1. Argumentative Writing
Activator Prompt: What are the elements of argumentative writing?

2. Preview Video
*Watch the first two minutes and the last minute (begin at minute nine).

3. Parts of an Argumentative Essay
Introductory Paragraph
Hooks the reader
Provides background information on the topic
Includes your claim
Claim
this is your thesis statement
tells the main idea of the essay
clearly states which side of the argument you are on
everything else in the paper supports this claim- it must be factual!

4. Hook
The hook is very important to your essay because it’s the part of the essay that is going to catch your reader’s attention… from the very first words.
Tell a story or analogy that connects to your argument.
Provide a startling or interesting statistic. Make sure this supports your argument.
Ask a thought provoking question that makes your reader begin to consider your topic. Make sure the question “leads them” to your side of the argument.
Think outside the box… find a creative way to grab your reader’s attention. Make sure you connect it to your argument.

5. Parts of an Expository Essay
Body Paragraphs
Support your claim
Each paragraph contains a different reason that is supported with evidence
Include a counterclaim.
Counterclaim:
Reflects an opposing opinion of your claim
Shows why the opposing side’s argument is weak or wrong
You DO NOT support the opposing argument. You are merely mentioning it so you can argue against it or refute it. Your counterclaim paragraph continues to provide evidence to support YOUR argument.

6. Transitions
Transition help connect paragraphs and ideas in an essay. Without transitions, your essay may not make sense or may be very disconnected.
Examples:
Furthermore,
However,
Most convincingly
In other words,
For this reason,
Although
In fact,
You must also consider
You DO NOT want to reuse the same transition words or types of transition sentences over and over again. That gets redundant.

7. Parts of an Expository Essay
Concluding Paragraph
Restate your claim
Bring your argument to a close
Remind your reader why your argument is strong
Last chance to convince your reader

8. Review Video

9. Works Session
Think- Read the Test-Prep passages and answer the questions on your own (silently).
Pair- Compare your answers with a partner.
Share- Students will be randomly selected to share how they got the answer with the whole class.