Argumentative Essay Unit

Description

Do you want an essay unit that’s fun & student-centered? This interactive, standards-aligned, step-by-step formula, addresses every component needed in each paragraph. There is also a complete unit video tutorial, so teachers have the option to let me do the teaching, do it themselves, or a little of both. This digital and printable resource is on a topic students love- VIDEO GAMES! It’s also ZERO PREP!!!

How this Essay Unit Works

• There are 2 sample essays. The first one guides students through each element by breaking down the required components of each paragraph 1 slide at a time, and shows them how to color code the elements as well.
• The second sample essay (“Which Video Game is Best: Madden or MLB The Show”) has students read and identify each component of every paragraph by color-coding the required elements themselves. There are self-checking slides for the intro and 1st body paragraph. Then students will do the remaining body paragraphs and conclusion on their own. This could serve as a great quick check / formative assessment for teachers to look over as they glance over students’ work.
• Lastly, students will write their own essay on which video game is the best. It tells them in the directions that they can’t use the 2 games addressed in the sample essay. For students who don’t play video games, they can research and decide which they think would be best.

What’s Included:

• Complete Video Tutorial- link to video included
• 2 sample essays
• Link to digital notebook slides version
• Step-by-Step suggested lesson plan
• Each slide explains every component for each paragraph separately
• A counterclaim option- you don’t have to require a counterclaim if it’s not in your standards.
• Rubric / Peer Review

Components Required in Each Paragraph of Essay Unit:

• Intro paragraph- hook, background info, thesis statement (claim & reasons)
• Body paragraphs- topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, closing statement
• Conclusion- Restate thesis without being repetitive (brief lesson on synonyms), summary of main points addressed in essay, concluding statement / strong call to action.

Check out this blog post, Argumentative Essay Writing Coming in Strong to learn more ideas!