Argument Writing

The ______ is the opinion or argument the writer is trying to prove.

• topic sentence

• transition

• claim

• evidence

Facts, statistics, quotes, anecdotes (stories), personal experiences...these are all examples of

• evidence

• transitions

• reasoning

• an argument

The purpose of _______ is to EXPLAIN how the evidence supports the claim.

• citations

• the claim

• the topic sentence

• reasoning

In writing, an argument (or opinion) DOES NOT need to be supported with evidence.

True or False?

• True

• False

The purpose of an argument is to

• give information on a topic

• persuade the reader

• tell a story

This is an example of

• evidence

• a claim

• reasoning

Students should not be allowed to use their cellphones in class because it negatively effects their learning.

This is an example of an argument. True of False?

• True

• False

At the start of the first body paragraph of her essay, Stephanie writes: "Students should not be allowed to use their cellphone in class because it would cause distractions" This is the...

• transition

• evidence

• topic sentence

• reasoning

Which is an example of a counterargument?

• Cellphones are distracting to students.

• Cellphones are very nice to communicate with family around the world.

• Allowing students to use cellphones in class can help them review for tests.

The counterargument to Stephanie's claim is: "Allowing students to use cellphones in class can help them review for tests"

How should Stephanie respond?

Remember: her claim(argument) is that students should NOT be allowed to use cellphones in class.

• Allowing students to use cellphones in class improves students' grades and is the best way to review for tests.

• While cellphones can be used for games to review for tests, it is not a good excuse to allow them in class. There are better ways to review for tests without using cellphones.