Argument

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Argument
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Controversial Topic

• Explores a controversial Topic
• A controversial topic is one where opinions may
  differ

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Your Job?

• In addition to DESCRIBING ISSUE
• YOU MUST GET THE READER TO ACCEPT YOUR POINT OF
  VIEW

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HOW?

• OFFER LOGICAL PROOF IN A REASONABLE WAY
• FACT, EXAMPLES, DETAILS, STATISTICS
• (THE MEREDITH AND ERIC STORY)
• COME FROM AN AUTHORITY ON THE TOPIC
• (NOT UNCLE JOHN, BUT A KNOWN AUTHORITY IS BEST)
• INTERVIEW
• REASONABLE TONE (SEE PAGE 75good, 76poor)

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• Critical thinkers are well-informed about both
  sides of an issue
• They understand weaknesses in their own and their
  opponents arguments and can also recognize
  points of compromise

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Organization
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Basic Organization of Argument paper

• General introduction to thesis
• Develop the argument (using verifiable evidence)
  (several paragraphs)
• Mention counter arguments to the points you have
  covered and refute counter arguments
• Reexamine your position and reevaluate its
  correctness.

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Page 77 what is counter argument? Refutation????

• Read explanation
• Look at outline and ID counter argument
• Look at outline and ID refutation

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Page 80 Understanding what a thesis statement
for an argument essay looks like
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From P-S to Argument Research Paper
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Refuting Problem

• My argument
• Fast food is unhealthy.
• Counter-argument
• The fast food industry has claimed that fast food
  is not related to the American health problem.
• Refutation
• Although it may not be the whole problem,
  research shows that fast food is unhealthy.

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• My argument
• Food additives are dangerous.
• Counter-argument
• A small amount of food additives wont hurt us.
• Refutation
• Food additive effect children more seriously than
  adults.

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Refuting Solutions

• My argument
• Regulate the fast food companies
• Counter-argument
• Some people say that its the responsibility of
  parent, not the fast food companies.
• Refutation
• Parents already are doing what they can. As a
  society we need to hold the companies responsible.

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• My argument
• Parents are the key to solving this problem.
• Counter-argument
• Some people say that parents are too busy.
  Modern life, single parents, etc.
• Refutation
• Parents need to re-prioritize. Fast food is a
  reality. Parents need to parent in the context
  we live in.

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Sample Essays Groupwork

• Take out a piece of paper
• ID ARGUMENTS
• ID COUNTER ARGUMENTS
• ID REFUTATION
• Are the counter-arguments and refutation in the
  same paragraph or in different paragraphs.

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Requirements

• 5 pages, double-spaced typed
• 5-6 sources cited
• Cite and document sources in the text
• You may need to focus on ONE solution for the
  argument paper. It should be the BEST solution.
• Is your best solution Parenting? Attacking
  media.
• How do you think the problem truly can be solved?