Argumentative Writing

Argumentative Writing • Argumentative writing includes an opinion of a topic that is well-supported by three claims and includes the counterargument (concession) of the topic • Purpose - to convince readers of the validity of a particular opinion on a controversial issue.

Argumentative Essay Guidelines Prewriting: Prepare yourself for an argument. • Topic and Position: ---Topics will be issues that have two debatable sides. In order to take a position you must formulate an opinion on the topic. Choose a topic that interests you. An argument does not have to be a burning issue, but it must be a debatable topic. It can be anything you feel strongly about. • Claims/Evidence: --You must be able to support your opinion with relevant and accurate claims These supports may include personal experience, statistics, examples, facts, or experts’ opinions. They may be taken from magazines, newspapers, textbooks, studies, articles or interviews. • Counterargument/Concession: --Because the issue will have another side, you must be prepared to counter your argument and concede to the evidence that supports the differing opinion. You must acknowledge conflicting viewpoints.

Organization of Ideas • Introduction Includes: • an attention-getting beginning • clarify the issue/topic being addressed • a clear thesis as the last sentence that states your position on the issue and your claims You must take a stand on the issue!

Body Paragraphs – Claims and Counterargument • provide specific claims that are well-supported • include personal experience, statistics, examples, facts, or experts’ opinions. • They may be taken from magazines, newspapers, textbooks, studies, articles or interviews. • Include enough details to support your position; however, select only the facts that are relevant.

Counterargument • By addressing the opposition you achieve the following goals: • illustrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic demonstrate a lack of bias • enhance the level of trust that the reader has for both you and your opinion • give yourself the opportunity to refute any arguments the opposition may have • strengthen your argument by diminishing your opposition's argument

Conclusion –wrap it up • Provide a forceful conclusion • Restate your position in different words from the introduction • Do not introduce new material in the conclusion • You may want to conclude by encouraging some specific call to action

What to do…

Six Trait Reminder • Ideas/Content – use relevant support for claims – be detailed and specific • Organization – follow the 6 paragraph format • Voice – strong and confident in tone • Word Choice – appeal to the reader • Sentence Fluency – use transitions between ideas and to emphasize a point • Conventions – proper and correct grammar usage, paragraphing, spelling, punctuation

Select a Topic  • Day One: Choose a topic – you have a list of possibilities to read about and choose from - these topics will be explored with laptops today. • Research starts tomorrow! A minimum of 2 full pages of notes need to taken on your topic. • Keep track of credible resources for your Works Cited. Remember – If you choose to work with a partner on this project, be aware that each of you will be writing your own essay and merge them together for the podcast. • Partners – Choose the same topic but you must have your own notes.

Time To Research – Computer Lab • Day Two: Take at least 2 pages of notes on your topic. You are required to have three sources for a Works Cited. If you use any information from the New York Times article that prompted you to pick your topic, then you may use The New York Times Learning Network as a source. Make sure your sources are credible, and jot down the necessary information needed for a citation. • Notes are due on Day Three – use your class time wisely; anything not completed is homework! **Partners – You need your own notes in your writer’s notebook.

Time to Organize Ideas  • Day Three:Notes Due – you are now ready to move on. • Pre-writing – organize your notes into a graphic organizer individually. Total of 6 paragraphs. - Create Introduction: including hook and thesis and identify three main claims -Break down your argument point by point with evidence and explanation (discussion) -Identify counterargument and explain -Create Conclusion that will end your argument • Taking your outline write your speech – Graphic Organizer due tomorrow.

Time to Write  • Day Four: Graphic Organizer Due -Essay: Use your graphic organizer and put together your 6 paragraph essay. Partners: You will combine your graphic organizers. Both of you will do the Introduction and Conclusion. Them each of you must determine which body paragraphs you will be responsible for. **Be sure to follow the format of an argument and only include relevant and important information. In the end, your podcast should be between 2-3 minutes long.

Time to Revise/Edit Essay and Create a Speech  • Day Five: Rough Draft is due! Essay – Revise for ideas/content and Edit for conventions and format. When finalized, submit to turnitin.com. Speech-Turn your rough draft into a speech that is easy to read and follow. -print copies that are double spaced to read easier -mark your pauses with a / -underline words you wish to emphasize (transitions, strong word choice) -you are recording this speech as a podcast: be sure to give yourself a break after a few lines in order to edit your recording more easily

Time to Practice Speaking • Day Six: Practice reading your essay!! The following elements will be scored on your podcast: Voice/tone Pace Average Time

Time to Record • Day Seven: Recording Podcasts!! -computer lab: using Audacity you will record your podcast -read clearly and slowly -pause and emphasize key words and phrases -edit your speech where necessary using the selection tool -if not all the way done: save it to your H- drive (file, Save Project As) -when podcast is complete: file, Export, Name it with your last name, Save as type – MP3 Files – save it both to your H-drive (your #) and the folder in the x-drive for your class

Argumentative Writing