Throughout this module, you have learned how to gather and present information to help justify your answer.

You will use this skill, along with your

knowledge of constructing figures in Geometry, to construct an argument in paragraph form.

Step 1: Tips on Formulating Your Argument

Here are some tips on formulating your argument:

● Think, Think, Think​. Ask yourself lots of questions about each side of the topic, then answer them based on your research findings, your
opinion, and your experiences with both sides of the argument.
● Think from the other side.​ It is impossible to refute, or prove false, someone’s claim if you don’t know what he or she is thinking ahead of
time.
● Create a list of some sort that helps you organize your thoughts.​ The more organized you are, the more prepared you will be and the
more likely you are to win a debate!
● Cite your sources when you are speaking.​ Citing your sources gives your arguments more credibility. For example, you might say,
"According to an article in the ​Math Rocks Journal​ …"
● Use credible sources.​ Credible sources are ones readers can trust and ones that can be backed up with evidence. Not all sources carry
the same weight; use sources that enhance your argument. Wikipedia is not a reliable or credible source.
● Use effective speech and grammar​. Remember, you are trying to get others to side with you, so speak clearly and professionally.
● Do more research. ​If you haven’t caught on by now, formulating your argument takes a lot of digging. Essentially, you have to prove your
points. You can even research how to debate! Take really good notes.

Step 2: The Argument

Here are the two arguments:

Argument A:​ There is a need for students to understand and be able to construct geometric figures using a compass and straightedge.

Argument B:​ There is no need for students to use a compass and straightedge, and ​all​ geometric constructions should be done using a drawing
program.
There are two opposing arguments listed above. You need to choose which one you will support as your argument.

Formulating an argument takes research and time to get yourself to the point where you can defend your position thoroughly.

Step 3: What to Submit

You may use any word processing program to present your argument, but you must include the following:

1. A summary of your argument.​ The summary should begin with the argument statement you chose. In addition, provide ​at least three

​ t ​least three reasons why the other method is not better​. This
reasons ​why the method you chose is better than the other method ​and​ a

summary can have a lot of opinion in it and should be persuasive and argumentative. You should submit in paragraph form.
2. A list of at least two resources used. ​Resources may include interviews with professionals and/or URLs of websites. Remember, you may
gather ideas from research, but you must explain the ideas yourself. Copying and pasting someone else's ideas is plagiarism. Be sure to
avoid plagiarism by phrasing your argument in your own words. Reach out to your teacher if you have any questions.