Argumentative

Writing
KEY VOCABULARY AND CONCEPTS

What is a Claim?
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What is a Claim?
A claim is a writers position on a problem or issue.
To be a strong claim, the claim should:
1. Be specific.
2. Make only one point.
3. Be direct and to the point.

Identifying a Strong, Effective

Claim
Which of the following claims is both strong and effective?
1. Skateboarders and rollerbladers need a public skate park so the mayor
should agree to build one here.
2. Some people think the mayor should approve the new skate park for
Mendon Square, but others do not.
3. Because it will provide free and safe recreation for children of all ages, the
mayor and city council should support the construction of a public skate
park in Mendon Square.
4. A new skate park should be built in Mendon Square, and skateboarders
and rollerbladers in our city should get as much respect as any other
group.

Identifying a Strong, Effective

Claim
Because it will provide free and safe recreation
for children of all ages, the mayor and city
council should support the construction of a
public skate park in Mendon Square.
This claim is clear and specific; the writer shows why it makes sense.

Support: Reasons
and Evidence
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Support
Support is material that is used to prove a claim.
Support is usually made up of reasons and evidence.
There are many types of evidence but these are the most common:
Facts
Examples
Statistics
Quotations/Expert Opinions
Anecdotes.

Building Effective
Support
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Building Effective Support

Effective Support has three characteristics:
1. Logical Reasons: Logical reasons are sound and valid; they make sense
and support the claim.
2. Relevant Evidence: Evidence is appropriate and related to the claim and
the reason/point.
3. Sufficient Evidence: Evidence must also be strong enough to support the
point. Using several different types of evidence with each reason/point
creates stronger support.

Creating a
Coherent
Argument
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Coherent Arguments
Coherent Arguments make sense and are easy for the reader to follow.
All the words, sentences, and paragraphs in a Coherent Argument come
together to form a unified whole.
Writers using these strategies to create coherent arguments:
1. Present ideas in a logical sequence.
2. Use pronouns and synonyms.
3. Repeat key words and phrases.
4. Use transitional words and phrases.

Present ideas in a logical

sequence.
In a coherent argument, ideas are organized in a logical sequence.
Here are several patterns that can be used to organize ideas:
Order
Order
Order
Order

of
of
of
of

Importance
Complexity
Familiarity
Likely Acceptance

Use pronouns and synonyms.

Writers use pronouns and synonyms to connect ideas and avoid repetition
that might result in dull, awkward-sounding text.
For example:
Pronoun: People can join movie clubs that stream movies and older shows to
their home TVs.
Synonym: Watching previous seasons of old TV shows in a group is a trend
among young people. All those hours of viewing add up.

Repeat key words and phrases.

Sometimes writers intentionally use repetition to emphasize an important
concept, connect related ideas, establish a rhythm, and create cohesion.
For example:
For every two hours of daily TV watching, the chances of developing
diabetes increase by 20 percent, and the chances of developing heart
disease go up by 15 percent.

Use transitional words and

phrases.
Transitional words and phrases link ideas, sentences, and paragraphs.
Because TV viewing is a passive activity, people get bored. As a result,
they look for something to do. Most of the time, that something is eating. If
television watchers would substitute fruits and vegetables for unhealthy
snacks, they could at least lower the risk of gaining weight. However, sitting
for long periods of time with no exercise would still be a problem.

Formal Style
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Why use a Formal Style?

Formal style, like formal wear, shows you are serious.
Using a formal style in your argumentative writing
1. shows a respectful and professional attitude toward your readers.
2. helps your readers focus on your ideas rather than on your delivery.
3. avoids offending readers with inappropriate language or an objectionable
tone.
4. ensures that readers take your ideas seriously.

How to create a Formal Style

1. Avoid contractions like cant, wont, wouldnt, etc.
2. Avoid addressing your reader directly.
3. Use standard English.
4. Avoid slang and/or everyday language.
5. Maintain an objective tone.

Concluding Your
Argument
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Conclusions
The conclusion is the last opportunity to convince readers to agree with the
writers point of view.
An effective conclusion will always
1. be a logical follow-up to the main ideas presented in the body of the argument.
2. restate the claim and why it matters.
An effective conclusion may also
3. include a call to action
4. tie up any loose ends
5. point out a new, interesting idea closely related to the claim that leaves
readers with something to think about.