Structure
This is the first paragraph of your essay
What is a claim in an argument essay?
The writer's position or point of view on a specific topic.
What is evidence?
Facts, examples, or quotes that support a claim.
What is a counterargument (aka counterclaim)?
The opposing viewpoint to your claim
What does “ICE” stand for in academic writing?
Introduce
Cite
Explain
How many paragraphs are in an argument essay?
Which sentence is a claim?
A) Recycling helps protect the environment by reducing waste, saving natural resources, and lowering pollution.
B) Many people around the world put bottles, cans, and paper into recycling bins every week because their communities have recycling programs that collect these materials and take them to special facilities.
A) Recycling helps protect the environment by reducing waste, saving natural resources, and lowering pollution.
B) is a verifiable fact.
Which is the best evidence?
A) “In a recent interview, an English teacher said that reading is fun at any age.”
B) “A 2021 study found that reading improves vocabulary.”
B) “A 2021 study found that reading improves vocabulary.”
Why include a counterclaim in an argument essay?
To show you understand other views and make your argument stronger.
What should you do when you introduce evidence?
Give context for your quote or paraphrase — tell the reader who said it or what it’s about.
What are the 2 (two) main components of the introduction?
1. Background information on the topic
2. Your claim
True or False: A claim should be a fact that everyone agrees on.
FALSE
A claim must be debatable.
Name one type of evidence you can use in an essay.
Statistics, examples, expert opinions, or facts.
What is a rebuttal?
A reason why the counterclaim is wrong, weak, or misguided.
What does it mean to cite evidence?
To include a quote, paraphrase, or reference from a reliable source to support your claim.
What information can be found in the three (3) body paragraphs?
Evidence in support of your claim (2 paragraphs) as well as a counterclaim + rebuttal paragraph
Turn the following opinion into a claim:
“School lunches are bad.”
Possible example: “School lunches are unhealthy because they often contain processed foods and lack fresh options.”
Identify the weak evidence for this claim:
"Students need more sleep."
1) “Experts say sleeping for 8 hours helps improve memory.”
2) “Most people are tired when they do not get enough sleep.”
2) “Most people are tired when they do not get enough sleep.”
Identify the counterargument to the claim that cell phones should be allowed in school:
“Although cell phones can distract students, they can also be used as learning tools.”
“Although cell phones can distract students, they can also be used as learning tools.”
What is the purpose of the explain step in the ICE method?
To connect your evidence back to your claim and explain why it proves your point.
True/False:
You can introduce a new idea in the conclusion.
FALSE
Identify the claim in this sentence: “Since homework does not improve learning, schools should reduce the amount of homework given.”
“Since homework does not improve learning, schools should reduce the amount of homework given.”
Why is it important to cite your evidence?
To show credibility and support your argument with reliable sources.
Write a rebuttal to this counterargument:
“Some people say that homework helps students learn time management.”
Sample response:
“However, too much homework can cause stress and reduce time for family or activities.”
Identify the missing part of ICE in this example:
“A study found that teens need 8 hours of sleep to focus (text 2, line 5). This shows that schools should start later.”
The introduce step — the writer didn’t explain who did the study or give background information before citing it.