Writing an Argumentative CLAIM

1. Writing an Argumentative CLAIM

2. First of all… What is ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING?

3. Characteristics of Argumentative Writing #1---Convinces reader claim is true #2---Uses evidence: facts and data #3---Acknowledges counterclaims-- the other side of the argument #4—Strong conclusion

4. What is a CLAIM?

5. A CLAIM is the ROAD MAP of the paper

6. The argumentative CLAIM is… Remember: An opinion cannot be proved. Look for key words such as Should…Should be… What is the difference? (A)Students use cell phones in between classes. (B)Students should be allowed to use cell phones in between classes. (1)based on OPINION Why would you not write the following as an argumentative claim? The federal government should illegalize murder. (2) based on CONTROVERSY Correct! This is an opinion on which everybody agrees.

7. Always use POSITIVE statements. NOT THIS: Americans should not drive as much as they do. USE THIS:Americans should reduce their use of automobiles. (3) a statement of affirmation Ex: What’s wrong with statement? Global warming should be stopped (4) written with clarity Correct! It doesn’t mention who or how. Improved:Governments should act to reduce vehicle emissions and promote all energy forms.

8. (5) arguable What is wrong with this claim? I like to watch reality television. Correct! You can’t research this. However, you CAN research… Television producers should program more reality television.

9. HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE CLAIM

10. An effective CLAIM is made up of 3 parts 1 2 3 controversy+ opinion+ reason

11. Step 1-Start with looking at the controversy “I neeeeeed a new cell phone.” VS “No, you do not neeeeeed a new cell phone.”

12. Continue Step 1-After locating the controversy, choose a transition phrase to contrast your opinion. While Even though Although **Now write the beginning of your claim.** Example: Althoughmy mother thinks buying me a new cell phone would be a waste of money,

13. 2- Step 2, add your opinion STOP!! Be sure not to use “I think” or “in my opinion.” Example:Although my mother thinks buying me a new cell phone would be a waste of money,I need a new cell phone…

14. 3-Last step. Simply add reason(s) for your opinion. In other words, think of the best and most convincing reasons WHY the audience should believe you. Transition word Controversy Example:Althoughmy mother thinks buying me a cell phone would be a waste of money,I need a cell phoneto stay in contact with my family and friends. Opinion Reasons

15. Points to Remember A CLAIM IS A well-written claim has 3 parts • 1-based on an opinion • 2-based on controversy • 3-a statement of affirmation • 4-written with clarity • 5-arguable • Controversy • Opinions • Reasons

16. NOW, THAT BEING SAID, you CAN make a claim without mentioning the controversy. Let’s take a look at different types of claims (without using the counterclaim, or controversy).

17. Types of Argumentative Claims

18. Example: In the short story “Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, the two characters provide an outstanding illustration of what “being foolish” means. Claims of Definition or Fact *argue what the definition is or if something really is a fact

19. e Example:RikkiTikkiTavi’s victory over the snakes was a result of his natural abilities as a mongoose rather than his natural desire to protect the people in the cottage. Cause and Effect*a person, thing, or event caused something else to happen

20. e Example: While Perrault’s “Cinderella” is an interesting story, it is a second-rate story when compared to Grimm’s version of “Cinderella.” Claims About Values*argue the worth of something and if it is being valued

21. The Capulets have their daughter’s well-being in mind when they follow tradition and make arrangements for her to marry Paris. Claims About Solutions or Policies*argue for or against certain approachesto problems

22. *Definition/Fact *Cause and Effect *Value *Solutions or Problems Re-cap of Types of Claims