Thesis Statement
What is a thesis statement?
What is a reason in argumentative writing?
The reason is what supports your claim.
What is evidence?
Evidence is the proof you need to support your argument
What is a counterclaim?
The opposing argument
What is argumentative writing?
Writing that tries to prove or convince others that the writer’s viewpoint is the best with reasons and evidence
Where does the thesis belong when you start your essay?
At the end of your introduction.
How many reasons do you need to defend your claim?
You need a minimum of 2 reasons, 3 is better, as long as they are well defined and defended
What does the evidence support in argumentative writing ?
It supports your claim and reasons
It is always important to remember that there are ______ when we are discussing counterclaims?
A different opinion
What do you need in your body paragraphs? (list 5)
1. Topic Sentence
2. Evidence
3. Elaboration
4. Counterclaim
5. Rebuttal
Without a thesis will your paper make sense? Tell why or why not?
No, it will not because your reader will have no idea where you stand or what your beliefs are.
What are your reasons called in a supporting/body paragraph?
Your topic sentence
Where is the evidence usually located in your argumentative writing? Right after what element?
Topic Sentence
What would the counterclaim be for this statement "schools should be longer because it will give students more time to learn"?
School should be shorter because.......
What percentage of the essay should be in your own words?
70-80%
The thesis is also known as what?
Claim
What element/source should you have to defend your reason other than your argument?
Evidence
What is the strongest type of evidence?
Statistics and facts
What is the statement that goes against the counterclaim?
What are two ways to cite evidence?
G.T.A. = genre title author to introduce the quote
Parenthetical = author's last name after the quote
Can a thesis statement support both sides of the argument? Why or why not?
No, because in argumentative writing, you must choose a side and support it.
Reasons should always support the counterclaim. True or false.
False
When you put evidence in your own words it is called what?
Paraphrasing
If you don't have a counterclaim, what is the highest score you can get in the development section?
2
True/False
Since argumentative writing is based on your opinion, you can use personal pronouns?
False, professional and formal writing does not use 1st or 2nd person pronouns.