12th Grade Writing An Argumentative Essay Lesson Plan (English)

Topic: Writing an argumentative essay

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to write a four-paragraph argumentative essay about an academic topic.

Materials

• Templates for the structure of the argumentative essay
• Sample essays for reference
• Writing materials (pen or pencil, paper)

Warm-up

• Ask students to share their understanding of what an argument is and what an argumentative essay is.
• Write their answers on the board.
• Discuss the different elements that make up an argument (claim, reasons, evidence, rebuttal) and how they are used in an argumentative essay.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the topic for the essay and give students a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and jot them down on the brainstorming sheet.
• Explain the four-paragraph structure of an argumentative essay and show students an example of a completed essay that follows this structure.
• Discuss the purpose of each paragraph in an argumentative essay:
• Introduction: introduces the topic and presents a position on it
• Body: presents supporting evidence and reasons to support the main claim
• Conclusion: summarizes the main points and reinforces the author's position
• Distribute the handout with the guidelines for writing each paragraph.
• Review the guidelines and make sure students understand them.

Guided Practice

• Give students a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and jot them down on the brainstorming sheet.
• Bring students back together and review the brainstorming sheet together.
• Have students work in small groups to organize their ideas into a four-paragraph essay following the guidelines.
• Allow time for students to check their work with a peer review.
• Have students present their essays to the class for feedback and encouragement.

Independent Practice

• For independent practice, have students work on writing their argumentative essays.
• Encourage students to use the rubric to check their work and ensure that all four paragraphs are present and cohesive.
• Provide support and assistance as needed.

Closure

• Have students share their argumentative essays with the class.
• Ask students to reflect on their own writing process and how they used the rubric to check their work.

Assessment:

• Collect the argumentative essays and use the rubric to evaluate students' writing skills.
• Use a verbal or written feedback to provide students with feedback and suggestions for improvement.