Feb+12+Mod+1+les+9+(argumentative+paragraph))



= Home assignment = read write an argumentative paragraph on a topic you like

A written argument is an attempt to persuade a reader to think or act in a certain way. When you write an argument paragraph, your goal is to get people to see your point, to agree with it, and perhaps to act on it. In an argument paragraph, you take a stand. Then you support your stand with reasons. In addition, you give details for each reason. Your goal is to persuade your reader by making a point that has convincing reasons and details. // not this topic // : Organized Crime // but this topic // : Starting a Crime Watch Program in My Neighborhood The university cafeteria (subject) should serve more healthy snacks (takes a stand). You should take a stand, but don't announce it: // not this // : This paragraph will explain why Springfield needs a teen center. // but this // : Springfield should open a teen center. (A topic sentence with a subject and a stand
 * What Is Argument? **
 * Hints for Writing an Argument Paragraph **
 * 1) **__ Pick a topic you can handle. __** Your topic should be small enough to be covered in one paragraph. For instance, you can't argue effectively for world peace in just one paragraph. However, you may be able to argue effectively in favor of a cultural diversity celebration at your school.
 * 2) **__ Pick a topic you can handle based on your own experience and observation. __** Such topics as drug legalization, gun control, capital punishment, or acid rain require extensive research into facts, figures, and expert opinions to make a complete argument. They are topics you can write about convincingly in a longer research paper, but for a one-paragraph argument, pick a topic based on what you've experienced yourself.
 * __ 3. __****__ Do two things in your topic sentence: Name the subject of your argument, and take a stand __** . The following topic sentence does both.

__ There are several ways to handle objections __ : **__5. __****__Be careful that your reasons do not overlap __**. For instance, you might write the following: University students should get discounts on movie tickets. Owners of movie theaters 1. Many students can't afford current ticket prices. 2. The cost of tickets is high for most students. 3. More people in the theater means more popcorn and candy sold. Notice that Reasons 1 and 2 overlap; they are really part of the same reason.
 * __ 4. Consider your audience. __** Consider why these people should support your points. How will they be likely to object? How will you get around these objections?
 * ** First, you can refute an objection ** . To refute it means to prove it isn't valid; it isn't true.
 * ** Sometimes it's best to admit that the other side has a point ** . You have to concede that point.
 * ** Sometimes you can turn an objection into an advantage. ** When you acknowledge the objection and yet use it to make your own point, you show that you've intelligently considered both sides of the argument.
 * ** Be specific, clear, and logical in your reasons ** . As always, think before you write. Think about your point and your audience. Try to come up with at least three reasons for your position.
 * topic sentence: **
 * audience **:
 * reasons **:

6. **//__ Be careful __//** **__ not to argue in a circle. __** For instance, if you say, "One reason for having a (specific course) is that we need one there," you've just said, "We need a course because we need a course." **__7. __****__<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Finally, __** **__<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;"> be specific in stating your reasons. __** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">not this: One reason to start a bus service to and from the university is to help people. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">but this: A bus service to and from the university would encourage students to come to classes in time.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">In writing an argument paragraph, you can use any transition, depending on how you present your point. But no matter how you present your reasons, you will probably want to emphasize one of them. Following are some transitions that can be used for emphasis. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">**Transitions to Use for Emphasis**: above all, especially, finally, mainly, most important, most of all, most significant, primarily
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px;">Transitions **

media type="custom" key="22153232" a). Write one [|topic sentence]. Your topic [|sentence] should state your side of the argument and have three reasons why you feel the way you do. b). Explain your first reason in about one sentence. c). Provide a one to two sentence example that supports your first explanation. d). With a [|transitional phrase], explain your second reason. Your explanation should be no longer than one sentence. e). Write two to three sentences of a clear and specific example that supports your second explanation. f). Starting with another transitional phrase and in one sentence, explain your third reason. g). Give another two to three sentence example that supports your third explanation. h). Write one [|closing sentence] to end your paragraph.
 * Format/Recipe for an Argumentative Paragraph**:


 * Sample One of an Argumentative Paragraph**:
 * (a)** I believe that people who are twelve years old and up should receive sex education classes because this age group reaches puberty, it could prevent teen pregnancies, and it could prevent STD’s. **(b)** I first believe that sex education should be taught at the age of twelve and older because puberty makes teens curious and confused. **(c)** For example, when my cousin reached twelve, he was confused and did not understand his own body, so he had sex and regretted it. **(d)** I also believe that sex education could prevent pregnancies because of the stories that other teen mothers would share. **(e)** For instance, my sister took sex education at the age of 13. She was curious about sex; however, after hearing the stories of the suffering that other teen mothers went through, my sister decided to wait. **(f)** I finally believe that sex education could prevent STD’s for teenagers because it would bring an awareness to them. **(g)** To illustrate, my neighbor’s son was unaware of safe sex, and at the age of fourteen, he contracted an STD. **(h)** For all these reasons, I believe that sex education should be taught to people who are twelve years old and up.

Notice how the above sample paragraph 100% follows the format/recipe but still requires some editing in style.