Argumentive Writing

Define Vocab

100

What is Supporting Details?

Supporting details are the evidence and explanations that strengthen and clarify a central point.

200

Define, "Evidence"?

Evidence is information used to support or refute a claim.

300

Define, "Claim"?

A claim is a statement asserting something as true or demanding something owed.

400

Define, "Rebuttal"?

A rebuttal is a response that aims to disprove or contradict a previous claim or argument.

500

Define an counterclaim

A counterclaim is a statement that opposes or contradicts a previous claim or argument.

Finding evidence

100

• The school's new lunch menu featured healthier options. Students noticed more fresh fruits and vegetables."

• Question: What evidence supports the claim that the school is offering healthier lunches?

What is "more fresh fruits and vegetables"?

200

• Passage: "The library reported a significant increase in book checkouts after the new reading challenge was announced. The librarian stated, 'We've seen a 30% rise in borrowed books.'"

• Question: What evidence supports the claim that the reading challenge was successful?

What is "a 30% rise in borrowed books" or "a significant increase in book checkouts"?

300

• Passage: "The science experiment showed that plants grew taller in sunlight. One student recorded, 'The plant in the sun grew 5 inches, while the plant in the dark grew only 2 inches.'"
• Question: What evidence supports the claim that sunlight helps plants grow taller?

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  • What is "The plant in the sun grew 5 inches, while the plant in the dark grew only 2 inches"?

    
    

400

• Passage: "The town's new recycling program has reduced landfill waste. A recent report stated, 'Landfill waste has decreased by 25% since the program began.'"

• Question: What evidence supports the claim that the recycling program is effective?

What is "Landfill waste has decreased by 25%"?

500

• Passage: "The historical document describes the harsh conditions faced by factory workers in the 19th century. One section reads, 'Workers labored for 14 hours a day in poorly ventilated rooms, often suffering from illness.'"

• Question: What evidence supports the claim that 19th-century factory conditions were harsh?

What is "Workers labored for 14 hours a day in poorly ventilated rooms, often suffering from illness"?

Is it an Argument

100

• Passage: "My favorite color is blue. I think it looks nice."

• Question: Does this passage present a clear argument?

What is "No"? (This is an opinion, not an argument.)

200

• Passage: "Students should wear uniforms because it reduces distractions and promotes a sense of unity."

• Question: Does this passage present a claim and reasons to support it?

What is "Yes"? (It presents a claim and reasons, therefore it is an argument)

300

• Passage: "The weather today is sunny and warm. Many people are outside enjoying the day."

• Question: Does this passage present a debatable claim?

What is "No"? (This is a statement of fact, not an argument.)

400

• Passage: "Video games can improve problem-solving skills. Studies show that players who engage in strategy games perform better on cognitive tests."   

  
  

• Question: Does this passage include evidence to support its claim?

What is "Yes"? (It mentions studies as evidence)

500

• Passage: "Dogs are better pets than cats. Dogs are more loyal, and they can be trained to perform tasks. Cats are independent and require less attention."   

  
  

  
  

• Question: Does this passage include a counterclaim and reasons to support it, along with the original claim and reasons?

What is "Yes"? (It provides an argument, and then acknowledges the opposing side.)