1.13 Writing an
Argument
Learning Targets
 Identify the knowledge and skills needed to
complete your Transfer Task successfully and
reflect on prior learning that supports the
knowledge and skills needed.
 Examine the essential elements of an
argument
Vocabulary to Know
Define these words using
the glossary in your
book
 Argument
 Claim
 Counterclaim
 Concession
 Refutation
 Call to Action
You WILL
have a quiz
on this
vocabulary
What is an argument?
 An argument is a discussion in which reasons are
put forward in support of and/or against a claim.
 A written argument must meet several conditions
in order to be a valid argument and not merely
an effort to persuade.
 The central claim must be debatable (can be
argued)
 The claim must be supported by evidence
 The writer needs to address the opposition by
acknowledging counterclaims and the evidence
supporting them.
Elements of an Effective
Argument
 Introduction and Claim
 Opening that grabs reader’s attention while
stating the claim (a clear and straightforward
statement of the writer’s belief about the topic
 Supporting Paragraphs
 The reasons offered in supported of a claim,
supported by evidence!
Elements of an Effective
Argument
 Concession and/or Refutation:
 Restatements of valid counterclaims made by the
opposing side (concessions) or the writer’s arguments
against those opposing viewpoints (refutations),
explaining why the writer’s position is more valid
 Conclusion/ Call to Action
 Closing statements restating the major arguments in
defense of a these (claim) with a final challenge to
the reader to take action
Purpose of an Argument
 To change a reader’s or listener’s point of
view
 To ask the reader or listener to take an
action
 To gain acceptance for the writer’s ideas
about a problem or issue.
Five Ways Ed Pays
 Watch the video
 On page 58, take notes on the reasons
given in support of the central claim.
 Be as specific as possible.
 Include quotes from the narrator as you
record evidence in support of each reason.
 Five Ways Ed Pays
 Which of these reasons was most
persuasive?
 Why?
 Which of these reasons was least
persuasive?
 Why?
Identify Elements of an
Argument
 Read “Why College Isn’t for Everyone” on
page 78.
 Use one color highlighter to mark the claim
 Use one color highlighter to mark the
evidence
 Use one color highlighter to mark the
counterclaim
 Fill out the graphic organizer for this article
on page 81.
“Actually, College Is
Very Much Worth It”
 Use one color highlighter to mark the claim
 Use one color highlighter to mark the
evidence
 Use one color highlighter to mark the
counterclaim
 Hint: In this article, the counterclaim comes in
the first paragraph. Read carefully!
 Fill out the graphic organizer for this article
on page 81.