Day 20: Argumentative writing - Refuting arguments

Warm up
How would you characterize thesis statements in argumentative essays? 
What are the two different structures of developing arguments? 
What are the types of evidence for supporting arguments? 


Activity 1
Analyze sample essay 1 and sample essay 2 using the following guidelines:

1. 1st Paragraph: Introduction:  
• Start with identifying the thesis statement.
2. 2nd Paragraph: Body: 
• Where is the main supporting argument that supports the thesis statement? 
• What is the opposing argument? 
• Identify the type(s) of evidence used by the author to support his argument. 
• Evaluate the strength of each piece of evidence.
3. 3rd Paragraph: Body: 
• Where is the main supporting argument that supports the thesis statement? 
• What is the opposing argument? 
• Identify the type(s) of evidence used by the author to support his argument. 
• Evaluate the strength of each piece of evidence.
4. 4th Paragraph: Body: 
• Where is the main supporting argument that supports the thesis statement? 
• What is the opposing argument? 
• Identify the type(s) of evidence used by the author to support his argument. 
• Evaluate the strength of each piece of evidence
5. 5th Paragraph: Conclusion: 
• How does the writer close his essay? 

Tips:

When writing an argumentative essay, ask yourself "Why?", "So?", or even, "Who cares?". For example, "Why does this piece of information matter?".

Homework 8 Due: 8 November 2011