If

EVERYTHING

is

an

argument,

Argument:

proof, evidence; A process of reasoning, or

a controversy made up of rational proofs

This man is displaying an argument on a piece of cardboard box.

This guy is pondering an argument in his head.

This flyer is presenting an argument.

This metal sign is an argument.

then what IS an argument?

Introduction to the

Persuasive Argument

Essential Elements in a Nutshell

1. an original argument takes a side: “should,” ”shouldn’t,” “proves,” “is”, etc.

2. It requires support, primary first (strongest reason): TW suggestion: “Initially,”

3. And secondary support for strength (second strongest): TW suggestion: “In addition to this,”

4. The audience’s counterargument for strength: TW suggestion: “Some may say”

5. a rebuttal for proof (that doesn’t repeat already-stated support): TW suggestion: “However,”

6. And finally, a call to the audience for action: Imperative verbs such as “write,” “call,” “read,” “discuss,” “attend,” “vote,” “recycle,” etc.

Let’s understand the relationships of ideas first.

It is no coincidence that the ACT and other academic tests ask for the construction of a persuasive argument as their writing assessment.

It is a logical construction of ideas that is easy to work through with the aid of what I like to call…

The Quickie Outline!

You will be able to work out all the essential elements of an argument in 5 minutes time using this brainstorming method! Yes, it’s true. lol

Let’s use the issue cell phones to work through our first Quickie Outline together.

Think about issues raised by these images to assist you in forming an argument on the topic thereafter.

Construct your outline on a sheet of paper as we go through this step by step together.

+ _Reminder of

Essential Elements:

1. argument

Brainstorm reasons in support of cell phones in class

Next, title your T-chart using the topic at hand.

Initially, construct a T-chart with labels.

Brainstorm reasons against cell phones in class.

#1. To define your argument (with the purpose of persuading others to believe it), determine for which side you have the two strongest supportive points. Circle these. Circle the label representing the side you “take” also. Observe an example.

Reason 1

Reason 2

Reason 1

Reason 2

Reason 3

Reason 4Determine your strongest, your primary support, and label it #1.

Label your secondary support #2.

#1

#2

2. primary support

3. secondary support

4. counterargument

5. rebuttal

Now with the thought of what the “other side” may argue against you, look at the column you did not choose. Initiate your thought with the prompt “Some may say” and select one of these. Be sure that you have some idea of why you think it is wrong. Do not choose one that you cannot “shoot down” or “prove wrong.” Circle this, and jot down a brief note of your rebuttal beside it. Observe an example.

However, this is not effective because…

6. call to action

Lastly, you want to identify an appropriate imperative verb that will later be developed into the call to action. What action would make your argument happen in real life? WRITE a senator? CALL a principal? READ this novel? ATTEND a meeting? VOTE? What? Write your ideas under the base of your T-chart. Observe an example.

Contact

Or call

This is it! Let’s practice using it.

Cell Phones

Concerned about widespread cheating on tests, homework assignments, and research papers, some members of the school faculty have proposed a student honor code that requires students to pledge that they will not cheat and will report instances of cheating that they observe. Violators of the pledge will face discipline. Other members do not agree with this. Write an essay that states your views on the issue.

Several parents of middle-school students in the district have petitioned the administration to reduce the amount of homework teachers assign. Hoping to relieve pressure on their kids, they want homework limited to no more than a half an hour in total on weekdays and none on weekends. Teachers find it difficult to see success without more work being reviewed at home. Write an essay that states your views on the issue.

Practice

#1. The local school board is planning to raise high school graduation requirements by adding 50-100 hours of community service for all seniors during after-school hours for its educational value. Opponents are attempting to block the proposal. Write an essay that states your views on the issue.

#2. In an effort to improve discipline and increase academic focus, the school administration plans to implement a student dress code than bans tank tops, ragged jeans, short shorts, and low-bust blouses. A student wearing these items will be sent home. Some parents have complained. Write an essay that states your views on the issue.

#3. Graffiti has become an issue inside the building and in restrooms. Despite asking the student body for help in stopping this, no students have come forward to help administration with names; and the graffiti problem has grown worse. The principal has just promised a $100 reward for information, while others say this is a misuse of funds. Write an essay that states your views on the issue.

Increasingly, students are taking time off between high school and college. Some use the year for public service or charity work. Others travel, find internships, or get paying jobs in a variety of fields. A branch of thought amongst some oppose this. Write an essay that states your views on the issue.

Test