Choosing a Stance Writing Workshop

1. Choosing a StanceWriting Workshop English 11Honors

2. Two types of prompts • Literary Analysis • Purpose – to analyze • Uses direct quotations from the text as evidence • Usually done for process pieces • Argument • Purpose –to convince • Does not use direct quotations • May use personal experience, observations, etc. as support • Will be used for first best drafts/on-demand writing prompts

3. DRQ—What does it mean? REMEMBER: DEFEND- argument “for”/agree with quote REFUTE- argument “against”/disagree with quote QUALIFY– explains the merit of both sides of the argument/agree with one aspect, but disagree with another

4. Thesis Creation • After reading the quote, create a thesis FIRST! • Argument essays refer to this as a CLAIM • If the prompt asks you DEFEND, REFUTE or QUALIFY, choose one and create your claim. • Be sure your thesis includes topic, direction and at least two divisions (elements of support). • The thesis should be complex, as it is supposed to express complex ideas. • Be sure that it comes at the end of your Intro paragraph.

5. Read the following: “The most identifying trait of humanity is our ability to be inhumane to one another.” Defend, refute or qualify the following statement regarding the above assessment of human nature. Be sure to use evidence from your readings, observations or personal experience to support your position.

6. Thesis Statements/Claims • The last sentence of your introduction should be the thesis statement (in argument, this is called your CLAIM). • All thesis statements should contain the following: • 1. TOPIC—what the essay is about • 2. DIRECTION—how the essay will be organized • Ex-literary analysis, compare/contrast, cause/effect (this is determined through use of transition words) • Defense, Refutation, Qualification • 3. DIVISIONS—the elements of support/reasons why you agree or disagree (should be drawn from class readings, observations, personal experience)

7. Brainstorm Possible Divisions: Defend: Refute: Qualify:

8. Sample Thesis Statement • Some human beings have an innate tendency to treat others inhumanely as evidenced by Grendel’s actions in Beowulf; however, others show that their innate goodness and moral awareness have the capability to triumph over their evil tendencies as illustrated by the knight who learns an important lesson in “The Wife of Bath’s Tale.” • TOPIC—human nature • DIRECTION— qualification of quote • (shows both sides) • DIVISIONS— 1. agree (body 1) 2. disagree (body 2)

9. How to Construct and Argument Introduction: The writer tries to win the attention of the audience by introducing the subject/problem. Statement of Background: The writer tells how this specific topic has impacted him/her. Proposition: This is where you state your thesis/claim.

10. How to Construct an Argument • Proof: The writer offers detailed support/evidence to support the claim. • Must have two detailed pieces of evidence that support your divisions • Refutation: The writer recognizes and refutes opposing claims or evidence. • Conclusion: The writer summarizes the claim and moves the audience/reader’s to take action.

11. Stylistic Components Avoid the 1st (I, me, my, us, we, ours) and 2nd (you) person in formal writing. Use the 3rd person (readers, people, him/her, others) No contractions: do not instead of don’t Try not to start sentences like this: “This shows that…” Vary your sentence structure Be conscious of possession and agreement Word choice counts