Page 19 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_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.
e. Organization: How does the thesis statement set up the logical organization of the essay?
Sample response
Introduction: Begins with a statement of the claim about the value of books, then qualifies it with the idea of borrowing books.
Body paragraph 1: The topic sentence introduces the writer’s conviction that owning books is preferable to borrowing.
Body paragraph 2: Presents additional personal experience as evidence for the value of owning books.
Body paragraph 3: Dialogue that asserts his credentials for his claim.
Body paragraph 4: Presents the writer’s concession that human friends are always preferable, then goes on to state his most relevant and convincing reasons for valuing books and reading and concludes by emphasizing the personal and intimate relationship that develops between author and reader when one reads books.
f. Transitions: What words does the writer use to connect and clarify relationships between ideas and create and move the reader from one part of the essay to the next?
Sample response: Transitions include: And then, some day;” “But your own books belong to you;” “There are of course no friends like...:” “But book-friends have this advantage...”
g. Sources: What sources does the writer cite? How do those sources support the writer’s claim with relevant evidence? Do the sources appear credible? Sample response: The author uses his own personal experiences as the relevant and credible sources of evidence.
Check Your Understanding
To what degree does this speech by Phelps include all the elements of a well-constructed argument?
Students’ answers will vary.
ACTIVITY 2
Writing an Argumentative Class Essay
WRITING PROMPT: With your class, create an essay that argues for the collection of something that may not normally be considered collectible or interesting or feasible, such as pennies, video games, sports shoes, or LPs, etc.
Be sure your topic and argument meet the requirements listed in the learning targets for argumentative texts.
• Establish a claim consisting of a clear thesis or position.
• Use formal language that is appropriate for your purpose and audience.
• Include relevant and clear evidence that supports the claim.
• Include a variety of credible evidence based on fact and experience rather than
opinion.
• Identify and address potential audience concerns and/or questions. • Uses both indicative and imperative moods in grammar.
Refer to the Scoring Guide for this writing task to help you understand where to focus your attention and efforts.
4 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 8
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