Monday, September 24, 2012

Read over the following webpages to get ideas on what an argument essay really is:
http://www.roanestate.edu/owl/Argument.html
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/argument/


Sample Argument Essay outline

Claim:
Schools should require students to wear uniforms.

Arguments:
School uniforms improve student discipline. School uniforms build a sense of community. School uniforms provide equity among students of different socioeconomic circumstances.

Claim + Arguments = 3 Point Thesis:
Schools should require students to wear uniforms because they improve student discipline, build a sense of community, and provide equity among students of different socioeconomic circumstances.

Evidence for argument #1:
School corporation ABC's data shows that student discipline referrals decreased by 40%.

Evidence for argument #2:
Sociological study by DEF shows that students who wear their team's colors on the day of a game feel a closer connection to the team than students who do not.

Evidence for argument #3:
XYZ University's study of school uniforms costs determined that the average cost of a school uniform was $3.50 less than a self-selected outfit per outfit.

Before the beginning of class on Wednesday, you must have the above completed for your own essay. Please post below.

21 comments:

  1. claim: Homosexual marriage should be legalized in all American states.
    Arguements: In states that have lealized homosexual marriage there has been lower divorce rate, homosexual marriage is a civil right, and marriage benefits should be available to all couples.
    Claim+Arguemnet=3 point Thesis: Homosexual marriage should be legalized in all American states because of lower divorce rate, civil rights, and marriage benefits.
    Evidence for arguement 1: The first state to legalize homosexual marriage, Massachusetts, had a 21% decline of divorce rates by 2008.
    Evidence for arguement 2: The 1967 Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia confirmed that marriage is "one of the basic civil rights of man," and same-sex marriages should receive the same protections given to interracial marriages by that ruling.
    Evidence for arguement 3: 2.Marriage benefits such as joint ownership, medical decision-making capacity should be available to all couples.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Claim: Schools should require students to complete at least 10 community service hours per semester.

    Arguments: College admission offices hold community service as important when looking through applications. Community service benefits the students creating sense of responsibility and passion for different areas and causes in the community. Lastly the community as a whole benefits from the extra help provided by the students.

    Claim+ Arguments: Schools should require students to complete at least ten hours of community service hours because college admission offices weight this category with importance when looking at applications, students develop clearer vision for possible career paths, and the community as a whole benefits from the extra help provided by the students.

    Evidence #1:
    A survey by DoSomething.org of twenty five of the top fifty school in the United States showed that community service ranks forth as the most valued criteria by their college admission office.

    Evidence#2:
    A survey by the Higher Education Research Institute in Los Angeles says that students who have participated in community service have major picked out in college, while people who have not had the experience are often undecided.

    Evidence #3:
    Habitat for Humanity has been using the help of students and volunteers since 1984 to build homes for people in poverty. A study done by the University of Southern Indiana said that 86% of people who currently live in an HH home would be homeless without the help of Habitat for Humanity.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Claim:
    People should be more aware of Ovarian Cancer and its symptoms.
    Arguments:
    Ovarian Cancer awareness can lead to early detection, which helps save lives. Ovarian Cancer awareness allows people to help cancer patients when they realize their difficulties. Ovarian Cancer awareness can eventually help find a cure.
    Thesis:
    Ovarian Cancer awareness can save lives with early detection, help cancer patients by opening the eyes of others, and help find a cure for the disease.
    Evidence #1:
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when Ovarian Cancer is found in its early stages, treatment is most effective.
    http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/index.htm
    Evidence #2:
    "According to the National Cancer Institute, having family and friends available for support has a positive effect on how patients adjust to their diagnosis and treatment."
    http://www.ehow.com/cancer-patients/
    Evidence #3:
    According to the Teal Ribbon Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, "Ovarian Cancer is a serious and under-recognized threat to women's health", "...the fifth leading cause of cancer death", and "there is no reliable screening test for the early detection."
    http://www.trocrf.org/understanding.php

    ReplyDelete
  4. Claim: High school students should be required to get involved in at least one extra curricular activity in order to graduate.

    Argument: Extra curricular activities improve social skills. Being involved in an activity teaches time management. Students who are involved in activities are more likely to succeed in school.

    Claim + argument: High school students should be required to get involved in at least one extra curricular activity in order to graduate because their social skills will improve, they will improve in their time management skills, and they will be more likely to succeed in school.

