Study Notes on Peer Review and Argumentative Writing Strategies

Overview of Peer Review Process

  • Objective: To provide constructive feedback to classmates on their writing project.
  • Requirements:
    • Read the peer's paper carefully.
    • Provide feedback on three strengths and two weaknesses or areas for improvement.
    • Comments should be specific to enhance the peer's work.

Submission Guidelines for Writing Project

  • Deadline: Revise and submit the final project by next Tuesday.
  • Components to submit:
    • Final copy of Writing Project number one.
    • Outline in sentence form.
  • Outline details:
    • Should include the topic sentences of each paragraph (e.g., if there are eight paragraphs, write down all eight topic sentences).

Oral Presentations

  • Schedule:

    • Starts Monday, after peer reviews.
    • Presentations will be in alphabetical order or by volunteers.

  • Time Allocated:

    • 3 to 4 minutes per presentation.

  • Presentation Focus:

    • Emphasize your stance and the rationale behind it.
    • Aim to persuade your audience of your argument.
    • Include your thesis and supporting evidence clearly.

  • Q&A Session:

    • After presentations, there will be a question and answer session where classmates and the instructor may ask about your arguments and supporting evidence.

Argumentation Strategies

  • Purpose of Arguments:
    • Arguments are only as strong as the evidence supporting them.
    • Strong, reliable evidence is necessary to validate your position.
  • Strategies to Support Arguments:
    1. Analogy:
      • A comparison showing similarities between different things.
      • Example: "Teamwork in business is likened to teamwork in sports, such as basketball or soccer."
    2. Cause and Effect:
      • Analyzing why something happened and its consequences.
      • Example: Reporting causes of COVID-19 and discussing its effects.
    3. Classification:
      • Grouping items into categories.
      • Ensures that items within a group share common traits without mixing unrelated categories.
    4. Comparison and Contrast:
      • Examining similarities and differences, especially between viewpoints.
    5. Definition:
      • Clear definitions of terms can help clarify arguments and avoid misunderstandings.
    6. Description:
      • Use descriptive terms that appeal to the senses to make arguments vivid and relatable.
      • Example: "The sky seems to vibrate with an eerie pink glow."
    7. Infographics:
      • Visual elements that present data or information clearly.
    8. Repetition:
      • Reinforces messages and solidifies arguments (e.g., Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream").
    9. Narration:
      • Telling a story that illustrates the argument, providing personal experiences as examples.
    10. Problem-Solution:
      • Presenting a problem followed by viable solutions, showcasing reasoning for your stance.
  • Effective Argument Construction:
    • Start with a clear stance in the opening paragraph.
    • Support that stance with the aforementioned strategies over subsequent paragraphs.
    • Address counterarguments to strengthen your position.
    • Conclude with a compelling summary that reinforces your main arguments.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Peer Review Activity:

    • Use the time allocated for peer reviews actively, providing thoughtful feedback on your peer's work.
    • Focus on identifying strengths and areas for improvement as discussed.

  • Next Assignment:

    • Revise your writing project using insights from peer reviews and finalize your submissions for next Tuesday.
    • Prepare your outline in sentence form for clarity in your presentation.