Page 170 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade8_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 2.11
continued
Claims:
Check Your Understanding
To convince or persuade someone to share your point of view, you must structure an argument with certain elements in mind. Completing the graphic organizer below will help you structure a convincing argument.
Choose one of the topics you brainstormed and complete the response portion of the graphic organizer.
Element
Definition/Explanation
Response
Purpose
the specific reason(s) for writing or speaking; the goal the writer or speaker wishes to achieve
Audience
the specific person or group of people the writer is trying to convince (the opposition); one must consider the audience’s values and beliefs before writing the argument
Claim
an assertion of something as true, real, or factual
Evidence
knowledge or data on which to base belief; used to prove truth or falsehood; evidence may include:
• testimony from experts and authorities
• research-based facts and statistics
• analogies(comparisonstosimilarsituations)
• references to history, religious texts, and classic literature
Reasoning
logical conclusions, judgments, or inferences based on evidence
Counterclaim (Concession/ Refutation)
a claim based on knowledge of the other side of a controversial issue; used to demonstrate understanding of the audience, expertise in the subject, and credibility (ethos)
a writer or speaker briefly recognizes and then argues against opposing viewpoints
Unit 2 • The Challenge of Utopia 143
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