Argumentative Writing

What is a claim?

• The opposing viewpoint

• Facts and statistics to support ideas

• The writer’s position that they are trying to prove

• Connects evidence to the claim

What is a counterclaim?

• The opposing view

• Facts and statistics to support ideas

• The writer’s position that they are trying to prove

• Connects evidence to the claim

What is evidence?

• The opposing view

• Facts and statistics to support ideas

• The writer’s position that they are trying to prove

• Connects the evidence to the claim

What is another word for counterargument?

• Argument

• Claim

• Counterclaim

• Evidence

If your claim is, “Students should wear school uniforms,” your counterclaim would be ...

• Some students should wear school uniforms.

• I don’t like school uniforms because they are ugly.

• Students should not wear school uniforms.

• School uniforms would be a good idea.

What is information used to back up and support your answer?

• Hook

• Argument

• Claim

• Evidence

What is an argument?

• A discussion that involves opposing views on an issue; a fact or statement offered as proof or evidence

• A general statement that offers support for a claim

• Facts, statistics and other information used to support reasons

• A statement of position on an issue.

Which sentence states the writer’s claim?

(1) The school tardiness policy needs to be revised. (2) Students should not be punished for circumstances that are out of their control. (3) For instance, the city buses tend to run late in the wintertime. (4) Students should not be forced to wake up an hour early just to be sure that they’re not five minutes late.

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 2

• Sentence 5

• Sentence 6

Which sentence gives a reason that supports the writer’s claim?

1) The school tardiness policy needs to be revised. (2) Students should not be punished for circumstances that are out of their control. (3) For instance, the city buses tend to run late in the wintertime. (4) Students should not be forced to wake up an hour early just to be sure that they’re not five minutes late.

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 2

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 4

What is true of the introductory paragraph? 

• ends with the thesis
• introduces the big idea of the essay
• starts with a hook
• all of these