Writing Arguments to
Support Claims
In Middle School FACS and Technology Education
What is an Argument?
An argument is a claim
that must be supported by
evidence.
An argument is a
reasoned logical way of
demonstrating that the
writer’s position, belief, or
conclusion is valid.
Arguments are used to
Change the audience’s point of view.
Cause some action from the audience.
Convince the audience to accept the
speaker’s explanation or evaluation of
a concept, issue or problem.
Argument
 Attempts to convince the audience to accept a claim as
truth.
 Focuses on evidence.
 Is grounded in facts, data, and logic.
 Requires critical reading of source information for
evidence.
 Addresses counterclaims fairly in order to present a
complete argument.
Argument is NOT Persuasion
Persuasion
Argument
Appeals to
credibility, character,
or authority of writer
Focuses on
evidence
Uses emotional
appeals to convince
audience
Uses facts,
data & logic
Claims of Cause & Effect
Claims of Definition or Fact
Types of
Claims
Claims about Values
Claims about Solutions or
Policies
Types of Claims
Claims of Cause & Effect
 Argues that one person,
thing, or event caused
something else to occur
Claims of Definition or
Fact
 Argues what a definition is or
if something accepted as a
“fact” is really so
Types of Claims
Claims about Values
 Argues the worth of
something and whether we
value it or not
Claims about Solutions or
Policies
 Argues for or against specific
approaches to problems
What Makes an Effective
Claim?
 Takes a clear position
 Is debatable – people could reasonably have different
opinions on the issue
 Is narrow enough to be supported effectively within the
scope of the assignment
What is Universal Design for
Learning (UDL)?
 A framework for designing curriculum in all content
areas
 Provides rich supports for learning
 Reduces barriers to curriculum
 Maintains high achievement standards for all
Universal Design for Learning
(UDL)
Three Key Ideas of UDL:
 Represent information for students in multiple formats
and media
 Provide multiple pathways for students’ actions and
expression
 Provide multiple ways to engage students’ interest and
motivation
UDL Resources for Argument
Writing
Cause and Effect Graphic
Organizers:http://www.educationoasis.com/curriculum/
GO/cause_effect.htm
Big6 Resources for Research & Evaluation of Sources
http://doc.hcpss.org:8080/docushare/dsweb/View/Colle
ction-15440
Making Informed Decisions and Critical
Thinkinghttp://www.pbslearningmedia.org/content/e4b7
14ae-96b9-4103-aa49-0467c27d0073/