Since we’re implementing the CCSS at my International school in Costa Rica, I had to quickly study up on argument reading and writing. I’d taught persuasive writing (letters and editorials) but never really taught argument writing. I turned to George Hillocks, Jr., one of my go to guys, and he did not disappoint.
His book is written for grades 6-12, and I’m pretty much using the whole first half of the book which is about the basics of argument writing for my 6th grade unit.
- For arguments of fact, we are studying mystery scenarios and writing up police reports which make a claim (who’s guilty) that is based oon evidence. This is a great way to get the students engaged in close reading without having to push it as every word is important in solving the mystery.
- For arguments of judgment, we will start with what makes a good mascot, move on to what makes a good leader, and move into the presidential race of today.
- Students have yet to choose the argument of policy they’re going to make to change a rule here at our school. There seems to be growing interest in banning uniforms. The students will work on this in small groups.
But Mr. Hillocks does not stop there. The whole second section of the book is amazing and gets more and more conceptually difficult. There’s two more resources we’ll use later in the unit. One is ProCon.org, an independent non-partisan website that looks at the pros and cons of controversial issues. Another is FactCheck.org, another independent non-partisan website that looks for what is true and not true in the news. They’re having a heyday with both candidates after the debates.