Argument Writing

An Introductory Guide for Middle School Students

An argument in writing
IS DIFFERENT THAN
ARGUING WITH A
PARENT OR FRIEND

Characteristics of
Argument Writing
Convinces reader claim is true
Uses evidencefacts and data
Acknowledges counterclaimsthe other
side of the argument

An Effective Claim
Takes a clear position
Has two sides
Is narrow enough to be supported within
essay
Can be supported by facts or citations from
a text

Types of Claims
Cause and effecta person, thing, or event
caused something else to happen
Example: Rikki Tikki Tavis victory over the
snakes was the result of his natural abilities
as a mongoose, rather than his desire to
protect the people in the cottage.

Types of Claims
Claims of definition or factargue what a
definition is or if something is really a fact
Example: In the story, Gift of the Magi, by
O. Henry, the two characters provide an
outstanding illustration what what foolish is.

Types of Claims
Claims about valuesargue the worth of
something and if it is valued.
While Perraults Cinderella is an
interesting story, it is a second-rate story
when compared to Grimms Cinderella
version.

Types of Claims
Claims about solutions or policiesargue
for or against certain approaches to
problems.
Example: The Capulets have their
daughters well-being in mind when they
follow tradition and make arrangements for
her to marry Paris.

Addressing the
counterclaim
Refutes or proves wrong, another point
Recognizes the other sides points
Lends credence to the writers claims

Components of Effective
Argument Writing?
Clear and forceful claim
Well-constructed argument
Strong textual support with lucid
explanations of text support
Addresses counterclaims
Strong conclusion