould notin your topic sentence to make

your position clear.

Examples: The federal government should lower takes on

gasoline.

The city should not build a new sports stadium.


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2. Present points that support your topicsentence. For example, if your purpose isto argue for placing warning labels on

unhealthy snack foods, you should giveseveral reasons why this would be a goodidea.


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3. Present convincing support. Supporteach of your points with evidence (factsand examples).


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What are facts and examples?

Afact is a piece of information that canbe verified. If you make a point, you should be prepared to

support it with factsfor example, statistics,

observations, or statements that are acceptedas true.

An example is a specific illustration of ageneral statement. To be convincing, an example should be

clearly related to the point you are making.


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4.Address opposing arguments. Imaginewhat your opponents points might be, andshow how they are weak or flawed.

For example, While people may argue that

juveniles should be tried as adults because they

have committed adult crimes, this doesntaccount for the fact that young people arecapable of reform.


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5. Write a strong concluding statement.This reinforces the main idea of yourparagraph. It is especially important to

summarize the position you introduced inyour topic sentence.


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The General Structure of anArgument Paragraph

Topic Sentence________________________________________________Point #1______________________________________________________Point #2________________________

______________________________Point #3______________________________________________________Opposing Argument #1____________________________________________Opposing Argument #2____________________________________________Opposing Argument #3____________________________________________Concluding Statement______________________________________________


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Lets look at the paragraphthat starts on page 188!


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Lets look at the paragraphthat starts on page 188!

What are the three reasons she gives forbeing against the soda tax?

What two arguments does she addressfrom the opposite viewpoint?

What transition words does she use?


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Transitional Words and Phrasesto Use in an Argument Paragraph

The first/One reason

Another reason

Finally In addition

Although

In conclusion

THERE IS A FULL LIST ON PAGE 189


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Lets look at another paragraphthat starts on page 177!


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The Importance of Voting

What is the topic sentence? Does it expressthe authors point of view?


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What is the topic sentence? Does it expressthe authors point of view?

It is in each persons best interest to vote.

Yes! It expresses her point of view on the topicof voting.


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What three reasons does the author give tosupport her argument?


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What three reasons does the author give tosupport her argument?

People should vote because government affectsevery part of our lives.

People should vote to support a particularpolitical party.

Voting enables people to influence public policy.


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What transition words does she use?


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What transition words does she use? One reason

Another reason

A third reason


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Does she have a concluding statement thatsums up her position? What is it?


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Does she have a concluding statement thatsums up her position? What is it?

Yes!

To keep our democracy working and toparticipate in government, all citizens mustexercise the right to vote.


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Lets look at page 194!Writing an argument paragraph self-assessment

checklist!Does your Topic Sentence clearly state your position?Do you support your points with specific facts and

examples?Have you addressed possible opposing arguments?Have you used appropriate transitional words and

phrases to introduce your points and identify opposingarguments?

Have you combined sentences to create compound and

complex sentences that show how your ideas arerelated?Have you included a concluding statement that

summarizes your position?

Argument From Chapter 13

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