Argumentative Writing:
Writing Body Paragraphs
Evidence
• In argumentative writing, you must support
your claim with evidence. The evidence that
you use will must be convincing enough to
persuade someone to support your view.
Types of evidence
As a writer, there are several ways to support your claim such
as:
Anecdotes- short stories used to make a point
Quotes- a reference to something someone has said or to
common expressions
Personal experiences- examples from your life that can be
used in your essay
Citations from articles, books, websites
Examples- specific examples that can be used to prove a
point.
statistics- using numeral data( such as percentages, surveys,
and numbers to support your claim).
Article
Read “Snacks: The USDA’s Solution to Student’s
Healthy Lunch Complaints.”
As you read, highlight and label information that
may be useful in an argumentative essay.
Article
Read “Snacks: The USDA’s Solution to Student’s
Healthy Lunch Complaints.”
Click Here to watch the video.
Writing Prompt
Writing Situation: In the United States, 1 in 3 (33%)
children and teens are overweight. In response, the
Federal Lunch Plan enacted new rules concerning
school lunches. School lunches may not exceed 850
calories and must serve healthy fruit and
vegetables. What is your opinion on the issue?
Writing Directions: Write a letter to your
Congressman to express your thoughts about the
new rules. Include examples and evidence in your
letter.
Pro/Con Chart
Pro ( positive aspects Con (negative aspects
of new lunch program) of new lunch program)
Complete the graphic organizer
Write your claim and write 3 reasons for your
argument. You must support it with evidence
such as:
• Anecdotes
• Examples
• Statistics
• Citations from the article
• quotes
Reason 1:
Reason 1:
Evidence:
Evidence:
Claim
Reason 1:
Evidence:
Conclusion
Write your introduction
•
•
•
•
Start it off with a hook or lead
Include some background information
State your claim.
End with your thesis statement.
Write body paragraph
• When you finish your first paragraph and
move to the second paragraph, start it with a
transition word so that it flows.
• Then add your first reason from your thesis
statement.
• Add examples, statistics, anecdotes, and other
supporting sentences.
Example of introduction
The United States is facing an epidemic. One
out of three students is currently overweight and
obese. Many of these students each lunch each day
in the cafeteria. In the past, they served unhealthy
foods such as pizza, nachos, and hamburgers. In
response, the federal government passed new rules
that limits the number of calories to 850 per meal.
Limiting the number of calories in a school lunch
will benefit Americans. This new rule will educate
student’s on how to eat healthy, it is going to help
reduce the obesity problem, and promote a healthy
lifestyle.
Example of body paragraph
To begin, the government's new lunch
program will teach students about healthy
eating. For example, at our school we have a
salad bar that is very good. I now eat salads at
home because I realize that salads taste good if
you have the right ingredients. Almost all of my
friends get a salad everyday, and most of them
eat it. A lot of young people don’t know how to
eat healthy, and it is up to the schools to help
educate kids about how to eat healthy.
Write introduction and body
paragraph
Writing Situation: In the United States, 1 in 3 (33%)
children and teens are overweight. In response, the
Federal Lunch Plan enacted new rules concerning
school lunches. School lunches may not exceed 850
calories and must serve healthy fruit and
vegetables. What is your opinion on the issue?
Writing Directions: Write a letter to your
Congressman to express your thoughts about the
new rules. Include examples and evidence in your
letter.