Mrs. Nelson
Honors 9th LitPerformance Task: Argumentative Writing
DUE
Your Task: Write an argumentative letter on a topic of your choice. In argumentative writing, we try to convince others to agree with our facts, accept our argument and conclusions,and adopt our way of thinking.Argumentative writinguses only logical appeals to persuade your audience.
Content Requirements
1) The assignment should be in business letter format, block style (look at the sample provided), andit should include the following:
* a heading (return address or the address of the sender + the date)
* an inside address (the address of the recipient)
* a salutation
* the body of the letter arranged in block form
* a closing like Yours truly, Sincerely, Respectfully yours
* the writer’s signature written in blue or black ink.
.
2) Your letter should be no longer than 2 pages.
3) Your letter should be well organized and follow the outline provided
4) Your letter should be fully developed with support and effective examples and/or details from one of the two articles you read on Opposing Viewpoints
5) Your letter should have a works cited page with at least 2 sources on it.
ELACC9-10.W.1
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
ELACC9-10.L.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Scoring Guide
_____Content (30 points)
_____Provides adequate and effective reasoning
_____Provides adequate and effective evidence and explanation of reasoning
_____Uses only logical appeals
_____Organization (15 points, 5 points each)
_____Length is appropriate for task
_____Claim/Opinion expressed in first paragraph /Counterclaim included
_____Comes to a logical conclusion
_____Format (20 points, 4 points each)
_____Follows appropriate format, using proper spacing and layout
_____Uses accurate and complete heading
_____Uses appropriate inside address
_____Uses appropriate salutation
_____Has a Works Cited page attached
_____Audience (15 points, 5 points each)
_____Uses the appropriate tone
_____Uses appropriate vocabulary correctly
_____Is clear in purpose
_____Grammar (20 points, 5 points each)
_____Effective use of transitions to connect ideas and show relationships
_____Effective sentence variety and usage
_____Wording is conciseand effective
_____Proper punctuation, capitalization, and spelling are used
How to Write AnArgument
Don't you just love it when you can argue with someone and get him or her to come around to your way of thinking? That's what an argumentative essay is all about! Read on to learn how to write an effective argumentative paper or letter.
Analyzing an Issue and Developing an Argument
Once your topic is selected, you should do some research on the subject matter in addition to the Opposing Viewpoints article you have chosen. While you may already have an opinion on your topic and an idea about which side of the argument you want to take, you need to ensure that your position is well supported. Listing out the pro and con sides of the topic will help you examine your ability to support your counterclaims, along with a list of supporting evidence for both sides.
Plotting your argument like this provides a balanced view of the issues. It allows you to see whether you have a chance of making your case and helps you to anticipate crucial points that may determine your success or failure.
Supporting evidence includes the following:
- Factual Knowledge - Information that is verifiable and agreed upon by almost everyone.
- Statistical Inferences - Interpretation and examples of an accumulation of facts.
- Personal Testimony - Personal experience related by a knowledgeable/accredited party.
Once you have made your pro and con lists, compare the information side by side. Considering your audience, as well as your own viewpoint, choose the position you will take.
In considering the audience, ask yourself the following questions:
Who is your audience?
What do they believe?
Where do they stand on the issue?
How are their interests involved?
What evidence is likely to be effective with them?
In determining your viewpoint, ask yourself the following:
Is your topic interesting?
Can you manage the material within the specifications set by the instructor?
Does your topic assert something specific and propose a plan of action?
Do you have enough material to support your opinion?
Organization
Your introduction should lead up to a thesis that organizes the rest of your paper. There are three advantages to leading with the thesis:
1. The audience knows where you stand.
2. The thesis is located in the two strongest places (paragraphs), first and last.
3. It is the most common form of academic argument used.
Below is a generic sample outline for an argumentative paper/letter:
I. Introduction(paragraph 1)
___A. Introduce the topic
___B. Provide background on the topic
___C. Assert the thesis (which is your claim + your reasons) (your view of the issue)Example: The death penalty should be abolished because it is inhumane and too expensive.
II. Your Argument (paragraphs 2
___A.(paragraph 2) Assert claims and evidence
_____1. Give your opinion
_____2. Provide support
III. Counter Argument (use your chart) (paragraph 3)
___A. Summarize the counterclaims
___B. Refute the counterclaims (say why they are not true or valid) (Remember the best way to refute is to say it isn’t true or it doesn’t matter).Example: Some people say that the death penalty is necessary because it deters crime. However, that doesn’t matter because deterring crime by committing the same crime for which criminals are punished is illogical.
___C. Give evidence for counterargument
IV. Conclusion(paragraph 4)
___A. Restate your argument
___B. Provide a plan of action
SAMPLE BLOCK LETTER
123 Winner's Road
New Employee Town, PA 12345
March 16, 2001
Ernie English
1234 Writing Lab Lane
Write City, IN 12345
Dear Mr. English:
The first paragraph of a typical business letter is used to state the main point of the letter. Begin with a friendly opening; then quickly transition into the purpose of your letter. Use a couple of sentences to give background about the issue and list the arguments, but do not go in to detail until the next paragraph. THIS IS WHERE YOU PUT YOUR CLAIM!
Beginning with the second paragraph, state the supporting details to justify your purpose. These may take the form of background information, statistics or first-hand accounts. A few short paragraphs within the body of the letter should be enough to support your reasoning. Make sure to develop each one of your arguments by providing support and examples.
You need to include one paragraph where you will list several counter arguments and refute them.
Finally, in the closing paragraph, briefly restate your purpose and why it is important. If possible, make sure you provide a plan of action since you are writing argumentatively.
Sincerely,
Handwritten Signature
Lucy Letter