Teaching argumentative text in upper elementary can be challenging. Argumentative text requires students to not only understand the content but also to analyze and evaluate the claims being made. Therefore, having the right resources to teach argumentative text is necessary.
In order to effectively teach this genre, it is important for teachers to provide clear expectations and model the skills necessary for analyzing and constructing arguments.
Many teachers have found the following resources help in teaching argumentative reading:
Argumentative Vocabulary
To begin teaching argumentative reading introduce students to the concept of claims and evidence. Explain that an argument is a statement that is being made in order to persuade the reader to agree with a particular point of view. The claim is the main idea or point being made, and the evidence is the information that is used to support the claim.
Are you wondering how to present this information to your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade students? The resource argumentative reading genre will help you teach argumentative vocabulary with a slideshow. Students can follow along with guided notes. Additionally, they can practice with an argumentative reading passage.
Argumentative Text Examples
Next, provide students with examples of argumentative texts and have them identify the claim and evidence being presented. You may also want to have them practice evaluating the quality of the evidence and determining whether it is sufficient to support the claim.
It can be difficult to find argumentative text for upper elementary students.
There are articles that students can read. It can take time to search for the right article.
My Argumentative Reading Bundle includes: task cards, argumentative passages, and an assessment. This low prep resource would be an excellent way for your students to practice argumentative text.
Argumentative Writing
Also, it is important to teach students how to construct their own arguments. Start by having your students brainstorm ideas and then select a topic that they feel strongly about. Next, students research their topic and gather evidence to support their claim. Then, they write a persuasive paragraph or essay, using the evidence to support their argument.
Persuasive Writing Lesson will help you teach your students elements of argumentative writing essays. First, persuasive writing strategies are presented with a slideshow as students follow along with the guided notes. Then students practice each step in the writing process. There are eight prompts included.
In addition to practicing these skills through writing, encourage students to engage in discussion and debate about the texts they are reading. Have them present their own arguments and listen to the arguments of their peers, providing feedback and constructive criticism.
Are you looking for more information on teaching argumentative text, check out my blog post: 5 Tips for Teaching Argumentative Text
Overall, teaching the argumentative reading genre requires a balance of explicit instruction and opportunities for practice. By providing clear expectations and modeling the skills necessary for analyzing and constructing arguments, teachers can help their students become more confident and effective readers and writers of this genre.
