Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay

Objective:

• Students will be able to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Students will be able to write appropriate topic sentences for paragraph development of a thesis statement.
• Students will be able to apply information from multiple sources to the strengthening of an argument

Duration: Two 45 minute class periods

Indiana Standard:

9-10.W.3.1 Write arguments in a variety of forms that – ● Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. ● Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns. ● Use effective transitions to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims. ● Establish and maintain a consistent style and tone appropriate to purpose and audience. ● Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

Common Core Standard:

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. a. Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge level and concerns. c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims. d. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing. e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

DOK Level: 4

Essential Question: How do I develop counterarguments? Why should I include them?

Procedure:

Day #1:

1. The teacher will introduce the topic using this Google Slideshow.
2. The teacher will go over the essay assignment sheet in this Google Doc
3. The teacher will give the students time to choose an essay topic.
4. After the students have chosen a topic, they will conference with the teacher.
5. Once the students know which direction they are going with their topics, they will have the rest of the class period to research and write their essays.

Day #2

1. The students will be given 25 minutes of writing time at the start of class to work on their argumentative essays.
2. At the end of 25 minutes, the students will share their essays with a peer for peer revision.
3. Using the comments feature of Google Docs, the students will leave constructive criticism for their peers.
4. The students’ final drafts will be homework and are due at the start of class the next day.

Product or Assessment:

The students will turn in an 800 word Argumentative Essay in MLA format.

Resources/Materials:

• Projector
• Students must be 1 to 1 with laptops
• Access to the internet for research

Accommodations:

Students with accommodations may be assigned a shorter length requirement and may be given specific resources to use as their research materials.

Enrichment: Have students choose an issue in their school that they would like to fix as their essay topic. The students can create a presentation summarizing their essay and present their ideas to the building administrator.