Argumentative debate NJA Class

Debate Vocabulary

Argumentative Introduction

The 4 steps

Argumentative Text Structure

Review

Hypothesis

an educated guess about the cause and effect relationship between two events

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of argumentative text?

• written works that are generally recognized as having artistic value. Basic forms of literary texts include prose, fiction, drama, poetry, and literary non-fiction.

• text that presents information in order to inform or educate an audience

• a text in which the writer develops and defends a position or debates a topic using logic and persuasion

4 things that must be in your introduction paragraph

• Hook (gets the reader's attention)

• Background information (defines the topic for the reader)

• Counterclaim (tells the reader what the other side would say)

• Thesis (outlines your 3 reasons/topics for the reader)

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of author's purpose?

• intentional and deliberate use of organizational patterns, text and graphic features, syntax, devices, and diction to create an effective written work; author’s craft may vary by genre

• the reason an author writes about a particular topic (e.g., to persuade, to entertain, to inform, to explain, to analyze, etc.); the reason an author includes particular details, features, or devices in a work

• written/spoken explanations or interpretations that further develop an idea Context — the words, sentences, or passages that precede or follow a specific word, sentence, or passage

Multiple Choice

Which one is a hypothesis?

• Mammals have fur, like cats and dogs.

• Mammals are animals that have hair or fur and feed their young with their own milk.

• If you have a dog in your house, then you will have fur on your furniture.

• Dogs are the cutest mammals.

Definition of Argumentative Text - 1

An argumentative text consists of certain elements, including the following:

 

A claim, or thesis, stating the writer’s or speaker’s position on the topic or issue and what he or she will prove or demonstrate.

Reasons, or explanations why the audience should accept the author’s position.

Evidence in the form of facts, statistics, expert opinions, and examples, that support the reasons.

A counter argument to address an opposing viewpoint.

Rhetorical appeals, including appeals to logos (logic), ethos (trust), and pathos (emotions). a convincing conclusion, or closing remarks.

1) Hook

• This is what grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read your paper.

• Create a rhetorical question (if you ask a question, though, you need to answer it)

• You can reword the topic question to form a sentence

Definition of Argumentative Text - 2

These features are both characteristics and structural elements of argumentative text. Characteristics are qualities that define a certain type of writing, and structural elements are the parts that give structure to the ideas and information presented. For example, a writer or speaker may present their claim in the introduction, provide a reason supported by evidence and a rhetorical appeal in each body paragraph, and end with a call to action in the conclusion.

factual statement

information that can be verified

Definition of Argumentative Text - 3

The argument may also include a counter argument, which in itself follows a particular structure. A counter argument typically begins with an acknowledgment of an opposing viewpoint and ends with a rebuttal, or an attempt to disprove that viewpoint.

See an example video on the next slide from the movie Philadelphia released 1993 with Denzel Washington & Tom Hanks ‧ Drama/Trial drama

2) Background information

• Tells the reader about the topic (defines it)

• Helps the reader understand where the argument is coming from

• Needs to break it down like the reader has never heard of your topic before

Multiple Select

Which one is a factual statement?

• Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play.

• If you are in English 8, then you will read Hamlet.

• Hamlet is Shakespeare's most entertaining play.

• Shakespeare wrote many influential tragedies, including Hamlet.

Multiple Choice

the writer’s or speaker’s position on a debatable issue or problem

• claim

• conclusion

• counter argument

• evidence

3) Counterclaim

• Tells the reader the other side's position on the argument

• Is the opposite of your claim

• Should only be 1 or 2 sentences long

• Transition into it must help the reader understand it is not your side of the argument

Multiple Choice

the part of an argument in which the writer considers and attempts to disprove an opposing opinion

• rebuttal

• reason

• evidence

• counter argument

statistics

numerical facts

Multiple Choice

a device that writers use to make their arguments appeal to readers

• Whip Appeal

• rhetorical appeal

• literary appeal

• rebuttal appeal

4) Thesis

• Tells the reader what your side of the argument is

• Gives the 3 reasons that will become your three body paragraphs

• Last sentence of the introduction

Multiple Choice

facts, statistics, numerical data, quotations, specific examples, and expert opinions that support a claim

• reason

• rebuttal

• evidence

• structural element

Multiple Choice

Which one includes statistics?

• If you do your daily reading, then you will pass English 8.

• Last semester, 100% of students in Ms. Flowers' English 8 classes passed.

• English 8 is the second semester of senior English.

• John said, "I didn't enjoy reading Hamlet but I still did the assignments each day so I was able to pass and get my credit."

Checklist for Argumentative Text Structure

In order to analyze characteristics and structural elements of argumentative texts such as clear structure of the argument, convincing conclusion, and call to action, note the following (take notes!)

Multiple Choice

What does the background sentence do?

• tells the reader your side

• tells the reader the other side

• defines the topic

• grabs the reader's attention

Argumentative Text Characteristics

• the writer’s thesis

• the evidence the writer uses to support his or her thesis

• a counter argument

• the conclusion

• calls to action: statements imploring the reader to take action

• details and signal words that reveal the text’s organizing structure

examples

specific instances that illustrate or explain a general factual statement

Ask yourself these questions as you analyze th text

• In what order is the argument presented?

• Are there any details or signal words that reveal the text’s organizing structure?

• What makes the conclusion convincing?

Multiple Choice

What does the thesis do?

