Argumentative Essay- workshop

Wasp Reporter & an Argumentative Essay

Lesson 1:  Wasp Reporter ( distribution of)

                      An Argumentative Essay - Workshop p.1

Lesson 2:  An Argumentative Essay - Workshop p.2

An Argumentative Essay 

step by step

Learning Objectives

You will understand the structure of and practice writing a strong argumentative essay with a clear thesis, supporting evidence, and counterarguments.

What do you already know about writing argumentative essays?

Introduction to Argumentative Essays

1. Definition of an argumentative essay. 
2. Purpose of persuasion. 
3. Key components of an argumentative essay.

Materials:  1) a piece of paper and a pen, 2) charged laptop

Brief Explanation :

• Definition of Argumentative Essay: An essay that presents both sides of an issue and argues for one side with supporting evidence.

• Purpose: To persuade the reader to accept a certain point of view.

Structure :

• Introduction: The hook and thesis statement. 
• 3 Body Paragraphs: Present arguments, evidence, and explanations.
  
• (1 Counterargument: Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and refute them.)    - o p t i o n a l
• Conclusion: Summarize the arguments and restate the thesis in light of the evidence. 

Pre-Writing Activity

• Choose a Topic
• Brainstorm Supporting Arguments (3 minutes)

On paper,  write down your main argument and at least 3 pieces of evidence or reasons to support your position.

                    Lighthearted Debatable Topics:

1. Is it better to have a few close friends or a large group of acquaintances?
2. Should we have the option to slow down aging through technology or science?
3. Would you rather live in the past or the future?
4. Can there ever be such a thing as "too much freedom"?
5. Is it fair for companies to track your online behavior for personalized ads?
6. Should schools offer "Life Skills" classes instead of traditional subjects like algebra or history?
7. Should robots do all household chores?
8. Should we consider digital art as valuable as traditional forms of art?
9. Is it time for humans to abandon traditional forms of currency in favor of cryptocurrency?
10. Is it ethical to clone people for fun?
11. Are hot dogs sandwiches?
12. Do superheroes set unrealistic expectations for people?
13. Should we legalize time travel, even if it comes with risks?

Creating a Thesis Statement ( 3-5 minutes)

A thesis statement should be clear and debatable, summarizing your argument in one or two sentences. It must take a stance on the issue. Present 3 controversial claims. 

TASK:    Write your thesis statement based on the topic you’ve chosen.

Prepare backup for your reasoning! ( 10 minutes)

Search the net for scientific resources that can support and/or challenge your arguments. 

Find 1 quote for every argument ( 3 in total)

Time for a Body Paragraph (15 minutes):

• A body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states one supporting argument.
• Follow with evidence (facts, statistics, expert quotes) and analysis (explanation of how the evidence supports the argument).

TASK: Choose one of your supporting arguments from the thesis and on a piece of paper start writing a body paragraph.

Topic Sentence → Evidence → Explanation → Closing Sentence.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.

Time to share your work ( 10 minutes)

• Exchange your paragraph with a classmate behind you ( last rows with the 1st rows)
• Use the rubric from your Reader p. 14
• Underline the inconsistencies and place remarks, do not forget to give points!
• Return the writing to the owner
• Owner-> Reflex on the feedback

Task 2 (20 minutes)

• On a piece of paper rewrite the 1st paragraph and create 2 more body pragraphs, relying on your thesis statement.
• Include quotes and state the source applying the APA format ( info: the Reader)

Homework

Finish the 3 paragraphs and bring them Thursday