1. Comparing Argument Standards
From 7th to 8th

2. Argument Writing in 7th vs. 8th
7th- Standard-Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
8th Standard- Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
A. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
A. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
B. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
C. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
C. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence
D. Establish and maintain a formal style.
E. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

3. Argument Writing in 7th vs. 8th
7th- Standard-Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
8th Standard- Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
A. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
A. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
B. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

4. Argument Writing in 7th vs. 8th
7th- Standard-Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
8th Standard- Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
C. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
C. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence
D. Establish and maintain a formal style.
E. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

5. So what are the differences?
In 7th grade you learned how to acknowledge a counterclaim, but in 8th grade you will learn how to acknowledge and distinguish between claims.
In 7th grade you learned how to clarify the relationships between your claim, but in 8th grade you will learn how to clarify not only your claim, but the counterclaim as well.
Distinguish: to recognize as distinct or different; recognize the individual features or characteristics of
Acknowledge: To recognize the existence of.

6. Lets look at some examples of both
Example text: I Will Always Write Back by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka
Example Claim: Without Caitlin’s family’s help, Martin would not have finished school.
7th grade counterclaim expectations (to acknowledge): While most would agree Caitlin and her family are the reason Martin was able to finish school, some may argue that he was capable of doing it on his own.
8th grade counterclaim expectations (to acknowledge and distinguish between): While it could be argued that Martin could have in fact finished school without Caitlin’s help, without Caitlin’s help he may not have gotten as far. Based on the events described in the novel, even if Martin would have earned enough money on his own to return to school, he would have been very behind, creating another obstacle for him to finish his studies. Martin would have also had to continue to work and go to school at the same time to have the fees to stay in school, which would have been very difficult and had not worked for him in the past. Although there was a chance that he could finished school, the likelihood of it actually happening was very slim.

7. Don’t forget to… bring it back now yall
After you have clearly stated your claim and addressed the counterclaim, you are ready for your conclusion. Remember, you want to make sure you tie up your ideas and support your claim, leaving your readers with a clear idea of what you were trying to say. You can use your goals and techniques handout for ideas on how to wrap things up effectively.

9. Outline Examples