This unit introduces students to argumentative writing. Students will learn about and practice the key elements of an effective argument, including claims, counterclaims, reasoning, and evidence. They will write an argumentative essay to demonstrate these skills. Additionally, students will write weekly reflections on assigned news articles to develop routine writing abilities. The unit is aligned to Common Core standards for writing arguments and routine writing. Key questions focus on identifying necessary elements of an effective argument. Students will be assessed through various formative and summative assessments, including practice activities, self-assessments, essays, and article reflections.

1. English 9: W.9-10.1 (Write Arguments)
Unit Description: ● This unit is an introduction to argumentative writing. Students will define, identify, and develop
elements of an effective argument. Students will write an argumentative essay at the end of the unit in
order to demonstrate their ability to effectively develop an argument with all necessary elements
(claim, counterclaim, reasoning, evidence, support, & rebuttal). Additionally, students will be working
on their weekly article of the week assignment in order to display evidence of routine writing.
Standard(s) Addressed: ● CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1: ​Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics
or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
● CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.10: ​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.
Essential Question(s): ● What elements are necessary in an effective argument?
Targets Student Tasks to Reach Targets Assessments (Formative &
Summative)
Resources
1. Write arguments to support
claims
A. Define argumentative
terms (i.e., argument, claim,
counterclaim, reasoning,
evidence, support, rebuttal)
B. Identify argumentative
elements in a text
C. Introduce precise claim(s)
D. Distinguish the claim(s) from
alternate or opposing
claims
E. Establish and maintain a
formal style and objective
tone
● Introduction to W.1 terms:
Google Form
● Argumentative essay
● W.1 Practice: ​Google Form
● W.1 Self-Assessment:
Google Form
● Argumentative Essay
(Development)
● Argumentative Essay
Rubric: ​W.1 Rubric
● Google Slides Presentation:
Introduction to W.9-10.1
● Google Slides Presentation:
Argumentative Elements
● Collaborative Terms:
W.9-10.1
● Graphic Organizer
(Argumentative Essay)
● Define & identify
argumentative terms:
Highlight Argumentative
Elements
● Peer Review

2. 2. Utilize valid reasoning and
relevant and sufficient
evidence to support claims
A. Distinguish between valid
reasoning and invalid
reasoning
B. Conduct research
effectively to find relevant
evidence
C. Develop claim(s) and
counterclaims fairly
D. Supplying evidence for
claim(s) and counterclaims
fairly, while pointing out the
strengths and limitations of
both in a manner that
anticipates the audience's
knowledge level and
concerns
E. Cite research in proper MLA
format
● Argumentative essay
(Reading/Research)
● Graphic Organizer (Claim,
Evidence, & Reasoning)
3. Create an organization that
establishes clear
relationships among
claim(s), counterclaims,
reasons, and evidence
A. Utilize transitions effectively
in arguments
B. Use words, phrases, and
clauses to link the major
sections of the text, create
cohesion, and clarify the
relationships between
claim(s) and reasons,
between reasons and
evidence, and between
claim(s) and counterclaims
C. Provide a concluding
statement or section that
● Argumentative Essay
(Organization)
● Graphic Organizer (Claim,
Counterclaim, & Rebuttal
Graphic Organizer)
● Graphic Organizer
(Example)

3. follows from and supports
the argument presented
4. Write routinely over
extended and short time
frames
A. Read a news article each
week
B. Highlight important
information and areas of
confusion
C. Write a one page reflection
on the article
● Article of the Week
Assessment (End of
quarter)
● Google Slides Presentation:
Introduction to W.11-12.10
● Article of the Week (13)
● Article of the Week (14)
● Article of the Week (15)
● Article of the Week (16)
● Article of the Week (16-2)
● Article of the Week (17)
● Article of the Week (17-2)
● Article of the Week (17-3)
● Article of the Week (18)