P o w e r o f a n A r g u m e n t - U.S. National Park Service

Power of an Argument

1.1 -- Think - Pair - Share

Recall a recent argument and respond to the following questions What was the argument about? How did you behave during the argument? What did you say and/or do (i.e., yell, interrupt, say mean things, etc.)? What did you hope to accomplish as a result of the argument?

THINK: Jot down responses to the questions.

PAIR: Partner with another student to discuss your ideas. Listen to your partner's ideas and be prepared to share common thoughts and unique ideas.

SHARE: Report your ideas to the larger group. Acknowledge common ideas and offer new ideas and/or perspectives.

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1.2 -- Argumentative vs. Persuasive Writing

Know

Wonder

Learned

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Learning Target #2: You will learn to how to make an argument for change in your school.

2.1 -- Think and Respond...

Make a list of improvements or changes that you would like to see your school implement, and why.

2.1a -- Group Task

Give everyone in your group a chance to share their list. As a group, decide on the two most important changes and list them in the box below, along with the reasons that they are important.

Change

Reasons

Discuss the following questions with the rest of your class, or in groups of three or four: WHO makes the rules? WHO decides if they are fair or not? WHAT gives the rule-maker the right to make the rules? HOW does one get them changed? WHAT does it mean to be independent from the rules? HOW does a group of people declare that they will no longer follow the rules? Is it ever too late to apologize?

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2.2 -- Parts of an Argument

Term:

Claim Reason Support Big Idea (Underlying Assumption)

Counterclaim

Definition:

What you're arguing, what side of the issue you're on; must be debatable and defensible.

Why you're choosing your position; why someone else should agree with you.

The facts and research that back up your reasons; how you know you're right.

An idea you're assuming is true; something so obvious, universal, or indisputable that even the other side can't disagree. Your reasons will often be based on underlying assumptions.

What the other side thinks, what argument will be used against you. Must be addressed but also disproved.

After reviewing the chart and video clip, it's your turn to write. Look back to the improvements your group identified and write a claim for an improvement you feel strongly about. Be sure to have some reasons for your claims.

Write your claim and its reasons for your claim in the space below.

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3.1 -- Identify

In the left column below, you will find quotes from the Declaration of Independence. In the right column, label the parts of an argument. Note that there is more than one example of support and counterclaims.

Quote

"That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

In other words...

The colonies have a right to be independent from Great Britain.

Parts of argument

"The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States."

Because the king is a tyrant.

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes..."

Changing a government shouldn't be done for unimportant reasons.

"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

But the colonies have been treated unfairly, and have the right to make a new government that will protect their freedoms.

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