Contextualization

Introduction to Writing Arguments

Writing arguments is a fundamental skill in the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum. It involves crafting a clear and concise statement or series of statements, supported by evidence, to persuade or convince someone of an idea, opinion, or belief. The statement is called a claim, and the supporting evidence is composed of facts, examples, and reasoning.

In the real world, arguments are not limited to debates or formal discussions, but are also used in everyday life. For instance, you might use an argument to convince your parents that you should be allowed to stay up later, or to persuade your friends to try a new game. In a professional context, lawyers, politicians, and business leaders frequently use arguments to make their case or sell their ideas.

In this project, we will be focusing on two types of arguments: persuasive and argumentative. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that we will explore.

A persuasive argument aims to convince the reader or listener to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It relies heavily on emotional appeal and sometimes uses loaded language.

On the other hand, an argumentative essay aims to present a balanced and well-reasoned discussion of a topic. It does not aim to sway the reader's opinion, but rather to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic and the evidence for and against a particular viewpoint.

Real-world Relevance

The ability to write effective arguments is a crucial skill for success in various fields. In academia, students are often required to write essays that present a clear argument and support it with evidence. In the professional world, the ability to articulate a persuasive argument can be a valuable asset in sales, negotiations, and even job interviews.

Furthermore, being able to understand and evaluate arguments is essential for media literacy. In today's information-rich society, we are constantly bombarded with arguments in the form of news articles, social media posts, and advertisements. Being able to discern the strength of these arguments can help us make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to misinformation or manipulation.

Resources

Here are some resources to help you understand and delve deeper into the topic:

1. Purdue Online Writing Lab: This is an excellent resource for understanding the basics of argumentative writing. It provides clear definitions, examples, and exercises.

2. ReadWriteThink: This resource is specifically focused on persuasive writing. It includes lesson plans, activities, and downloadable graphic organizers to help you structure your arguments.

3. Online Writing Courses from Coursera: If you are interested in a more in-depth study of writing arguments, Coursera offers several online courses that can help you develop your skills.

Remember, writing arguments is a skill that requires practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. The more you practice, the better you'll get!

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Crafting Convincing Arguments

Objective of the Project:

The main goal of this project is to allow students to understand and successfully differentiate between persuasive and argumentative writing. By the end of this project, students should be able to create a convincing argument, support it with evidence, and evaluate the effectiveness of arguments.

Detailed Description of the Project:

Each group of 3 to 5 students will be assigned a controversial topic. The group will then work together to write both a persuasive argument and an argumentative essay on their topic. They will also have the opportunity to present their arguments to the class and engage in a friendly debate.

Necessary Materials:

• Internet access for research.
• Notebook and pen/pencil for initial brainstorming and planning.
• Word processing software for drafting arguments.
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, etc.) for creating a presentation.
• Optional: Index cards for note-taking during the debate.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Research and Planning (2 hours): Begin by researching your assigned topic. Look for different viewpoints and gather evidence to support your arguments. Discuss as a group and make a plan for how you will structure your arguments.

2. Writing (2 hours): Start drafting your arguments. Remember, your persuasive argument should aim to convince the reader to adopt your viewpoint, while your argumentative essay should provide a balanced discussion of the topic.

3. Review and Edit (1 hour): Once you've finished your drafts, review them as a group. Look for areas that could be strengthened or clarified. Make any necessary edits.

4. Presentation Preparation (1 hour): Create a presentation that highlights your main points. Be sure to include your claim, supporting evidence, and a summary of your argument's structure.

5. Class Presentation and Debate (1 hour): Present your arguments to the class. After all groups have presented, engage in a friendly debate. This is an opportunity to practice your public speaking and critical thinking skills.

6. Reflection and Report Writing (1 hour): As a group, reflect on the process. What was challenging? What did you learn? Use these reflections to guide your report writing.

Project Deliverables:

By the end of the project, each group will submit a comprehensive report following this structure:

1. Introduction: Provide an overview of the project, including the assigned topic and its relevance. State the objective of the project.

2. Development: Detail the steps taken to complete the project, including research, argument writing, presentation preparation, and the group debate. Discuss the results, including the strengths and weaknesses of your arguments and your performance in the debate.

3. Conclusion: Revisit the main points of your arguments and state your final thoughts on the topic. Reflect on what you learned from the project and how it has affected your understanding of persuasive and argumentative writing.

4. Bibliography: List all the resources you used during your research and argument writing. Remember to cite your sources correctly.

This report should be written in a formal, academic style and should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concepts of persuasive and argumentative writing. It should also showcase your ability to work effectively as a team and manage your time. Good luck!