learning to write well

Learning to Write Well

The CHS common writing curriculum

Created by Gina Davis

The Written Argument The Essay

An argument that is supported by the text or information studied.

The Research paper A researched argument that is supported by multiple sources

These arguments require an original idea by the author that must be argued in the paper

This differs from a simple report that only presents information without an argument

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Thesis Statements Every argument must have a thesis statement A thesis is a written statement that presents the

argument you will be proving in your work The thesis statement must be located in the

opening paragraph, usually the last line. Thesis statements drive the paper and without

one a paper can not be further developed

Created by Gina Davis

Thesis statements : Helpful Hints* A thesis should be a succinct statement….not a paragraph A thesis should be arguable

Columbia High has a wrestling team. (not arguable) Columbia High has the best wrestling team in the state.

(arguable…some one might disagree) A thesis should be measurable

Thomas Paine developed propaganda that motivated troops, encouraged new volunteers and eventually allowed America to win the Revolutionary War.

The reader will expect to read about the three topics listed in the thesis and should be able to check them off as the thesis is proven.

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I have a thesis…now what? Once you have decided what you are going

to prove in your argument you must plan your paper.

You will begin this process using a

CDW CHART

Created by Gina Davis

A blank CDW chart looks like this: Thesis statement

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Claim Data Warrant

1. 1.

2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

2. 1.

2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

3.1.

2.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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CDW Chart Completion Completing this chart requires complete

sentences. It also requires data from your sources You will have to have good claims to

complete the chart correctly and fully

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Making Claims A claim should be a statement that

supports your thesis and can be proven Ex Thesis: Columbia High School has the best

wrestling team in the state. Ex Claim: Columbia’s wrestlers are the most

physically talented.

This claim supports the thesis and requires data to prove it.

Created by Gina Davis

Making Claims You will make at least 3 claims to support

an argument EX Thesis: CHS has the best wrestling

team in the state. Claim #1- CHS wrestlers are the most physically

gifted. Claim #2- CHS wrestlers are coached well. Claim #3- CHS wrestlers are successful in every

tournament situation.

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Now it is time to find your Data

What is Data? Facts, statistics or researched

findings Quotes from authoritative sources Evidence from your text or notes

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Use Data to Support Claims Data comes from the information you are basing

your argument from The text you studied or notes from class Researched sources

Your instructor will determine where your data comes from when the paper is assigned.

EX: Your Romeo and Juliet essay will be written using the play as your source material

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Data Example Ex Thesis: Columbia High School has the

best wrestling team in the state. Ex Claim: Columbia’s wrestlers are the most

physically talented. Ex Data: Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the

top three of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News).

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Good Information…but your argument needs to explain what you think…

It is time to WARRANT your ideas

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What does Warrant mean? To warrant something means to prove or

explain the credibility or truth of something

When you warrant your data…..you are explaining why the data proves your claim and ultimately your thesis statement

An easy way to think about warranting your data….is to

answer the question

SO WHAT?

Created by Gina Davis

Warrant example Ex Thesis: Columbia High School has the best

wrestling team in the state. Ex Claim: Columbia’s wrestlers are the most physically

talented. Ex Data: Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the top three

of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News).

EX Warrant: These ranked wrestlers prove that outside wrestling information bodies believe that Columbia wrestlers are the best at what they do. These boys will be the ones to beat at every tournament because they are the most talented.

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After you have completed warranting your data…it is time to repeat the process

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Thesis __Columbia High has the best wrestling team in the state of Idaho.

Claim Data

Warrant

Claim #1 Columbia’s wrestlers are the most physically

talented.

Data: Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the top three of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News).

Data:A wrestling fan from Blackfoot states that,”Columbia’s level of talent makes it apparent that they have a dynatsty in the making” (Gator).

1. These ranked wrestlers prove that outside wrestling information bodies believe that Columbia wrestlers are the best at what they do.

2. These boys will be the ones to beat at every tournament because they are the most talented

3. The talent level at Columbia is apparent to opposing teams and rivals.

4. These teams know that it will be hard to break Columbia’s hold on state dominance due to our talent level.

5. Talent is no question important to a good a program but great coaching also plays an important role

A Completed CDW chart would look like this:

Created by Gina Davis

Once you are finished with the chart……

You can begin to write your paper

Created by Gina Davis

A body paragraph template would look like this: Topic

Sentence/Claim______________________________________________________________________________________________

Data_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Data_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Closing Warrant/Transition __________________________________________________________________

Created by Gina Davis

Your claim, data, warrant becomes your body paragraphs

.Columbia’s wrestlers are the most physically talented. Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the top three of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News). These ranked wrestlers prove that outside wrestling information bodies believe that Columbia wrestlers are the best at what they do. These boys will be the ones to beat at every tournament because they are the most talented. A wrestling fan from Blackfoot states that “Columbia’s level of talent makes it apparent that they have a dynasty in the making” (Gator). The talent level at Columbia is apparent to opposing teams and rivals. These teams know that it will be hard to break Columbia’s hold on state dominance due to our talent level. Talent is no question important to a good a program but great coaching also plays an important role.

Created by Gina Davis

Why is writing this way helpful?

1. It keeps your argument structured.

2. It keeps your argument focused.

3. It keeps your argument supported by data.

4. It allows for the writer’s ideas to be the central focus.

CHS Language Arts teachers want you to be successful in your

written endeavors.

Learn CDW and you should be on your way to great work!