Argument Writing
Students need to have the skills to write so that their words will have meaning in the "real world." Thus, it is important that they know how to form an argument, research information, and convey their ideas both thoroughly and concisely for effective communication.
This unit plan is designed for 9th grade argument writing but can be modified for any grade level. Students will learn how to make a claim, provide evidence, warrants, and backing, and acknowledge a counter argument. This will be done through heavy scaffolding, yet the activities are still strongly student-oriented. To make this unit relevant to their world, students will be making a claim about a rule in their high school that they would want changed.
I have two purposes for this unit: First, I want to bring argumentation to the student level. Rather than researching an unfamiliar topic, I want to engage students in topics that are relevant to their everyday lives. Second, I want to give students argumentative skills and the opportunity to practice these skills in a controlled environment.
These goals support my philosophy as students become more curious about argument in today's society, more confident in creating their own arguments, and more aware of the structure behind a successful argument. Students will be able to be creative in this unit and use their personal experience for the formation of their arguments.
This unit plan is designed for 9th grade argument writing but can be modified for any grade level. Students will learn how to make a claim, provide evidence, warrants, and backing, and acknowledge a counter argument. This will be done through heavy scaffolding, yet the activities are still strongly student-oriented. To make this unit relevant to their world, students will be making a claim about a rule in their high school that they would want changed.
I have two purposes for this unit: First, I want to bring argumentation to the student level. Rather than researching an unfamiliar topic, I want to engage students in topics that are relevant to their everyday lives. Second, I want to give students argumentative skills and the opportunity to practice these skills in a controlled environment.
These goals support my philosophy as students become more curious about argument in today's society, more confident in creating their own arguments, and more aware of the structure behind a successful argument. Students will be able to be creative in this unit and use their personal experience for the formation of their arguments.