Argument Writing: What is it?
An argument is a *"claim" that must be supported by evidence. When writing an argument, [you] are required to do more than summarize material or repeat what has already been said. One strategy for advancing an argument is to anticipate and address counterarguments or oppositions. By developing counterclaims, the writer discredits the counterclaims and thereby invalidates reasons the reader might have for not accepting the writer’s argument. Source: Howard County Public School System Sydney L. Cousin, Superintendent Board of Education Howard County Public School System |
How is it different from opinion or persuasive writing?
Additional vocabulary terms associated with argumentative writing presented in flashcard and game like style. Challenge a friend.
|
Study these examples.
|
Purdue Owl is a writing lab that will explain how to develop an argument essay. Great for looking at different thesis' and for how to build each part of your essay.
I recommend you check it out, get familiar with it, and bookmark the site. This way you can refer to it as often as you need to when you write your argument. |
REVIEW OF THESIS
This is your viewpoint...the heart of your paper. It's one statement that you will defend. Listen to this rap tune to get an idea.
|
APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED
BEGIN WITH THE BLUEPRINT
After you have gathered all of your data from credible sources and you have a pretty good idea what your thesis is, it's time to organize the information in a logical pattern.Below you will find several methods. Choose one or two that work for you. One addition you will want to make to the organizers is to note where your evidence came from. This will make it easier to cite your source within your essay.
After you have gathered all of your data from credible sources and you have a pretty good idea what your thesis is, it's time to organize the information in a logical pattern.Below you will find several methods. Choose one or two that work for you. One addition you will want to make to the organizers is to note where your evidence came from. This will make it easier to cite your source within your essay.
The above is a PDF file. You will need to print document. Below is the Word version. Once you open, enable editing and then you can type your information. KEEP IN MIND you will want to remove the lines before you enter text.
|
DRAFT: The Introduction
|
|
DRAFT: The Body
Begin with a logical Reason (your belief as to why your claim is true)
Followed by the Warrant (explanation & analysis on how and why the evidence matters)
Then Evidence (credible data you use to support the claim)
Add a claim, warrant and then more evidence.
Move to Counter claim (opposing position might say...)
Now comes the Rebuttal (but additional evidence and analysis says otherwise)
Last the Conclusion statement
Keep in mind this is just a template for putting your paragraph together. Once you understand these are the basic elements of the paragraph how you structure it is up to you. You may only have one rebuttal at this point.
Check out some of these speeches to see what I mean.
DON'T FORGET the Writing Lab that also offers great tips and examples.
|
DRAFT: The Conclusion
Restate your claim in a different way. Remember an argument does not require a call of action. Instead this is a good time to reflect or even show your readers how this might connect to their lives.
Apply a couple or more of these strategies:
~echo the beginning of piece
~anecdote or scenario
~quotation or dialogue
~important fact or point
~prediction
~self-reflection
~response to the "so what?" question
Apply a couple or more of these strategies:
~echo the beginning of piece
~anecdote or scenario
~quotation or dialogue
~important fact or point
~prediction
~self-reflection
~response to the "so what?" question
REVISE YOUR PAPER
Share or print your draft. Use the following checklist to critically think about your argument. Revise your paper based on your self and peer feedback.
Not sure about how to structure your paragraphs? Revisit the Writing Construction page. |
TIME TO EDIT
After you have made all of your revisions it's time to carefully proofread your paper. Get your colored pens ready. This is where you ask at least three others to also proofread your paper. Once this has been done, go back and edit your paper.
A strategy that works well is to ask each editor to look for specific areas such as spelling, punctuation, sentence structure (subject and verb, subject and verb agreement...), and so on. |
GET READY TO PUBLISH
You are now ready to publish your work. Your teacher will give you further directions on how to submit essay. In addition, you may wish to publish this to your website, your blog, or portfolio. You may even wish to publish this in your local newspaper or submit to a magazine.