How can an argument be strengthened by identifying the opposing claim and arguing against it?

1. How can an argument be strengthened by identifying the opposing claim and arguing against it?

2. In this lesson you will learn how to strengthen your argument by identifying the opposing claim and arguing against it.

3. Pros Cons

4. Ignoring the opposing viewpoint. Wait, what about . . . ?

5. 1 • Identify the opposing claim • Produce reasons and evidence that the position is incorrect 2 3 Revise essay to identify and argue against the opposing claim

6. In schools, students are always told that eating healthy is extremely important. The schools teach this, yet the lunches served are unhealthy. Studies show that many schools serve food that is high in fat, sodium, and calories. Plus, kids do not want to eat the poor tasting food, so instead they buy or bring junk food to eat.

7. What is the opposing claim to my argument? • School lunches ARE NOT healthy. • School lunches ARE healthy.

8. What evidence can I use to prove the opposing claim as incorrect? • The Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 set up guidelines for schools (USDA) • Whole grains are required as part of school lunches • All school lunches include fruits and vegetables

9. How do I revise my essay to argue against the opposing claim? In schools, students are always told that eating healthy is extremely important. The schools teach this, yet the lunches served are unhealthy. Studies show that many schools serve food that is high is fat, sodium, and calories. Plus, kids do not want to eat the poor tasting food, so instead they buy or bring junk food to eat. In schools, students are always told that eating healthy is extremely important. The schools teach this, yet the lunches served are unhealthy. The Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 set up guidelines for healthy lunches, but studies show that many schools serve food that is high in fat, sodium, and calories. My school does not even serve fruit or whole grain bread! Plus, kids do not want to eat the poor tasting food, so instead they buy or bring junk food to eat.

10. Identify the opposing claim 1 • Produce reasons and evidence that the position is incorrect 2 3 • Revise essay to identify and argue against the opposing claim

11. In this lesson you have learned how to strengthen your argumentby identifying the opposing claim and arguing against it.

12. Practice by coming up with your own opposing claim and argument against it for either of the topics below. • School lunches are not tasty. • School lunches offer no options. Opposing Claim Argument Against

13. With a partner, find an op-ed article in the local paper. Read it and make a list of ways that it could be improved through acknowledgement of the opposing claim.

14. Write a paragraph for your argumentative essay. Then, have a partner make a list of recommendations for use of the opposing claim that would help to enhance your essay.

15. On your own, read your argumentative essay and make a list of counter claims and arguments against them that you might be able to use.

16. Read your argumentative essay and make revisions using counter claims to more effectively convince the reader of your position.