Argument
Lesson plans and teaching resources

Persuasive writing lesson plans have been moved to their own page. Please update your bookmark.

The Classical Argument
Handout detailing introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation and concession, and summation. Two pages, Adobe Reader required.

Evaluating an Argument: Chevy Volt Commercials
This activity introduces students to analyzing an argument.

Five Ways of Looking at a Thesis
Using The Princess Bride and other works as models, this page presents five aspects of a good thesis statement.

Identifying Voice
This 3-page handout asks middle school students to read an article, respond, and identify the voice. It includes a graphic organizer. Requires Adobe Reader or compatible application for access.

Logic in Argumentative Writing
This resource covers using logic within writing-- logical vocabulary, logical fallacies, and other types of logos-based reasoning. Follow the links on the left for the complete resource. Part of the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University, this resource is appropriate for high school students and older.

Making an Argument: Effective use of Transition Words
Students explore and understand the use of transition words in context and write their own persuasive essay using transition words. Includes printable handout. This lesson is designed for grades 5-8.

Narrative, Argumentative and Informative Writing About Baseball
Students read a New York Times article about the use of sabermetrics in radio broadcasts of baseball games. They write a persuasive response. This writing task is the second of four prompts here. Common Core Standards indicated. Don't miss the link to Abbot and Costello's "Who's on First?"

Researching the Argument
High school students develop research skills by investigating a case being heard by the Supreme Court.

Simple Questions lead to Complex Learning
Questions about the value of a zoo lead to informational text, research-based writing, and critical thinking.

A String of Beads
Through constructing a necklace students visualize a plan for including the central idea, supporting facts, and a clincher sentence in a paragraph.

Writing an Argument
In addition to defining "argument," this site includes an exercise in avoiding logical fallacies.