1. Argumentative Writing
6th Grade LAL

2. What is Argumentative Writing?
Argumentative writing is like a debate/discussion on paper.
Both sides are represented with facts, evidence, and relevant supporting information.
Don’t you argue with other people when you have different opinion than someone else?
Don’t you bring up your ideas and the other person presents his/her thoughts?
Don’t you have to support your points with proof?

3. In Argumentative Writing…
You have to perform a role similar to a prosecutor (makes a case against the accused party) and a defense attorney (defends the accused party.)
What this means is that you need to give both sides of the argument.
Even though you agree with one side (claim), you need to provide valid (effective) reasons for the other side (counterclaims) .

4. Argumentative Writing vs. Persuasive Writing
Get the reader to recognize that your point of view is valid(makes sense).
Includes facts, evidence, and relevant reasons to validate the writer’s perspective
Doesn’t need an audience to convince. Simply putting information out there.
Get the reader to agree w/ you.
Includes facts and emotions to convince the reader you are right.
Needs an audience to persuade them to his/her side.

5. Argumentative Writing
How to distinguish an Argumentative Writing prompt from a Persuasive Writing prompt (Key vocabulary words)
Persuasive Writing
Argumentative Writing
Claim
Includes facts about the topic
Write an essay either supporting or opposing the claim
Express your opinion
Controversy or controversial
Write to an audience (newspaper, teacher, president, etc.)

6. Sample Argument Writing Prompt (Position, claim, supporting or opposing,) essay
WRITING SITUATION
Educational researchers claim that student learning will improve if all printed textbooks are replaced with electronic textbooks, known as e-textbooks. Based on the researchers’ findings, students in your school will be issued an e-textbook reader, which is a device that displays electronic books.
WRITING TASK
Write an essay either supporting or opposing the claim that student learning will improve if all student textbooks are replaced with electronic reading books. Use your knowledge and your own experience or observation to develop your essay. Use reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence to support your position.

7. Sample Persuasive Writing Prompt Grades 6-8
WRITING SITUATION
Your state is considering whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds. The money would be used to maintain and improve buildings, fields, courts, and playground equipment. This proposal is controversial, and many citizens have strong opinions about the idea.
You decide to write an editorial for the local newspaper expressing your opinion about whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds.
WRITING TASK
Write an editorial/letter to the editor for the local newspaper expressing your opinion about whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds. Be sure to include reasons, facts, examples, and/or other evidence to support your opinion.

8. Sample Essays

9. Color-coded Sample Essays

10. Things to remember… Argumentative writing is a debate on paper.
Both sides of an issue need to be developed.
It’s not about winning. It’s about giving the reader another perspective/side to consider about an issue or topic.

11. Bibliography
6 Traits of Writing Professional Development - Argumentative v. Persuasive Writing. (n.d.). 6 Traits of Writing - Reading - Professional Development -Smekens. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from persuasive-writing.html
Cornick, A. (n.d.). Law & Order/Argumentative Writing - YouTube.YouTube. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from
New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK). (n.d.). The Official Web Site for The State of New Jersey. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from