• tells the reader your side

• tells the reader the other side

• defines the topic

• grabs the reader's attention

Your Turn!

Read the following paragraph from StudySync’s informational text “Rock the Vote,” which discusses the importance of midterm elections. In the text, the author argues that the votes of young people (between the ages of 18 and 20) could be influential in the upcoming election. To complete the activity, read each question and choose the best answer.

Multiple Select

Which one is an example?

• If I had to take an extra elective, then I would sign up for Weight Training.

• 15% of students choose a music class for their electives.

• Electives are classes that are not required for graduation but still provide necessary credits.

• Art and Intro to Speech/Debate are electives.

Rock The Vote!

Young people could be very influential in this year’s primaries and elections, according to the Chicago Tribune. This is because they have the numbers and the potential. However, just 15 percent of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 20 voted in the 2014 midterm elections. Tom Steyer, a hedge fund manager and activist, believes that this trend will change this year. "We really believe in this generation," Steyer said. Steyer committed about $31 million in 2018 to different organizations to help organize young voters. "What we're trying to do is organize as well as possible to make sure that they get a chance to raise their voices," Steyer said, "but also to make sure their votes are counted on Nov. 6."

Multiple Choice

What does the hook do?

• tell the reader your side

• tell the reader the other side

• defines the topic

• grabs the reader's attention

Multiple Choice

Why is this conclusion convincing?

• It gives the argument new meaning.

• It leaves readers with a lasting impression.

hypothetical example

specific illustration based on reflections about future events - MIGHT happen

Multiple Choice

How does the author avoid merely summarizing his or her claim in the conclusion?

• The author restates the claim, using different words, but focusing on the importance of organizing young voters.

• The author gives an example of how one political activist is helping organize young voters.

Multiple Choice

What does the counterclaim sentence do?

• tells the reader your side

• tells the reader the other side

• defines the topic

• grabs the reader's attention

Multiple Choice

Which quote from the conclusion offers solutions to a problem?

• “‘What we're trying to do is organize as well as possible to make sure that they get a chance to raise their voices…’”

• “However, just 15 percent of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 20 voted in the 2014 midterm elections.”

Multiple Choice

Which is a hypothetical example?

• If you graduate high school, then you will be more likely to get a job.

• Mary Watson is a student who graduated from high school. She says that her high school diploma allowed her to attend Metro and then UNO and then ultimately become a successful teacher.

• Getting a high school diploma is important.

• If you graduate high school, then you will go to college, get a good paying career, and live happily ever after.

Multiple Choice

Suppose the writer added this sentence to the conclusion:

If young voters show up at the polls, the reigning party’s priorities could be halted.

How does the sentence make the conclusion convincing?

• It asks the reader to take action.

• It makes a prediction about the future.

Multiple Choice

What is the last sentence of the intro paragraph?

• Hook

• Thesis

• Counter agrument

• Background information

Conclusion

In order for you to be successful recognizing any type of text, you must know the characteristics of that text, annotate the text (take notes!), and, and thoroughly read the text.

Let me know if you have any questions!

definition

a statement that clarifies the meaning of a word or phrase

Multiple Select

Which one is a definition?

• A healthy snack is one that provides your body with necessary nutrition without harmful chemicals or unnecessary calories.

• My favorite healthy snack is a banana.

• Dr. Jimenez, the director of Nutrition Services for the University of Nebraska, says that teenagers need to eat more healthy snack.

• Bananas contain 100 calories and 17% of your daily recommended Vitamin C.

expert/expert opinions

a person recognized as having mastered a specific subject, usually through long-term study

interpretations and judgments made by "experts"

Multiple Choice

Which one represents an expert with an expert opinion?

• My brother told me that the University of Wisconsin is the best college in the Midwest.

• Steven Jackson, the author of the US News and World Report "Top Universities List", rates Butler University in Indiana as the top Midwestern university.

• Antonia, a college freshman at Creighton, says that she cannot imagine a better university anywhere in the Midwest.

• Dr. Simon, a pediatrician in Omaha, believes the University of Nebraska is the best Midwestern university for engineering.

anecdote

brief, often amusing, story

Multiple Select

Which is an anecdote?

• Shawshank Redemption is a movie about a wrongfully convicted man's experience in a Maine prison.

• Shawshank Redemption has a higher Rotten Tomatoes Audience Rating than Black Panther.

• It seems like every time I walk through the living room, my husband is watching Shawshank Redemption. He cannot get enough of that movie!

• 98% of viewers rate Shawshank Redemption positively.

Narrative

account, personal experience, tale or lengthier story

Comparison

illuminating (emphasizing) a point by showing a similarity

Multiple Choice

Which is a comparison?

• Shawshank Redemption was written by Stephen King, but in nothing like It.

• It is not surprising that Shawshank Redemption is so good, since it also came from a Stephen King story, just like It.

• Stephen King has written both novels and short stories that have been made into movies.

• Becca, an avid movie-goer, said she cried at the end of the movie.

Contrast

illuminating (emphasizing) a point by highlighting differences

Multiple Select

Which one is a contrast?

• Remote learning is an effective method of learning, since it is the same curriculum as "in person".

• Remote learning is when students log in to their classes from a device at home.

• More than 30% of students have chosen to do remote learning only.

• On February 17, "in person" students will attend school 5 days a week, rather than only 2 or 3 days a week in the hybrid model.