1. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Argument Writing What is Argument Writing? Argument writing gives the writer’s opinion. Argument writing convinces readers to think or feel a certain way or calls them to action.

2. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Argument Writing You can find argument writing in many different places. Advertisements Letters to an editor Book reviews Magazine articles Newspaper columns

3. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Argument Writing Traits Clearly stated claims, balanced by alternate or opposing claims Supporting evidence from accurate and credible sources A strong introduction that presents the writer’s position Reasons and evidence that are organized logically A conclusion that follows and supports the argument Transitions that clarify the relationships between the claim(s), the supporting evidence, and any counterclaims Argument Writing

4. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Argument Writing Traits Language that is compelling A voice that supports the writer’s purpose A respectful, confident tone Sentences that vary in length and begin in different ways Sentences that flow together smoothly No or few errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics Argument Writing

5. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Argument Writing Good argument writing includes the following features: 1.Writer’s claim on a topic 2.Clear reasons to support the claim 3.Credible sources 4.Formal voice 5.Transition words 6.Concluding statement 7.Call to action Let’s look at how we can use these features in good argument writing.

6. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Writer’s Claim Students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Many opponents believe that cell phones are unnecessary or will cause a distraction in the classroom. However, this is not necessarily the case. Cell phones are essential in case of emergencies. According to an article written in The Weekly Gazette on April 3, a Wetmore student fell off his bicycle on the way home from school and broke his leg. The student did not have a cell phone and was unable to call for help. Luckily a passing motorist stopped and notified authorities. In addition, cell phones are convenient. Students can call their parents in case they forget their school books or homework or if there is a change of plans after school. Students can also turn off their cell phones when they are in the classroom. Argument Writing

7. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Transition Words Students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Many opponents believe that cell phones are unnecessary or will cause a distraction in the classroom. However, this is not necessarily the case. Cell phones are essential in case of emergencies. According to an article written in The Weekly Gazette on April 3, a Wetmore student fell off his bicycle on the way home from school and broke his leg. The student did not have a cell phone and was unable to call for help. Luckily a passing motorist stopped and notified authorities. In addition, cell phones are convenient. Students can call their parents in case they forget their school books or homework or if there is a change of plans after school. Students can also turn off their cell phones when they are in the classroom. Argument Writing

8. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Clear Reasons Students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Many opponents believe that cell phones are unnecessary or will cause a distraction in the classroom. However, this is not necessarily the case. Cell phones are essential in case of emergencies. According to an article written in The Weekly Gazette on April 3, a Wetmore student fell off his bicycle on the way home from school and broke his leg. The student did not have a cell phone and was unable to call for help. Luckily a passing motorist stopped and notified authorities. In addition, cell phones are convenient. Students can call their parents in case they forget their school books or homework or if there is a change of plans after school. Students can also turn off their cell phones when they are in the classroom. Argument Writing

9. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Credible Sources Students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Many opponents believe that cell phones are unnecessary or will cause a distraction in the classroom. However, this is not necessarily the case. Cell phones are essential in case of emergencies. According to an article written in The Weekly Gazette on April 3, a Wetmore student fell off his bicycle on the way home from school and broke his leg. The student did not have a cell phone and was unable to call for help. Luckily a passing motorist stopped and notified authorities. In addition, cell phones are convenient. Students can call their parents in case they forget their school books or homework or if there is a change of plans after school. Students can also turn off their cell phones when they are in the classroom. Argument Writing

10. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Formal Voice Students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Many opponents believe that cell phones are unnecessary or will cause a distraction in the classroom. However, this is not necessarily the case. Cell phones are essential in case of emergencies. According to an article written in The Weekly Gazette on April 3, a Wetmore student fell off his bicycle on the way home from school and broke his leg. The student did not have a cell phone and was unable to call for help. Luckily a passing motorist stopped and notified authorities. In addition, cell phones are convenient. Students can call their parents in case they forget their school books or homework or if there is a change of plans after school. Students can also turn off their cell phones when they are in the classroom. Argument Writing

11. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Transition Words In conclusion, the students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Not only are cell phones convenient, but they are also vital in the event of an emergency. Talk to your teacher or write a letter to the principal, and tell them we want cell phones! Argument Writing

12. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Concluding Statement In conclusion, the students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Not only are cell phones convenient, but they are also vital in the event of an emergency. Talk to your teacher or write a letter to the principal, and tell them we want cell phones! Argument Writing

13. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Call to Action In conclusion, the students at Wetmore Elementary should be allowed to bring their cell phones to school. Not only are cell phones convenient, but they are also vital in the event of an emergency. Talk to your teacher or write a letter to the principal, and tell them we want cell phones! Argument Writing

14. Strategies for Writers Grade 8 © Zaner-Bloser, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Argument Writing Some common types of argument writing include the following: Editorial Response to Literature Business Letter Website Review Argument Essay Speech