Argumentative+writing+how+to

ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING
 * Purpose** - to consider both sides of an argument, decide which one is right, and support your decision with facts from given documents.


 * How to do this** - read the instruction sheet and identify the question. Read through the documents and decide which side of the argument is right. Write using three supports from the documents. Reasons from your own background knowledge don't count for this.


 * Format for the writing**: Title plus 5- 6 paragraphs
 * Paragraph 1**: thesis. That means answer the question clearly and briefly list your reasons. Take 2 - 3 sentences to do this.


 * Paragraph 2:** support. Give a reason you are right using relevant facts from the documents. Say where you got the fact. To do this you must say, "According to ...(name of document)..." Then either paraphrase or use comma, "quotes." Then say what this proves. End the paragraph by connecting it to your first paragraph. "This tells me that..." or "This shows that..."

All 5 parts are important in this paragraph - reason, name the source, use details from the source, say what that shows, and connect it to the first paragraph.


 * Paragraph 3:** support. Same thing. 5 parts.


 * Paragraph 4:** support. Same thing. 5 parts.


 * Paragraph 5:** Give a reasonable argument against your claim (counterclaim). Then say why that is wrong using facts from the documents. "Some may say that...." "That is incorrect because, according to XYZ document, ............."


 * Paragraph 5:** conclusion. Restate your answer and reasons briefly in different words.

How it is graded - **you get up to 4 points for each of the following:** ​Focus**: give a complete answer, and stay on topic** Controlling Idea: **reasons must be convincing and stated all through the writing thoroughly; there must be a convincing counterclaim and it is answered.** ​Research**: use details from the documents accurately and effectively** Development**: explain what your quotes prove (this shows that...) & connect to first paragraph clearly** ​Organization**: logical structure; use the outline given here and add words like, "first, next, finally, and in conclusion."** ​Conventions: **cite sources every time**. **spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, formal style, no slang** ​Content: **use social studies ideas and vocabulary**