    Evidence #1: “It is good for a student’s emotional and social behavior when they participate in extra school activities. When a student is around people who enjoy the same activity they do, they are likely to become close to other people. In turn, this will make them better socially and cause them to be happier.”

    Evidence #2: If students are forced to manage school and activities at the same time, they will be forced to learn time management. Time management is important for the working world, leads to effective learning, and develops responsibility.

    Evidence #3: “Participants (compared to non-participants) of these activities have less unexcused absences, skip fewer classes, and have a higher GPA.”

    ReplyDelete
  5. Claim: Students should travel abroad.

    Arguments: Students develop values while studying abroad. The best way to understand how others live is to live in their culture. The cost for traveling abroad for college students is less expensive than when one has graduated school.

    Three-Point thesis: Studying abroad can be an incomparable experience for all students who wish to explore their values and gain deeper access into others cultures and is financially attainable for those of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

    Evidence for Argument 1: According to Inside Higher Ed, May 8, 2007 "Students who have traveled and studied overseas have more poise, self-esteem, self-confidence, flexibility, maturity, self-reliance and improved social skills."

    Evidence for Argument 2: The U.S. Senate issued a resolution designating 2006 as the Year of Study Abroad to raise awareness and to help increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad; 79% of people in the United States agree that students should have a study abroad experience sometime during college.

    Evidence for Argument 3: The Benjamin A Gilman international scholarship offers 2,300 sholarships up to $5,000 to students who offer abroad.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Claim: Kids should spend more time with family.

    Argument: Family time influences kids to stay out of trouble. Family time influences better grades of kids. Family time creates memories that will last a lifetime and will surely be revisited during reminiscent conversations.

    Thesis: Kids should spend more time with family because it influences them to stay out of trouble, keeps family relationships close into the future, and creates memories will become bright points of many conversations.

    Evidence #1: Family time lowers the risk of smoking, drinking and using drugs. They lower the risk of suicidal thoughts according to the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 2004.

    Evidence #2: Kids who eat with there are 40% likely to have good grades in school than kids who have family dinners 2 or less times a week according to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

    Evidence #3: According to the CASA study, that kids who don't participate in family bonding are about 3 times more likely to say their relationship with parent are fair or poor kids that do participate in family bonding with their parents.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Claim:
    People need to be more aware of the presnece of child predators on the Internet.

    Arguments:
    Child predators are common on any social networking site. The internet is being used more by children. Children are not aware of child predators.

    Claim + Arguments = 3 Point Thesis:
    People need to become more aware of the presence of child predators because they are common on any social networking site, the internet is being used by more children, and children are not aware of child predators.

    Evidence for Argument #1: 1 in 33 youth received an aggressive sexual solicitation online in the past year. (Your Internet Safety Survey)

    Evidence for Argument #2: Studies from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center and Sesame Workshop shows that 80% of children between the ages of 0-5 use the Internet at least once a week.

    Evidence for Argument #3: A cyber investigator did a study that showed that 70% of children will accept a friend request of someone who is a complete stranger.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Claim: Families should have dinner together.

    Argument: It causes a lower chance for divorce, it improves school performance, and the family is more likely to eat healthier.

    Thesis: Families who eat together have a lower chance for divorce, show improved school performance, and will eat healhtier.

    Evidence #1: When a family spends more time together they become closer. When a family is closer the marital bonds becoem stronger and harder to break.

    Evidence #2: Students whoe at with their families more than four times a week are more likely to score higher than those who eat with their families less than three times a week.

    Evidence #3: Children between the grades of four and ten are more likely to eat more vegetables and fruits when they are eating with their fmaily.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Claim: Schools should start later in the mornings.

    Argument:
    1. Sleep-deprived students would have more time to sleep in the mornings and be well-rested for the day.
    2. Less absences and less tardies would outcome since students would have more time to get to school and would feel more motivated to attend school after a good night’s sleep.
    3. Test scores and grades would improve with students being more awake and attentive during class later in the day.

    Thesis: Schools should start later in the morning because sleep-deprived students would be more healthy and would have more time to sleep in the mornings, there would be less absences and tardies with more time to get to school, and test scores and grades would improve with more awake, attentive students in the classroom.

