Thursday, November 3, 2011

Class Work

Looking back - something new on body art . . . http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/power-your-future/visible-tattoos-other-corporate-no-nos-193828198.html

1. Let's take a look at "Let's Talk About Sex" by Anna Quindlen. 9Write Now, pp. 203-205
Look for: claims, reasons, and evidence. (See p. 202 in Write Now.) Is the topic arguable? Are there two sides? What is Quindlen's main point? Where is it stated?

 How did Quindlen handle opposing points of view? Is she likely to convince the opposition? Explain.2. Visual arguments - what do you see? p. 211

3. Group Activity- each group will be assigned a topic. Decide which side your group will argue.(p. 212 - #2) Convince us. using the broad topics assigned, develop a claim. What evidence is available? (Search the Internet. Search the sources available in My Comp Lab. Search what is available in the library resources. You may NOT include Wikipedia as a source.) Is there enough information? See p. 202 to review Claims, reasons, and evidence.

Once your group has a claim, provide a reason as an explanation in support of your claim. (Answer "why?" Use "because.")

Now, find some evidence. Look for facts, statements, remarks from authorities, statistics, etc. Numbers speak volumes!

Be ready to share with the rest of the class.

4. What is your topic? Are there others in the class working on your topic? Join together as a group to discuss.  If you have a "stand alone" topic, you with join with others to share.

• What sources did you locate. Justify each as a "good" source. What makes it the best?
• What does the opposition know?
• Will you be convincing a friendly or hostile audience?  How old are they? What is their experience with the topic? Why do they need your information? What do they know about your topic already? Is age a factor? What do they need to know to be convinced?
• Share your paragraph about the audience with the group. (Submit this paragraph.)

5. Review the student sample on pp. 216-229. Look for claims, reasons, and evidence. Make a list of each. What did you find?

6. Take a look at p. 91 for a list of other terms associated with arguments. Pay careful attention to claims, reasons, evidence, and appeals.

Homework
1.  Read "Meltdown: Running Out of Time on Global Warming" pp. 92-99. Notice the flow charts.  
2. Review the guidelines for writing arguments:
http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/argument.html ( Review the information about writing arguments. Read one of the student samples at this site. List the claims, reasons, and note the evidence. You may do this as a flow chart if you wish.)

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/argument.htm (This site also has the "Cry Wolf" essay with annotations. It guides you through the essay with questions and comments.)

3. Continue working on the research for your topic. Write a thesis statement. This is your major claim. Submit your thesis statement on MyCompLab. The link is ready for your work. Also tell me your reasons and note the most important information found to date.
 
Use this form:
Thesis/claim:
 
Reasons:
 
Evidence: