Break It Apart
What are the TWO sides in an argumentative prompt?
The two opposing viewpoints / choices
What does the F stand for?
Formulate a claim
What is your FIRST step when answering a question?
Go back to the text
Which is stronger?
A. Phones are good
B. Phones should be allowed because they improve engagement and learning
Phones should be allowed because they improve engagement and learning
Fix this:
“Students learn better”
Missing citation
If a prompt says “In your own words,” what should you NOT do?
Copy the passage
What does the I stand for?
Introduce the quote
What should you eliminate first?
Extreme or unsupported answers
What is a thesis?
Main argument or main idea
Which is correct?
A. (Smith)
B. (Smith, paragraph 3)
B. (Smith, paragraph 3)
What does “use evidence from BOTH passages” mean?
You must include information from Passage 1 AND Passage 2
What does the E stand for?
Explain the quote
If two answers seem correct, what do you choose?
The BEST supported answer.
Informational thesis must include what?
Main idea + topics (both sides)
What goes in a citation?
Author + paragraph number +passage number
What is your task if the question asks you to “make and support an argument”?
Argue / take a side and defend it
Which part earns the MOST points?
Explanation
What type of question asks what something “suggests”?
Inference
Fix this: “School is good.”
Needs specific claim
What happens if you don’t cite?
Lose points
Why is breaking apart the question important BEFORE writing?
It helps you understand what to do and avoid mistakes
Fix this:
“Phones help learning.”
“Students use phones.”
Needs explanation + connection to claim
Why are tricky answers included?
To test deep understanding
Argumentative thesis must include what?
A clear side
Why do we cite evidence?
To show where it came from / prove it