1. Writing an argument with supportive claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. 2011 D. Burkey H. Jones

2.  An author’s attempt to prove that their claim is true and to convince the reader to adopt the same viewpoint by using a series of related statements.

3.  Take five minutes and read the article.  Compare and contrast the two types of writing with colleagues.

5.  Author’s claim – the author’s thesis or assertion (what the author is trying to prove)  Author’s Argument – a series of related statements which represent an attempt to support the author’s claim.

6.  Clearly Stated Claim  Distinguished counter claim (7 th and 8 th grade only)  Facts and evidence supporting the claim  Facts and evidence supporting the counter claim (8 th grade only)  Conclusion supporting the claim

7.  Strategically Organized  Formal Style  Precise Word Choices  Standard Conventions

8.  Students think that an argument is a fight and that they must “spar” with the text.  Students take an inflexible position without recognizing the nuances of the argument.  Students think an argument is just an opinion.  Students think emotions must be involved.  Students think an argument should be five paragraphs.

11.  Should the Howard County Public School System stop selling junk food in the cafeteria?  The current driving age in MD is 15 years and 9 months. Should the driving age in MD be raised to 17 years?  Currently the Howard County Public School system runs on a traditional ten-month school calendar. Should the HCPSS change to a year-round school calendar?

12.  Read the anchor paper and annotations for your grade level.  Use the rubric to determine the anchor paper’s score for the first four categories.  Partner with someone from your grade level and discuss why you chose those scores.

13.  Essay  Political Cartoon  Business Letter  Friendly Letter  Editorial  Web Page  Brochure  Advertisement  Critique  Speech

14.  http://transitiontocommoncore.hcpss.wikispaces.net/ http://transitiontocommoncore.hcpss.wikispaces.net/  http://transitiontocommoncore.hcpss.wikispaces.net/English+Language+Arts