This document outlines a presentation on teaching argument and opinion writing to students based on Common Core standards. It discusses the differences between argument, opinion, and perspective. It also provides examples of teaching these skills at different grade levels, such as having elementary students debate whether a character should get a doll and using digital tools and examples from children's literature. The presentation concludes with resources for teaching writing arguments.

1. Taking a Position:
Teaching Argument and
Opinion
Presented by Emily Edwards& Kimberly Howell-Martin
Daytona Beach Writing Project
April 13, 2013

2. Invitation to Write

3. Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive
topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the
development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish
writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for
research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a
range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

4. Arguments
are
everywhere!
Kids
spouse/significant other
coworkers

5. Jigsaw of Argument Article

6. Break!

7. What is the difference
between
argument, opinion, and
perspective?

8. Grade Level Break-Down
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K.2 Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose
informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some
information about the topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book
they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of
closure.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are
writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words
(e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or
section.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with
reasons.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1a Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and
create an organizational structure that lists reasons.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1b Provide reasons that support the opinion.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1c Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for
example) to connect opinion and reasons.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.1d Provide a concluding statement or section.

9. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with
reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1a Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an
organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1b Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1c Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in
order to, in addition).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1d Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion
presented.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with
reasons and information.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.1a Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an
organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.1b Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and
details.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.1c Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses
(e.g., consequently, specifically).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.1d Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion
presented.

10. William's Doll
by Charlotte
Zolotow
Should William get a
doll?

11. Ways to Teach This in
Elementary School

13. Digital Options
Popplet
Power Point
Glogster
Digital Storytelling tools

14. Stay tuned for a
presentation about
National Writing Project...

26. Resources
Dorfman, L. & Cappelli, R. (2009). Nonfiction Mentor Texts. Portland:
|Stenhouse.|
Hernandez, A., Kaplan, M.A., & Schwartz, R. (2006). For the sake of argument.
|Educational Leadership, 48-52.|
The Writing Center. (printed, 2013). Argument.
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/argument/
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B69mLMX7VT8xblFidEZoTzJVX1E/edit?usp=sharing