Argument Definitons
an assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt.
What is a claim?
Which type of evidence is presented below:
"Personally, I do't like the idea of uniforms in schools. I like to be able to express myself through my clothing, and having uniforms ruins that."
What is personal opinion?
Argument: Ban cell phones in schools. Is this evidence relevant or irrelevant: "Teachers are now using applications on smartphones that allow students to work on collaborative projects, like Edmodo, which keep students engaged" (Patrick, 2015).
What is irrelevant?
What is "intended audience?"
What is who should read your argument letter?
What is a personal narrative?
What is a story or recounting about yourself or a memory you lived through?
an argument of the opposing side which the author will address.
What is a counterclaim?
Which type of evidence is presented below:
"90% of doctors agree that an apple a day keeps the doctor away."
What is data and statistics?
In an argument against fast food restaurants: "People who like tacos also tend to like burritos and nachos, because they're all a similar type of food."
What is irrelevant?
Who should read an argument letter asking Nick Davis to be nicer to Mr. Ryan?
Who is Nick Davis?
What is the definition of "gallant"?
What is brave, heroic, chivalrous?
analysis explaining how and why evidence supports the thesis/claim, bridging the gap between a quote/fact the main argument.
What is commentary?
Which type of evidence is presented below:
"My brother is personally very upset that Kyle Tucker signed with the Dodgers. Baseball is ruined."
What is family and friend stories?
In an argument against music piracy, is the evidence relevant or irrelevant? "Musicians make the majority of their money from ticket sales to live concerts, not from downloaded or purchased music" (Apple, 2015).
What is irrelevant?
Who should read an argument letter asking for more minutes of passing time between classes?
Who is the principal, superintendent, or school board?
How far can a dog run into the woods?
What is halfway?
specific information or data that can be proven or verified.
What is factual evidence?
Which type of evidence is presented below:
"When interviewed, one 8th grader said that Mr. Ryan is the funniest and coolest teacher in the entire school, possibly the world."
What is interviewee or acquaintance?
FOR selling junk food at school: "Junk food is, without a doubt, terrible for students' health. However, with freedom comes responsibility, and choices should not be limited based on the possibility of future illness" (Smith, 2015).
What is relevant?
Who should read the argument letter arguing in favor of Mr. Ryan playing country music in room 513?
Who is Mrs. Ostensen?
How many sentences are in a full paragraph? (minimum)
What is 5-6 sentences?
information from personal stories or isolated examples, which is unreliable for proving general truths.
What is anecdotal evidence?
Which type of evidence is presented below:
In the Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) case, the Supreme Court ruled that “public school officials could not censor student expression — the wearing of black armbands, in that case — unless they could reasonably forecast that the student expression would cause substantial disruption or material interference with school activities or would invade the rights of others.” (First Amendment Center)
What is confirmed facts?
In an argument FOR providing free lunch for all students in school: "Researchers have stated that students who skip lunch have lower metabolisms, and are more likely to suffer from depression" (Gonzalez, 2014).
What is relevant?
Who should read an argument letter about pouring milk before the cereal?
Mary was born on December 25th, yet her birthday is always in the summer. How is this possible?
What is Mary lives in the Southern hemisphere?