Page 23 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade8_Flipbook

Writing Workshop 2 (continued)
Issue/Topic
Thesis (includes claim)
Support
Audience Opposing Claims
Conclusion
• Is the topic made clear in the introduction? Does it have importance or urgency?
• Does the thesis combine the topic and a claim?
• Does the writer give reasons for taking this position?
• What facts, statistics, examples, and personal experiences does the writer use to support the thesis?
• Does the writer use sound reasoning and relevant details? • Istheevidenceaccurate,current,andrelevanttothetopic?
• Who is the target audience?
• Are the thesis, topic, and supporting ideas appropriate for the target audience?
• Does the writer identify opposing viewpoints clearly and fairly?
• Doe the writer acknowledge and address opposing view- points with logic and relevant evidence?
• Does the writer conclude the essay in a way that convinces the audience to support the position and take action?
ACTIVITY 3
Writing an Argumentative Essay with Peers
WRITING PROMPT: Write an essay that argues for an activity that normally may not be considered feasible or popular, such as playing lacrosse, rock climbing, or ballroom dancing. Your job is to convince your audience of the activity’s value.
Be sure your topic and argument meet the same learning targets listed for your class-constructed argumentative essay.
1. With your writing group, carefully review and apply the writing steps from the class-constructed argumentative essay:
a. Brainstorm and choose a topic.
b. Create a claim and thesis using a complex sentence pattern.
c. Generate reasons and examples to support your claim.
d. Anticipate alternate viewpoints and any opposing or alternate claims. e. Be sure your claim can be supported by logic and reasoning, not just
personal preference.
f. To plan your essay, generate a topic outline.
g. Draft an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
h. Plan for sharing and responding in preparation for revision.
Peer Review
2. You will evaluate and provide feedback for another group’s essay, based on criteria established in the writing prompt and the Scoring Guide. Another group will review the work your group has done. Use the following revision checklist to guide your peer review.
8 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 8
Argumentative Essay Revision Checklist
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