Argumentative Writing in Science Date ______

IPS 9-______Name ______

Assignment:

1. Read two articles (one pro and one con) on a topic of your choosing from the list of topics provided.

2. Analyze and evaluate the argument in each article and then decide which side of the issue is better supported by logical evidence.

3. Pick a side - Write an essay in which you defend the argument in one of the articles.

4. Remain objective - you MUST AVOID your own PERSONAL OPINIONS. You may only use the text evidence from the article as support.

5. Complete graphic organizers that will help you identify the claim, the counterclaim, and text evidence that support these claims.

6. Write a four paragraph paper

a. Paragraph one: Introduction paragraph

b. Paragraph two: The claim you support

c. Paragraph three: Addressing and refuting the counterclaim

d. Paragraph four: Conclusion paragraph

Claim—A statement of the writers’ position on a particular, arguable topic; a thesis

Counterclaim—A claim that opposes or disagrees with the thesis/claim. Counter claims should be presented fairly and thoroughly. A writer often raises counterclaims because he or she anticipates that they are already in the minds of the audience and need to be addressed.

Evidence—Facts, figures, details, quotations, or other sources of data and information that provide support for claims of an analysis and that can be evaluated by others; should appear in a form and be derived from a source widely accepted in science such as in experimental results in the study of science

Refuting Evidence – Evidence that disproves or weakens the counterclaim and strengthens your claim.

Reason—A statement that supports a given claim, making it more than a simple assertion or opinion. Reasons are the writer’s explanation or justification for what he or she claims

Timeline:

· LMC on 6.4.2014 for periods 1 and 3

· LMC on 6.5.2014 for periods 2

· LMC on 6.6.2014 for period 1, 2, and 3

· Due on Monday, 6.9.2014

Requirements:

· Must be typed, double spaced, 12 point font, and have an appropriate heading

· Must include a MLA Works Cited page (Noodle Tools)

· Grammar and spelling errors will result in point deductions

Topics:

I. Climate Change

1. Global Warming

2. Natural Disasters

3. Ozone Depletion

II. Environmentalism

1. Conservation of Natural Resources

2. Drilling for Oil

3. Fracking

4. Overpopulation

5. Pollution

6. Recycling

7. Water Use

III. Energy Policy

1. Energy Conservation

2. Energy Dependency

IV. Alternative Energy Sources

1. Clean Coal

2. Nuclear Energy

3. Solar Energy

4. Renewable Energy