Page 16 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

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WRITING WORKSHOP
Argumentative Writing
Learning Targets
• Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
• Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and
style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
• With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen
writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new
approach.
• Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage
when writing or speaking.
• Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling when writing.
• Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups,
and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing your own clearly.
Writing an Argumentative Essay
The ability to argue for your ideas is one of the most important skills that a writer can develop. Writers use argumentative writing to influence the attitudes or actions of their intended audience regarding a wide variety of issues. Effective argumentation involves clearly identifying issues, stating a claim or position, presenting support for a position, anticipating and responding to alternative viewpoints, and using sound reasoning to help convince the audience.
To complete this workshop on writing effective arguments, you will work with your teacher and with your classmates to construct two argumentative essays. You will then use these models to write your own argumentative essay.
ACTIVITY 1
Discovering the Elements of an Argumentative Essay
Before Reading
1. Imagine that you are trying to persuade your classmates to try a pastime
that you enjoy, but that most sixth graders don’t. What are some things you should keep in mind when approaching this audience with your suggestion? In other words, what are the interests and values of the audience, and why is it important to keep these in mind when making suggestions?
2. Now imagine that you are trying to persuade your classmates’ parents to let their children (your classmates) try the same pastime. What are the interests and values of this new audience and how are they different from those of your classmates? How does this new audience change your approach?
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Activating Prior Knowledge, Brainstorming, Think- Pair-Share, Discussion Groups, Close Reading, Sharing and Responding, Marking the Text, Graphic Organizer, Drafting, Adding, Deleting, Rearranging, Substituting, Revising Prior Work, Self-Editing, Peer-Editing Prior Work, Self-Editing/ Peer-Editing
Writing Workshop 2 •
Argumentative Writing 1
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