Step 1 – Explore the Prompt
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Name the C.E.R.S. prompt and both Claim Options
Prompt:
In the movie Clue there are three alternative
endings, two of which reveal a particular
suspect as the murderer. Choose which
ending is the most logical. (EXAMPLE)
Claim A:
The most logical killer was Ms. Scarlett with
Yvette as an accomplice. (EXAMPLE)
The most logical killer was Mrs. Peacock
(EXAMPLE)
Claim B:
Step 2 – Gather Evidence
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
1. Read or Listen to the source
for Evidence for Both Sides
2. Suspend your judgment for now!
3. Take notes on both sides for
strong, vivid quotes, facts, and/or
statistics
-T-Charts are recommended!
Step 3 - Pick Sides
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Choose a side that supports the Claim for your
C.E.R.S. argument.
Claim A
Claim B
Step 4 - Caucus with Team
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Click timer to activate
1. Caucus with your side’s team
2. Start the 3 minute timer
3. Decide as a team what is the best Evidence and
Reasoning for your Claim? Sort through and discuss.
4. Rehearse your argument. Plan to share it organized
in the C.E.R.S. format.
Step 5 - Face Off!
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Click timers to activate
1. Meet your opponent for a Face Off
- Decide which side will go first
- Start the first 2 minute Timer
- One person States their Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning
- The other person Listens and takes notes.
2. When the first timer runs out…
3. Switch roles
- Start the second 2 minute timer
- Repeat above but with switched sides
Step 6 – Tell Back
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Click timers to activate
1. Start the first 1 minute timer
2. Tell back to your opponent his or her best points.
Q: What Evidence and Reasoning was their most compelling and
persuasive?
3. When the first timer runs out…
4. Switch roles
- Start the second 2 minute timer
- Repeat above but with switched sides
Step 7 – Caucus Regroup
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Click timer to
activate
1. Start the 3 minute timer
2. Regroup with your side’s team
3. Share the best Evidence and Reasoning that you
heard from your opponent’s argument
4. As a group, plan a rebuttal against your
opponent’s best Evidence and Reasoning
Step 8 – Face Off Rebuttal
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Click timers to activate
1. Start the first 1 minute timer
2. Rebuttal with opponent
3. Tell your opponent your rebuttal to their best Evidence
and Reasoning.
4. When the timer runs out…
5. Switch roles
- Start the second 2 minute timer
- Repeat above but with switched sides
Step 9 - Next Steps
Lucy Calkins’ Writers Workshop Argument Protocol
Either flash draft your STRONGEST C.E.R.S.
argument…
… Or brainstorm your own Synthesis Considering
using a more sophisticated position
(not A or B, but C)
… Or chart powerful debate moves and strategies