argumentative writing decoded

Argumentative Writing DecodedJENNIFER C. CHANDLER, PRESENTER

LEAD MASTER TEACHER, SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS

WHITE STATION MIDDLE SCHOOL, 7 T H GRADE ENGLISH

What is an argument? An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.

Essential Ingredientso An issue open to debateo Position on the issueo Reasons for that positiono Evidence to support the reasons:

experience, expert opinion, research, statisticso Counterclaimso Conclusion

An Issue Open to Debate

Marijuana should be legalized.◦ ArguableSmoking is harmful to people’s health.◦ Not Arguable

ABCD is the best school in the district.◦ Arguable

Emissions hurt the ozone.◦ Not arguable

The Architecture of Argument

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THE OPPOSITION

The Architecture of Argument

THE OPPOSITION

YOUR POSITION

The Architecture of Argument

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REA

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THE OPPOSITION

The Architecture of Argument

YOUR POSITIONREASON

THE OPPOSITION

The Architecture of Argument

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EVIDENCE

THE OPPOSITION

The Structure of Classical Argument

Introduction

Thesis Statement

Background Information

Reasons and Evidence

The Opposing View and the Refutation

Conclusion

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Three persuasive appeals

Logos (Logic)◦ The appeal to reason

Pathos (Emotion)◦ The appeal to emotion

Ethos (Credibility)◦ The appeal of one’s character

All persuasive appeals are really about involving your audience.

Some Ways to Use the Three AppealsCredibility Logic Emotion

Show that you are fair- and open-minded

Point to other “experts” or an authority other than yourself

Cite research

Show why people should listen to you and believe you

Rely primarily on facts

Use deductive or inductive reasoning to reach your conclusion

Use classical argument, including reason and evidence to support your claim

Use emotionally charged or highly connotative words

Appeal to peoples fears, concerns, passions, vanity, sense of justice, and so forth

Take advantage of rhythm and refrain in language

The Process1. Analyze exemplar texts.

a. Persuasive vs. Argumentativeb. Organization

2. Discuss the structure of a “Classical Argument.”

3. Evaluate structure of an exemplar.4. Assign writing topic.

Strategies and Tips Use exemplars to teach persuasive vs. argumentative to build foundational knowledge. (p. 2-3) When choosing exemplar for evaluation, pick a topic that interests students. (p. 4-5) Differentiate your scaffolding of the process as needed. (last page) Feedback: Quality over quantity!

Close Reading of Exemplar

Table 1: Structure of Classical Argument

Table 2: Word ChoiceTable 3: ConclusionTable 4: Appeals to AuthorityTable 5: Appeals to EmotionTable 6: Appeals to ReasonTable 7: Examples of Refutation and

Concession

Resources• Mike McGuire’s Com 101 class notes, MV Community College

• Dr. Josephine Koster of material from Real Writing (2nd Edition) by Walter Beale (1986)

• Exemplar argumentative text: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/kosterj/archives/writ102/sampleclassical argument.htm

• Notes on “The Classical Argument”: www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/writingcenter/centerHandoutClassicalArgument.pdf

• Edward P. J. Corbett, Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student (Oxford, 1971)

• Walter H. Beale, Real Writing (Scott Foresman, 1986)

The End Jennifer C. Chandler Email: wsms.chandlerjc@gmail.com Website: www.mrschandler.com Twitter: @chandlerjc / @wsms.chandlerjc LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mrschandler Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/chandlerjc