Argumentative Writing6th Grade LAL

What is Argumentative Writing?

Argumentative writing is like a debate/discussion on paper.

Both sides are represented with facts, evidence, and relevant supporting information.

Don’t you argue with other people when you have different opinion than someone else?

Don’t you bring up your ideas and the other person presents his/her thoughts?

Don’t you have to support your points with proof?www.smekenseducation.com/argumentative-v-persuasive-

writing.html

In Argumentative Writing…

You have to perform a role similar to a prosecutor (makes a case against the accused party) and a defense attorney (defends the accused party.)

What this means is that you need to give both sides of the argument.

Even though you agree with one side (claim), you need to provide valid (effective) reasons for the other side (counterclaims) .

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Argumentative Writing vs.

Persuasive WritingArgumentative Get the reader to

recognize that your point of view is valid(makes sense).

Includes facts, evidence, and relevant reasons to validate the writer’s perspective

Doesn’t need an audience to convince. Simply putting information out there.

PersuasiveGet the reader to agree

w/ you.

Includes facts and emotions to convince the reader you are right.

Needs an audience to persuade them to his/her side.

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How to distinguish an Argumentative Writing prompt from a Persuasive Writing prompt

(Key vocabulary words)

Argumentative Writing

Claim

Includes facts about the topic

Write an essay either supporting or opposing the claim

Persuasive Writing

Express your opinion

Controversy or controversial

Write to an audience (newspaper, teacher, president, etc.)

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Sample Argument Writing Prompt (Position, claim, supporting or opposing,)

essay WRITING SITUATION

Educational researchers claim that student learning will improve if all printed textbooks are replaced with electronic textbooks, known as e-textbooks. Based on the researchers’ findings, students in your school will be issued an e-textbook reader, which is a device that displays electronic books.

WRITING TASK

Write an essay either supporting or opposing the claim that student learning will improve if all student textbooks are replaced with electronic reading books. Use your knowledge and your own experience or observation to develop your essay. Use reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence to support your position.

www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/njask/NJASK13.pdf

Sample Persuasive Writing Prompt Grades 6-8

WRITING SITUATION

Your state is considering whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds. The money would be used to maintain and improve buildings, fields, courts, and playground equipment. This proposal is controversial, and many citizens have strong opinions about the idea.

You decide to write an editorial for the local newspaper expressing your opinion about whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds.

WRITING TASK

Write an editorial/letter to the editor for the local newspaper expressing your opinion about whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds. Be sure to include reasons, facts, examples, and/or other evidence to support your opinion.

www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/njask/NJASK13.pdf

Sample Essays

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Color-coded Sample Essays

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Things to remember…

Argumentative writing is a debate on paper.

Both sides of an issue need to be developed.

It’s not about winning. It’s about giving the reader another perspective/side to consider about an issue or topic.

www.smekenseducation.com/argumentative-v-persuasive-writing.html

Bibliography

6 Traits of Writing Professional Development - Argumentative v. Persuasive Writing. (n.d.). 6 Traits of Writing - Reading - Professional Development -Smekens. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www.smekenseducation.com/argumentative-v-persuasive-writing.html

Cornick, A. (n.d.). Law & Order/Argumentative Writing - YouTube.YouTube. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo54f8HFtas

New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK). (n.d.). The Official Web Site for The State of New Jersey. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/njask

www.smekenseducation.com/argumentative-v-persuasive-writing.html