Argument Paragraph. READ 180 rbook Stage C Paragraph Writing. Writing Text Type. Topic Sentence. Detail Sentences. Language Use. Concluding Sentence

Transcription

1 Writing Text Type Argument Paragraph An argument states a position or claim about an issue. The writer supports the claim with convincing evidence and reasons. Read Shawna Williamson s argument about raising the minimum wage. Topic Sentence The topic sentence introduces an issue. 1. UnDERLINE the topic sentence. The topic sentence also presents the writer s claim, or position, about the issue. 2. Box the claim. Detail Sentences Convincing reasons and relevant evidence support the writer's claim. 3. check three reasons or pieces of evidence. A strong argument points out weaknesses in opposing arguments. 4. Put an arrow next to one opposing argument. Language Use Transition words and phrases introduce or connect ideas. 5. three transition words or phrases. Concluding Sentence The concluding sentence restates the claim and offers a recommendation to readers. 6. star the concluding sentence. Student Model A Living Wage by Shawna Williamson The minimum wage needs to be raised because it is not enough for people to live on. Right now, the minimum wage in most states is $7.25 an hour. Many experts believe that s too low. In the first place, people who work full-time jobs and earn the minimum wage often can t afford to take care of their families. Also, the minimum wage does not keep pace with increasing living costs. When people pay more each year for food, housing, and other necessities, their hourly wage should go up, too, to meet rising costs. Some people claim that raising the minimum wage will harm the economy. However, a low minimum wage is bad for the economy. People who earn more money can spend more, helping to keep the economy healthy. If you agree with me, please contact your elected officials and encourage them to raise the minimum wage so that all workers can survive on their pay. Page 1 of 8

2 Brainstorm Read the writing prompt. Then use the boxes to help you brainstorm ideas. Writing Prompt: Should teens be allowed to use credit cards? Defend your argument using evidence from the Workshop readings. Yes! Reasons Why Teens Should Use Credit Cards No! Reasons Why Teens Should Not Use Credit Cards State Your Position Use ideas from your idea web to help you determine your position. Then complete the sentences. I will argue that teens should/should not (circle one) use credit cards because Page 2 of 8

3 Organize Ideas for Writing Complete this outline with notes for your argument. I. Topic Sentence Present the issue and your claim about the issue. Topic: Claim or Position: II. Detail Sentences List reasons and evidence that support your claim. Detail 1: Detail 2: III. Concluding Sentence Restate your claim and make a recommendation. Write Your Draft Write your topic sentence. Present the issue and your claim about the issue. Teens should/should not (circle one) be allowed to use credit cards because Everyday got smart money WORD CHOICES Precise purchased, borrowed wise, cautious income, costs Type your topic sentence on the computer or write it on paper. Then use these transition words and phrases to complete a draft of your argument paragraph. Detail Sentences For example,... The most important reason... Though some might think... Concluding Sentence All these reasons lead me to.. In conclusion,.... Page 3 of 8

4 Revise and Present Your Paragraph Evaluate Rate your argument paragraph. Then have a writing partner rate it. Scoring Guide needs improvement average good excellent Discuss Give feedback on your partner s argument paragraph. 1. Start with a positive comment about your partner s argument paragraph. You did an effective job of 1. underline the topic sentence. Does it introduce the issue clearly? Self Partner 2. Box the claim in the topic sentence. Does it express the writer's opinion? Self Partner 3. check supporting reasons and evidence. Are they convincing and relevant? Self Partner 4. PUt an arrow next to an opposing argument. Does the writer point out a weakness? Self Partner 5. transition words and phrases. Do they connect ideas? Self Partner 6. star the concluding sentence. Does it offer a recommendation to readers? Self Partner The strongest part of your argument is 2. Give your partner revision suggestions. I have a question about This evidence would be more convincing if 3. Answer any questions your partner has about your suggestions. Ask your partner for feedback. Use the frames below to summarize your partner s feedback. The strongest part of my argument was... A point you found convincing was... My argument would be stronger if I... I need to add... Revise: Revise your paragraph. Final Draft/Present Write a final draft of your paragraph on the computer or on paper. Check it again and correct any errors before you present it. Page 4 of 8

