Do I have kids read and analyze argument text? Yep. Do I start with it? Only if I were a soulless human who likes to see children cry, so… lucky for them, NO. I want them to really have a feel for the structure of argument (and not lose their zest for life), so I start with images, not text.

1. Curriculum resource to use for background or as a starting place: I use the Slip or Trip lesson as intro . It’s basically a close read of a drawing that is a murder mystery (image above) with the goal of teaching evidence based argument writing. Click here for Hillocks Argument book on Amazon.
2. After 2 days using the Slip or Trip lesson, I use explicit notes on the 3 parts of an argument for students (claim, evidence, warrant/reasoning). Click here for interactive notebook reference for students (2 per page)
3. Sentence Strips to cut apart and give to students to group up. Click here for sentence strips document. Can be one copy per pair or per group, cut up and put in an envelop.
4. Next, here’s a follow up ppt with additional images for a gradual release model (does not have to be linear, but this one kind of is). Click here for Image Based Argument Intro PPT.
5. Essay Scoring Rubric: Created this for a benchmark assessment for the board. Aligns ABCDF scale and Exceeded/Met/Nearly Met/Not Met ala SBAC for parents and to fit nicely into a gradebook (vomits a little in my mouth). Essay rubric example 1. Essay rubric example 2, broken down for students.