What Makes a Good Argument

A formal argument states a position on a substantive topic and then supports that position with

• an essay

• reasons and evidence

• a thesis statement

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CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

The purpose of a formal argument is to:

• Win the argument

• antagonize the other side

• make readers believe something and, in many cases, to take some type of action.

• write a very long essay to exhaust the reader into submission

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person clearly states her position.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person is older than you.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

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CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person gives clear reasons for their views.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person admits that your point of view makes sense.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person calls you dude.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person gives you specific examples.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person yells or writes in capital letters.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

It makes a strong argument and you are likely to listen when a person shows an understanding of the issue.

• very likely

• somewhat likely

• not a chance

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1