5 Writing Text Type Argument Paragraph An argument states a position or claim about an issue. The writer supports the claim with convincing evidence and reasons. Read Shawna Williamson s argument about raising the minimum wage. Topic Sentence The topic sentence introduces an issue. 1. UnDERLINE the topic sentence. The topic sentence also presents the writer s claim, or position, about the issue. 2. Box the claim. Detail Sentences Convincing reasons and relevant evidence support the writer's claim. 3. check three reasons or pieces of evidence. A strong argument points out weaknesses in opposing arguments. 4. Put an arrow next to one opposing argument. Language Use Transition words and phrases introduce or connect ideas. 5. three transition words or phrases. Concluding Sentence The concluding sentence restates the claim and offers a recommendation to readers. 6. star the concluding sentence. Student Model A Living Wage by Shawna Williamson The minimum wage needs to be raised because it is not enough for people to live on. Right now, the minimum wage in most states is $7.25 an hour. Many experts believe that s too low. In the first place, people who work full-time jobs and earn the minimum wage often can t afford to take care of their families. Also, the minimum wage does not keep pace with increasing living costs. When people pay more each year for food, housing, and other necessities, their hourly wage should go up, too, to meet rising costs. Some people claim that raising the minimum wage will harm the economy. However, a low minimum wage is bad for the economy. People who earn more money can spend more, helping to keep the economy healthy. If you agree with me, please contact your elected officials and encourage them to raise the minimum wage so that all workers can survive on their pay. Page 5 of 8

6 Brainstorm Read the writing prompt. Then use the boxes to help you brainstorm ideas. Writing Prompt: Should teens be allowed to use credit cards? Defend your argument using evidence from the Workshop readings. Yes! Reasons Why Teens Should Use Credit Cards convenience safer than carrying cash helps teens learn how to manage money helps teens establish a credit history No! Reasons Why Teens Should Not Use Credit Cards teens not mature enough to make good decisions about spending able to charge things they cannot afford credit-card companies take advantage of teens State Your Position Use ideas from your idea web to help you determine your position. Then complete the sentences. I will argue that teens should/should not (circle one) use credit cards because they are a convenient way to make purchases and they help teens learn how to manage money. Page 6 of 8

7 Revision Passage Writing Text Type Argument Paragraph Credit Cards Are Serious Business by Benjamin Bricker My 16-year-old cousin Mike owes me money and several other people. If Mike haved a credit card, he would probably be behind on payments before he is even a legal adult. Mike has buyed so many things he could not afford. As much as he would like a credit card Mike is a great example. Of why kids should not be allowed to get credit cards until they are 18. This is the law and it makes good sens. Of course some teens are responsable enugh to handle credit cards well. However most teens do not have enough education about money issues to make good Revise Use the ratings to revise the paragraph. Scoring Guide needs average good excellent improvement 1. Does the topic sentence present an issue clearly? 2. Does the topic sentence include the writer s claim about the issue? 3. Are supporting reasons and evidence relevant and convincing? 4. Does the writer point out a weakness in an opposing argument? decisions. Please spread the word that we should not let teens go into debt by giving them credit cards. 5. Do transition words and phrases connect ideas? 6. Does the concluding sentence offer a recommendation to readers? Page 7 of 8

8 Revision Passage Writing Text Type Argument Paragraph Credit Cards Are Serious Business by Benjamin Bricker already money to My 16-year-old cousin Mike owes me ^ ^ money and several other people. If Mike had ^ haved a credit card, he would probably be behind on payments before he is even a legal bought adult. Mike has buyed so many things he could not afford. As much as he would like ^ a credit card Mike is a great example. Of / teens,^ why kids should not be allowed to get credit cards until they are 18. This is the law and sense it makes good sens. Of course some teens responsible enough,^ are responsable enugh to handle credit cards well. However most teens do not have enough,^ education about money issues to make good Revise Use the ratings to revise the paragraph. Scoring Guide needs average good excellent improvement 1. Does the topic sentence present an issue clearly? 2. Does the topic sentence include the writer s claim about the issue? 3. Are supporting reasons and evidence relevant and convincing? 4. Does the writer point out a weakness in an opposing argument? decisions. Please spread the word that we allow should not let teens go into debt by giving them credit cards. 5. Do transition words and phrases connect ideas? 6. Does the concluding sentence offer a recommendation to readers? Page 8 of 8