Argumentative Writing

Argumentative Essay

A quick How-To

Learning Objectives

Argument Writing

9-10.W.TTP.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning supported by relevant and sufficient evidence.

a. Introduce precise claim(s).

b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaim(s) fairly, supplying evidence for each claim and counterclaim while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns.

c. Create an organization that establishes cohesion and clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaim(s), reasons, and evidence.

d. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

e. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.

f. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone.

Intro Paragraph

Hook

Background

Thesis (Claim)

Body Paragraphs

First

Second

Counterclaim

Conclusion

Thesis/Claim

Final thoughts, sum up

what you have presented
and also leave the reader
with something to think

about.

Open Ended

What are the three parts of any essay?

Reorder

Put the essay elements in order.

• Hook

• Thesis

• Context

• Body Paragraphs

• Counterclaim

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Multiple Choice

The main point of an author’s argument is the...

• argument

• reason

• claim

• rebuttal

Multiple Choice

An opposing claim is the...

• claim

• reason

• counterclaim

• rebuttal

Multiple Choice

A statement that a counterclaim or criticism is not true is the...

• counterclaim

• claim

• rebuttal

• argument

What should your essay look like?

• 5 paragraphs

• Double-spaced

• Heading

• Title

• Parenthetical citations (author's last name pg#)

• Standard MLA formatting- typed in a Word Document and submitted in Canvas.

Multiple Choice

How many paragraphs minimum should your Argumentative text based essay have?

• 1

• 3

• 5

• 6

Multiple Select

Your essay must include the following:

Select all that apply

• 12 point font

• double-spaced

• works cited page

• headers, heading, and title

• bolded font

Writing a CLAIM

You’re claim must be debatable. You have to be able to argue for your thesis/
main idea/claim.

Think about the question/prompt that you have and create an arguable statement that answers that
question.

Vague questions: Are cats better than dogs?

Claim: Cats make better pets than dogs because they are
less needy.

Obviously, this is a VERY simple example, but do you
understand the point?

Look at your argument essay graphic organizer.
Highlight the question in the prompt.
Write your claim in the claim box at the bottom.

It is important to remember that your claim should be the last sentence in your intro
paragraph. You should have a HOOK and some BACKGROUND
Information before you state your claim.

Hook- Grab reader’s attention (1-2 sentences)

Click on the hook to see some different styles for writing hooks.

What style/type hook are you going to use?

Introductory Paragraph

Background Information- 2-4 sentences of CONTEXT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION- you should provide some GENERAL details about your topic first- an explanation, definition, or summary of the
event/topic. You should then begin to work to more SPECIFIC information about your prompt. Remember don’t give all your information up just yet…
introduce the ideas, but do not give all your details and reasons here.

You are working to connect your hook and summary to your CLAIM/THESIS, which is the last sentence of the intro paragraph.

Your TAG (title, author, genre) belongs here as well.

T- title
A - author
G- genre

Remember
Intro Paragraph
Order

Poll

Did you complete your intro paragraph?

• Yes

• No

BODY paragraph #1

Transition:

Idea #1:

Click the link to
See some
common
Transitions.

In sentence form, name what your first reason, example, idea, or
point is below.

Body paragraph #1

Text Evidence:

Choose the best piece of text evidence that illustrates or depicts the idea from the previous slide.
Just type it exactly as it in from the text. Include the (author’s last name and page # or line #) at the
end of the sentence. Do this now, so you don’t have to go back and look it up.

Body paragraph #1

Elaboration and Explanation- This is where you explain HOW and WHY your text evidence
supports your thesis. This should be MORE writing than your text evidence. 3-5 sentences.
You must connect BACK to thesis.

Type here:

Body paragraph #1

Text Evidence:

Choose the best piece of text evidence that illustrates or depicts the idea from the previous slide.
Just type it exactly as it in from the text. Include the (author’s last name and page # or line #) at the
end of the sentence. Do this now, so you don’t have to go back and look it up.

Body paragraph #1

Type here:

​Concluding sentence for the paragraph.
Restate your reason and connect to claim.

​Transition to indicate a conclusion:
Therefore, finally, consequently, thus, in short, in conclusion, in brief, as a result, accordingly.

BODY paragraph #2

Transition:

Idea #2:

Click the link to
See some
common
Transitions.

In sentence form, name what your second reason, example, idea, or
point is below.

Body paragraph #2

Text Evidence: Choose the best piece of text evidence that illustrates or depicts the idea from the
previous slide. Just type it exactly as it in from the text. Include the (author’s last name and page # or
line #) at the end of the sentence. Do this now, so you don’t have to go back and look it up.

Body paragraph #2

Elaboration and Explanation- This is where you explain HOW and WHY your text evidence
supports your thesis. This should be MORE writing than your text evidence. 3-5 sentences.
You must connect BACK to thesis.

Type here:

Body paragraph #2

Elaboration and Explanation- This is where you explain HOW and WHY your text evidence
supports your thesis. This should be MORE writing than your text evidence. 3-5 sentences.
You must connect BACK to thesis.

Type here:

Body paragraph #2

Text Evidence: Choose the best piece of text evidence that illustrates or depicts the idea from the
previous slide. Just type it exactly as it in from the text. Include the (author’s last name and page # or
line #) at the end of the sentence. Do this now, so you don’t have to go back and look it up.

​Concluding sentence for the paragraph.
Restate your reason and connect to claim.

​Transition to indicate a conclusion:
Therefore, finally, consequently, thus, in short, in conclusion, in brief, as a result, accordingly.

Poll

Did you complete your body paragraph 1 and 2

• Yes

• No

Body paragraph #3

Counterclaim- Think about using the following sentence frame.

“Someone might argue that…. Because….. However…. Because…..

Type here:

Concluding paragraph

First, use a concluding transition (go back and look at the transitions link).

Secondly, restate your CLAIM.

Next, go back to your background info and think about how to wrap up your thoughts from where you
started.

Lastly, leave the audience with final thought that solidifies in their mind, what you said and why.

Poll

Have you completed your graphic organizer?

• yes

• no