Argumentative Writing Skills and Research Components

Argumentative Writing Skills

  • Importance of Making Claims

    • Claims should be backed by evidence.

    • Evidence can include facts, statistics, logic, or examples.

    • Clarity and logic are vital in constructing claims.

  • Supporting Your Argument

    • Make well-supported points.

    • Use clear and debatable arguments to explain your position.

    • Evidence is essential to substantiate your claims.

  • Counterarguments

    • Anticipate opposing views when constructing your argument.

    • Engage with counterarguments to strengthen your own position.

    • Counterarguments can make your argument more robust and valid.

    • It’s crucial not to argue alone; interaction with opposing ideas enriches your argument.

  • Expectations for Argumentative Essays

    • Clearly outline your claims and any counterarguments.

    • Defend the superiority of your claims over these counterarguments.

    • Ensure your essays include multiple perspectives and rebuttals.

Research Component

  • Peer-Reviewed Articles

    • Emphasize the importance of using peer-reviewed sources in your essays.

    • Articles should provide evidence, claims, and counterarguments relevant to the topic you are exploring (e.g., Russia-Ukraine conflict).

  • Breakout Activity Instructions

    • Choose a peer-reviewed article related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    • Identify key themes, evidence, nd counterarguments presented in the article.

    • Summarize findings from the article within 2-3 minutes upon reconvening.

    • Utilize resources from the McMaster library or discussed classroom strategies for finding and analyzing articles.

Summary and Recap

  • Essentials for Argumentative Essays

    • Establish claims that are logical and debatable.

    • Incorporate evidence to support those claims.

    • Acknowledge and address counterarguments thoroughly.

    • Strengthen your essays by preparing to engage with and refute opposing views.