**If you forgot it, go get Models for

Writers. Unit 10 Vocabulary Quiz tomorrow!

“Shame is Worth a Try”

By Dan M. Kahan Page 571

Examining the ArgumentWork with a partner to answer the following questions.

1. What makes this author a reliable source on the topic?

2. Identify the part of the essay that establishes the thesis. (This may be multiple sentences) Does the thesis list out reasons why the author is for or against the issue? If so, what are those reasons?

3. What argument is being made in that thesis?

4. What examples of shaming punishments does Kahan provide? For you, do these punishments seem to fit the crime? Explain.

5. Besides examples of punishments, what other evidence does Kahan present to show that shaming punishments work?

6. How does the writer acknowledge the other side, but then refute it?

7. Did you find Kahan’s argument convincing? Why or why not? Which essay do you feel is most effective?

What is an argumentative essay?

An essay in which the writer makes a

claim about a topic and uses evidence to support the claim.

Claim: The writer’s position (for or against) on a problem or an issue.

Sample Thesis Statement

Although many people find cable to be a preferable source of entertainment, it is more advantageous to use internet services because it is more cost efficient, viewers can enjoy shows at their convenience, and services are not limited to the viewer’s home.

Counterargument: representing the portion of the population that enjoys receiving cable services

Claim: Informs the reader that this essay will address the benefits of using the internet for television services.

Key transition word of thesis: leads into subtopics

Subtopics: the 3 reasons to explain why internet services are preferable to cable.

Thesis = Although (opposite side), (your opinion + your

three reasons)

Although it is endorsed by many countries and military groups around the world, torture should never be used to extract information because it is inhumane, barbaric, and could be used against American soldiers in retaliation.

Although they are idolized by millions of people around the globe, actors and athletes should not be paid as highly as they are now because they are not essential to the success of the nation, they often use their wealth in inappropriate ways, and they often do not work as long or as hard as other Americans.

Parallel Structure

Actors and athletes should not be paid as highly as they are now because…

a.) they are not essential to the success of the nation

b.) they often use their wealth in inappropriate ways

c.) they often do not work as long or as hard as other Americans

VERSUS

Actors and athletes should not be paid as highly as they are now because…

a.) they are not essential to the success of the nation

b.) they often use their wealth in inappropriate ways

c.) not as hardworking as other Americans

Thesis - Right or Wrong?

I think that video games should be banned because they make children more violent, sexual content, and childhood obesity.

Although social networking sites may promote their connections, these websites should be banned from the internet because they cause social seclusion, site addiction, and a skewed perspective of reality.

Although many believe in the scientific breakthroughs of stem cell research, this kind of technology is wrong for legal, ethical, and medical reasons.

Even though supporters of factory farming claim it saves money, factory farming is wrong because it’s abuse, horrible conditions, and spreading disease.

Introduction – Essential background information should be presented + thesis

Paragraph 2 – What does the opposite side argue? What is your response?

Paragraphs 3-5 – What are your three reasons?

Paragraph 6 – Conclusion (Restate thesis + bigger picture/call to action)

Types of EvidenceEvidence: the use of data and facts to support your claim in an argumentative

essay.Facts vs. Opinion

Facts/Data: this information can be proved/verifiedEx. “82% of U.S. households have internet

access.”Opinion: a statement of belief

Ex. “I think every home should have internet access.”

Even though an argumentative essay is based on your opinion of a subject, you should use facts to support your opinion.

What will you use as your evidence?

Quotes from experts (must be blended) Statistics and Data

Paraphrased (expressing the main idea of a source in your own words)

Remember: any information, quoted or paraphrased, must be

cited using internal documentation.

EthosCredibility (or character) of the person

you’re quotingAdvertising: Celebrity endorsementsFor your paper: Quoting a doctor, expert

PathosConnecting to the emotions of the audience

Advertising: emotional music, pictures

For your paper: a news report about people affected by the issue you are addressing, descriptions of horrible conditions or treatments, etc.

LogosAppealing to an audience’s logic/intelligence

In both advertising and your paper, this would be concrete data and statistics on a subject

Research and Citations- Remember to use reliable and current sources.

- Internal documentation goes at the end of the sentence. (This is taken from the first word of the Works Cited citation)

- Use citation machines like easybib.com to help you format your Works Cited page.

- Works Cited Reminders:- Alphabetical order- Double spaced- Hanging indent- No numbers or bullets- 12 point Times New Roman like rest of paper.

TitlesStart with a catchy phrase, then transition into a clear

statement of your opinion separated with a colon.The Dying Have Rights: Assisted Suicide as an Ethical ChoiceTalk To Me: Computers Destroy Basic Communication SkillsTen-and-Two: Hands on the Wheel, Not on the PhoneCaged and Controlled: Zoo Exploitation of AnimalsA Weighty Tiara: The Dangers of Child Pageants and Modeling

No “I” “we” “you” “us” “me” – anywhere! (unless you are quoting a source)

Stay away from asking questions – you may not like the reader’s answer.

Keep it FORMAL—use formal language. No “cool” or “okay.” Use a thesaurus (carefully!) if needed. Avoid contractions.

Transition between paragraphs. If you don’t know how, look up “Transitions words.”

MLA format AT ALL TIMES! 12 point Times New Roman, double-spaced, indent paragraphs. Correct MLA heading on page one and correct last name and page number on subsequent pages.

Be bold in your assertions but don’t offend those who disagree from you.

Don’t contradict yourself. Make sure you are always sticking to one side.

Use your conclusion as a chance to not only recap your main points, but also to call your readers to action.

Your research assignment…Select from the provided list of “hot button” topics.

Write an argumentative essay supporting one of the sides of that issue.

You will have 2 days in the library to research for your essay.

You will be completing source cards, an outline, and a peer edit that will be a formative grade.

The essay is due May 17 for a summative