Argumentative Paper

Should affirmative action still be practiced in the United States?

Why or why not?

What is an Argument?

1. A spoken, written, or visual text that expresses a point of view.

2. The use of evidence and reason to discover some version of the truth.

*Argument is different from persuasion. When you persuade someone you are attempting to change his/her opinion, not necessarily reveal the truth.

The Components of an Argument

• Claim: A statement that asserts a belief or truth. Most claims require supporting evidence.

• Reason: A statement that expands on a claim by offering evidence to support it.

• Evidence: material offered to support an argument (facts, data, expert opinion, etc.)

The Components of an Argument• Warrant: in Toulmin argument, the statement

that establishes the logical connection between the claim and its supporting reason.

Claim: You should not eat that mushroom. Reason: It’s poisonous. Warrant: What is poisonous shouldn’t be

eaten.

The Components of an Argument

• Counterargument: The author’s recognition of the position that opposes their central claim.

• Rebuttal: an answer that challenges or refutes a specific claim or charge that objects to the author’s claim.

Writing your paper

Make your point!Author’s Claim (argument): It’s the thesis

statement in argumentative writing. Statement of position/Opinion statement -

Position must be clear and direct. Formula = issue + your position Cannot be a fact as facts cannot be

debated.

Why do you feel this way? Give us the reasons for your position Why did you choose the position that you did?

Are there other laws that protect minorities? Are minorities still experiencing inequality? Would minorities still have equal opportunities without

affirmative action?

Prove it! Opinions are meaningless without the

support of evidence, people!! Evidence convinces the audience that

your position is the correct one Use reliable sources

Be prepared. Consider potential biases of your reader. Counterclaims should be addressed at

some point in the essay.

Be organized. Paragraph 1 – Establish purpose Paragraphs 2 & 3 – Reasons and support Paragraph 4 – Address counterclaims Paragraph 5 – offer additional insight

Include Research Use the libguide to help you

Beneficial databases and websites have been located for you

Include a Works Cited Page When using in-text citations….

Use quotations around the authors words Put the author’s name in parenthesis AVOID PLAGIARISM