School Dress Code: An Evidence-Based Argumentative Writing Unit - Google Drive

This argumentative writing unit focuses on utilizing a popular and controversial topic, school dress codes, to spark informal dialogue and debate as well as claim/counterclaim development and evidence-based writing through article and video study. Examining students’ school dress code experiences, students are given many opportunities throughout this unit to discuss their positions with peers. These conversations and informal writings combined with an analysis of the differing viewpoints present in several articles and videos help students identify and respond to arguments in the real world and develop routine argument strategies and skills, both written and oral. 

Students live in and participate in many real-world arguments throughout their day.  The goal of this resource is to help students notice the arguments around them and aid them in developing a voice and position. This resource utilizes oral composing as practice for writing by having students practice making arguments through civil discourse. Oral compositions help students internalize the elements of argument such as a claim, a focused topic, reasons and evidence. These oral compositions are then utilized to create evidence-based argumentative pieces that are relevant to students’ everyday lives.

Skill Emphasis

• Identify and respond to arguments in the world.
• Develop routine argument strategies and skills.
• Articulate opinions with peers using prior knowledge and experiences
• Craft a strong, nuanced claim
• Support the claim with appropriate evidence from credible sources
• Provide effective counterclaims and rebuttals 

What does this resource include?

• A step-by-step unit guide that gives a minute-by-minute breakdown of each activity. (note: this is included as a link in the presenter notes on the first slide)
• Five argumentative-writing activities that help students explore, evaluate, and articulate their perspectives while collaborating with peers
• Optional scaffolded graphic organizers to help students through the writing process using Google Slides

Check out the preview for a sample of the slides included!

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