ABSTRACT
Argumentative writing goes hand and hand with discussion. Arguments are meant to be had out loud. Argumentative writing is persuasion without the passion. Getting investment into a topic is key to hooking argumentative writers. Authenticity is key to getting students to want to engage in argumentative writing and speaking. Like informational writing, a good argument doesn’t always lend itself to a simple five-paragraph essay. This chapter presents possible formats for argumentative writing. Mini-lessons are standards-based lessons that help students improve the content of their papers. The key part of the word “minilesson” is the “mini”—these lessons are designed to last 10–12 minutes to allow students ample time to apply the instructional concept to their own paper. Minilessons are the difference between assigning writing and actually teaching writing. A Bracket Battle can be used before writing the bigger paper to excite students to engage in argumentative writing.
