Unit Essential Questions -...
Transcript of Unit Essential Questions -...
Unit Essential Questions
1. How is the decision to speculate affecting Will Mclean’s
family as a whole?
2. How do different family members react to his decision?
3. What are the positive and negative aspects of
speculating?
4. Is Will Mclean a patriot for what he is doing or a
profiteer?
8LA_E2012-21a, 8LA_E2012-21f
8LA_E2012-21a, 8LA_E2012-21f
The
Alternative
Assessment
For this alternative
assessment you will be
writing a 5 paragraph
argumentative essay.
• Persuasion and argument are often used interchangeably
• Persuasion is a broad term, which includes many tactics designed to move people to a position, a belief, or a course of action.
• Argument is a specific kind of persuasion based on the principles of logic and reasoning
Persuasion vs. Argument
An Introduction to Argument
Writing
Moving people to a belief, position, or
course of action
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Adapted from Mike McGuire’s Com 101 class notes, MV Community College
What exactly is an Argument?
An argument involves the
process of establishing a claim
and then proving it with the use
of logical reasoning, examples,
and research.
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Structure of a Classical Argument
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Background Information
Reasons and Evidence
The Opposing View and the Refutation
Conclusions
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The Goal of Argumentative
Writing
The Goal of argumentative writing
is to get the reader to acknowledge
that your side is logical validated
through facts, evidence that
supports, and research.
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Before Writing...
• Brainstorm ideas on the subject.
• Identify the main topics and ideas that support your argument.
• Use logical research for organising your notes.
• Decide which side you are on i.e. which arguments are most convincing. Make sure you choose the side that you can fully support.
• Plan and write an outline for your essay noting down the information you will include in each paragraph.
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The Essay
• Each separate point in your argument requires its
own paragraph.
• Just as the purpose of your overall essay is to prove
your thesis, the purpose of each body paragraph
should be to prove a part of your argument.
• This point should be articulated in the topic sentence
of the paragraph, and the rest of the paragraph
should present evidence that supports the point.
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Introduction Paragraph:
Start with an attention-grabbing
sentence to introduce the issue.
Briefly describe your argument and
lead into your thesis.
Thesis Statement: In one or two
sentences, state your argument by
taking ONE side of the issue. Be clear
and concise.
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The Thesis Statement
…is the most important sentence in your paper
…answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?”
...brings focus to the entire essay
…lets the reader know the main idea of the paper
…is not a factual statement or an announcement of purpose, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper.
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The Body of the
essay
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Body Paragraphs 1 & 2
Arguments for: The reasons “parts” of your thesis statement
will be in your body
Go back to essential questions and form an argument for
the topic you chose.
• Body paragraphs 1 & 2 give clear arguments for your claim with
(examples, statistics, explanations, etc.)
• Use transition words as you move from paragraph to paragraph
(Firstly, secondly, furthermore, in addition, moreover, finally).
• You can also use any of the transitions from the other essay types as
long as they are appropriate for your argument. (You may want to
compare/contrast things, give reasons/results, descriptions, definitions etc.)
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Body Paragraph 3-Refutation
Paragraph
• This is also used to support your claim.
• Use the counter arguments to show that
your idea is the stronger one.
• Do not focus only on the opposing
ideas.
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Offering a Counterargument
• Addressing the opposition demonstrates your credibility as a writer
• It shows that you have researched multiple sides of the argument and have come to an informed decision
• Remember, keep a balanced tone when attempting to debunk the opposition
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Concluding paragraph
Your conclusion should:
• Restate the main claim
• Present one or two general sentences which accurately
summarise your arguments which support the main
premise
• Provide a general warning of the consequences of not
following the premise that you put forward and/or a
general statement of how the community will benefit
from following that premise
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Assignment By the end of chapter 20, we learn that Will McLean has become a
speculator to support his family.
Argument Topic: Should he be praised or criticized for this role in
the war?
In a 5 paragraph argumentative essay, explain what it means to be a
speculator then choose a side and support your answer with text
evidence.
Essential Topics to Discuss
1. Think about how this decision is this affecting his family as a whole?
2. How do different family members react to this decision?
3. What are the positive and negative aspects of speculating?
4. Is Will Mclean a patriot for what he is doing or a profiteer?
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Assignment Requirements:
1. Rough drafts must be revised and edited when turned in with the
Final Draft.
2. ALL (rough and final) Drafts that are typed need to be New Times
Roman or Arial 10 or 12-point font, and follow all other Writing
Guidelines.
3. The Final Draft must not exceed three pages and must not be
shorter than 1 ½ pages. One-inch margins are to be used.
4. Your final draft should have a cover page with: your name, your
teacher’s name, and a title for your essay. You may add pictures or a
design to your cover.