argumentative analysis

1

EH Division

Essay 3: Classical Argument Invention Worksheet

The purpose of this activity is to help you begin brainstorming for the Classical Argument essay. You will need to look at your paper and sources from Essay 2: Informative Essay.

Identify possible claims associated with your belief.

Then look at the types of claims that might apply to your belief. Start this process by reviewing the claims you found in your sources for Essay 2: Informative Essay. Which type of the claims is your belief associated? Put an X in each box for each of the claims you found.

· A Claim of Value (claims sometimes based on moral or religious beliefs, claims that state certain standards or criteria)

· A Claim of Policy (claims that reflect changes, recommendations, suggestions, courses of action)

· A Claim of Judgement (claims in which opinions are based on available information)

· A Claim of Fact (a statement that something is true and can be validated by data, statistics)

My belief is: Teachers are mentors and coaches.

Value	Policy	Judgement	Fact
	X	X	X

Your turn:

My belief is:_________________________________________________________________.

Value	Policy	Judgement	Fact

Write possible claims for the belief based on the types you identified.

Now that you know what types of claims are related to your belief, use the claims to create claims of your own. Your goal is to see how your belief relates to global issues. Examples are given below. Review them prior to writing your own. Think broadly!

· A Claim of Value (claims sometimes based on moral or religious beliefs, claims that state certain standards or criteria)

· Argue whether or not experimenting with human DNA is ethical.

· Belief: I believe God is the maker of all things.

· Argue whether or not social programs should be available and funded in the U.S.

· Belief: I believe in taking care of others.

· Belief: I believe in empathy and kindness.

· Argue whether or not positive thinking and methods to decrease stress should be taught in elementary school.

· Belief: I believe everyone can be happy.

· A Claim of Policy (claims that reflect changes, recommendations, suggestions, courses of action)

· Argue whether same-sex marriage laws should be or should not be decided at the federal or state level.

· Belief: I believe unconditional love is a right.

· Belief: I believe in empathy and kindness.

· Make an argument as to whether or not the Federal Government should have programs to reduce poverty.

· Belief: I believe in taking care of others.

· Belief: I believe in empathy and kindness.

· Argue that people in higher tax brackets should or should not pay higher taxes.

· Belief: I believe the US government should be supported.

· A Claim of Judgement (claims in which opinions are based on available information)

· Argue whether or not juveniles should be tried as adults.

· Belief: I believe all crimes should be punished with prison time.

· Argue whether or not pain management clinics should rely solely on pain medication.

· Belief: I believe in mind over matter.

· A Claim of Fact (a statement that something is true and can be validated by data, statistics)

· Argue whether or not most Americans will ever attain the American Dream.

· I believe the American Dream is a myth.

· Write an argument on whether or not the civil rights movement, which began in the 1960s, has achieved its goals.

· Belief: I believe in taking care of others.

· Argue whether or not those with addiction should be sent to prison.

· Belief: I believe addiction is a disease.

· Argue whether or not states should have “Drug Court” instead of sending those with addiction to prison.

· Belief: I believe addiction is a disease.

Your turn. Write down your belief again, here:______________________________. Now craft claims that relate to your belief. Try to write down at least one for each type of claim.

· A Claim of Value (claims sometimes based on moral or religious beliefs, claims that state certain standards or criteria)

· A Claim of Policy (claims that reflect changes, recommendations, suggestions, courses of action)

· A Claim of Judgement (claims in which opinions are based on available information)

· A Claim of Fact (a statement that something is true and can be validated by data, statistics)