Jeff Ochs

Lesson Title: Writing a persuasive/argumentative essay

Introduction: Student will learn the steps and components of writing an argumentative
essay based on a selection of video scenarios.
Target class: Grade 9/10 English
Objectives:
Students will learn the steps and components of an argumentative essay.
Students will watch instructional video on writing an argumentative essay
Students will choose a topic from one of five online videos.
Students will do online research for background information on their topic.
Students will be able to write a complete argumentative essay using at least three
reasons to support their position.

Standards Addressed:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive
topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.A: Introduce precise claim(s), distinguish the claim(s) from
alternate or opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships
among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.B: Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying
evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that
anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.C: Use words, phrases, and clauses to link the major sections of
the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons,
between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.D: Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone
while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1.E: Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from
and supports the argument presented.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish,
and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to
link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

Relative Advantage: Students will be able to access online tutorials for writing the
argumentative essay. With using the selection of videos, students are able to get real life
scenarios to base their argument on instead of just reading an article.
Timeline: This unit will take approximately two weeks to complete.
Materials:
Writing tutorials:
Argumentative essay introductions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3COR_IKG2c
How to write argumentative essay: http://video.about.com/homeworktips/How-to-Write-
an-Argument-Essay.htm
Organizing info for argumentative essay: http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-
resource/Organize-information-for-an-argumentative-essay-50019286/
Essay topics videos:
School Lunches- http://youtu.be/FZ_4a0ZyBuE
Taxing soda and junk food- http://youtu.be/PTHHlQexB0g
School Dress Code- http://youtu.be/imRmkZho48w
Cell phones at school- http://youtu.be/ZTKZ6jovfso
Year round school- http://youtu.be/APAQFs3B53M
Grouping Strategies: Students will have access in the computer lab for one day to watch the
videos and do research on their topic. Students will also be scheduled in the computer lab
to write their final draft.
Learning Activities:
1. Day 1 warm up: Students will be prompted with- If you could only use a pen or a
pencil for all your schoolwork, what would you choose and why.
a. Students will be broken into teams based on their choice and the reasons
they cited will be posted on the whiteboard/smartboard.
b. Class discussion based on these reasons and the beginning of how to form an
argument. What are some other topics where people can takes sides on an
issue?
c. Watch Paper vs Plastic video: http://youtu.be/vhmg6l_WNSE , stop and
allow for notetaking. Student homework assignment: Write a paragraph
with at least 2 reasons on your choice based on the info from the video.
2. Day 2: Students will again form teams based on their choice and collaborate on
their reasons. Class discussion based on results.
a. Watch Argumentative essay introductions video as a class. Discuss different
ways to state your thesis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3COR_IKG2c
b. Students will be shown list of essay topics to be viewed the following day in
computer lab.
3. Day 3: in computer lab to watch topic videos. Students may partner up to take
notes on the videos and perform research to back up their argument. Student may
also develop their own topic with approval from teacher.
a. Homework: watch How to write argumentative essay:
http://video.about.com/homeworktips/How-to-Write-an-Argument-
Essay.htm and Organizing info for argumentative essay:
http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Organize-information-
for-an-argumentative-essay-50019286/
4. Day 4&5: Students work on rough drafts of argumentative paper.
5. Day 6: Peer editing and collaboration of topic groups.
6. Day 7&8: Back to the computer lab to work on final draft
7. Day 9: Finalize final draft and prep for short presentation of paper
8. Day 10: Present paper with three reasons supporting claim. Turn in paper.
Assessment: The assessment will be the argumentative essay the student produces along
with verbal presentation.
Adaptations for Learners with Special Needs:
ELL: SDAIE strategies will be implemented if any ELL students are in the class.
SPED: Accommodations based on each students IEP will be followed.
References:
http://www.sharemylesson.com/teaching-resource/Support-your-claim-with-reasons-
and-evidence-from-the-text-50020620/
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/essaywriting/a/argument.htm
www.google.com
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/