    Evidence 1:
    A study by National Sleep Foundation shows American teens require 9 and 1/4 hours of sleep a night but only 8% of teens are getting enough sleep. Journal of Adolescent Health reported 2/3 of highschool students get less than 7 hours of sleep a night, which in turn affects physical growth, brain development, and maturation of the immune system. The journal "Sleep" found data that teens going to bed later than midnight are 24% more likely to suffer from depression than kids going to bed before 10pm. Research shows less sleep equals less performance during the school day.

    Evidence 2:
    A "School Sleep Habits" survey shows the comparison with 7:15 am school starting times with 8:40 am start times, and less students suffered from depression and were more awake and attentive at 8:40am. A poll from a "School Sleep Habits" survey also shows about 70% of teachers agreed school should start no earlier than 8 am. A Wahlstrom survey (2002) finds that several schools starting at 8:40 am had more positive outcomes on attendance and insignificant improvements on student's grades, than in schools starting at 7:15 am.

    Evidence 3:
    Research of schools such as Edina High and Pike County in Kentucky had improved grades and attitudes throughout the schools after adjusting scheduled school starting times. At Wake County High School in North Carolina, average standardized test scores increased 2.2 percentile points in math and 1.5 percentile points in reading after adjusting the school starting time to 8:40 am. Lastly, Dr. Kyla Wahlstrom of the University of Minnesota surveyed more than 7,000 high schoolers in Minnesota about their sleep habits and grades. Teens who received A’s averaged about fifteen more minutes sleep than the B students, who in turn averaged eleven more minutes than the C’s, and the C’s had ten more minutes than the D’s.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Claim: Students should hold at least one job, if they have the time, before graduating high school.

    Argument: Part-time jobs teach students financial responsibility. Part-time jobs teach students life skills that will be necessary later in life. Part-time jobs teach students to think independently.

    Claim + Arguments=3 Point Thesis: If a student has the time, he or she should hold at least one part-time job before graduating highschool because they teach students financial responsibility, they teach students life skills that will be essential later in life, and they teach students to think independently.

    Evidence #1: Part-time jobs teach students financial responsibility, because they have to learn how to manage the money that they earn.

    Evidence #2: Students who hold part-time jobs learn many skills, such as time management skills, that will help them later in life. Students also gain experience with the job process.

    Evidence #3: According to the University of Alabama, jobs teach students how to think independently, which allows them to shift through the massive amounts of information thrown at them on a daily basis by the media and come up with their own beliefs.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Claim: High School Students should participate in school sports

    Arguments: Participating in school sports improve graduation rate. Participating in school sports improve attendance. Participating in school sports teach life lessons that cannot be taught in the classroom.

    Thesis:
    High School Students should participate in school sports because involvement in sports leads to higher graduation rates, better attendance records, and valuable life lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom.

    Evidence #1:
    “Central Islip (Section XI) student-athletes’ graduation rate far exceeds the rest of the student body. Overall, their graduation rate is 66%. However, of the 88 senior athletes last year, 87 met the graduation requirements.”
    http://www.nysphsaa.org/BenefitsBrochure.pdf

    Evidence #2:
    “ Students who were not involved missed an average of 12.93 days of school, whereas students, who were involved in a school sponsored athletic team only missed an average of 4.2 days of school”
    http://teachers.usd497.org/sstidham/action.htm

    Evidence #3:
    “The values taught through interscholastic athletics include teamwork, sportsmanship and citizenship, respect for self and others, caring, dedication, commitment, trustworthiness, loyalty, responsibility, integrity, fairness, and doing ones’ best regardless of the outcome. These values are often called “intrinsic” because they may not be included in the lesson plans coaches prepare, but they are very much a part of what a successful coach teaches.”
    http://www.nysphsaa.org/BenefitsBrochure.pdf

    ReplyDelete
  12. Claim: Marriage should be taken much more seriously.

    Arguments: Marriage not taken seriously results in more divorce. Children of divorced families suffer emotionally. When being married, they are signing a contract stating they will be loyal to that person for forever.

    Claim + Arguments = 3 Point Thesis: With marriage not being taken seriously, it can result in divorce, children of those families suffering emotionally, and loyalty being broken.

    Evidence for Argument #1: This website showed that marriage over 30 years old was less likely to happen. So, if marriage is taken more seriously, rather then getting married young, is most likely going to last. http://www.divorcerate.org/

    Evidence for Argument #2: This website shows that 20% to 25% of children of divorced parents end up suffering so bad it continues into their adult life if not treated. http://healthvermont.gov/adap/clearinghouse/documents/M-Summary-Divorce.pdf

    Evidence for Argument #3: This website states the general ideas of what a true marriage consists of, and what couples should think about before being married. http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/m087.htm

    ReplyDelete
  13. Claim: Abortion is wrong and should be illegal everywhere.

