Page 20 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade7_Flipbook

Refer to the Scoring Guide for this writing task to help you understand where to focus your attention and efforts.
Prewriting
1. Reread and mark the writing prompt above to clarify the task.
2. As a class, brainstorm ideas for the class-generated essay, and create a list of possible topics for which two equally strong and reasonable claims can be made.
3. With your class, choose a topic for the essay and write it here.
4. To present a convincing argument, a writer must develop an opinion about an issue and make a claim based on that opinion. The claim states the writer’s thesis, or the point the writer is making about the issue. One way to state a claim is to include the opposing argument in the same sentence. For example:
While it is true that the school day should be the same length as it is now to provide time for required classes (side B), starting and ending school one hour later would improve alertness (side A) because it would allow students to get more sleep and improve their ability to concentrate (explanation).
Use the sentence stem below to write the claim for the sample argumentative essay.
While it is true that chewing gum _______________________________________ ___________________ (side B), ________________________________________ ___________________ (side A) _________________________________________ _________________________________________ (explanation).
5. Choose two essay topics from the list generated in item 2. With your class, brainstorm the opposing sides of each issue. Record these in the left column of the graphic organizer on the next page. Then write a thesis statement for each issue; include both a claim and an opposing argument in the thesis. An example is provided, using the model in item 4.
Writing Workshop 2 • Argumentative Writing 5
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