Claim - Expresses your position or stand on the issue (YOUR OPINION ON A TOPIC) - States precisely what you believe (and perhaps WHY you believe it) - This is the viewpoint you want readers to accept or the action you want readers to take - The claim is in essence your thesis statement (aka main point)
Reasons - Reasons support your claim (claim=thesis=your OPINION ON A TOPIC) - The explanation and justification of your claim - Reasons answer the Why and the How Come? - Logical and rational reasons win arguments - Reasons must always be supported with evidence or examples
Evidence - Proof that your reasons and claim are accurate and believable - Evidence often includes: statistics, interviews, quotes, examples, anecdotes, data, etc. - Credibility is essential in finding appropriate evidence. Evidence should be: - Relevant to the topic - Provided by credible source (an expert in the field) - Reputable (e.g. contact information is available, up-to-date source, etc.)
Explanations - Provide an explanation of how your evidence supports your point
Counterclaim & Rebuttal Counterclaims (aka Counter-argument / Counter-point / Opposition / Concessions) - Recognizes and addresses opinions that may oppose your claim - (you recognize the other side(s) of the argument!) - Understands differing viewpoints - (acknowledges that the other side has some validity!)
Counterclaim & Rebuttal Rebuttal (aka Refutations ) - Refutes differing viewpoints with logical evidence and reasons - Uses the opposition s reasons to win your own argument (e.g. finding areas of weakness or irrational logic in their argument to strengthen your own) - Get them to see your side!
Thesis
Thesis How long is it? Answer: Formula: Concession + Thesis + 3 Reasons Example: Although surveillance cameras may be expensive, schools should install them because they increase safety, reduce vandalism, and keep both teachers and students accountable for their actions.
Body Paragraphs
Argument Essay: Body Paragraph #1 1. Topic Sentence (Reason #1 from thesis statement that supports your claim) 2. Explain topic sentence. 3. Evidence #1 (Remember! 5 types: Examples, Quotes, Facts-Statistics, Anecdotes, Scenarios) 4. Explanation of Evidence 5. Evidence #2 (Remember! 5 types: Examples, Quotes, Facts-Statistics, Anecdotes, Scenarios) 6. Explanation of Evidence 7. Transition Sentence
Argument Essay: Body Paragraph #2 1. Topic Sentence (Reason #2 from thesis statement that supports your claim) 2. Explain topic sentence. 3. Evidence #3 4. Explanation of Evidence 5. Evidence #4 6. Explanation of Evidence 7. Concluding Sentence
Evidence 1. Introduce evidence in a few words or a full sentence ( To understand this issue we first need to look at statistics. 2. State evidence and cite your source.
Explain Evidence ( Your Reasoning ) - How should we read or interpret the evidence you are providing us? - How does this evidence prove the point your are trying to make in this paragraph? - Can be opinion based and is often 1-3 sentences.
Transition Sentence/Concluding Sentence - End your paragraph with a concluding sentence that reasserts how the topic sentence of this paragraph helps us better understand and/or prove your paper s overall claim. - Your concluding sentence tells the reader how your paragraph connects to / explains your claim (thesis)
Types of Evidence 1. Quote 2. Statistic/Fact 3. Anecdote/Story 4. Scenario 5. Example
Sources of Evidence 1) Revenge and the people who seek 2) The Cask of Amontillado 3) P. 114 (6 Quotes) 4) Look online! a) Song b) Youtube video c) Poem d) Article 5) Yourself! Your personal stories, experiences with revenge 6) Your knowledge of the issue of revenge
Argument Essay: Body Paragraph #3 Counterclaim aka Counter Argument, Concession, Opposing Argument 1. Topic Sentence is your Concession: you explain that other people have a different belief. 2. A reason why someone might think this 3. Your Reason #3 proving they are wrong! 4. Explanation for why they are wrong, and why your reason is more right! 5. Transition Sentence
Persuasion VS. Argument
Persuasion VS. Argument Persuasion - Attempts to convince the reader to accept a truth - Appeals to the CREDIBILITY, CHARACTER, AUTHORITY of the WRITER (Ethos) Argument - Attempts to convince the reader to accept a CLAIM as truth - Focuses on EVIDENCE (Logos)
Persuasion VS. Argument Persuasion - Is often grounded more in the FEELINGS (Pathos) than the FACTS. - Is often associated with SPEECHES and frequently requires listeners or readers to take some sort of ACTION to remediate the issue Argument - Is grounded more in FACTS, DATA, and LOGIC - Requires CRITICAL READING of text(s) and gathering of evidence from a variety of sources - Addresses COUNTERCLAIMS fairly to present a complete argument
Appeals to Audience
Appeals to Audience - Aristotle developed three appeals to audience that are often utilized in arguments. - The appeals offer ways for writers to reach the audience and help the audience understand their argument: Ethos: Credibility Pathos: Emotions Logos: Logic
Ethos - Authoritative - Trustworthy / Honesty - Knowledgeable - Experienced - Fair and evenhanded - Shared values - Respect - Goes hand-in-hand with logos
Pathos - Descriptive/figurative language - Pulls on the heartstrings - Often used to persuade/take action - Can be used to enhance logical appeals - Don t go overboard - be honest
Logos - Logic - Facts/hard evidence - Statistics - Credible testimony - Examples - Logical Reasons - Ethos is linked to logos
Revision and Editing
Revision and Editing
Revision and Editing