The Art of Argument
Scale of Understanding, Unit Three: Mrs. Pedersen’s Class
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Essential Skill:
 I can determine the difference between an argument and an opinion.
 When given a written argument, I can:
a. identify the author’s claim and supporting details.
b. evaluate the effectiveness of an argument through analyzing the author’s logic and reasoning.
c. detect bias and determine the effectiveness of the author’s word choice in revealing attitude.
d. Construct a well written evaluation of a given argument.
 I can identify and define the different persuasive techniques author’s or directors use to influence or convince.
 I can construct a well structured and strong argument on a given topic.
The Art of Argument: Scale of Understanding: Unit Three.
1
I am confused!
2
I am almost there.
Defining Argument:

I cannot tell the
difference between an
argument and an opinion.
Evaluating Arguments:
I can identify:

a claim.

some reasons.

possible persuasive
techniques, but I am not
certain.

bias.
Constructing an Argument:

I can include a claim or
my position on a topic.

I have included one to
two reasons for my
claim/position.

My argument reads more
like an opinion because I
did not include solid
facts to support my
claim.

I may or may not have
included persuasive
techniques.
Defining Argument:

I can tell the difference between an
argument and an opinion, but
cannot explain what it means.
Evaluating Arguments:
I can analyze an argument by:

Identifying the author’s claim or
position.

Identifying some of the author’s
facts/supporting details/reasoning.

Identifying persuasive techniques.

Identifying evidence of the
author’s bias.
Constructing an Argument:
I am working toward constructing an
argument.

I can include a claim or my
position.

I have included one to two reasons
for my claim.

I explained why/how my reasons
support my claim or position.

I have included at least one
persuasive technique, but the
technique I crafted may not be
strong in supporting my argument.

I may or may not have
mentioned the opposing
view.

I may have mentioned the
opposing view, but probably didn’t
refute or oppose this view. If I did,
I probably didn’t provide strong
logic and reasoning.
3
I got this!
Defining Argument:

I can explain what an argument is and clarify
the differences between an argument &
someone’s opinion.
Evaluating Arguments:
I can analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of an
author’s argument by:

identifying the author’s claim or
position.

identifying the author’s solid facts/
supporting details/reasoning.

identifying persuasive techniques.

identifying evidence of bias.

evaluating the argument’s strength by
analyzing the logic and reasoning.
Constructing an Argument:
I can construct a well structured argument that:

states a strong claim.

Contains at least three solid reasons that
provide strong support for my claim or
position.

contains logical explanations to explain how
my reasons support my claim or position.

contains a strong conclusion that re-states my
claim.

contains persuasive techniques.

acknowledges and either refutes or opposes
the rival argument in a respectful manner.
4
I can help others.
I can demonstrate proficiency plus:
Evaluating Arguments:
My evaluation of an argument includes:

insight into the author’s logic
and reasoning. This insight is
evident in my evaluation of
the argument’s strength.

A unique analysis of the
author’s bias as a strength or
weakness.
Constructing an Argument:

My awareness of the opposing
view was used to strengthen
my own argument in a
respectful manner.

My evidence/reasons are
supported with strong facts
that will make it difficult to
refute. (data, statistics, expert
opinion, compelling, real
world examples.)

bias was used to strengthen
my logic and reasoning.

My argument demonstrates a
unique understanding of the
art of arguing.
The Art of Argument
Constructing a well Structured and Strong Argument
Scale of Understanding
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Essential Skill:
You need to be able to formulate/create/write an effective, multi-paragraph argument using details/facts/logic/reasoning to support your claim.
Directions:
Now that we have discovered the art of arguing, you will need to construct a well structured argument. In order to be successful, you will need to:
1. Take a side on a given issue. This may require some reflection.
2. Construct a strong claim or position on the issue.
3. Determine at least three reasons to support your position.
4. Research your claim to find support for your reasons. (you are constructing/formulating logic)
a. Hunt for solid facts in the form of data, statistics, expert opinion, etc.
b. Gain an understanding of the opposing view so that you can acknowledge the view and refute or oppose this view successfully.
c. Collect all bibliographical information for any and all sources you gathered information from. You will need to construct a
bibliography.
5. Construct your argument. Use the Scale of Understanding as a guide!
Scale of Understanding: Constructing a well Structured and Strong Argument.
Constructing an Argument:
I am not certain I understand what it is I am
supposed to do.
I have written an opinion piece rather than
an argument.
My Beginning:

My purpose for writing may not be
clear to my audience.

I may have included a claim or my
position on a topic.
My Middle:

I have included one to two reasons
for my claim/position.

I did not include solid facts to
support my claim.

I may or may not have included
persuasive techniques.

I may or may not have mentioned the
opposing view.
My Ending:

I did not construct an accurate
conclusion.
Overall Craft:

The reader may not be able to detect
my tone/voice, or my tone may not
be appropriate for the purpose.

I did not take risks on word choice.

I may have written many simple
sentences which takes away from the
fluency of my thoughts.

I have so many errors in grammar
and conventions that it makes it
difficult for my reader to understand
what I am trying to communicate.
Constructing an Argument:
I am working toward constructing an argument.
I may or may not have a strong beginning,
middle, and end.
My Beginning:

has some background on my topic.

includes a claim or my position.
My Middle:

includes one to two reasons for my
claim.

Includes my explanations to explain
why/how my reasons support my
claim or position.

I have included at least one
persuasive technique, but the
technique I crafted may not be strong
in supporting my argument.

I may or may not have included
transitions. If I did include
transitions, they may be obvious such
as, “first, second, last,…etc.”

I may have mentioned the opposing
view, but probably didn’t refute or
oppose this view. If I did, I probably
didn’t provide strong logic and
reasoning.
My Ending:

I probably didn’t summarize my
reasons.

I may or may not have restated my
claim or position.
Overall Craft:

My tone may be sarcastic or
disrespectful.

I did not take many risks on word
choice.

I may have varied my sentence.

I have many obvious errors in
grammar and conventions. These
errors distract may distract my
reader.
Constructing an Argument:
I can construct a well structured argument that:

Has a strong beginning, middle, and
end.
My Beginning:

Captures my reader’s attention.

Provides background on my topic so
that my reader understands my
purpose for my claim.

states a strong claim/position.
My Middle:

Contains at least three solid reasons
that provide strong support for my
claim or position.

contains logical explanations to
explain how my reasons support my
claim or position.

Transitions my reader from one
reason to another, logically.

Contains at least two effective
persuasive techniques.

acknowledges and either refutes or
opposes the rival argument in a
respectful manner
My Ending:

contains a strong conclusion that restates my claim and sums up my
reasons.
Overall craft:

My tone is appropriate and
respectful.

I carefully crafted words for impact.

I have varied my sentence types for
fluency.

I have no more than eight errors in
grammar and conventions.
My argument demonstrates proficiency
plus:
Constructing an Argument:

The purpose for my position is
compelling, adding to my logic and
reasoning.

My awareness of the opposing view
is used to strengthen my own
argument in a respectful manner.

My evidence/reasons are supported
with strong facts that make it
difficult to refute my position. (data,
statistics, expert opinion, compelling,
real world examples.)

bias was used to strengthen my logic
and reasoning.
Overall craft:

Tone is commanding and confident,
exhibiting strength.

Word choice is advanced.

I have varied my sentence types for
fluency.

Transitions are crafted throughout
my argument for ease.

I have no more than five errors in
grammar and conventions and
reasoning.
My argument demonstrates a unique
understanding of the skill it takes to construct a
strong argument.