Writers of opinion-based content, such as persuasive essays, advertisements, reviews, editorials, and pro/con essays,
try to convince readers to embrace a particular point of view. Lessons on opinion/argument writing help students learn
to write opinion-based pieces using factual evidence to improve their arguments.
Opinion/argument writing lessons explain how to change a reader's point of view, get a reader to take action, or convince a reader that the writer's analysis or synthesis of a particular topic or concept is true.
Lessons teach the structure and language used in opinion/argument writing. They also teach the difference between facts and opinions so students can supply reasons supported by evidence in their argumentative writing.
How to Use Opinion/Argument Lessons
Each six-part process writing lesson takes approximately two weeks to complete. Begin each writing lesson with whole-class instruction for teaching and modeling the writing process.
At the end of each lesson part, students independently apply what they have learned. By the end of the lesson, they create their own composition of opinion/argumentive writing.
Each lesson contains tips in the sidebars that outline the expectations for each developmental stage of a writer (beginning,
early developing, developing, and fluent). These, along with samples and graphic organizers, help you decide how best to
adapt the lesson to support the range of student needs in your classroom.
Persuasive
a composition that presents and argues for one side of an issue
Lesson Plan
Student Resources and Teacher Rubric
Beginning
Early Developing
Developing
Fluent
Pro/Con
a composition that presents both sides of an issue equally, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the information presented
