Argument is a familiar concept to most people; however, to win an argument, or at least, to argue points effectively is not so easy. In this seminar, you will learn the basic concepts surrounding argument and, in turn, develop an argument utilizing components that set you up for success. Remember, argument does not mean yelling at someone because you think you’re right; argument refers to logical thinking with clear points, building toward a specific outcome.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.H: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing the validity of reasoning and relevance of evidence.CC.1.4.9-10.C: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well-chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.CC.1.4.9-10.G: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics.

Argument is a familiar concept to most people; however, to win an argument, or at least, to argue points effectively is not so easy. In this seminar, you will learn the basic concepts surrounding argument and, in turn, develop an argument utilizing components that set you up for success. Remember, argument does not mean yelling at someone because you think you’re right; argument refers to logical thinking with clear points, building toward a specific outcome.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.H: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing the validity of reasoning and relevance of evidence.CC.1.4.9-10.C: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well-chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.CC.1.4.9-10.G: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics.

The words we choose to communicate with can be quite tricky. In fact, great writers are considered artists because of their language skills. In this seminar, you will learn how to enhance an argument by choosing your words carefully and “playing” with the language. Rhetorical devices (a fancy term for “persuasive words”) will be a significant aspect of your artful language.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.H: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing the validity of reasoning and relevance of evidence.CC.1.4.9-10.C: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well-chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.CC.1.4.9-10.G: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics.

We learn about facts and opinions in elementary school. As we get older, however, sometimes the lines get blurred. For example, “I don’t like mayonnaise” is a fact. My opinion is that mayonnaise is gross. When developing an effective argument, it is important to know the difference between a fact, an opinion, and what’s just fiction (made up/fake). In this seminar, you will refresh your working knowledge of facts and opinions and, more importantly, understand their impact in written and spoken arguments.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.H: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing the validity of reasoning and relevance of evidence.CC.1.4.9-10.C: Develop and analyze the topic with relevant, well-chosen, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience’s knowledge of the topic; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.CC.1.4.9-10.G: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics.

A short collection of resources designed to help teachers and students navigate rhetorical devices and argument.

Students who are learning about certain rhetorical devices from Patrick Henry's "Speech in the Virginia Convention" can demonstrate their ability to use the rhetorical devices in producing a period-inspired counterargument speech or essay to Patrick Henry.  This is a follow-up writing activity to follow studying Henry's speech.