    Arguments + Thesis: Abortion is morally wrong, it is murder and the dangers of having an abortion on a woman's health can be catastrophic.

    Evidence for Argument #1: Deuteronomoy 27:25.

    Evidence for Argument #2: Six weeks after conception the baby's heart begins to beat.

    Evidence for Argument #3: Studies show that 5% of all abortions the women end up contracting PID or other health issues/diseases.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Claim:
    Students should be able to use net books in place of textbooks.

    Arguments:
    The cost of buying each student one laptop as opposed to multiple books is cheaper. Textbooks are outdated and should be replaced with internet access. Students would be able to access all kinds of useful information through the internet that has safety walls for students.

    Thesis:
    Textbooks should be replaced by laptops because laptops are lest costly for students, textbooks are always getting out dated and needing to be replaced, and there is always useful information on the internet.

    Evidence #1: This website says that the cost of textbooks is more expensive because of the amount of paper and ink being used, the books constantly need to be replaced, and many writing programs come with the computer.
    http://portfolio.educ.kent.edu/humphreya/Issue3/

    Evidence #2: Textbooks are outdated and sometimes difficult for students to understand. Instead of flipping through pages and pages of reading they can just go to the internet and find exactly what they need.
    http://chronicle.com/article/Textbooks-So-Last-Century/125884/

    Evidence #3: The internet is constantly updating with new and free information. Textbooks can only be updated by making a completely new book, which is very costly. The internet is faster and better way to find information, and also it is more up to date information. http://portfolio.educ.kent.edu/humphreya/Issue3/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Claim:Stress is a part of life that should be avoided if possible

    Arguments:Stress can affect a person negatively physically, mentally, and emotionally.

    Claim+Arguments: Stress is a major part of life that should be avoided if possible due to the negative side effects of physical harm, mental distress, emotional turmoil.

    Evidence for argument 1: People who are stressed out are reported to have sleep problems, headaches, upset stomachs, and fatigue in general.

    Evidence for argument 2: Stress can cause depression, anxiety, and a loss of motivation.

    Evidence for argument3: When people experience stress they snap easier and they can withdraw socially

    ReplyDelete
  16. Claim: Social media is deteriorating society’s real life relationships.
    Arguments:
    1. Too much time on social media leads to psycological disorders.

    2. More time spent on a social media site leads to less time spent with real people face-to-face.

    3. People aren’t utilizing basic social skills and would rather talk online rather than face to face.



    Thesis:Young Adults that spend too much time on social media are beginning to have social disorders, spending less time with real people, and prefering to have conversations across a computer screen

    Evidence:
    1. Teens using Facebook have more narcissistic tendencies while young adults who have a strong Facebook presence show more signs of other psychological disorders, including anti-social behaviours; (http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/03/25/is-social-media-harming-our-mental-health-researchers-wonder/)

    2. Sigman points to a 1998 study that suggested that greater use of the Internet “was associated with declines in communication between family members in the house, declines in the size of their social circle, and increases in their levels of depression and loneliness.”( http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/is-social-networking-killing-you/)

