Check list for an argument
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This document provides a checklist for evaluating argumentative papers. It examines elements like the introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Body paragraphs should each contain a claim, data to support the claim, and an explanation of how the data warrants or connects back to the claim. Higher scoring papers will have a clear, specific thesis; well-supported claims with appropriate evidence; and tightly make connections between the evidence and claims. The conclusion should wrap up the argument and revisit the thesis without introducing new information.
Check list for an argument
- 1. Name ____________________________________ Date _________________________ Block ______________ A or B Check list for an argument- Claim, Data, Warrant 1-4 paper 5-9 paper Intro- Grabber- Does the writer just restate the prompt Restates the prompt Engages from the start rd or does he/she engage you from the start? Uses “I believe,” “I think,” Uses 3 person “Personally,” “In my opinion” Intro- Thesis- Is the thesis in the last sentence of the Thesis is missing Thesis clearly states a side first paragraph? Highlight it. Does the thesis provide a Thesis is confusing. Gives the reader specific claim? Does the thesis give the specific evidence why Straddles both sides of the claims to support the writer’s the reader should believe agree with or acknowledge fence or does not take any argument. the writer’s argument? side. Body Paragraphs- The writer starts strong with the Unsupported claims Convincing claims most valid claim to prove the side or organizes the (assertions) Accurate and appropriate paragraph least to most, spatially, compare/contrast, Confusing or missing data data etc. The writer cites specific text-based evidence or (evidence) Tightly connected back to clear examples from experiences, readings or media Missing or weak connection the claim (Keep it academic). The writer connects the evidence to the claim (warrants) Makes a persuasive appeal- back to the claim. ethos, logos, pathos Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #3 Body Paragraph #4 C C C C D D D D W W W W D D D D W W W W D D D D W W W W Conclusion- Provides an appropriate transition to wrap Starts with “In conclusion,” Transitions naturally from up the argument. Restates or revisits the thesis (claim). Rewrites the thesis body paragraphs to Leaves the reader with a call to action. No sense of wrapping up the conclusion argument Connects back to the thesis Offers new information in Reiterates -in an original the conclusion way- writer’s main points Doesn’t leave the reader The reader might not agree with something to think but “gets” the POV about or do Style- Writer uses an academic language, literary and rhetorical elements, sentence variety and appropriate quote lead ins Conventions- Writer cites text correctly through quotations, ellipsis or paraphrasing, few spelling or grammatical errors, appropriate paragraphing, MLA style (This is adapted from the work of Stephen Toulmin and http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ans/english/mwollaeger/cdw.htm) Claims-Definition: A claim states your position on the issue you have chosen to write about. Data-Definition: the evidence, which you cite to support your claim Like a lawyer presenting evidence to a jury, you must support your claim with facts; an unsupported claim is merely an assertion. Data can be logical, ethical or emotional- ethos, logos, pathos. Warrant - Definition: the warrant interprets the data and shows how it supports your claim. The warrant, in other words, explains why the data proves the claim. In trials, lawyers for opposing sides often agree on the data but hotly dispute the warrants. (And a defense attorney's failure to offer strong warrants may result in a warrant for the defendant's arrest.) A philosopher would say that the warrant helps to answer the question, "What else must be true for this proposition to hold?"