Old Redford Academy Preparatory High School

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1 Old Redford Academy Preparatory High School Summer Reading & Assignment For students entering 9 th Grade in Fall Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer Reading Options (Choose One) Metamorphoses by Ovid The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak The Nose by Nikolai Gogol For students entering 10 th Grade in Fall Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Reading Options (Choose One) The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara For students entering 11 th Grade in Fall Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer Reading Options (Choose One) Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner For students entering 12 th Grade in Fall Assignment: Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer Reading Options (Choose One) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan The Namesake by Lahiri Jhumpa Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville

2 Summer Reading Assignment Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer Directions: 1. While reading the texts that you have been assigned, record any notes that will assist you when constructing your argumentative essay which you will construct in class during the first week of school. 2. One of the graphic organizers must be completed according to the writing prompt that was assigned to your grade level. Bring the completed graphic organizer to class on the 1 st day of school. Writing Prompts: 9 th Grade Composition and Literature: In both The Color of Water and The Secret Life of Bees, it has been asserted that family plays a pivotal role in shaping character. Defend or challenge this assertion. Be sure to include in-text citations (words, phrases, or long quotes from the books). Be sure to cite properly, using MLA format. Avoid mere plot summary. 10 th - 12 th Grade Composition and Literature: Using evidence and logical reasoning, defend or challenge a key point that the author makes in the text(s). Be sure to include in-text citations (words, phrases, or short quotes) from the texts. Be sure to cite properly, using MLA format. Avoid mere plot summary.

3 Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer Option #1 Order your points under either A (arguments in favor) or B (arguments against) giving reasons and evidence in the right-hand column. Write your Arguments in favor (A). Write your Arguments against (B). A. Arguments in favor: A. Reasons and evidence:

4 B. Arguments against: B. Reasons and evidence:

5 Argumentative Essay Graphic Organizer Option #2 Directions: Use this graphic organizer to help organize or outline your ideas for your argumentative essay. Outlining ideas is a critical component to the writing process.

6 Classic Model for an Argument No one structure fits all written arguments. However, most college courses require arguments that consist of the following elements. Below is a basic outline for an argumentative or persuasive essay. This is only one possible outline or organization. Always refer to your handbook for specifics. I. Introductory Paragraph Your introductory paragraph sets the stage or the context for the position you are arguing for. This introduction should end with a thesis statement that provides your claim (what you are arguing for) and the reasons for your position on an issue. A. Your thesis: states what your position on an issue is usually appears at the end of the introduction in a short essay should be clearly stated and often contains emphatic language (should, ought, must) B. Sample Argumentative Thesis II. Body of your Argument The production, sale, and possession of assault weapons for private citizens should be banned in the U.S. A. Background Information This section of your paper gives the reader the basic information he or she needs to understand your position. This could be part of the introduction, but may work as its own section. B. Reasons or Evidence to Support your Claim All evidence you present in this section should support your position. This is the heart of your essay. Generally, you begin with a general statement that you back up with specific details or examples. Depending on how long your argument is, you will need to devote one to two well-developed paragraphs to each reason/claim or type of evidence. Types of evidence include: o First-hand examples and experiential knowledge on your topic (specific examples help your readers connect to your topic in a way they cannot with abstract ideas) o Opinions from recognized authorities o The tip sheet on the three logical appeals covers the types of evidence you can use in argumentation. 1. Claim: Keeping assault weapons out of private citizens hands can lower the increasing occurrences of barbaric public slayings Evidence: o Jul 93 Law firm murders o Columbine School Shootings o University of Virginia incident o How did these individuals gain access to weapons?

