Argument Writing: Introduction to

Writing the Claim and Outline

Adapted from www.learnzillion.com for EMS 7th grade science classes

by Jeannece Luhrs

What are the steps for researching a topic before you begin writing? Please list in order.

1. Start with an Essential Question.2. Choose a sub-topic (your specific energy

choice).3. Conduct research: Read articles and

complete prewriting graphic organizers.4. Write a claim.5. Create an outline.

Bellringer:

I can organize my research by creating a claim.I can create an outline for my argument. W.7.4

Learning Target:

We are going to use our Essential Question to write a claim for our argument. A claim, or thesis statement, should be located as the last sentence in the first paragraph and represents the controlling idea of the writing.

Our Essential Question:What is the best resource to meet our future energy needs?

Writing a Claim(Thesis Statement)

Sample EQ: What is the best resource to meet our future energy needs?• I need restate the question as a declarative

sentence, so I will take out the question words and the question mark.

• That leaves this: _________________is the best resource to meet our future energy needs.

Modeling with nuclear energy

I will write my chosen energy source, nuclear energy, in the blank to create a thesis statement.

Nuclear energy is the best resource to meet our future energy needs.

A claim should not have the words “I think” or “my opinion” as part of the sentence.

Sample Claim:

Essential Question: What is the best energy source to meet our future needs?

_______________ is the best energy source to meet our future needs.

Copy your claim on your outline on the line in the first box.

Your Turn: Write your claim!

The second paragraph of your argument should present your first reason in a topic sentence. The topic sentence should begin with a transition word.

Sample transition words for the first point of an argument are:First, First of all,The first reason …..One way …..

Second Paragraph

One reason why nuclear energy is the best resource to meet our future energy needs is ________________.

One way that nuclear energy meets our future energy needs is by ________________.

First of all, nuclear energy ____________.

The first reason that nuclear energy is the best source to meet our future energy needs is_____.

Examples using nuclear energy:

Write the topic sentence for your first reason on the blank in the second paragraph.

Choose one of the sample transitions. If you feel that you would like to use a more advanced transition, write the sentence and then raise your hand to get it approved by your teacher.

Your turn!

The third paragraph of your argument should present your second reason in a topic sentence. The topic sentence should begin with a transition word.

Sample transition words for the second point of an argument are:Second, Next,The next reason …..Another way …..

Third Paragraph:

Another reason why nuclear energy is the best resource to meet our future energy needs is ________________.

Another way that nuclear energy meets our future energy needs is by ________________.

Next, nuclear energy ____________.

The second reason that nuclear energy is the best source to meet our future energy needs is_____.

Examples using nuclear energy:

Write the topic sentence for your second reason on the blank in the third paragraph.

Choose one of the sample transitions. If you feel that you would like to use a more advanced transition, write the sentence and then raise your hand to get it approved by your teacher.

Your Turn!

The fourth paragraph of your argument should present your third reason in a topic sentence. The topic sentence should begin with a transition word.

Sample transition words for the second point of an argument are:Third, Finally,A final reason …..A third reason why…..

Fourth Paragraph:

A third reason why nuclear energy is the best resource to meet our future energy needs is ________________.

A third way that nuclear energy meets our future energy needs is by ________________.

Finally, nuclear energy ____________.

The final reason that nuclear energy is the best source to meet our future energy needs is_____.

Examples using nuclear energy:

Write the topic sentence for your third reason on the blank in the fourth paragraph.

Choose one of the sample transitions. If you feel that you would like to use a more advanced transition, write the sentence and then raise your hand to get it approved by your teacher.

Your turn!

Look back over your notes and your graphic organizer. Jot down the most important reasons why someone would disagree with your point.

Choose the strongest opposition to your point of view. Write it down and begin with the word “although.”

Example using nuclear energy: Although accidents at nuclear energy plants cause illness and even death,

Fifth Paragraph: The Counterargument

You have considered the opposing point of view and acknowledged it; however, that is not enough! You must end with YOUR position. You must REFUTE the other side.Although accidents at nuclear energy plants cause illness and even death, research shows that the risk of nuclear accidents are extremely low and the benefits of nuclear energy far exceed the risk of accidents. Therefore, nuclear power plant accidents should not deter us from utilizing this energy source for our future needs.

Counterargument, continued

Step One: Jot down the opposition to your point of view.Step Two: Choose the strongest opposing point.Step Three: Write a clause beginning with the word although.Step Four: Refute the other side by giving a strong reason why that point is not strong enough to overcome your point.Step Five: Add a last sentence to clarify your point.Write your counterargument in fifth box of the outline.

Your turn!

Jot down conclusions that you have drawn. You will use these to write your concluding paragraph.

Conclusion:

Choose an introduction and conclusion.

Add relevant evidence for each reason.

Use the outline to write your piece!

Note: Each paragraph should include:1. A topic sentence.2. A sentence for each piece of evidence that supports the

reason.3. A sentence that supports or explains the evidence

sentence.4. A concluding sentence. Each paragraph should have at least six sentences.

From Outline to Rough Draft

Be sure to include each source that you use in a Bibliography.

Each time you use information that is not your own within your piece, you must reference the source.Examples:• According to ______,• (Name of article) states that_____• Research done by _____ reveals that _____

Bibliography

What questions do you still have about:

• How to write a claim?• How to determine the main points your will

make for your paper?• How to create a topic sentence for each

paragraph?• How to write a counterargument?• Any other questions?????

Ticket out the Door: