This document outlines the requirements for an argumentative essay assignment for an 8th grade English class. It provides the due dates for an outline, rough draft, and final draft. It lists the Oklahoma writing standards that the essay should address. The requirements specify formatting guidelines like font, spacing, and headers. It indicates that the essay must be a minimum of two pages and maximum of four pages. It states that the essay should include an introduction with a claim and background, descriptions with details, word choice, evidence to support the claim and address counterclaims, consideration of audience, and an organizational pattern with transitions. The topic provided is whether public schools should implement drug testing of students.

1. English Instructor: Amanda Billups
Argumentative Essay
Outline Due: Friday, February 1, 2013
Rough Draft Due: Thursday, February 7, 2013
Typed Final Due: Friday, February 8, 2013
All Dates Are Tentative
Oklahoma State: 8th
Grade C3 Writing Standard Objectives:
W8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or
opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible
sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
W8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
W8.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by
planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have
been addressed.
Requirements
12 point font
Times New Roman
MLA format
Double space
Create an original title
Proper header top right corner of first page Ex: First and Last Name
English class hour
Billups
Due Date
Top left of each essay page: last name and page number Ex: Smith 2
Minimum of two pages
Maximum of four pages
Construct attention-grabbing introduction
Provide background information in your introduction
Be detailed in your descriptions. Mind Pictures!
Remember word choice. I want salsa, not rice cakes!
Do not rely on your own opinion alone; back up your claim with observable and measurable evidence
Remember your audience
Include both your claim and the counter claim(s)
You must address the counter claim(s) at least twice
Support each warrant with evidence
Follow a clear organizational pattern
Use transitional words: at least 5
Do not use “you” “us” “we”
Stay away from passive voice
You will be writing an essay in which you take a position on the issue of drug testing
in the public school (junior high and high school) realm. Before you assert your
claim, you must consider these details: Random drug testing, mandatory drug
testing, drug testing athletes, drug testing all students, and the constitutional rights of
an individual. You MUST take a stand on this issue by forming a claim and a main
topic. You MUST have 3 warrants to support your claim. Each warrant MUST be
backed by evidence and facts gathered from the required text.