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Guided Notes- Writing Arguments

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Annie N
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27 views

Guided Notes- Writing Arguments

Uploaded by

Annie N
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Guided Notes Summary

Key Words:

● Counterclaim
● Credibility
● Rebuttal
● Concede

Structure of an Argumentative Essay

Objective:
● To understand how to effectively introduce, develop, and defend an argument in an
essay.

Key Terms Definitions

Counterclaim:

Definition:
● A statement that presents an opposing viewpoint to the original claim.

Example:
● Claim: "School uniforms should be mandatory."
● Counterclaim: "Uniforms limit students' freedom of expression."

Credibility:

Definition:
● The quality of being trusted and believed in.

Example:
● Providing well-researched evidence and addressing counterclaims enhances a
writer's credibility.

Rebuttal:

Definition:
● The response to a counterclaim, presenting arguments or evidence that disprove the
counterclaim.
Example:
● Counterclaim: "Uniforms limit self-expression."
● Rebuttal: "While uniforms may limit clothing choices, they promote equality and
reduce peer pressure."

Concede:

Definition:
● To acknowledge or admit that an opposing point has some validity.

Example:
● "I concede that uniforms might limit self-expression, but the benefits of reducing peer
pressure and bullying outweigh this drawback."

Introduction of an Argumentative Essay

Purpose:
● Grab readers' attention to encourage them to continue reading.
● Establish the tone of the essay.

Tone:
● Serious but polite and objective.
● Avoid being rude or combative to maintain credibility.

Example:
● A serious tone is appropriate when discussing topics like the death penalty.

Body Paragraphs

Structure:
● Each paragraph should focus on a separate reason supporting the claim.
● Include hard evidence to back up each reason.

Evidence:
● Types of evidence include statistics, expert opinions, research studies, and real-life
examples.

Addressing Counterclaims
Importance:
● Mentioning counterclaims shows awareness of opposing viewpoints and strengthens
the argument.

Strategies:
● Rebuttal: Offer arguments or evidence to disprove the counterclaim.
● Concede: Acknowledge the counterclaim's validity but argue why the original claim
still holds more weight.

Example:
● Claim: "The local football team’s name is offensive and should be changed."
● Counterclaim: "The community feels sentimental about the name; it's part of the
town's identity."
● Rebuttal: "The identity and traditions of Native American people are much older and
more significant. If the community values tradition, they should respect Native
American heritage and find an alternative name."

Dismissing Impractical Counterclaims:


● If the counterclaim is nonsensical or impractical, explain why it doesn't hold up.

Example:
● Claim: "Hunting deer is important in the community."
● Counterclaim: "It's wrong to kill majestic animals; they should be protected."
● Rebuttal: "Hunters help maintain the deer population. Without hunting, the population
would explode, leading to starvation and slow deaths for many deer."

Conceding to a Counterclaim

Definitions and Examples

Concede:
Definition:
● To acknowledge or admit that an opposing point has some validity.

Example:
● Claim: "Euthanasia should be legalized."
● Counterclaim: "People who are very ill may be depressed and not able to think
clearly when making such a significant choice."
● Concession and Turn: "Yes, some terminal patients may suffer from depression.
However, with careful safeguards in place to manage depression and provide
counseling prior to making the choice to euthanize, patients could still make a
decision with a clear mind."

Conclusion of an Argumentative Essay

Objective:
● Understand the multiple purposes of the conclusion in an argumentative essay.

Functions of a Conclusion

1. Restate the Claim:


Purpose:
● Remind readers of the main point of your essay.

Example:
● "In conclusion, legalizing euthanasia provides patients with the dignity and choice
they deserve at the end of their lives."

2. Expand on the Original Claim:


Purpose:
● Take a stronger stand based on the overwhelming evidence presented in the essay.

Example:
● "Given the compelling evidence, it is clear that euthanasia is not just a right but a
necessary option for those suffering unbearably at the end of their lives."

3. Call to Action:
Purpose:
● Encourage readers to take specific actions or change their behavior based on the
argument.

Example:
● "It is imperative that we advocate for the legalization of euthanasia to ensure that our
loved ones have the choice to end their suffering with dignity and peace."

Summary:

The introduction of an argumentative essay should engage readers and set an appropriate,
serious tone. Body paragraphs should each present a reason supporting the claim, backed by
solid evidence. Addressing counterclaims through rebuttals and concessions strengthens the
argument and enhances the writer's credibility. Dismissing impractical counterclaims further
ensures the argument remains logical and convincing. By following these guidelines, writers can
construct compelling and well-reasoned arguments.Conceding to a counterclaim involves
acknowledging the opposing point but steering the discussion back to support your original
claim. This can be done effectively by admitting the validity of the counterclaim and then
presenting measures or safeguards to address it.

The conclusion of an argumentative essay serves multiple purposes:


1. Restate the Claim: Reinforce the main argument for the readers.
2. Expand on the Original Claim: Strengthen the stance based on the evidence
presented.
3. Call to Action: Motivate readers to take specific actions or change their behavior.

By following these guidelines, you can create a well-rounded and persuasive argumentative
essay that acknowledges opposing viewpoints while maintaining the strength and integrity of
your original argument.

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