Argumentative Writing

Evaluate this claim.

School uniforms should not be required at Wells. I went to a school where we had to wear uniforms, and the students did not like it.

Evaluate this claim.

School uniforms can benefit students. When students don’t have clothing to notice, comment on or respond to, they can spend more mental energy on learning.

Evaluate this claim.

School uniforms deter crime and increase student safety. One year after Sparks Middle School in Nevada instituted a uniform policy, school police data showed a 63% drop in police log reports, and decreases were also noted in gang activity, student fights, graffiti, property damage, and battery.

To support a claim, you need one or more pieces of

You need to explain your evidence with

Statements that can be proven true.

The __________is the opposing claim; the other point of view

a belief or way of thinking about something

You should always use opinions in your argumentative essays because they are convincing.

Evidence that directly and factually support your position.

Evidence that is provided to convince others.

An argument against a claim or reasons why they are wrong.

A paragraph that contains a hook, background information, thesis statement, and brief reasons.

A sentence that states the purpose of an essay.

A short, personal story relating to the topic used to grab the reader's attention.

Anecdotes are considered sufficient evidence.

A short description of the argumentative issue or problem

Collecting, organizing, and explaining data

Statistics are considered sufficient evidence.

a paragraph that contains a restatement of the thesis statement and a last convincing appeal

A group of people or person that you want to convince.

To give credit where credit is due.