The Basis of Argumentative Writing
In this LIT102 classs session, my lecturer Ms. Polius started with a mini lesson on how to go about teaching argumentative writing. For me, this was fantastic! I got to see first hand from a knowledgeable teacher good ideas for teaching argumentative writing and gained some insightful information on what it is all about.
Essentially, she taught that when moving onto another genre of writing, always refer to those learnt so far, outlining comparisons and differences. My lecturer also stated that I ought to emphasize why writers engage in argumentative writing, provide samples of this type and explain the features and characteristics. When beginning the lesson, she stated the objectives to me as an imaginary class.
In the prewriting stage, I learnt that good writers:
Choose a topic
Identify purpose, audience
Brainstorm ideas
Organize ideas
Write a first draft
When having to choose a topic in the classroom, teachers can give students the option of a scenario which will in turn help them to choose wisely. the topic can be in the form of a question or a statement.
Brainstorming (Possible topics):
-Should children be banned form drinking soft drinks?
-Soft drinks should be banned.
Ask students to choose their side: agree or disagree. Moreover, some students may be in the valley of decision. That is okay. It can be ruled as undecided. Allow students to be engaged in discussion, before any actual writing can be done. Hvae them divide themselves into 3 categories: Agree, Disagree, Undecided in the classroom to take their stance on the topic.
The audience in this case: school children, soft drink lovers, the public.
The purpose: to persuade the public, school children of the need to stop drinking soft drinks.
Students who agree:
Soft drinks are not healthy for children.
It causes them to be hyperactive.
The plastic bottles do not help to promote a cleaner environment.
Students who disagree:
Soft drinks are cheaper to purchase.
It can cause job losses.
It may lead to poverty/crime.
In this stage, I was shown a layout of a graphic organizer which will facilitate organization of ideas (for upper grade students):
Introduction: a hook.
: state position. (agree or disagree)
Paragraph 1: 1st reason.
give supporting details
Paragraph 2: 2nd reason.
give supporting details
Conclusion: re-emphasize position/may ask audience to take a particular action/ summarize main points).
For the lower grade students:
Paragraph 1:
state position
give reasons.
In the lower grades, it was advised that one paragraph will be sufficient for writers.
As an imaginary primary student (Grade 5), I was asked by my lecturer to write a first draft on: Soft Drinks Should Be Banned. Here is what I came up with(remember at primary level, drafts do contain errors!):
In St. Lucia, many children drink soft drinks whcih make them ver sick. they shuold not be allowed to drink soft drinks. Sift drinks should be banned for 3 reasons, people will get health problems, they get diabetes and suffer from heart problems. They can get really ill. It would be a sad moment for their families. They can be a part of activities like healthy people.
Secondly, soft drink lovers are the ones who litter often. After they finished drinking their soft drink, they throw the plastic bottles anywhere. These people keep the environment really dirty. Soft drink bottles are even found on our sandy beaches. Don't they know that they can harm sea animals? these animals like turtles can choke on the botles and die. People should learn to keep the envirnoment clean.
Argumentative writing is not about fighting or offending or criticizing others. It is about presenting an idea or topic and choosing a stance. Students must be able to defend their topic by providing supporting details/evidence.
Remember, whether you like it or not, every individual's idea should be RESPECTED.
Brainstorming (Possible topics):
-Should children be banned form drinking soft drinks?
-Soft drinks should be banned.
Ask students to choose their side: agree or disagree. Moreover, some students may be in the valley of decision. That is okay. It can be ruled as undecided. Allow students to be engaged in discussion, before any actual writing can be done. Hvae them divide themselves into 3 categories: Agree, Disagree, Undecided in the classroom to take their stance on the topic.
The audience in this case: school children, soft drink lovers, the public.
The purpose: to persuade the public, school children of the need to stop drinking soft drinks.
Students who agree:
Soft drinks are not healthy for children.
It causes them to be hyperactive.
The plastic bottles do not help to promote a cleaner environment.
Students who disagree:
Soft drinks are cheaper to purchase.
It can cause job losses.
It may lead to poverty/crime.
In this stage, I was shown a layout of a graphic organizer which will facilitate organization of ideas (for upper grade students):
Introduction: a hook.
: state position. (agree or disagree)
Paragraph 1: 1st reason.
give supporting details
Paragraph 2: 2nd reason.
give supporting details
Conclusion: re-emphasize position/may ask audience to take a particular action/ summarize main points).
For the lower grade students:
Paragraph 1:
state position
give reasons.
In the lower grades, it was advised that one paragraph will be sufficient for writers.
As an imaginary primary student (Grade 5), I was asked by my lecturer to write a first draft on: Soft Drinks Should Be Banned. Here is what I came up with(remember at primary level, drafts do contain errors!):
In St. Lucia, many children drink soft drinks whcih make them ver sick. they shuold not be allowed to drink soft drinks. Sift drinks should be banned for 3 reasons, people will get health problems, they get diabetes and suffer from heart problems. They can get really ill. It would be a sad moment for their families. They can be a part of activities like healthy people.
Secondly, soft drink lovers are the ones who litter often. After they finished drinking their soft drink, they throw the plastic bottles anywhere. These people keep the environment really dirty. Soft drink bottles are even found on our sandy beaches. Don't they know that they can harm sea animals? these animals like turtles can choke on the botles and die. People should learn to keep the envirnoment clean.
Argumentative writing is not about fighting or offending or criticizing others. It is about presenting an idea or topic and choosing a stance. Students must be able to defend their topic by providing supporting details/evidence.
Remember, whether you like it or not, every individual's idea should be RESPECTED.
very true! when students hear argumentative, the first thing they think of is to make a quarel out of what you want to say. I try as much as possible to show them videos of debates and how arguments are put forth. they have gained a better understanding of the topic. practice has been set in my class.. good tips put here.
ReplyDeletethanks..glad this post can help..
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