Writing JABS

Oops. No, not those JABS, but the philosophy remains the same.

JABS are effective when delivered quickly, covers distance, and fundamentally sound. Practice a jab by slowly pouring a cup of tea. The same motion occurs when holding a pen or pencil and putting it to paper. Coincidence? I think not!

For our purposes, JABS are quick and effective techniques to help students compose a deep analysis of rhetorical works (or see Argumentative Writing in Common Core Appendix A, page 23).

J.A.B.S

J.A.B.S.

As you read, use a notecard to develop your JABS.

J is for JUDGEMENT

[1] On the top, first line, paraphrase the authority figure's JUDGEMENT in one sentence.

A is for AUTHORITY

[2] On the next two lines, describe the AUTHORITY figure using details, titles, or other information about their background to justify their credibility on the issue.

B is for BASIS

[3] On the next 6 lines, list the basis, basis, not bassists, of the Authority figure's Judgement. This can include data, personal experiences, opinions, researched facts (also see The Argument - Types of Evidence and  4 Types of Evidence for more examples).

S is for SUMMARY/STANCE

[4] On the last 2 lines, SUMMARIZE the information in a complete sentence AND provide your STANCE. Your STANCE is your opinion or final thoughts - do you agree or disagree with the Authority? Be prepared to support your STANCE.

[*] There are more than a few opportunity to incorporate C.U.S.S. and GIST into the above technique.