Unit 3 - Argumentative Essay
Key Ideas and Vocabulary
*Please fill in the blank spaces with words found in your lessons. Complete this doc as you work through your lessons for this unit. *Click here for a visual of how to complete the notes.
Lesson 2: Understanding an Argument
Trace
To , follow, and mark down what is found in the text.
*You are tracking a pattern of evidence to make sure it supports the claim.
Evidence
Facts or from a text; what is used to help support the points in your argument.
Paraphrase
When you put a _________ (or short amount of text) into your own words; this can help to shorten the quote or text.
Ellipses
The use of three periods in a row to show of a word, phrase, or sentence from a quote or longer passage of text.
Inference
A based on evidence
Point of View
[In this lesson], point of view means the or feelings of someone.
Tone
The an author has about a subject. It is not written directly, but inferred through the words.
*You can analyze tone by looking at the author’s word choice.
Word Choice
Use of words for precise meaning and ____________
Connotation
The ____________ associated with a word
Denotation
The literal or _______________ definition of a word
Assumption
Something you think is _______ without first examining the evidence.
Critical Thinking
To find ___________ conclusions by figuring out patterns and relationships between sources.
*Taking a critical stance on something means you have to analyze and not jump to assumptions
*Look to page 10 of this lesson
Lessons 3-4: Counterclaims & Portfolio: Planning an Argument
Lesson 4 Portfolio options:
House graphic organizer / Chart Graphic Organizer (fillable PDF, Word doc) / ⭐ Google Chart
Argumentative text
A way to write an essay about a strong opinion.
*A type of writing used to share an opinion that is supported by evidence.
Argument
The written or spoken presentation of a person's beliefs on a topic; an argument must contain a _______, reasons to support it, and evidence to support the reasons.
Claim
The position or __________ that a person presents and supports in an argument.
*The statement of an argument that can be supported with evidence.
*Claims show the conclusions that have been formed about a topic and the beliefs of the writer about the topic
Reasons
Explanations for why something is true or possible.
Evidence
The information and ________ that support the claim; evidence can be a direct quote or a paraphrase (in your own words)
Counterclaim
An view to a claim;
*Helps to strengthen your argument by addressing objections with evidence.
Lesson 5: Credible Sources
Credible sources
Books, websites, and experts that can be _____________
*Remember, .gov, .edu, and .org sites are the best options
*You also want to look for recent publication dates
*An expert would be someone that possibly has a college degree or have proven experience in the field they are writing about
Purpose of argument
To convince my _______________ that my idea is true or better than other ideas and to accept my claim
*Check out page 2 of this lesson
Credible
To be and trustworthy; reliable
*Check out page 2 of this lesson
Lesson 6: Relationships
Cause and Effect
The type of transition that shows an event that leads to a ___________ or consequence.
Examples of transitions that signal causes: because, as, so, due to
Examples of transitions that signal effects: as a result, consequently, therefore
Examples of transitions that signal additional information: additionally, also, and, further, furthermore, in addition, too
CRE
A acronym of claim, reasons, and evidence
Transitions
(also known as transition words)
Words, phrases, or clauses that help other words, phrases, or clauses;
*It is important to vary your sentence structure and use effective transitions when presenting an argument in order to keep the reader interested & to make the ideas clear.
*Writers use transitions to connect ideas.
Lesson 7: Formal Writing
Formal language
Language that uses a tone, standard punctuation and grammar, and third person perspective.
*Contractions are NOT used in formal writing
*Uses more varied and complex vocabulary than informal language
3rd person point of view (POV)
A point of view that __ to all persons/characters spoken about in a text. This means using pronouns like: they, it, he, and she, but NOT you or I.
Jargon
Language specific to a subject or .
Lesson 8: Concluding Statement
Conclusion
The _________ wrap-up of a subject in discussion (written or spoken); the conclusion pulls all of the pieces together to make sense of them
*The place to restate the claim and summarize the supporting evidence of the argument.
*To draw the reader in with your conclusion, you can use a question, a quotation, or a call to action.
Summary
A _________ account of information where only the most important points are used
*A summary of evidence should be included the conclusion
Call to action
A directive given to the audience that tells them to take a specific ___________.
Please help
I'm happy to help! What do you need assistance with?
Sure, I'd be happy to help you fill in the blank spaces with the correct words. Here are the missing words from your lessons:
Lesson 2: Understanding an Argument
Trace: To trace, follow, and mark down what is found in the text.
Evidence: Facts or information from a text; what is used to help support the points in your argument.
Paraphrase: When you put a quote (or short amount of text) into your own words; this can help to shorten the quote or text.
Ellipses: The use of three periods in a row to show omission of a word, phrase, or sentence from a quote or longer passage of text.
Inference: A conclusion based on evidence.
Point of View: [In this lesson], point of view means the perspective or feelings of someone.
Tone: The attitude an author has about a subject. It is not written directly, but inferred through the words.
Word Choice: Use of words for precise meaning and impact.
Connotation: The emotions or associations associated with a word.
Denotation: The literal or dictionary definition of a word.
Assumption: Something you think is true without first examining the evidence.
Critical Thinking: To find logical conclusions by figuring out patterns and relationships between sources.
Lessons 3-4: Counterclaims & Portfolio: Planning an Argument
Argumentative text: A way to write an essay about a strong opinion. A type of writing used to share an opinion that is supported by evidence.
Argument: The written or spoken presentation of a person's beliefs on a topic; an argument must contain a claim, reasons to support it, and evidence to support the reasons.
Claim: The position or statement that a person presents and supports in an argument. The statement of an argument that can be supported with evidence.
Reasons: Explanations for why something is true or possible.
