What is argumentative Writing?
Argumentative writing is a genre
of writing that uses reasoning and
evidence, and not emotion, to take
a stand on a controversial or
debatable issue.
Think-pair-share
During the 2012 Presidential debate, the
moderator asked the question, “Should the
government raise taxes on the rich in order
to balance the budget?”
As you listen to the debate, make a list of
points that each candidate makes to
question.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cO8DZm05fw
Think-pair-share
“Should the government raise taxes on the
rich in order to balance the budget?”
Obama
Romney
Claim 1
Claim 1
Claim 2
Claim 2
Claim 3
Claim 3
Parts of an argumentative paper
The claim is your position (or an author’s) in
an essay.
Think back to the debate. Each candidate
made a claim about what the government
should do.
There are different types of claims in which
you can defend, qualify, or challenge.
When a writer is defending a claim, he/she is
writing in support of another author.
When a writer is challenging a claim, he/she is
writing the reasons why they disagree with the
author.
When a writer is qualifying a claim, he/she is
defending arguments that makes sense and
challenging ones that don’t.
Choosing a side
In in argumentative essay, you must
choose a side and defend it with
evidence!
Student model
Evaluate the student model. Identify the claim in the
introduction.
The final bell rings. It’s the last day of school, and
summer has finally come! Students don’t have to
think about school for at least another 2 1/2 months.
That is the way it should always be. Schools should
continue using the traditional calendar and not a
year-round schedule. There are numerous
downsides to year-round schooling. It has no
positive effects on education, it adds to costs, and it
disrupts the long-awaited summer vacation.
FAT-P
When you are given a writing prompt, think
about the FAT-P before you start writing.
F- format (letter, essay, etc)
A- audience (Who are you writing to?)
T- topic (What are you writing about)
P-purpose (argumentative or expository)
Complete the FAT-P
Writing Situation: Many school districts are now
establishing online schools for students who do not
want to attend the traditional school. Some parents
prefer to homeschool their children, and some
students would like to avoid the peer pressure and/or
bullying. Consider the advantages and/or
disadvantages of an online school. What is your
position on this issue?
Directions for Writing: Write a letter to the school
board stating your position and supporting it with
convincing reasons.
Pre-writing activity
Directions for Writing: Write a letter to the school board stating your
position and supporting it with convincing reasons.
Complete a pro/con chart for the topic. List the positive aspects of an
online school, and the negative aspects.
Pro (positive of an online
school
Con (negatives of an
online school)
Write a claim for the prompt.
Directions for Writing: Write a letter to the school board stating your
position and supporting it with convincing reasons.
Choose a side after you have considered the pros and cons of an
online school.
Think-pair-share with your partner.
Writing an introductory paragraph
After you write a claim, then what?
You need to write an introduction to your
essay.
The purpose of an introduction is capture
the reader’s interest and establish a claim.
The hook is the first sentence of
your essay. The purpose is to grab
the reader’s attention.
Effective hooks can include:
• a quote
• A question
• An anecdote ( a short story that
illustrates a point)
• A statistic
Example: a question
Asking a rhetorical question is a great way
to begin an essay.
Topic: online school
Do you hate getting up early each morning
to go to school? If we had an online school,
students would be able to complete their
coursework on their own schedule.
Example: a quote
A quote is based on something someone has
said or it could be a cliché (common saying).
Topic: online school
Bill Gates says, “Online schools give at-risk students an
opportunity to gain an education.”
Lisa Anderson, an assistant principal at Howard Elementary
states, “Schools do not just provide an education, but teach
students social skills.”
Example: an anecdote
An anecdote is a short story (3-5 sentences)
that demonstrates a point.
Topic: online schools
Teri was bullied everyday in 6th grade. After the
constant bullying, it was struggle for her to attend school each
day. By 7th grade, Teri refused to attend school. Her mother
discovered that their school district offered an online school
and decided this would be an opportunity for Teri to get an
education without the fear of bullying. Online schools give
students like Teri the opportunity to learn without fear.
Therefore, online learning promotes a positive environment,
decreases health issues, and allows more room for personal
freedom.
Example: a statistic
A statistic is the use of numerical data (such
as a number, percent, fraction) to support
your argument.
• Seven out of 10 students believe that
online schools are a great idea.
• Each year 70,000 students graduate from
online schools in the United States.
Activity: Write an introduction
Write an introduction for this essay. Make sure to include a
hook, background information, and your claim.
Writing Situation: Many school districts are now establishing online
schools for students who do not want to attend the traditional school.
Some parents prefer to homeschool their children, and some students
would like to avoid the peer pressure and/or bullying. Consider the
advantages and/or disadvantages of an online school. What is your
position on this issue?
Directions for Writing: Write a letter to the school board stating your
position and supporting it with convincing reasons.