Argument WritingAmory High School

September 30, 2013

Argument?Persuasion?

What is the difference in argument writing and persuasion writing?

Argument Writing

•Influences the reader by using evidence and reasoning to express a point of view and uncover a truth for the reader

Argument Writing

“Argument is mainly about logical appeals and involves claims, evidence, warrants, backing, and rebuttals. Argument is the heart of critical thinking and academic discourse; it is the kind of writing students need to know for success in college and in life---the kind of writing that the Common Core State Standards puts first.”

George Hillocks, Jr.Teaching Argument

Writing

Argument is Everywhere!

• We all use argumentation on a daily basis. The more students improve their skills in this area, the better they will be at thinking critically, reasoning, making choices, and weighing evidence.

Persuasion Writing

• Blends facts and emotion in an attempt to convince the reader to agree with his/her point of view (often relies heavily on opinion)

Argument in the CCSS

Text Types and Purposes (Anchor Standards)

• 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

• 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

• 3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

The Elements of Argument

1. a claim

2. based on evidence of some sort

3. a warrant that explains how the evidence supports the claim

4. backing supporting the warrants

5. rebuttals or counterclaims that refute competing claims

Argument Writing Video

• How does the graphic organizer help students?

• Notice the components of the writing assignment. What makes the assignment effective and engaging?

• What can you learn from Ms. Davaney-Graham about making lessons relevant to students?

Four Corners

Tablets should replace textbooks in K-12 schools.

Strongly Agree?

Agree?

Disagree?

Strongly Disagree?

Argument Research Notebooks

• In mini-research clubs, students read various articles/texts (hard copies and online) and watch video clips to research both sides and the evidence that supports both sides of the claim they are research.  

• While reading and viewing, they take organized notes in an argument research notebook.  

Argument Resources

www.procon.org

www.bedfordstmartins.com/patterns

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/2/

Need Data?

http://yarp.com/

http://www.polleverywhere.com

http://www.surveymonkey.com/

http://freeonlinesurveys.com/