Evidence: The information and support that support the claim; evidence can be a direct quote or a paraphrase (in your own words).
Counterclaim: An opposing view to a claim; helps to strengthen your argument by addressing objections with evidence.
Lesson 5: Credible Sources
Credible sources: Books, websites, and experts that can be trusted. Remember, .gov, .edu, and .org sites are the best options. You also want to look for recent publication dates. An expert would be someone who possibly has a college degree or has proven experience in the field they are writing about.
Purpose of argument: To convince my audience that my idea is true or better than other ideas and to accept my claim.
Credible: To be believable and trustworthy; reliable.
Lesson 6: Relationships
Cause and Effect: The type of transition that shows an event that leads to a result or consequence.
CRE: An acronym of claim, reasons, and evidence.
Transitions (also known as transition words): Words, phrases, or clauses that help connect other words, phrases, or clauses. It is important to vary your sentence structure and use effective transitions when presenting an argument in order to keep the reader interested and to make the ideas clear. Writers use transitions to connect ideas.
Lesson 7: Formal Writing
Formal language: Language that uses a formal tone, standard punctuation and grammar, and third person perspective. Contractions are NOT used in formal writing. It uses more varied and complex vocabulary than informal language.
3rd person point of view (POV): A point of view that refers to all persons/characters spoken about in a text. This means using pronouns like they, it, he, and she, but NOT you or I.
Jargon: Language specific to a subject or profession.
Lesson 8: Concluding Statement
Conclusion: The final wrap-up of a subject in discussion (written or spoken); the conclusion pulls all of the pieces together to make sense of them. It's the place to restate the claim and summarize the supporting evidence of the argument. To draw the reader in with your conclusion, you can use a question, a quotation, or a call to action.
Summary: A concise account of information where only the most important points are used. A summary of evidence should be included in the conclusion.
Call to action: A directive given to the audience that tells them to take a specific action.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Lesson 2: Understanding an Argument
Trace: To follow, track, and mark down what is found in the text.
*You are tracking a pattern of evidence to make sure it supports the claim.
Evidence: Facts or information from a text; what is used to help support the points in your argument.
Paraphrase: When you put a quote (or short amount of text) into your own words; this can help to shorten the quote or text.
Ellipses: The use of three periods in a row to show omission of a word, phrase, or sentence from a quote or longer passage of text.
Inference: A conclusion based on evidence.
Point of View: In this lesson, point of view means the perspective or feelings of someone.
Tone: The attitude or tone an author has about a subject. It is not written directly, but inferred through the words.
*You can analyze tone by looking at the author’s word choice.
Word Choice: Use of words for precise meaning and impact.
Connotation: The associations or emotions associated with a word.
Denotation: The literal or dictionary definition of a word.
Assumption: Something you think is true without first examining the evidence.
Critical Thinking: To find logical conclusions by figuring out patterns and relationships between sources.
*Taking a critical stance on something means you have to analyze and not jump to assumptions.
*Look to page 10 of this lesson.
Lessons 3-4: Counterclaims & Portfolio: Planning an Argument
Argumentative text: A way to write an essay about a strong opinion.
*A type of writing used to share an opinion that is supported by evidence.
Argument: The written or spoken presentation of a person's beliefs on a topic; an argument must contain a claim, reasons to support it, and evidence to support the reasons.
Claim: The position or statement that a person presents and supports in an argument.
*The statement of an argument that can be supported with evidence.
*Claims show the conclusions that have been formed about a topic and the beliefs of the writer about the topic.
Reasons: Explanations for why something is true or possible.
Counterclaim: An opposing view to a claim.
*Helps to strengthen your argument by addressing objections with evidence.
Lesson 5: Credible Sources
Credible sources: Books, websites, and experts that can be trusted.
*Remember, .gov, .edu, and .org sites are the best options.
*You also want to look for recent publication dates.
*An expert would be someone that possibly has a college degree or have proven experience in the field they are writing about.
Purpose of argument: To convince my audience that my idea is true or better than other ideas and to accept my claim.
*Check out page 2 of this lesson.
Credible: To be trustworthy and reliable.
*Check out page 2 of this lesson.
Lesson 6: Relationships
Cause and Effect: The type of transition that shows an event that leads to a result or consequence.
Examples of transitions that signal causes: because, as, so, due to.
Examples of transitions that signal effects: as a result, consequently, therefore.
Examples of transitions that signal additional information: additionally, also, and, further, furthermore, in addition, too.
CRE: An acronym of claim, reasons, and evidence.
Transitions (also known as transition words): Words, phrases, or clauses that help connect other words, phrases, or clauses.
*It is important to vary your sentence structure and use effective transitions when presenting an argument in order to keep the reader interested & to make the ideas clear.
*Writers use transitions to connect ideas.
Lesson 7: Formal Writing
Formal language: Language that uses a formal tone, standard punctuation and grammar, and third person perspective.
*Contractions are NOT used in formal writing.
*Uses more varied and complex vocabulary than informal language.
3rd person point of view (POV): A point of view that refers to all persons/characters spoken about in a text. This means using pronouns like: they, it, he, and she, but NOT you or I.
Jargon: Language specific to a subject or profession.
Lesson 8: Concluding Statement
Conclusion: The final wrap-up of a subject in discussion (written or spoken); the conclusion pulls all of the pieces together to make sense of them.
*The place to restate the claim and summarize the supporting evidence of the argument.
*To draw the reader in with your conclusion, you can use a question, a quotation, or a call to action.
Summary: A concise account of information where only the most important points are used.
*A summary of evidence should be included in the conclusion.
Call to action: A directive given to the audience that tells them to take a specific action.