Writing
Unit 3: Argumentative Writing
Arguing (in the appropriate context) is an essential skill – we all need to have the ability to weigh conflicting views and decide thoughtfully on our own position. Then, we need to articulate that position in a way that is convincing to others. This is precisely what the fifth graders will be doing in the argumentative writing unit.
After completing some initial research and notetaking to understand both sides of a debatable issue, students chose their claim (position) and reasons, then used evidence from their research to support their argument. We will take a closer look at the evidence used and start to revise by considering questions such as these: Have I used the best possible evidence? Did I explain/analyze the evidence for the reader? In which order should I write my evidence? Can I use quotations from experts as a type of evidence? Writers will refine their arguments even more by including counterclaims and rebuttals. This means they’ll need to consider what someone taking the opposite position might argue.
Throughout the unit, we’ve also been connecting argumentative writing skills to those used in narrative and literary essay writing. For example, as with other genres, argumentative writing needs an introduction that gets the reader’s attention and previews what will be written. Conclusions need to wrap up the writing and leave the reader with something to think about.
Be warned, your child may come home with an improved knack for arguing after this unit :)
Arguing (in the appropriate context) is an essential skill – we all need to have the ability to weigh conflicting views and decide thoughtfully on our own position. Then, we need to articulate that position in a way that is convincing to others. This is precisely what the fifth graders will be doing in the argumentative writing unit.
After completing some initial research and notetaking to understand both sides of a debatable issue, students chose their claim (position) and reasons, then used evidence from their research to support their argument. We will take a closer look at the evidence used and start to revise by considering questions such as these: Have I used the best possible evidence? Did I explain/analyze the evidence for the reader? In which order should I write my evidence? Can I use quotations from experts as a type of evidence? Writers will refine their arguments even more by including counterclaims and rebuttals. This means they’ll need to consider what someone taking the opposite position might argue.
Throughout the unit, we’ve also been connecting argumentative writing skills to those used in narrative and literary essay writing. For example, as with other genres, argumentative writing needs an introduction that gets the reader’s attention and previews what will be written. Conclusions need to wrap up the writing and leave the reader with something to think about.
Be warned, your child may come home with an improved knack for arguing after this unit :)