1 of 16

EVERYTHING IS AN

ARGUMENT

… (no it’s not)

Persuasion resulting in coherent and thoughtful movement from a claim to a conclusion.

​

2 of 16

Argument Writing

    • I can develop a main idea that clearly takes a specific, arguable, defensible position.
      • (e.g. The are good and bad things about focusing on yourself = BAD)

​

    • I can develop claims with relevant evidence and supply reasoning.�
    • I can clarify and develop ideas through organization and structure, and provide a sufficient and relevant introduction and concluding statement.�
    • I can write in a formal style, using appropriate word choice, grammar, and punctuation.

3 of 16

HOLD UP!

What are our learning goals?

4 of 16

Argument Organizer

claim

    • Evidence/reasoning

claim

    • Evidence/reasoning

claim

    • Evidence/reasoning

5 of 16

Main Idea/Thesis

  • Makes a claim(s) – must be
    • arguable
    • supportable
    • specific�
  • It guides purpose
  • It is the central point of organization
  • Narrows idea to the task

6 of 16

Not all claims are created equal.

For the following claims, evaluate whether each is arguable or too easily verifiable to develop an effective argument.

  • Owners of trucks and SUV’s should have to pay an energy surcharge.
  • Charter schools are an alternative to public schools.
  • People who read novels are more likely to attend sports events and movies than those who do not.
  • Students graduating from college today can expect to have more debt than any previous generation.

​

7 of 16

THESIS STATEMENTS

      • People should go to school. �
      • Education is important because it teaches people a way to learn what they want to become. �
      • There is power in the human mind, but education is needed for its development.

8 of 16

HOLD UP!

What three things does a thesis need to be?

9 of 16

Writing Process

  • Invention
  • Planning – Research - Mesearch
  • Drafting
  • Editing
  • Revision

10 of 16

INVENTION

Understanding the task

Gathering Ideas

11 of 16

WRITE!

PROMPT 1

  1. Summarize main idea in MLK, Douglass, Whitman
  2. Analyze 1 use of figurative language/word choice and tone
  3. Tell me how and why their ideas on what we need in order to live well still have influence today.

PROMPT 2

Add your voice to this conversation of what it takes to live well. Aside from social equality, education, and self-love, what does it take to live a well-lived life in the modern world.

12 of 16

Invention (Getting ideas going)

“You can’t wait for inspiration. �You have to go after it with a club”

​

  • Freewriting: 90% bullcrap, but that 10% is where you need to start!
  • List-Making: Helps find NEW connects
  • Diagrams: Graphic organizers like word webs or flow charts.

13 of 16

BRAINSTORMS ARE MESSY

14 of 16

LET’S PRACTICE

Understanding the task

Gathering Ideas

15 of 16

SO WHAT ARE THE TAKEAWAYS?

16 of 16

Argument�Structure���

Arguments are composed of:

    • Thesis (Main Idea)
    • Claims
    • Evidence
    • Reasons

​

INVENTION = producing ideas

    • Free writes
    • Lists
    • Diagrams

​