Introduction to Argumentative Writing

Introduction to Argumentative Essays

1. Click through the slides to complete the notes on page 1 of your packet.

2. Answer the questions that are in the Wayground as well.

CLAIM

• The claim is the point you are trying to prove in an argument.

• ​It makes up the topic and controlling idea in your thesis statement.

Multiple Choice

How are a topic sentence and a claim similar?

• They both have an opinion.

• They both state the topic and controlling idea.

• They are exactly the same thing.

• They aren't.

REASONS

These support your claim.

​Explain why you are making that claim (Answer the question why).

​In R.A.C.E.S, the reasons are you Answer.

REASONS 

The reasons you use as your three main points come from the PROS AND CONS you listed when you were choosing a side of the issue.

Multiple Choice

When using R.A.C.E.S., you Answer sentence will come from the _______ you found to support your claim.

• evidence

• transitions

• reasons

• answers

EVIDENCE

the evidence is the Proof that supports your claim.

​In A.C.E.S., this is the Cited Evidence.

​It is found through research.

Multiple Choice

The evidence in an argumentative essay comes from _____

• research

• opinion

• what someone tells you

• anywhere you want

BRIDGE

• This is the statement that explains HOW the evidence supports the claim.

• ​It follows each piece of evidence and connects the evidence to the claim.

• ​In R.A.C.E.S., the BRIDGE is the EXPLANATION.

Multiple Choice

The bridge in an argumentative essay is the same as what part of R.A.C.E.S.?

• Answer

• Cited Evidence

• Explanation

• Summary Statement

COUNTERCLAIM

• The opposing claim (states the opposite side of your claim). We include the counterclaim so that we can refute it, or show why it is wrong.

• This starts with a transition that lets the reader know you are acknowledging the opposite side.

Multiple Choice

The counterclaim states the _____ side of the argument as the claim.

• same

• opposite

Multiple Choice

It is important to address the counterclaim so that you can

• make the reader aware that there are two sides

• give evidence to support both sides

• show how much you know about a topic

• make your argument stronger

TURN-BACK

• This shows why the counterclaim is wrong.

• It is made up of your final supporting reason and includes a transition that shows you are returning to your claim.

• In A.C.E.S, the turn-back would be your Answer. But in this paragraph, it WILL NOT be the first sentence.

Multiple Choice

The turn-back will include your ______.

• summary statement

• evidence

• 3rd reason/answer

• explanation

AUDIENCE

This is not in your notes!

• Who will be affected by the topic?

• Who is going to read your essay?

• This is important to think about because it will affect what evidence you choose to include.

Multiple Select

It is important to think about your audience in argumentative writing so that you

• know whether they'll understand what you write

• choose the evidence that will work best

• choose words and phrases that are appropriate for the audience

​When you have finished:

• Click the packet into the front of your binder.

• Check the board for what to do next.