How to Win an Argument: Learn the 'Secret Sauce' and Improve Your Writing

In this introductory session we will learn how to construct evidence based arguments that can be used in almost any written task situation.  The class will be very interactive and learners will be able to practice their debate skills.  The class will first choose a common topic for us to engage in.  The topics may include: Graffiti- is it art or vandalism?  Should the Supreme Court Justices have term limits? Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place?

Once we have a topic we will do some collective learning on the topic for about 10-15 minutes so that students have citable evidence to support an argument.  Next I will teach them the method for forming an argument and share 'the secret sauce.'  After that we will have fun crafting pros and cons to the debate topic and have a mini-debate.
At the end of the session students will learn a new process and have practice with drafting their argument.  I will follow up the session with a handout that includes all the basics along with a copy of slides.

Forming constructive, evidence based arguments is a challenge many people face and yet by learning this one method it can help transform one's writing and produce winning arguments for future applications in life.  We will break down the essentials to a good debate, practice the skill of debating and then reviewing how to capture the argument in written form.  This class will be engaging and offer learners tools to improve their written and verbal communication skills.  Students will learn a writing approach that can be successful in ANY setting or future application.