Should the U.S. Have Dropped the Atomic Bomb?

Argumentative Writing3rd Quarter

Argumentative Writing

• Goal– Get the reader to acknowledge that your side is

valid and deserves consideration as another point of view

Argumentative Writing

• Technique – Use of relevant reasons, credible facts, and

sufficient evidence– Acknowledge that opposing views exist

Argumentative Writing

• Attitude/Tone– Simply get the reader to consider your side –

whether the reader ends up agreeing or not– Reader should respect your argument, even if

he/she does not agree with it

Pre-Writing - RAFT

• Role – Who are you as the writer?– A student arguing for or against

• Audience – To whom are you writing?– Students and teachers

• Format – What form will the writing take?– 3 paragraphs (argumentative)

• Topic – What is the subject of the writing?– Atomic Bomb

Drafting – Paragraph 1

• Title• Introduction Paragraph– Use a hook

• A sentence that grabs the reader’s attention

– Background• 2-3 sentences that summarize the historical/scientific

overview

– Thesis (T-P-1)• Topic = atomic bomb• Position = for or against – YOU MUST CHOOSE A POSITION!• 1 argument for your position

Drafting – Paragraph 2

• Body Paragraph– Topic sentence• A restatement of the thesis with a “twist” that leads

into your first argument

– S-C-C from con article• Refer to handout

– S-C-C from pro article• Refer to handout

Drafting – Paragraph 3

• Conclusion Paragraph– A reflection – not your first paragraph rewritten