What makes a strong argument?

What are complete arguments?

 …

A/C – Assertion/Claim (what are you trying to say?)

R – Reasoning (why is your assertion right?)

E – Evidence (what proof do you have?)

For Example:

Some books should not be allowed in 6^th grade libraries because 6^th graders cannot understand the difference between what is real, and what is not real. According to some psychologists, the cognitive development of children continues until age 18 – 20, and children under the age of 13 have a difficult time discerning reality from fantasy. (One could expand the argument as well) Some young adult books contain graphic scenes of violence and sex that influence and desensitize children under 13. By removing these books from 6^th grade libraries, parents and students will know that school is safe for the student’s development.

What about these arguments?

a.    Parents should be able to challenge and remove books from 8^th grade classrooms. Parents of 8th graders understand the difficulty of the teenage years and have an understanding of what will help their children’s development.

b.    Parents should be able to challenge and remove books from 8^th grade classrooms because they are looking out for the best social and educational development of their children.

c.    Parents are looking out for the best social and educational development of their children. Parents of 8^th graders understand the difficulty of the teenage years and have an understanding of what will help their children’s development.

a.    Assertion/Claim + Evidence

b.    Assertion/Claim + Reasoning

c.    Reasoning + Evidence

The complete version? Let’s put it ALL together, to form a complete ACRE.

(A/C) Parents should be able to challenge and remove books from 8^th grade classrooms (R) because they are looking out for the best social and educational development of their children. (E) Parents of 8^th graders understand the difficulty of the teenage years and have an understanding of what will help their children’s development.

***Questions to Remember***

Does my argument make sense?

Do I have A/C? Is my assertion/claim clear? 

Do I have R? Is my reasoning logical? 

Do I have E? Does my evidence support my claim and/or reasoning?

Which is a better argument? Why?

a.    Mr. Palmer should teach all of the 8^th grade English classes because he went to law school. Law School is very difficult and only very smart people are able to pass. Passing Law School makes Mr. Palmer a better teacher.

b.    Ms. Galang should teach all of the 8^th grade English Classes because more experience in a classroom makes a better English Language Arts teacher. Ms. Galang has more than 10 years experience teaching English Language Arts. Ms. Galang’s experience teaching English makes her a better 8^th grade ELA teacher.