2/21 Argumentative Writing Study Guide

Argumentative writing is a type of writing where the writer presents their opinion on a topic and supports it with evidence. The goal of argumentative writing is to convince the reader that the writer's opinion is the correct one. This type of writing is often used in persuasive essays, debates, and editorials.

What is the goal of argumentative writing?

• To convince the reader that the writer's opinion is the correct one
• To entertain the reader
• To summarize different opinions
• To present information about a topic

To write a successful argumentative essay, it is important to choose a topic that is debatable. A debatable topic is one that has more than one side or opinion. Once a topic is chosen, the writer must research and gather evidence to support their opinion. This evidence can come in the form of statistics, quotes from experts, or examples from real life.

What is a debatable topic?

• A topic that has more than one side or opinion
• A topic that is easy to understand
• A topic that has only one side
• A topic that is not interesting to anyone

In argumentative writing, it is important to address counterarguments. Counterarguments are opposing viewpoints to the writer's opinion. By addressing counterarguments, the writer shows that they have considered other viewpoints and strengthens their own argument. This can be done by acknowledging the counterargument and then providing evidence to refute it.

What are counterarguments?

• Agreeing with the writer's opinion
• Evidence to support the writer's opinion
• Examples from real life
• Opposing viewpoints to the writer's opinion

Another important aspect of argumentative writing is organization. The essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the reader's attention and present the writer's opinion. The body should provide evidence to support the opinion and address counterarguments. The conclusion should restate the opinion and leave the reader with a strong impression.

What are the three parts of an argumentative essay?

• Beginning, middle, and end
• Opinion, counterarguments, and conclusion
• Evidence, examples, and quotes
• Introduction, body, and conclusion

When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to use strong and persuasive language. This can be done by avoiding weak phrases like 'I think' and instead using strong phrases like 'I believe' or 'It is evident that'. The writer should also use rhetorical devices, such as repetition or rhetorical questions, to emphasize their opinion.

What are some ways to use strong language in argumentative writing?

• Using weak phrases like 'I think' and avoiding rhetorical devices
• Using phrases like 'I believe' and rhetorical devices like repetition or rhetorical questions
• Only using quotes from experts
• Using only statistics to support the opinion

What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

• To be a pretty sentence
• To introduce your paper to the reader
• To be a sentence in your introduction
• To explain what your essay will be about

A claim is an opinion about a topic.

• true
• false

thesis = ________ + reasons.

• claim
• reasons
• fact
• introduction

Is the thesis strong or weak? Being physically active is good for you.

• Strong
• Weak

Is the thesis statement strong or weak? Phones should not be allowed in school because it can be used as a distraction from learning and a cheating tool for tests.

• Strong
• Weak