Writing an argumentative paper

1. Writing an argumentative paper

2. research • You must, must, MUST research the topic before you begin ANY writing!! • You may use a variety of CREDIBLE sources to do your research (books, encyclopedias, online peer-reviewed journals, newspaper articles, etc.) • Consider who the author/audience is, discover if they are trustworthy as a source • Record the source information (use EasyBib or NoodleBib for MLA formatting.

3. Works cited page/paper format • All citations must be the same FONT, SIZE and COLOR! • Every line after the first line of a citation should be indented • Edit the formatting once you have pasted it into the document. • Title it: “Works Cited” and center it at the top of the page • Insert a Header in the top right of the page stating: Your last name followed by page number • Ex: Waldrop 1 • Paper must be TIMES NEW ROMAN , 12pt font

4. What an academic argument is not: • An argument is usually not: • An absolute truth. • A revelation or brand new insight. • The last word. • Bad-tempered complaining. • An exercise in pure logic. • A chance to prove that you’re smarter than everyone else.

5. What it is: • An argument is merely an essay that has a thesis, which a substantial part of your audience may disagree with and that seeks to convince them you’re right. That’s all, and that’s not much. To know your essay is an argument, look for three things: • An opposition • An implied should • A call to action • A good argument relies heavily on FACTS not opinions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. Don’t forget to use your transitional words while writing… • Commonly used words: • and, to sum up, but, because, or to sum up, while, consequently, although, first, unlike, next, while, sometimes, however, surely, in other words, on the other hand • Example: • Animal rights groups say the Iditarod race is cruel to dogs and should be discontinued. Mushers, on the other hand, say their dogs are treated better than most animals and are bred to race.

7. 1. In an effort to cut down on discipline problems, our school has decided to require students to wear uniforms; most students are opposed to the idea. a. of course b. but • 2. Many scholars believe that Amelia Earhardt was one of the most influential people in women's history; others feel that Susan B. Anthony played a more important role. a. unless b. however • 3. The principal added additional detention time for students caught littering the school grounds; the campus became much cleaner almost overnight. a. consequently b. but

8. 4. The Iditarod can be a grueling race; the dogs sometimes run for hours at a time without a break. a. while b. for instance • 5. Jacob can't seem to get enough sugar, he loves cookies and cupcakes. a. in particular b. similarly • 6. The new highway is scheduled to go through our backyard; we've decided to move. a. therefore b. next

9. Use Facts that support your argument • 1. Random locker searches create a safer school environment. • a. Many knives, guns, and drugs have been confiscated • b. lockers are much neater now • c. principals often laugh at what they see

10. 2. Girls that play sports are more successful later in life. • a. out of 1,000 women polled, 85% of those who ranked themselves as happy and successful in their chosen professions also noted that they participated in sports during their childhood • b. soccer is a favorite sport • c. drinking lots of water during physical activity is important

11. organization • Introduction: • Introduce your readers to the topic and give a little background information. State a general opposing stance. • State your position on the issue within the last sentence of the paragraph.

12. ORGANIZATION • BODY • The body of your essay should contain at least three paragraphs. Each paragraph must state a different viewpoint on your topic, examine the opposition to that viewpoint and provide a defense of that viewpoint. • A paragraph for this paper is at least FIVE sentences

13. Organization • Body 1-3: Viewpoint/CLAIM 1-3 • The opposing viewpoint: _____________________ • Your viewpoint (CLAIM): ____________________________ • Discussion and defense of your viewpoint (EVIDENCE): ____________________________________________________________________________________

14. organization • Closing/Conclusion • Summarize the arguments and then close with a powerful statement relating to your originally stated issue. • Do NOT introduce new information in the conclusion

15. Avoid logical fallacies • There is not one exclusive or absolute truth • It does not have to be “either/or”; this eliminates the complexities of issue, you are just supporting the opinion you chose

16. Use rhetorical strategies • Logos • Logical- appeals to REASON • This makes the most sense BECAUSE • Ethos • Ethical- appeals to sense of morality • What is the “right” thing to do, and WHY • Pathos • Passion- appeals to sense of emotion • How do your feelings influence your actions?

17. homework • Research • Research the topic, discover credible sources, and TAKE NOTES on those sources. If you would like to print these sources out to high light and annotate on, you may. • If not, put the source in MLA format and attach the notes to the citation • Must have at least 3 sources for tomorrow.

18. Answer these questions about each source: • Is the source academicand credible? • Does the source support one side of the issue? Or is it straightforward facts about a topic? • What information did you learn from this source? • DUE TOMORROW