simple

compound

complex

simple

compound

complex

simple

compound

complex

argument

claim

counterclaim

relevant information

evidence

argument

counterclaim

thesis

evidence

claims

arguments

counterclaims

counterclaims

rebuttals

claims

arguments

The post office is needed for the delivery of packages.

Nearly 90% of mail is junk mail and throwing it away is bad for the environment.

The post office serves Americans throughout the country

Teenagers have the ability to grow and change as adults

Because of growing brains, teenagers often make bad decisions and don't understand the consequences of their actions.

Serious crimes, such as murder, deserve serious punishments no matter the age of the criminal

The failing health of aging Supreme Court justices could influence their decisions.

Older Supreme Court justices might not be able to keep up with the rapid changing of culture and technology.

Because Supreme Court justices serve for life, they don't have to worry about political pressures of making decisions based on keeping their jobs.

Zoos are harmful to the well-being of the animals.

Zoos only exist as entertainment for humans.

Zoos are good for animals because many of the animals were endangered in their original habitats.

Animals are bred in captivity or taken from their habitat and killed in order to be used in the classroom.

Dissecting real animals makes children feel and act like real scientists.

Many children learn best through real-world, hands-on experiences.

Reading and researching online is easier and often contains more updated information.

People read more carefully on paper than they do on computers and tablets.

People tend to get distracted by other digital activities when they read on a device.

American adults should be required to vote because it creates a better relationship between the government and citizens.

American adults should be able to choose whether they vote because they can choose whether they want to be involved.

American adults should be required to vote because it will make citizens become more informed about our government.

Call to Action

Conclusion

Claim

Restated claim

Thesis

Claim

Dialogue

Subclaim 

Something your opponent may say about your topic 

Something your mom might say about the topic

Something you might add to support your claim about the topic

Something that introduces your claim

Chewing gum raises test scores

Studies show eating during class keeps students focused

Teachers argue food distracts students

Eating is during school hours is important

Students get Hot Cheeto fingers on the Chromebooks

The real distraction is hungry students who can't focus

It's impossible to open a bag of chips quietly

Students leave crumbs everywhere, which attracts bugs

Having uniforms prepares students for professional careers

Uniforms make everyone's lives easiers

Students need to be able to express themselves

Uniforms allow students to focus on their work not fashion

Students do not have time to wash their uniforms each night.

Uniforms are more affordable for most families.

Students can still express themselves in many other ways.

Some believe uniforms are unfair; however, they're idiots.

Some may argue that music distracts students

Some may argue that music is calming

Teachers can choose the music for the students

Some argue that Coke has better products

however, Pepsi sells more

To anticipate the argument from the opposing side

To show what you know and strengthen your argument

To prevent bias

All of the above