Name:
Date:
Class:
Native American Argumentative Writing Directions
Overview: You have now learned about the Paleo, NW, SW, Algonquian, SE and Iroquois Natives. You know many aspects of each civilization’s culture. You will
now use this information as well as your prior knowledge to write your first argumentative essay. In this essay you will discuss ONE native group AND today’s
modern American civilization. You will decide which is “better:” relying on nature like the natives, or technology like our society today.
Argument choices (CHOOSE ONE!):
1. The ___
(choose one group)___________ Native Americans proved that relying on nature is better than relying on technology.
2. Our civilization proves that relying on technology is better than relying on nature.
Evidence:
At least three pieces of evidence for Natives AND civilization today needed.
All evidence can be found in your notes and prior knowledge.
Document prompting:
To prompt your notes, refer to them as “social studies notes” and provide the date.
Example: “According to the social studies notes from September 2,…”
To prompt your prior knowledge, refer to it as follows:
Example: “According to my prior knowledge…” or “My experiences have shown me…”
Sample introduction for choice 1:
People today depend too much on machines. It seems like few people can survive on a day-to-day basis without using some sort of technology. The Plains Natives
that lived before us had a much simpler way of life that everyone could learn and use. By looking at their eating habits, clothing, and religion, the Plains Natives
prove that relying on nature is better than relying on technology.
Sample introduction for choice 2:
People today have gone above what our ancestors could have ever dreamed! It seems like, no matter the issue or problem, there is a device that can help. We are
so very lucky to be alive in this age of technology, unlike the Plains Natives who only had the environment around them. Our civilization proves that relying on
technology is better than relying on nature.
Name:
Class:
Native American Argumentative Writing Planning Page
Argument Choices (CHOOSE 1):
1. The ___
(choose one group)___________ Native Americans proved that relying on nature is better than relying on technology.
2. Our civilization proves that relying on technology is better than relying on nature.
Directions: Use your notes and prior knowledge to complete the planning page in complete sentences.
Paragraph 1 (INTRODUCTION)
-Start with a thematic opening statement that is similar to your argument
choice but not the same exact words:_________________________________
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Paragraph 2 (ARGUMENT)
-Write a topic sentence that refers to your argument (WITHOUT copying the
exact words of your arg.): __________________________________________
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-Write a detail which supports your argument (if needed, use a transitional
-Write a sentence which supports your opening statement: _______________ phrase):________________________________________________________
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-Write another detail which supports your argument (if needed, use a
-Write another sentence that supports your opening statement:___________ transitional phrase):______________________________________________
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-Write another sentence that supports your opening statement:___________ -Explain HOW these details support your argument; use transitional phrase if
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needed. (for example, the native’s use of animal skin was a cheap way to
________________________________________________________________ make clothes or our sue of factories helps us create clothing faster):________
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-Write your argument (Choose ONE from above):_______________________ -Write a closing statement which rephrases your topic sentence:__________
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Paragraph 3 (COUNTERCLAIM)
-Write a topic sentence that explains the counter claim (This is NOT your new
argument, it’s the opposite of your argument):_________________________
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-Write a sentence which supports the counterclaim (if needed, use a
transitional phrase):_______________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
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-Write another sentence which supports the counterclaim (use transitional
phrase if needed):_________________________________________________
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-Explain how these details support the counterclaim; use a transitional phrase
if needed:_______________________________________________________
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-Write a transitional sentence which refers back to your argument being
stronger than the counterclaim:_____________________________________
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Paragraph 4 (CONCLUSION)
-Restate your argument:___________________________________________
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-Write a sentence that supports your argument (use transitions if
needed):________________________________________________________
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-Write another sentence which supports your arg. (use transitions if needed):
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-Write another sentence that supports your arg. (use transitions if needed):
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-Write a final, powerful statement which refers to your argument and keeps
the reader thinking:_______________________________________________
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