    3. 20% of people prefer texting or communicating online than face to face. (http://mashable.com/2012/06/14/social-media-real-world-infographic/)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Claim- People should get a good nights sleep every night.
    Argument- Sleeping well maintains health. Lack of sleep lessens mental ability. Not getting enough sleep impairs judgment.
    Thesis: People should get a good nights sleep every night because it prevents serious medical diseases, maintains mental ability, and keeps judgment at a proper level.
    Argument 1: The following website gives proof on linking lack of sleep to serious health issues. http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/need-sleep/whats-in-it-for-you/health
    Argument 2: WebMD(http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss) has information on lack of sleep causing low mental ability.
    Argument 3: WebMD(http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss) speaks of not getting enough sleep leading to impaired judgment.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Claim: Dance is just as beneficial for overall health and wellness as other forms of team sports.
    Arguments: Dance improves and strengthens many aspects of mental and physical health, and can help prevent specific medical conditions of problems from cropping up in the future. Dance classes can help to improve a person's social life. Dance is also good for the boosting of self-confidence and overall self-esteem.
    Claim + Arguments: Dance is just as beneficial for overall wellness as other forms of team sports because it improves mental and physical health, can improve a person's social life, and can boost and build overall confidence and self-esteem.
    Evidence for One: Study published by New England Journal of Medicine found that dance can prevent or lower a person's risk of dementia in elderly (specifically tested on 75 years/older, 63% lower risk for those people). Because it is an aerobic exercise, it also improves cardiovascular health, can improve bone health. The physical demands of dance can improve balance and flexibility, and endurance. Dance has also been shown to either decrease/get rid of mild-cases of depression.
    Evidence for 2: Dance class is a social environment as well as a "training" environment. You are able to meet new and different people that you hadn't before. If you're taking a class with friends, you're able to strengthen your bond or become closer with those people because you share a common interest.
    Evidence for 3: Dance at first glance can be difficult to digest and take in, but when a person takes classes and learns new moves and finally masters them, they become confident in what they do. Also since dance is good for overall tone of the body, a person may feel more confident BECAUSE they are getting into shape and are taking charge of their health.

    ReplyDelete

  19. Claim: People should be more aware of Breast Cancer and it's symptoms

    Argument: Breast Cancer awareness can lead to an early detection which can help save the lives of individuals. Breast Cancer awareness can help find a cure. Breast Cancer awareness can help. Breast Cancer awareness can help others care for, and help the individuals that suffer from Breast Cancer.

    Claim+ Argument: Breast Cancer awareness can lead to an early detection and save the lives on individuals, help find a cure, and help others care for the individuals suffering from Breast Cancer.

    Evidence #1: Statistics from the American Cancer Society show that with early detection at the first stage of Breast Cancer, the individual has a 93% chance of 5 year survival.
    http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-survival-by-stage

    Evidence #2: By participating in the Race For The Cure one can help raise awareness for Breast Cancer and with the money raised it goes towards finding a cure for Breast Cancer. The Money also goes towards Breast Cancer related services.
    http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/sep/22/sea-of-pink-inspiration15th-annual-race-for-the/

    Evidence #3: Treatment that deals with emotions and talking to loved ones who support one who has cancer can help make the patient feel more upbeat instead of beaten.
    http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/sep/22/sea-of-pink-inspiration15th-annual-race-for-the/

    ReplyDelete
  20. Claim - More students should get involved in sports

    Arguments - Less likely to consume alcohol or use drugs,more social, higher odds for graduating

    Claim + Argument - More students should get involved in sports because they are less likely to abuse drugs, they become more social and it becomes easier for them to interact with people, and they are more likely to get better grades.

    Evidence 1 - Students involved in sports are less likely to take drugs or smoke because they realize the impact that these destructive activities can have upon their performance. http://parenting.families.com/blog/10-benefits-of-playing-sports#

    Argument 2: Sports give students something to do and a group to belong to. They have a group of friends that has the same goals and interests.http://parenting.families.com/blog/10-benefits-of-playing-sports#

    Argument 3: Statistics show that students who are involved in sports while in high school are more likely to experience academic success and graduate from high school. http://parenting.families.com/blog/10-benefits-of-playing-sports#



    ReplyDelete
  21. Claim: Animals should not be killed for their furs.

    Arguments: The killing of animals for their furs has contributed to the number of endangered species of animals. Animals are forced to undergo horrendous treatment and brutal deaths. Furs have negative effects on the environment.

    Claim + Argument: Animals should not be killed for their furs because it contributes to the number of endangered species, animals are forced to undergo horrendous treatment and brutal deaths, and furs have negative effects on the environment.

    Evidence for Argument 1: The populations of the Sea Mink, Wood Bison, Wolverine, and Alberta Swift Fox have all become endangered or extinct because of trapping.

    Evidence for Argument 2: 85% of animals killed for their fur were raised on fur farms where conditions consisted of extremely small cages, food deemed unfit for human consumption, and brutal methods of killing including electrocution, gassing, and skinning while alive. Other animals are trapped in the wild using snares, underwater traps, Conibear traps, and the steel-jaw trap. These traps left the animal for hours or days until the trapper returned to kill them.

    Evidence for Argument 3: An animal fur must be tanned before being used and this process requires many chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Animal waste produced from fur farms can contaminate water and soil.

    ReplyDelete

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