Page 19 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

Writing Workshop 2 (continued)
ACADEMIC VOCABULARY Evidence is said to be relevant if it is closely related to the issue or topic.
A credible source is one that is convincing or believable because it is reliable, accurate, and trustworthy.
d. Organization: How does the thesis statement set up the organization of the essay?
Sample response:
Introduction: Pet ownership has “positive overall impact” is the claim introduced. Opposing points of view also show up in the introduction and in the second paragraph.
Body paragraphs
1. Health benefits
2. Acknowledgment of counterclaims
3. Teach responsibility, compassion
Conclusion
Check Your Understanding
What evidence does the writer present to support the idea that owning a pet has health benefits? Is this evidence presented as logical or as emotional reasoning?
Sample response: The writer presents the following evidence:
• Pets are used to assist people with disabilities – blind, deaf, confined • Pets help prevent allergies and asthma
• Pets lower blood pressure
• Pets promote a healthy life style with increased exercise
• Touching and stroking soothe the stressed person The evidence is presented as logical reasoning.
ACTIVITY 2
Writing an Argumentative Class Essay
WRITING PROMPT: Consider something (such as pet ownership) that is important to you and that you believe would benefit other sixth graders (your audience) to experience. Be sure to choose a topic with two sides that can be defended—in other words, an idea that is arguable. Write an argumentative essay encouraging other sixth graders to try your idea. Back up your position with relevant evidence and clear reasoning. Your essay should meet the requirements listed in the learning targets for argumentative essays.
Be sure to
• Establish a clearly stated position
• Include relevant evidence that is logically organized and supports the
writer’s viewpoint
• Include a variety of evidence from credible sources, including personal
experience, based on fact rather than opinion
• Consider possible audience concerns and/or questions
• Recognize and correct inappropriate shifts in pronoun number and person
Refer to the Scoring Guide for this writing task—it will help you understand where to focus your attention and efforts.
4 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 6
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