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Learn key characteristics of an argument essay. Understand the importance of clear claims, warrants, and evidence to persuade readers effectively. Practice drafting compelling arguments on various debatable topics.
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Argument Writing Key Characteristics of an Argument Essay
Argument Essay • Your Goal: When writing an argument as opposed to a persuasive essay, your goal is to convince your reader(s) that you have a valid point.You are not trying to get the reader(s) to necessarily agree with you. That is the goal of persuasive writing. To write an argument, you need to have a few key elements in your essay.
Claim: An opinion that is debatable/arguable. • A claim has a counter-argument that is also a reasonable conclusion. • Example: When a person is convicted of driving drunk for the first time, he/she should have his/her license suspended for five years. * This is debatable/arguable. For instance, someone might claim that five years is too harsh.
NOT a Claim Example: Driving while intoxicated is dangerous to other drivers. • The above is not debatable. Most reasonable people would agree with that statement.
Warrant: A warrant is an accepted truthby most people. • For instance, the “non-claim” statement that driving intoxicated is dangerous to other drivers is a warrant. It is a reason for your claim. • Example: Too many Americans do not have health insurance.warrant(accepted truth/reason) The Affordable Care Act is necessary to provide insurance to all Americans.claim (debatable opinion)
Evidence: Evidence is the facts that help support your claim. • It can be statistics, examples, and personal testimonies that strengthens a warrant and supports a claim. • Example: In 2011, 46.8 million Americans did not have health insurance (NPR).evidence(supports the above warrant). • Therefore, going back to the drunk driving example, actual statistics as to how many innocent people are killed by first-time drunk drivers would be evidence supporting the warrant and, ultimately, the claim.
Practice: For each statement, write “claim”, “warrant” or “evidence”. • 1. According to National Geographic, Americans spent 21.7 billion in 2011 on bottled water. • 2. Drinking bottled water is a waste of resources and money. • 3. Most of the money spent on bottled water is for the plastic and shipping costs.
More Practice • 4. According to the “End to Cyberbullying Organization (ETCB), 1 in 3 teens have admitted to being cyberbullied. • 5. Cyberbullying can lead to depression, suicide, and even violence in some people. • 6. When a student feels afraid to come to school due to being cyberbullied, the situation affects the school. • 7. Schools should have rules and consequences in place dealing with instances of cyberbullying.
Your assignment:Pick any debatable topic and write a practice claim, warrant, and an example or fact as evidence. Possible topics: gun control, immigration reform, in-school suspension, sweep, dress code, cyberbullying laws, insanity defense