Argumentative Writing Part 1

Argumentative Writing Part 1

I'm not arguing. I am simply explaining why I'm right.

• An effective argument contains a precise claim, or position, that is supported by logical reasoning and relevant evidence.

• An argument should be organized in a way that makes sense, and the style and tone of the argument should be appropriate for the purpose and audience.

• An argument should also address possible counterclaims.

Many scientists, conservationists, and other concerned people claim that climate change caused by humans is damaging the habitats of animals such as polar bears, sea turtles, and red wolves. Others claim that the climate change is normal in nature. Each side uses arguments to defend its claims.

Have you ever gotten frustrated trying to get someone to see something your way? Because it is not always easy, you must know how to craft an effective argument.

What is argumentative Writing?

Types of arguments

• advertisements  

• argumentative essays  

• calls to action  

• critical reviews  

• letters to the editor

• op-ed pieces  

• persuasive essays  

• persuasive speeches  

• propaganda  

• Argument- a type of writing in which an author attempts to prove that his or her position, or stance, on a topic is better than other points of view on the topic

• Claim- An author’s position, or stance, on a topic; it is the point the author is arguing

• Reason- explains why the author feels the way he or she feels about a topic

Vocabulary

• Evidence- used to support an argument. Evidence includes facts, statistics, anecdotes, examples, quotations from experts or authorities, and quotations from text

• Counterclaim- presents a view that contradicts the claim the author makes.

• Call to action- a request or directive for the audience or readers to act in a way that helps resolve the issue presented in the argument

Vocabulary

Match

Match the following

• Claim

• Argumentative Writing

• Reason

• Counterclaim

• Evidence

Our town should place lights near the soccer field so teams can play at night.

An essay argues that lights on the field would add to the quality of life in the community.

The soccer field would get more use because the lights would allow night games.

Some people think it is not worth the expense.

According to a poll, more than 1/3 of the citizens approve the cost of adding lights to the field.

• Our town should place lights near the soccer field so teams can play at night.

• An essay argues that lights on the field would add to the quality of life in the community.

• The soccer field would get more use because the lights would allow night games.

• Some people think it is not worth the expense.

• According to a poll, more than 1/3 of the citizens approve the cost of adding lights to the field.

What is an effective claim?

An effective claim clearly presents the author’s position, or stance, on a topic.

• A reader should have no trouble determining what the author is arguing for or against.

• A claim usually appears in the introduction of the argument and is restated and readdressed in the conclusion.

Video games should be played only when all schoolwork for the day has been completed.

Effective claim

Video games are a ridiculous waste of time and should never be allowed. 

Ineffective claim

Examples of claims

Select your topic and write your claim.

Choose a topic you are passionate about. Writing a claim is easier if you care about the topic and have a strong opinion on the issues connected with the topic. Then, determine the issue on which you will focus your argument—for example, recycling. An issue related to the benefits of recycling will be the basis of your claim.

Narrow or Refine your claim

Narrow or refine your claim, if necessary. Avoid making a broad claim on a topic with many complex aspects. Instead, narrow the topic to one or two aspects that you can defend thoroughly. For example, if you want to make an argument about how recycling helps conserve natural resources, you might want to focus on just one resource instead of several.

Arguable claims

Ask yourself this question: Could someone argue against my claim? A claim should be debatable. For example, All children should be able to see a doctor when they are sick. No one would disagree with that! There are, however, many opinions on the best way to make sure that seeing a doctor can be made possible for all children. An appropriate claim would be to take a side on what you believe is the best way to achieve this goal.

Sufficient evidence

Be sure enough evidence exists to support your claim. No matter how strongly you feel about your claim, your argument will be weak if you cannot provide plenty of evidence to support it.

Choose the best answer for each question.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements is the MOST effective claim?

• Should students read The Diary of Anne Frank?

• The Diary of Anne Frank is the diary of a girl who is hiding from the Nazis during World War Two.

• Some students may enjoy reading The Diary of Anne Frank.

