Advance students from opinion to persuasive to argumentative

writing

Advance students from opinion to persuasive to argumentative

october 16, 2023

All grade levels have a writing standard that outlines teaching argument. This standard progresses from an opinion with reasons in K-2 to a one-sided persuasive with reasons and evidence in grades 3-5 to a sophisticated argumentative that juggles multiple perspectives, sharing strengths and limitations of all. This is the expectation in grades 6-12.

Each of these builds on one another, providing a K-12 scaffold. In order to develop an argument, one must first be able to state an opinion and write persuasively. Plan several opportunities throughout the year for students to experience this mode of writing.

When starting a unit in any of these genres, begin first by outlining the subtle, but significant differences among them. Download a chart that defines each and their purposes, techniques, components, etc. It’s helpful to compare what students already know about opinion and persuasive writing as you introduce them to the new and less familiar concepts of argumentative writing.

For more information on the skills and expectations at all levels, check out the dissection of the K-12 college and career-ready standards.

Dissect the K-12 Argumentative Standard

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