7 2. Claim: The ban on assault weapons is backed heavily by public opinion, major organizations, and even law enforcement. Evidence: o 12% favor ban (Much 92 Timetable News) o Organizational endorsements o Nat'l Sherriff's Assoc./lntn'l Assoc. of Police Chiefs 3. Claim: The monetary and human costs incurred by crimes committed with assault weapons are too great to ignore. Evidence: III. Addressing the Opposite Side o 10,561 murders in 1990 by handguns o Study of 131 injured patients medical expenses paid by public funds Any well-written argument must anticipate and address positions in opposition to the one being argued. Pointing out what your opposition is likely to say in response to your argument shows that you have thought critically about your topic. Addressing the opposite side actually makes your argument stronger! Generally, this takes the form of a paragraph that can be placed either after the introduction or before the conclusion. A. 1st Opposing View: Strict gun control laws won't affect crime rate o Refutation: Low murder rate in Britain, Australia (etc., where strict controls are in force. B. 2nd Opposing View: Outlaws would still own guns IV. Conclusion o Refutation: Any effort to move trend in opposite direction would benefit future generations The conclusion should bring the essay to a logical end. It should explain what the importance of your issue is in a larger context. Your conclusion should also reiterate why your topic is worth caring about. Some arguments propose solutions or make prediction on the future of the topic. Show your reader what would happen if your argument is or is not believed or acted upon as you believe it should be. Adapted from: Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers. Ed. Lynn Quitman Troyka, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, The Writer s Workplace. Ed. Sandra Scarry and John Scarry. 6th ed. Boston: Thomson Wadsworth, 2008.

8 Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay While some consider persuasive papers and argument papers to be basically the same thing, it s usually safe to assume that an argument paper presents a stronger claim possibly to a more resistant audience. For example: while a persuasive paper might claim that cities need to adopt recycling programs, an argument paper on the same topic might be addressed to a particular town. The argument paper would go further, suggesting specific ways that a recycling program should be adopted and utilized in that particular area. To write an argument essay, you ll need to gather evidence and present a well-reasoned argument on a debatable issue. How can I tell if my topic is debatable? Check your thesis! You cannot argue a statement of fact; you must base your paper on a strong position. Ask yourself How many people could argue against my position? What would they say? Can it be addressed with a yes or no? (aim for a topic that requires more info.) Can I base my argument on scholarly evidence, or am I relying on religion, cultural standards, or morality? (you MUST be able to do quality research!) Have I made my argument specific enough? Worried about taking a firm stance on an issue? Though there are plenty of times in your life when it s best to adopt a balanced perspective and try to understand both sides of a debate, this isn t one of them. You MUST choose one side or the other when you write an argument paper! Don t be afraid to tell others exactly how you think things should go because that s what we expect from an argument paper. You re in charge now, what do YOU think? Do use passionate language cite experts who agree with you provide facts, evidence, and statistics to support your position provide reasons to support your claim address the opposing side s argument and refute their claims Don t use weak qualifiers like I believe, I feel, or I think just tell us! claim to be an expert if you re not one use strictly moral or religious claims as support for your argument assume the audience will agree with you about any aspect of your argument attempt to make others look bad (i.e. Mr. Smith is ignorant don t listen to him!)

9 Why do I need to address the opposing side s argument? There is an old kung-fu saying which states, "The hand that strikes also blocks", meaning that when you argue it is to your advantage to anticipate your opposition and strike down their arguments within the body of your own paper. This sentiment is echoed in the popular saying, "The best defense is a good offense". By addressing the opposition you achieve the following goals: illustrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic demonstrate a lack of bias enhance the level of trust that the reader has for both you and your opinion give yourself the opportunity to refute any arguments the opposition may have strengthen your argument by diminishing your opposition's argument Think about yourself as a child, asking your parents for permission to do something that they would normally say no to. You were far more likely to get them to say yes if you anticipated and addressed all of their concerns before they expressed them. You did not want to belittle those concerns, or make them feel dumb, because this only put them on the defensive, and lead to a conclusion that went against your wishes. The same is true in your writing. How do I accomplish this? To address the other side of the argument you plan to make, you'll need to "put yourself in their shoes." In other words, you need to try to understand where they're coming from. If you're having trouble accomplishing this task, try following these steps: 1. Jot down several good reasons why you support that particular side of the argument. 2. Look at the reasons you provided and try to argue with yourself. Ask: Why would someone disagree with each of these points? What would his/her response be? (Sometimes it's helpful to imagine that you're having a verbal argument with someone who disagrees with you.) 3. Think carefully about your audience; try to understand their background, their strongest influences, and the way that their minds work. Ask: What parts of this issue will concern my opposing audience the most? 4. Find the necessary facts, evidence, quotes from experts, etc. to refute the points that your opposition might make. 5. Carefully organize your paper so that it moves smoothly from defending your own points to sections where you argue against the opposition.