Argumentative Writing 1

Lesson Objectives

1. Describe characteristics of an argumentative essay

2. Explain elements of argumentative essay

3. Demonstrate understanding of argumentative essay format

Essential Question:

What is the importance of developing strong argumentation skills in daily life?

Multiple Choice

Identify each statement as “claim”, “reason”, “evidence”, “counterclaim”, “refutation”, or “refutation evidence”

Students should be allowed to chew gum at school.

• Claim

• Reason

• Evidence

• Counterclaim

• Refutation

Multiple Choice

Identify each statement as “claim”, “reason”, “evidence”, “counterclaim”, “refutation”, or “refutation evidence”

According to a scientific study by Kathleen Leanson from University of Rhode Island, “when students chewed gum in our studies, their metabolism increased by 20 percent, and when someone’s metabolism is raised, they are more  likely  to stay awake.

• Claim

• Reason

• Evidence

• Counterclaim

• Refutation

Open Ended

Write the claim for the following reason and evidence:

 

Reason 1: Concealed handgun carriers have a sense of safety and security, especially when going outside at night or in dangerous areas 

Evidence: According to a 2001 study by the National Opinion Research Center, 59% of people who carry a gun outside the home do so because it makes them feel safer.

Reason 2: Carrying a concealed handgun could help stop a public shooting spree.

Evidence: According to John R. Lott Jr., PhD, "when states passed concealed carry laws during the 19 years we studied (1977 to 1995), the number of multiple-victim public shootings declined by 84%. Deaths from these shootings plummeted on average by 90%, injuries by 82%."

 

Open Ended

Write the counterclaim for the following refutation:

 

Refutation: However, concealed handguns actually reduce crimes and offences of all types.

Refutation Evidence: States that implemented "shall-issue" concealed carry laws reduced murders by 8.5%, aggravated assaults by 7%, and robbery by 3%, according to a 2000 analysis of FBI crime data by economist and political commentator John R. Lott Jr.

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the following statements are facts or opinions.

Because the alligator has been listed as an endangered species since 1976, killing alligators for their skins should be against the law.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the following statements are facts or opinions.

The television comedy Friends won numerous awards.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the following statements are facts or opinions.

The comedy Friends is still the funniest show on television.

• Fact

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the following examples of statistics can provide solid support for an argument or not. 

 

A 2012 peer-reviewed study by researchers at the University of Nevada at Reno found that 90% of seventh and eighth grade public school students did not like wearing uniforms. 

• Solid

• Not solid

Multiple Choice

Identify whether the following statements are credible testimonies or not. 

 

Samantha King, a noted forensic specialist, stated that DNA evidence is usually indisputable.

• Solid

• Not solid

Open Ended

So, when is the homework due?