Evidence EvaluationEvidence Evaluation1.1. Trade SOKs with the person sitting next to you.Trade SOKs with the person sitting next to you.

2.2. Look at each piece of evidence that is supposed to Look at each piece of evidence that is supposed to support the argument. Evaluate the evidence:support the argument. Evaluate the evidence:

• Is it evidence or just more explanation of the argument?Is it evidence or just more explanation of the argument?

• Is it a fact or someone’s opinion? Is it a fact or someone’s opinion?

• Is it believable or suspect?Is it believable or suspect?

• Is it specific or too general?Is it specific or too general?

• Does it effectively prove the argument being made?Does it effectively prove the argument being made?

• Is the evidence enough to prove the argument, or would Is the evidence enough to prove the argument, or would additional evidence be helpful? additional evidence be helpful?

Generating IDEAS—Generating IDEAS—Focused free-writeFocused free-write: In your S.O.K. write : In your S.O.K. write about your issue. Discuss your position, the about your issue. Discuss your position, the arguments you can use in supporting your arguments you can use in supporting your position, the evidence you found, the position, the evidence you found, the arguments of the opposition and what you arguments of the opposition and what you could say to refute the opposition, anything could say to refute the opposition, anything you can think of. Write without stopping for you can think of. Write without stopping for ten minutes. You don’t need to worry about ten minutes. You don’t need to worry about conventions, format or organization, but keep conventions, format or organization, but keep your pen moving. If you get blocked, refer to your pen moving. If you get blocked, refer to your T chart and write about the arguments your T chart and write about the arguments you identified yesterday.you identified yesterday.

Generating IDEAS—Generating IDEAS—Focused free-writeFocused free-write: :

1)1) If you still have more to say, keep writing If you still have more to say, keep writing for five more minutes on your topic.for five more minutes on your topic.

2)2) If you’re finished, select the strongest If you’re finished, select the strongest argument you mentioned and write more argument you mentioned and write more on that point for the next five minutes.on that point for the next five minutes.

Generating IDEAS—Generating IDEAS—Highlight the following in different colorsHighlight the following in different colors: :

1)1) Supporting arguments (points you make to Supporting arguments (points you make to support your position)support your position)

2)2) Opposing arguments (points others make Opposing arguments (points others make to attack your position)to attack your position)

3)3) Arguments that refute the oppositionArguments that refute the opposition

4)4) Evidence to support your argumentsEvidence to support your arguments

Evaluate IDEAS—Evaluate IDEAS—•Are you missing any colors?Are you missing any colors?

•Do you have an imbalance?Do you have an imbalance?

Take these into consideration when you Take these into consideration when you write. Try to strengthen your weaknesses.write. Try to strengthen your weaknesses.

Begin draftingBegin drafting1.1. Write your thesis at the top of a clean page.Write your thesis at the top of a clean page.

2.2. Draft ONE paragraph, explaining and Draft ONE paragraph, explaining and supporting your position with at least three supporting your position with at least three strong arguments and evidence to support strong arguments and evidence to support them.them.

3.3. Draft ONE paragraph presenting the opposing Draft ONE paragraph presenting the opposing arguments (at least 2).arguments (at least 2).

4.4. Draft ONE paragraph showing how and why Draft ONE paragraph showing how and why the opposing argument is weaker than yours or the opposing argument is weaker than yours or wrong. This is called a wrong. This is called a refutationrefutation. Use . Use evidence to support your arguments.evidence to support your arguments.

There are several reasons why conserving water is necessary. First, There are several reasons why conserving water is necessary. First, much of Southern California is a natural desert which means that it much of Southern California is a natural desert which means that it does not have enough rainfall to support the people who live there. does not have enough rainfall to support the people who live there. Last year, only nine inches fell compared to the average rainfall of Last year, only nine inches fell compared to the average rainfall of fifteen inches. Less rain leads to less water for drinking, bathing, fifteen inches. Less rain leads to less water for drinking, bathing, washing, and farming. Second, in addition to less rain, more washing, and farming. Second, in addition to less rain, more communities are being developed and more people are moving to communities are being developed and more people are moving to California. Over the past eight years, the U.S. Census Bureau has California. Over the past eight years, the U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that California’s population has increased by 8.5%, estimated that California’s population has increased by 8.5%, approximately 3 million people. More people means a need for approximately 3 million people. More people means a need for more water. If people don’t waste water, but only take what they more water. If people don’t waste water, but only take what they need it is more likely there will be enough to meet the necessities of need it is more likely there will be enough to meet the necessities of everyone. Finally, due to the water shortage, water companies have everyone. Finally, due to the water shortage, water companies have raised water rates. The Metropolitan Water District raised their raised water rates. The Metropolitan Water District raised their rates by 20% this year and are planning to raise rates more next rates by 20% this year and are planning to raise rates more next year. Higher rates means higher bills for customers unless they cut year. Higher rates means higher bills for customers unless they cut back on how much water they use. These are just some of the back on how much water they use. These are just some of the reasons to conserve water.reasons to conserve water.