• The Diary of Anne Frank should be required reading for all students.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements is the LEAST effective claim?

• The Harry Potter books may or may not be the best novels of all time.

• J.K. Rowling is one of the best writers ever.

• Harry Potter books are so much fun for kids to read.

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the greatest book ever written.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following claims needs to be narrowed for a short argumentative essay?

• All schools should teach students to play chess.

• Schools across the country are experiencing low graduation rates. Action must be taken.

• Our school needs funding in order to provide band uniforms.

• If you spend a lot of time each day sitting at a desk, there are simple steps you can take so that you still get enough exercise.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements is an arguable claim?

• Nutritious food should be available to people throughout the world as a basic human necessity.

• Many studies show that the existence of the bald eagle has been threatened because of the use of pesticides.

• A species is considered endangered when too many members are lost or if the conditions in which they live make it difficult for them to survive.

• Smartphones make people smarter.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following claims is most likely to have sufficient evidence?

• Many people have been abducted by alien beings from other planets.

• In the future many of us will be living on Mars.

• Gene therapies are being developed as better treatment for many genetic ailments. Older treatments should be phased out when gene therapy is available.

• To cure a headache, lick a tiny piece of paper, and stick it to your forehead for 15 minutes.

What are reasons and evidence

An argument typically contains several reasons. The claims of an argument are powerless without reasons and evidence to back them.

A reason explains why a claim is valid. It is the writer’s justification for his or her opinion. A reason must be supported by evidence, or proof.

Examples of evidence

• Descriptions

• Quotations from experts or authorities

• Quotations from the text

• Facts

• Statistics

• Anecdotes

• Examples

• Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half.

• In 2014, seat belts saved an estimated 12,800 lives.

Evidence

Wearing seat belts saves lives.

Reason

Reason vs Evidence

Examples of Reasons and Evidence

Each of the reasons you use to support your claim needs to be backed up by some sort of evidence, which can come in many forms. Some of your reasons may have multiple types of evidence, and you want to include all important evidence for each reason if you can do it without making your essay too long.

"I kept my grandfather's old diaries because they are filled with interesting details about our town. I would be happy to donate them to a local museum," says Heather Morrison.

Evidence

Citizens have many happy memories of the town.

Reason

Claim: Our town should have a local history museum to honor its heritage and citizens.

Collections of old objects, deeds, newspapers, and photographs could be assembled for display.

Evidence

The town has much interesting history to study and remember.

Reason

Claim: Our town should have a local history museum to honor its heritage and citizens.

• The owner of one of the houses on Main Street is willing to sell the house for a small amount of money.

• This house is already filled with historical furniture that will be perfect for a local museum.

Evidence

It should not be hard to find and obtain a good building for a museum.

Reason

Claim: Our town should have a local history museum to honor its heritage and citizens.

Read each claim and the sentences that follow it. Decide whether the sentence is an example of a reason or evidence.

1. Claim: Physical Education should be a part of every student's day.

Multiple Choice

Eighty percent of students surveyed said that they concentrate better after exercising.

• Reason

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

Exercise can promote good health and is also fun.

• Reason

• Evidence

2. Claim: The voting age should be lowered to 16.

Multiple Choice

I believe that young people want to be involved in the electoral process. 

• Reason

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

Teens are impacted by the same laws that affect adults even though they are not allowed to decide whether these laws should be passed.

• Reason

• Evidence

3. Claim: You should eat a piece of fruit every day.

Multiple Choice

Fruit is filled with valuable vitamins and nutrients without adding empty calories.

• Reason

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

Fruit is easy to eat and delicious, and it is not expensive.

• Reason

• Evidence

4. Claim: It is essential that we join together to combat homelessness.

Multiple Choice

Homelessness has a terrible effect on those who must endure it, as well as on the community at large.

• Reason

• Evidence

Multiple Choice

More than 14,700 families will sleep in a homeless shelter on any given night. 

• Reason

• Evidence