Convince Me!

: An Introduction to Argumentative
Writing

Overview: This lesson is intended to introduce students to the

art of argumentative writing by familiarizing them with basic
terms; allowing students to practice establishing the
relationship between claims, reasons, and evidence; and
analyzing an authors use of argument in a text.
 Activity 1: What is an Argument?
1. Take a few minutes and make a list of possible definitions
in your composition notebook.
2. Make a list of examples in your life when you used
arguments with friends or family?
3. Lets discuss your ideas:
Definition:
Argument is a form of writing that states the writers point of view
on an issue and supports it by giving evidence.
The purpose of argument is to persuade readers to agree with the
writers point of view or to take action.
An argument is a reasoned, logical way of demonstrating that the
writers position, belief, or conclusion is valid. In English, students
make claims about the worth or meaning of a literary work,
defending their interpretation with evidence from the text, for
example. In short, arguments seek to make people believe that
something is true or to persuade people to change their beliefs or
behavior.
What is the difference between argument and persuasion?
An argumentative essay
Makes claims based on factual
evidence
Makes counter-claims. The author
takes opposing views into account.
Neutralizes or defeat serious
opposing ideas
Convinces audience through the
merit and reasonableness of the
claims and proofs offered
Often compares texts or ideas to
establish a position
Logic-based
A persuasive essay
May make claims based on
opinion
May not take opposing ideas
into account
Persuades by appealing to the
audiences emotion or by relying
on the character or credentials
of the writer less on the merits
of her or his reasons and
evidence
Emotion-Based
 Key Terms for Argumentation
Claim The overall thesis the writer will argue for about a particular topic,
issue, event, or (Remember, this is where you take a strong stand)
Counterclaim A solid and reasonable argument that opposes or disagrees
with your claim
Rebuttal/Refutation A written or verbal response to a counterclaim. The
object of the rebuttal is to take into account the ideas presented in the
counterclaim and explain why they arent persuasive enough, valid enough,
or important enough to outweigh your own claim. Basically argue against a
position or prove it to be wrong.
Support Your specific facts or specific evidence used to support why your
claim is true (this helps make a strong rebuttal)
Qualify/Concession A partly-agree stance in which you agree (in part)
with another persons argument or position but also disagree with part of it.
(Arguments arent always black or white. Sometimes there are certain
circumstances to go against your claim or argument.
 Key Terms for Argumentation (Example)
Claim Over the past 25 years, the Miami Hurricanes football team is
statistically better than both UF and FSU.
Counterclaim Over the past 10 years, The University of Florida and Florida
States football teams are statistically better than Miamis football team.
Rebuttal/Refutation While UF and FSU have seen more success as of
late, records indicate Miami is the better team over the past 25 years.
Support Miami has 5 national championships, while UF and FSU have 6
combined. Miami has played in 11 championship games. Miami has 52
players currently playing in the NFL, more than any other college. Miami
holds the record for most consecutive home wins, with 58. Miami holds the
record for most first round draft picks in a 2-year period (11), most first round
draft selects in a single draft (6), most consecutive years with a first round
draftee (14), and at least 1 former UM player has made the Pro Bowl every
year since 1985. Between 2002-2012, at least 1 former Hurricanes player
scored a touchdown in an NFL game, 149 weeks in a row.
Qualify/Concession While I would agree UF has won more recent
championships, considering the past 25 years, Miami is still the better football
 Activity 2: You Identify
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf7MT1p1VNI
Lets use a brief clip from the movie Clueless to identify the key terms
we just discussed. How many terms can you identify???
 Activity 3: Analyzing Arguments
1. Please refer to the article provided, Study: High school
dropouts face steeper costs in U.S. I will read it once to the
group, then you will read it independently. As you read,
underline or highlight key points in the article.
2. With a partner, answer the following questions when you are
done independently analyzing the reading:
1. What is the speakers claim? What does he want you to
believe?
2. What reasons does he give for his claim? List specific facts,
quotations, or specific details he uses to support his claim
3. Is there a counterclaim? What is it?
4. Is there a rebuttal? What is it?