There are several reasons why conserving water is necessary.There are several reasons why conserving water is necessary. First, First, much of Southern California is a natural desert which means that it much of Southern California is a natural desert which means that it does not have enough rainfall to support the people who live there. does not have enough rainfall to support the people who live there. Last year, only nine inches fell compared to the average rainfall of Last year, only nine inches fell compared to the average rainfall of fifteen inches. Less rain leads to less water for drinking, bathing, fifteen inches. Less rain leads to less water for drinking, bathing, washing, and farming.washing, and farming. Second, in addition to less rain, more Second, in addition to less rain, more communities are being developed and more people are moving to communities are being developed and more people are moving to California. Over the past eight years, the U.S. Census Bureau has California. Over the past eight years, the U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that California’s population has increased by 8.5%, estimated that California’s population has increased by 8.5%, approximately 3 million people. More people means a need for approximately 3 million people. More people means a need for more water. If people don’t waste water, but only take what they more water. If people don’t waste water, but only take what they need it is more likely there will be enough to meet the necessities of need it is more likely there will be enough to meet the necessities of everyone.everyone. Finally, due to the water shortage, water companies have Finally, due to the water shortage, water companies have raised water rates. The Metropolitan Water District raised their raised water rates. The Metropolitan Water District raised their rates by 20% this year and are planning to raise rates more next rates by 20% this year and are planning to raise rates more next year. Higher rates means higher bills for customers unless they cut year. Higher rates means higher bills for customers unless they cut back on how much water they use.back on how much water they use. These are just some of the These are just some of the reasons to conserve water.reasons to conserve water.

To be honest, there are very few open critics of water conservation. To be honest, there are very few open critics of water conservation. Most people believe that using water reasonably and responsibly is Most people believe that using water reasonably and responsibly is important. However, water conservation is an issue where people’s important. However, water conservation is an issue where people’s actions don’t match their words. For example, how many times actions don’t match their words. For example, how many times have you seen water running down the street because a homeowner have you seen water running down the street because a homeowner has set their sprinklers to run too long or to overshoot a lawn? How has set their sprinklers to run too long or to overshoot a lawn? How many of us like to linger in the shower or leave the water running as many of us like to linger in the shower or leave the water running as you brush your teeth? Have you ever ordered water at a restaurant you brush your teeth? Have you ever ordered water at a restaurant and left most of it in the glass to be thrown away? Though most and left most of it in the glass to be thrown away? Though most people talk a good game, often water conservation takes a back seat people talk a good game, often water conservation takes a back seat to other wants or habits. To excuse their poor habits, some say that to other wants or habits. To excuse their poor habits, some say that the water they are wasting is minor, a drop in the bucket compared the water they are wasting is minor, a drop in the bucket compared with all the water out there. Others say that the drought conditions with all the water out there. Others say that the drought conditions have been over-exaggerated in order to force people to believe they have been over-exaggerated in order to force people to believe they must conserve water. Some suspect that water utilities are using the must conserve water. Some suspect that water utilities are using the drought to raise rates higher than necessary to increase their drought to raise rates higher than necessary to increase their revenues. They use these arguments to resist conservation efforts.revenues. They use these arguments to resist conservation efforts.

To be honest, there are very few open critics of water conservation. To be honest, there are very few open critics of water conservation. Most people believe that using water reasonably and responsibly is Most people believe that using water reasonably and responsibly is important. However, water conservation is an issue where people’s important. However, water conservation is an issue where people’s actions don’t match their words. For example, how many times actions don’t match their words. For example, how many times have you seen water running down the street because a homeowner have you seen water running down the street because a homeowner has set their sprinklers to run too long or to overshoot a lawn? How has set their sprinklers to run too long or to overshoot a lawn? How many of us like to linger in the shower or leave the water running as many of us like to linger in the shower or leave the water running as you brush your teeth? Have you ever ordered water at a restaurant you brush your teeth? Have you ever ordered water at a restaurant and left most of it in the glass to be thrown away? Though most and left most of it in the glass to be thrown away? Though most people talk a good game, often water conservation takes a back seat people talk a good game, often water conservation takes a back seat to other wants or habits. to other wants or habits. To excuse their poor habits, some say that To excuse their poor habits, some say that the water they are wasting is minor, a drop in the bucket compared the water they are wasting is minor, a drop in the bucket compared with all the water out there.with all the water out there. Others say that the drought conditions Others say that the drought conditions have been over-exaggerated in order to force people to believe they have been over-exaggerated in order to force people to believe they must conserve water. Some suspect that water utilities are using the must conserve water. Some suspect that water utilities are using the drought to raise rates higher than necessary to increase their drought to raise rates higher than necessary to increase their revenues.revenues. They use these arguments to resist conservation efforts. They use these arguments to resist conservation efforts.

