Writing an Argumentative Paragraph
Author: Patrick Pitts
Date created: 09/16/2014 7:42 PM UMST ; Date modified: 09/16/2014 8:05 PM UMST
Basic Information
Summary
Select a subtopic in the realm of Technology and apply the five key elements to writing an argumentative paragraph
including the hook, the claim, the support/reasons, concessions/refutations, and calls to action. Use these five elements
in developing the second paragraph of the Embedded Assessment to be written in the near future. Grade/Level
Grade 12
Time Frame
One 50 minute class period Subject(s)
Language Arts (English)
Topic(s)
Activity 1.14 in Unit 1 Perception is Everything in SpringBoard
Notes
The writing of the academic argumentative will set up the second paragraph of their Embedded assessment which is to
argue and share a perspective of an aspect of technology and use this paragraph to set up the organization of the
essay. Standards And Key Concepts
Standards
AZ­ Common Core State Standards (2012)
Subject: English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
Grade: Grades 11–12 students:
Content Area: English Language Arts
Strand: Writing Standards
Domain: Text Types and Purposes
Standard:
1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and
relevant and sufficient evidence. a. Introduce precise, knowledgeable claim(s), establish the significance of the claim(s), distinguish the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence. b. Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each
while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience’s knowledge
level, concerns, values, and possible biases. c. Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax 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.
Understandings
Define the five keywords that together create the argumentative paragraph. Use the argumentative paragraph as the
controlling idea paragraph setting up the organizational pattern of the essay. Essential Questions
Why is it important to use a "hook" in the argumentative paragraph?
What purpose does the argumentative paragraph serve?
How do reasons supporting your claim justify your position or perspective?
Why address multiple perspectives by providing concessions and refutations?
How do I predict calls to action or engage the reader in my claim?
Page 1 of 2
Knowledge and Skills
Use pre­thinking and pre­writing skills to determine the aspect of technology to write about
Apply those thoughts and make decisions as to if your claim is arguable and choose a side Select three to five reasons to support the claim
Address multiple perspectives by thinking of reasons that go against your claim
Predict and document possible solutions/futures that may exist if the status quo is not changed. Performance Tasks And Assessment
Performance Task
To write an argumentative paragraph including the five essential elements of argument and use it as paragraph number
two in the future embedded assessment based upon the topic selected in the realm of an aspect of technology. Performance Prompt
Write an argumentative essay from your perspective detailing three reasons why a particular aspect of technology is
either beneficial to students or detrimental to students. Be sure to address multiple perspectives, and source five articles
that support your reasons. Assessment/Rubrics
See Rubric Attached
Attachments:
1. Rubric.pdfWriting Rubric
Learning Experiences And Resources
Sequence of Activities
Students are to perform pre­thinking and pre­writing to determine the subject matter in relation to technology
Write a question to hook the reader
Create a claim that shows a perspective in answering the question provided in the hook
Provide three to five reasons that answer the question fo "Why" or because....
Address multiple perspectives by predicting possible reasons that could go against the claim
Look at the claim as a problem and provide possible solutions if the status quo is or is not changed
Differentiated Instruction
Modeling sample argumentative paragraphs for the students to use as examples. Resources
Materials and resources:
Dry erase board and markers, school provided laptop computers, access to digital learning system Spring Board.
Technology resources:
SpringBoard
The number of computers required is 1 per student.
Students Familiarity with Software Tool:
Moderately familar
One to one laptop, students clustered in groups/pod of four for collaboration
Page 2 of 2