Learning to Write Well
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Transcript of Learning to Write Well
Learning to Write Well
The CHS Common Writing Curriculum
The Written Argument The Essay
An argument that is supported by the text or information studied.
The Research paper A researched argument that is supported by multiple sources
These arguments require an original idea by the author that must be argued in the paper
This differs from a simple report that only presents information without an argument
Thesis Statements Every argument must have a thesis statement A thesis is a written statement that presents the
argument you will be proving in your work The thesis statement must be located in the
opening paragraph, usually the last line. Thesis statements drive the paper and without
one a paper can not be further developed
Thesis Statements : Helpful Hints* A thesis should be a succinct statement….not a paragraph
A thesis should be arguable Columbia High has a wrestling team. (not arguable) Columbia High has the best wrestling team in the state.
(arguable…some one might disagree) A thesis should be measurable
Thomas Paine developed propaganda that motivated troops, encouraged new volunteers and eventually allowed America to win the Revolutionary War.
The reader will expect to read about the three topics listed in the thesis and should be able to check them off as the thesis is proven.
I have a thesis…now what? Once you have decided what you are going
to prove in your argument you must plan your paper.
You will begin this process using a
CDW CHART
A blank CDW chart looks like this: Thesis statement
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Claim Data Warrant
1. 1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
2. 1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
3.1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
CDW Chart Completion Completing this chart requires complete
sentences. It also requires data from your sources You will have to have good claims to
complete the chart correctly and fully
What is a Claim? This is a statement of your topic (what
your paragraph is about) AND your specific opinion or observation about it.
It is one sentence (usually) and includes the author and title of the literary work you intend to cite in your DATA (punctuated correctly).
It is as detailed and specific as you can make it!
Making Claims A claim should be a statement that
supports your thesis and can be proven Ex Thesis: Columbia High School has the best
wrestling team in the state. Ex Claim: Columbia’s wrestlers are the most
physically talented.
This claim supports the thesis and requires data to prove it.
Making Claims You will make at least 3 claims to support
an argument EX Thesis: CHS has the best wrestling
team in the state. Claim #1- CHS wrestlers are the most physically
gifted. Claim #2- CHS wrestlers are coached well. Claim #3- CHS wrestlers are successful in every
tournament situation.
Now it is time to find your Data
What is Data? Facts, statistics or researched
findings Quotes from authoritative sources Evidence from your text or notes
Use Data to Support Claims Data comes from the information you are basing
your argument from The text you studied or notes from class Researched sources
Your instructor will determine where your data comes from when the paper is assigned.
EX: Your Romeo and Juliet essay will be written using the play as your source material
Data Example Ex Thesis: Columbia High School has the
best wrestling team in the state. Ex Claim: Columbia’s wrestlers are the most
physically talented. Ex Data: Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the
top three of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News).
Good Information…but your argument needs to explain what you think…
It is time to WARRANT your ideas
What does Warrant mean? To warrant something means to prove or
explain the credibility or truth of something
When you warrant your data…..you are explaining why the data proves your claim and ultimately your thesis statement
An easy way to think about warranting your data….is to
answer the question
SO WHAT?
Warrant example Ex Thesis: Columbia High School has the best
wrestling team in the state. Ex Claim: Columbia’s wrestlers are the most physically
talented. Ex Data: Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the top three
of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News).
EX Warrant: These ranked wrestlers prove that outside wrestling information bodies believe that Columbia wrestlers are the best at what they do. These boys will be the ones to beat at every tournament because they are the most talented.
After you have completed warranting your data…it is time to repeat the process
Thesis __Columbia High has the best wrestling team in the state of Idaho.
Claim Data
Warrant
Claim #1 Columbia’s wrestlers are the most physically
talented.
Data: Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the top three of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News).
Data:A wrestling fan from Blackfoot states that,”Columbia’s level of talent makes it apparent that they have a dynatsty in the making” (Gator).
1. These ranked wrestlers prove that outside wrestling information bodies believe that Columbia wrestlers are the best at what they do.
2. These boys will be the ones to beat at every tournament because they are the most talented
3. The talent level at Columbia is apparent to opposing teams and rivals.
4. These teams know that it will be hard to break Columbia’s hold on state dominance due to our talent level.
5. Talent is no question important to a good a program but great coaching also plays an important role
A Completed CDW chart would look like this:
Once you are finished with the chart……
You can begin to write your paper
A body paragraph template would look like this: Topic
Sentence/Claim______________________________________________________________________________________________
Data_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Data_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Warrant____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Closing Warrant/Transition __________________________________________________________________
Your claim, data, warrant becomes your body paragraphs
.Columbia’s wrestlers are the most physically talented. Columbia had 7 wrestlers ranked in the top three of their weight classes going into the 2010 state tournament (Idaho Wrestling News). These ranked wrestlers prove that outside wrestling information bodies believe that Columbia wrestlers are the best at what they do. These boys will be the ones to beat at every tournament because they are the most talented. A wrestling fan from Blackfoot states that “Columbia’s level of talent makes it apparent that they have a dynasty in the making” (Gator). The talent level at Columbia is apparent to opposing teams and rivals. These teams know that it will be hard to break Columbia’s hold on state dominance due to our talent level. Talent is no question important to a good a program but great coaching also plays an important role.
Why is writing this way helpful?
1. It keeps your argument structured.
2. It keeps your argument focused.
3. It keeps your argument supported by data.
4. It allows for the writer’s ideas to be the central focus.
CHS Language Arts teachers want you to be successful in your
written endeavors.
Learn CDW and you should be on your way to great work!