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Forming and Supporting a debatable Claim
aCTIvITy 2.14
Learning Targets
• Identify the difference between a debatable and a non-debatable claim.
• Develop an argument to support a debatable claim about a controversial topic, using valid reasons and relevant evidence.
Debatable and Non-Debatable Claims
You have already brainstormed topics and possible claims. It may seem obvious, but it is important to be sure your topic and claim are debatable.
• If a claim is debatable, it is controversial; that is, two logical people might disagree based on evidence and reasoning used to support the claim. Example: Using a cellphone while driving puts you and other drivers in danger.
• If a claim is non-debatable, it is a fact and therefore it cannot be argued. Example: Cellphones are a popular form of modern communication. This could be an expository topic, but is not suitable for argument.
1. Summarize the difference between a debatable and a non-debatable claim.
INdepeNdeNT
readING lINk
Read and Recommend
Select one essay or speech
aCademIC voCabUlary
A controversy occurs when
there are two sides that
disagree with each other.
A controversial topic is a
topic that can be debated.
from your Independent
2. Write one debatable and one non-debatable claim relating to each topic below. Reading List that provides a
Topic: the amount of time teens spend using technology • Debatable:
• Non-debatable:
Topic: the age at which someone should have a social media account • Debatable
• Non-debatable:
clear use of logos, pathos, or ethos. Prepare to give an oral recommendation of this essay or speech by connecting an explanation of the persuasive appeal with specific examples from the text. Document your response in a paragraph in your Reader/Writer Notebook.
my Notes
Unit 2 • The Challenge of Utopia 151
learNING STraTeGIeS:
Summarizing, Brainstorming, Outlining, Freewriting, Marking the Draft
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