A key skill in writing is to make a claim and support it strongly with arguments (aka make a point and stand behind it). You can also acknowledge opposing claims and argue against them (aka prove the other side is wrong).

An example: at some point in February 2013, Kobe Bryant wanted his teammate Dwight Howard to play despite the latter's injuries (I love both Kobe and Dwight, so I will not pick a side). When responding to Kobe's pressure, Dwight responded, "He's [Kobe] not a doctor, I'm not a doctor. That's his opinion."

Let's analyze the scenario.
Kobe's claim:
Claim: Dwight needed to play because the Lakers needed him to win.
Acknowledge and argue against opposing claim: Dwight's injury was substantial, but Kobe believed the team's urgent need for victories meant some personal sacrifices would be necessary from Dwight.  

Dwight's claim:
Claim: Dwight knew his own recovery schedule better than anyone.
Acknowledge and argue against opposing claim: Dwight understood that Kobe played through a lot of injuries, but believed Kobe had no medical basis to judge him. 

Kudos to Kobe's photo (http://twitter.com/kobebryant) staging a fake fight between himself and Dwight Howard.

Your turn! Present a scenario involving your favorite athletes or celebrities, and discuss both the claims and opposing claims involved.
Your Scenario:


Relevance to Common Core:
ELA-Literacy.W.7.1
ELA-Literacy.W.8.1
ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1
ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/7
Actually, it is relevant for lower grades and levels too.