Argumentative Writing

Poll

Should we have sports in schools?

• Yes

• No

• I am not sure

Turn and Talk: Should we have sports in schools? Why or Why not?

Poll

Do you think sports in schools take away from learning?

• Yes

• No

• I am not sure

Turn and Talk: Do you think sports in schools take away from learning? Why or Why not?

You just made an argument about one side or the other from the previous questions.

Let's learn more about what makes argumentative writing.

Argumentative text refers to text that takes a position about an idea or topic.

The position can be for or against an idea, and the author of the text will support his or her position with evidence.

While reading, keep in mind the claim, the evidence and the counter argument used in the text, and the audience.

A claim is the position an author takes in an argumentative text.



It may also be referred to as the main argument or the thesis. A claim is not just an opinion or a statement of fact.

Evidence

Types of information the author use to support his or her position (quotes, descriptions, facts, statistics, examples, and anecdotes).

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Counter Argument

Concession: when you consider the opposing viewpoint
It doesn't mean you agree with the opposing side completely.

Example: Some students believe that grades are unfair. They argue that no grade system can accurately reflect a students understanding.

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Rebuttal: the part of an argument in which the speaker provides points and evidence that discredits the argument in the concession.

Example: Yet, more research supports that a well-designed grading system is a valuable learning and motivational tool for students.

Audience

​Who the writing is intended for?
Determining audience: Think about who would be interested in the topic, what type of evidence and diction (word choice) the author uses.

Multiple Select

What is a claim?

• A fact in the article.

• The author's position on a topic/issue.

• Just a statement of opinion.

• The author's thesis.

Multiple Choice

What is a counter argument?

• It is the author's opinion about the topic.

• It contains the evidence needed to prove the claim.

• It is the author's way to justify the other side's argument.

• It contains the concession and rebuttal.

Multiple Choice

True or False: The audience is your teacher only.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

True or False: Argumentative writing does not pick a side.

• True

• False

1. Get a copy from the back.

2. Let's number the paragraphs and read.

3. Be ready to identify the claim (thesis).

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School Should be About Learning, Not Sports

Open Ended

What is one important detail you learned about this article?

Draw

Where is the claim?

Highlight evidence on your copy of the article that you think best supports the claim. ​

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School Should be About Learning, Not Sports

Turn and Talk: What evidence/sentence does the author use to support the claim?

Turn and Talk: Do you believe that the author uses effective evidence to support the claim? What makes you feel this way?

Open Ended

Where do you think the counter argument is in the article (give paragraph #)?

Turn and Talk: How does the author's use of a rebuttal support the overall argument?