First, the “drop in the bucket” argument is easily disproved. Statistics First, the “drop in the bucket” argument is easily disproved. Statistics presented by the Mohave Water Agency and the American Water Works presented by the Mohave Water Agency and the American Water Works Association show that the average American uses 140-170 gallons of Association show that the average American uses 140-170 gallons of water per day. Showering and bathing are the largest indoor uses (27%). water per day. Showering and bathing are the largest indoor uses (27%). The average five-minute shower takes fifteen to twenty gallons of water, The average five-minute shower takes fifteen to twenty gallons of water, while around forty gallons are used in ten minutes. You use about five while around forty gallons are used in ten minutes. You use about five gallons of water if you leave the water running while brushing your teeth. gallons of water if you leave the water running while brushing your teeth. In addition to personal use, landscaping accounts for about half the water In addition to personal use, landscaping accounts for about half the water Californians use at home. A leaky sprinkler or faucet can lose 100 Californians use at home. A leaky sprinkler or faucet can lose 100 gallons a day. Clearly, the drops add up to more than one bucket. gallons a day. Clearly, the drops add up to more than one bucket. Secondly, though utility companies may be taking advantage of the Secondly, though utility companies may be taking advantage of the drought to line their coffers, the fact remains that drought conditions drought to line their coffers, the fact remains that drought conditions persist. The California State Department of Water Resources Drought persist. The California State Department of Water Resources Drought Report (Sep 2010) states that “water years 2007-09 were the 12th driest Report (Sep 2010) states that “water years 2007-09 were the 12th driest three-year period in the state’s measured hydrologic record” (11). In three-year period in the state’s measured hydrologic record” (11). In addition, the report demonstrated that from 1906 to the present, there has addition, the report demonstrated that from 1906 to the present, there has been a decline of 10% in the water runoff that feeds our rivers. Clearly, been a decline of 10% in the water runoff that feeds our rivers. Clearly, the drought has not been fabricated and blaming the utility companies for the drought has not been fabricated and blaming the utility companies for corruption will not add one drop of water to a dwindling supply.corruption will not add one drop of water to a dwindling supply.

First, the “drop in the bucket” argument is easily disproved. Statistics First, the “drop in the bucket” argument is easily disproved. Statistics presented by the Mohave Water Agency and the American Water Works presented by the Mohave Water Agency and the American Water Works Association show that the average American uses 140-170 gallons of Association show that the average American uses 140-170 gallons of water per day. Showering and bathing are the largest indoor uses (27%). water per day. Showering and bathing are the largest indoor uses (27%). The average five-minute shower takes fifteen to twenty gallons of water, The average five-minute shower takes fifteen to twenty gallons of water, while around forty gallons are used in ten minutes. You use about five while around forty gallons are used in ten minutes. You use about five gallons of water if you leave the water running while brushing your teeth. gallons of water if you leave the water running while brushing your teeth. In addition to personal use, landscaping accounts for about half the water In addition to personal use, landscaping accounts for about half the water Californians use at home. A leaky sprinkler or faucet can lose 100 Californians use at home. A leaky sprinkler or faucet can lose 100 gallons a day. Clearly, the drops add up to more than one bucket.gallons a day. Clearly, the drops add up to more than one bucket. Secondly, though utility companies may be taking advantage of the Secondly, though utility companies may be taking advantage of the drought to line their coffers, the fact remains that drought conditions drought to line their coffers, the fact remains that drought conditions persist. The California State Department of Water Resources Drought persist. The California State Department of Water Resources Drought Report (Sep 2010) states that “water years 2007-09 were the 12th driest Report (Sep 2010) states that “water years 2007-09 were the 12th driest three-year period in the state’s measured hydrologic record” (11). In three-year period in the state’s measured hydrologic record” (11). In addition, the report demonstrated that from 1906 to the present, there has addition, the report demonstrated that from 1906 to the present, there has been a decline of 10% in the water runoff that feeds our rivers. Clearly, been a decline of 10% in the water runoff that feeds our rivers. Clearly, the drought has not been fabricated and blaming the utility companies for the drought has not been fabricated and blaming the utility companies for corruption will not add one drop of water to a dwindling supply.corruption will not add one drop of water to a dwindling supply.

HOMEWORKHOMEWORKFinish drafting the body paragraphs:Finish drafting the body paragraphs:

1.1. Paragraph 1: Explain your position with at Paragraph 1: Explain your position with at least three strong arguments and evidence to least three strong arguments and evidence to support them.support them.

2.2. Paragraph 2: Present opposing arguments (at Paragraph 2: Present opposing arguments (at least 2).least 2).

3.3. Paragraph 3: Show how and why the Paragraph 3: Show how and why the opposing argument is weak or wrong. This opposing argument is weak or wrong. This is called a refutation. Use evidence to is called a refutation. Use evidence to support your arguments.support your arguments.