LEQ 4 (Organization): How does an author’s argument determine organization?

1. LEQ 4 (Organization): How does an author’s argument determine organization? Content Vocabulary – The words you NEED to know to help understand our LEQ!

2. Thesis Statement • Unlike fiction, nonfiction texts begin by telling readers what they will encounter in the text. • A thesis statement is a 1 -2 sentence identifying - topic -main idea -purpose

3. Do and Don’t:

4. Thesis Statement Practice • Which is the most effective thesis statement and explain WHY it is better than the others… • A. Silverton High School does not need a dress code in any way, shape, or form. • B. Today I am going to explain to you why the proposed Silverton dress code is a harebrained scheme. • C. The school board’s proposed dress code will deprive Silverton students of their basic right to self-expression.

5. Thesis Statement Practice • Which is the most effective thesis statement and explain WHY it is better than the others… • A. Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States and was largely responsible for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. • B. It’s practically impossible to overestimate Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to the young United States. • C. Thomas Jefferson was a gifted diplomat, author, and scientist, but he made his greatest contributions as President.

6. LEQ: How does an author’s argument determine organization? • Remember with our LEQ that we are looking at organization again! • With your elbow partner, review the patterns of organization we discussed in our informational unit. • Not only will we look at established patterns, but you also want to look at the organization in terms of writing – i.e, introduction, conclusion.

7. Introductions & Conclusions • In nonfiction, the introduction must grab the reader’s attention, establish the author’s tone, and include a thesis statement. • Conclusion: the statements or paragraph that completes a piece of writing and reinforces its main ideas or themes. • A conclusion can include a clear restatement, a direct quotation, a recommendation or call to action, or a question or questions to ponder.

8. Counterclaim & Rebuttal • Counterclaim: A claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim. • Rebuttal: Evidence that negates or disagrees with the counterclaim. • Include the opposing side as a counterclaim! You look more credible.

9. Example (Counterclaim & Rebuttal) • Claim: Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. • Data1: Driving a private car is a typical citizen's most air polluting activity. Because cars are the largest source of private, as opposed to industry produced, air pollution switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution. • Data 2: Each vehicle produced is going to stay on the road for roughly 12 to 15 years. Cars generally have a long lifespan, meaning that a decision to switch to a hybrid car will make a long-term impact on pollution levels. • Counterclaim: Instead of focusing on cars, which still encourages a culture of driving even if it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging use of mass transit systems. • Rebuttal: While mass transit is an environmentally sound idea that should be encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural and suburban areas, or for people who must commute to work; thus hybrid cars are a better solution for much of the nation's population.

10. Practice with Content Vocab! • With “The True Meaning of Friendship” text, identify our vocabulary words… • Claim • Thesis • Rebuttal • Introduction • Conclusion