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Argument Writing Unit
The Complaint Letter
6th Grade
Arguments Are
Everywhere
Writing Packet Pages 2-3
Session 1
Vocabulary
Argument (In life) - conflicts engaged in using language. (In writing) - opinions that can be backed up with evidence Debatable Claim – an opinion that is a matter of personal experience and values that must be backed up with evidence to be credible. Others can disagree with this claim
Fact – Information that is certain and can be proven Opinion – Matter of personal experience 1
Lesson Notes
In writing, arguments are opinions that can be backed up with evidence. While we often associate the word “argument” with winning a conflict, arguments can do much more than just win. They can also persuade, inform, convince, and assist in decision making, all of which is achieved by having strong evidence.
What words do you think of when you hear the word “argument”? In what situations do you have arguments and what are the results? 1
Lesson Notes
What words do you think of when you hear the word “argument”?
Class List of Words
1
Arguments can result in change-or stand offs. Losses are also a form of change.
1
A BDifferences Between
A and BThe Detroit Pistons are a basketball team.
The Pistons are the coolest team in the NBA.
A
B
Michigan is shaped like a mitten.
Michigan is the best state to live if you like ice fishing and snowball fights.
A
B
Jennifer Granholm is the former Governor of Michigan.
Women should not serve as state governors.
A
B
In 2010, Michigan produced 140 million pounds of cherries.
People should eat more cherries because they’re delicious.
A
B
Active Engagement
1
Practice/Assessment
Create your own two-column table on page 3 in your packet in which you make a list of facts and related opinions. Some suggestions are: sports teams, school events, television shows and movies or music.
Facts (5) Opinions (5)
Arguments Are
Everywhere
Writing Packet Pages 4-8
Session 2
2
Vocabulary
Evidence - details, facts, and reasons that support a debatable claim Anecdotal Evidence - evidence based on personal observation and experience, often in the form of a brief story. Can come from the writer, friends, family, and acquaintances Factual Evidence - data, confirmed facts, and research performed by experts. Found by the writer performing research
2
Lesson Notes
Arguments can do much more than just win.
They can also persuade, inform, convince, and assist in decision-making.
The evidence used to support arguments comes in the form of details, facts, and reasons.
Active Engagement
2
You and a partner are to identify the claims/opinions evident on a series of bumper stickers.
As a class, we will come together and share.
Ideally, you will identify the more obvious claims evident in the bumper stickers.
Challenge for you is to work collaboratively to identify the more subtle arguments present in these slogans.
WS 5 in the Packet
2
Active Engagement
Claims
Claims
Claims
2
Active Engagement
Bumper Sticker Claims
Education is worth spending money on.
Ignorance is expensive to society both fiscally and ethically.
Not investing in our children’seducation will result in a lack of work readiness which, will affect the economy.
The war should end.
Ending the war is a positive step for the troops because it will reduce fatalities.
Pushing for peace is patriotic as implied by the use of the word “support”.
The earth does not have infinite resources that must be recycled.
Trash doesn’t disappear but goes to landfills that will fill up some day.
Just because we can’t immediately see environmental damage doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Evidence = Reasons, Facts, Details
Claims are not effective unless they have evidence to back them up.
We often think of court cases when we hear the word “evidence.”
When evidence is provided in court, it serves to support the defense or the prosecution’s version of how a crime was carried out.
Evidence in court typically includes:Testimony by witnesses who give details about the crime.Submissions of physical evidence that act as facts.Testimony by witnesses can also establish motives or reasons why someone might have committed a crime.
Lesson Notes
2
2
Practice/Assessment
You are to watch two advertisements for the same product:
Doritos Pug Attack Ad and Doritos Sling Baby Ad
Both ads want to convince the viewer to eat Doritos, but one is more successful than the other and each ad takes a different approach.
Each ad will be viewed three times.
Take notes on pages 6-7 in your packet and complete the charts for each ad.
2
Practice/Assessment
Claim
Evidence 2
Claim Evidence 1
Evidence 2 Evidence 3
Your Evaluative Arguments About the Ads
Which ad is a more EFFECTIVE (it convinces us to act) ad?
2
Practice/Assessment
Claim
Evidence 2
Claim Evidence 1
Evidence 2 Evidence 3
Your Evaluative Arguments About the Ads
Which ad is a more ENTERTAINING (it holds our attention, makes us laugh)
ad?
Writing/Reflection
On page 7… Agree or disagree with the following claim.
Provide evidence to back up your opinion either from the ads you just watched or other ads you’re familiar with.
Entertaining ads are always effective in selling a product
because they hold the viewer’s attention.
2
Problems vs.
IssuesWriting Packet
Pages 8-10
Session 3
3
Vocabulary
Problem - any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty; a question proposed for solution or discussion. Problem Statement – a clear and concise statement
of a problem that defines the causes and effects. Issue - a point, matter, or dispute, the decision of which is of special or public importance: political issues.
Complaint Letter - normally written to deal with a problem situation when other attempts (i.e. phone contacts, e-mails, etc.) have failed to rectify the situation.
3
Lesson Notes
Complaint letters are a practical writing mode that people use every day to communicate their disappointment in services or concern about a situation they would like changed.
Specific problems rather than general issues
Writers must identify a specific problem to argue about.
3
Active Engagement
Reading a Writing Task Mentor Text
Read the dog park complaint letter on page 9
Answer the questions on page 10
Why did the author write the letter?Look for the incident/concern
What does s/he hope to accomplish with this letter?
3
Independent Practice
Identifying the Problem, Solution and Related Issues
On page 10, identify the problem, solution and the broader issue or issues the dog park complaint letter points to.
Problem: the writer’s dog was attacked by another dog at the dog parkSolution: enforce the rules at the dog park by having a city parks employee on site at all timesIssues:
Enforcement of city rulesAnimal (pet) controlIrresponsible or uneducated dog owners
Active Engagement
3
Problems Issues
My neighbor broke his arm while doing a skateboarding stunt. The ramp at exit 84 has potholes large enough to give motorists’ cars flat tires. Us Weekly reported a false story that Tom Cruise is divorcing his wife. The cafeteria ran out of French fries at lunch. I got home 20 minutes late from school. I ran into a bench while I was walking through the mall because I was texting my best friend.
The state of Michigan doesn’t have enough tax dollars to keep major interstates in good shape. Reporting of celebrity news is often wrong and based on gossip. Public transportation is inadequate, so people must drive their cars, resulting in more city traffic. Schools are overcrowded due to budget cutbacks in education. Bicycle and skateboard safety is not taught in schools. Americans are becoming more and more obsessed and reliant on personal electronic devices like smartphones, ipads, and cell phones.
3
Writing / Reflection
Writing Tracker Time
Time: 5 Minutes
Write about the last time you had a “problem.” What
happened? Was the problem resolved?
How?
