This document outlines a lesson plan for teaching students how to write an argumentative essay. It includes learning targets, success criteria, and activities to introduce the elements and structure of an argumentative essay using a model text. Students will then explore examples, explain the outline and thesis statement, and elaborate by gathering evidence, outlining an argument, and producing their own argumentative text on whether some traditions or customs should be stopped or given up. The lesson aims to help students learn how to write a precise thesis statement and create an outline for an argumentative essay.

1. Writing
Argumentative Essay
— English —
Teacher: Rajaa LAGHRISSI
11th Grade

2. Table of contents
Engage
Identify the main elements of
an effective argumentative
essay using a model.
01
Explain
Explain the outline of the
essay and write a thesis
statement.
03
Explore
Create a kahoot
activity/ppt or find a good
example of an
argumentative essay.
02
Elaborate
Gather evidence and
create an outline &
produce an
argumentative text.
04

3. What
I know.
What I want
to know.
What I have
learned.
KWL
What do you know about argumentative essays?

4. Learning Target & Success Criteria:
Learning Target: By the end of the lesson:
I will be able to write a precise thesis statement and create an
outline for an argumentative essay.
Success Criteria:
* I can read a model text and determine the structure & elements of an
argumentative text.
* I can write a precise clear thesis statement.
* I can gather evidence and create an outline for my argumentative essay.
* I can create an argumentative essay on the selected topic.
Monday, October 9, 2023
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Wednesday, October 11,2023

5. Warm-up!
Do uniforms take away a
student's individuality or
prepare students for life at
work?

6. Engage
01
Learning Target: By the end of the lesson:
I will be able to write a precise thesis statement and create an
outline for an argumentative essay.
Identify the main elements of
an effective argumentative
essay using a model.

7. What is an Argumentative Essay?
→ An argument is a logical way of presenting a viewpoint, belief, or stand
on an issue. A well-written argument may convince the reader, change
the reader’s mind, or motivate the reader to take a certain action.
What are the main
elements of an effective
Argumentative Essay?
Success Criteria:
1. I can read a model text and determine the
structure & elements of an argumentative text.

8. Argument writing requires clear and logical thinking
Argumentative Essay Model
Preview Questions
1. Do you wear a uniform when you
go to school?
2. Some people believe that children
are too materialistic these days. For
example, they may be too interested
in wearing expensive brand-name
clothes. What is your opinion?
Success Criteria: 1. I can read a model
text and determine the structure and
elements of an argumentative text.
11AG
11BG

9. Main Argumentative Writing Structure
School is one of the most important parts of our lives because we learn how to socialize,
play sports, perform academically, and become responsible adults in the world.
Requiring school uniforms is the better choice because uniforms make students’ lives
easier, make them act more maturely, and create equality for everyone.
First, students must wear uniforms to make their lives simpler.
Second, school uniforms influence students to act responsibly in groups and
as individuals.
Finally, schools must make students feel equal by requiring uniforms.

10. Students’ standards of living can differ greatly, some people are wealthy, and some are not …
School uniforms would make all students look the same no matter how rich they were.
Paragraph 5
People who are against school uniforms might say that students are unable to express
their individuality.
This might seem like a good point; however, school is a place to learn, not a place to
show off wealth and fashion.
In conclusion, there are many well-documented benefits of having school uniforms.
All schools must require uniforms in order to benefit the students, the schools, and all of society.

11. Explore
02
Create a kahoot activity/ppt or
find a good example of an
argumentative essay.
Learning Target: By the end of the lesson:
I will be able to write a precise thesis statement and create an
outline for an argumentative essay.

12. https://create.kahoot.it/share/facts-and-myths-
about-writing-an-argumentative-essay/9e304f1a-
7481-4164-b12b-44df3e29e033

13. Argumentative Writing Structure - Task
Create a Kahoot
activity about
elements of a well
structured
argumentative
essay.
Look for an
exemplary
argumentative
essay that is well
structured and
includes the main
elements.
Create a Powerpoint
presentation about
elements of a well
structured
argumentative essay.
11AG - 11BG
Success Criteria: 1. I can read a model text and
determine the structure & elements of an argumentative text.

14. Explain
03
Explain the outline of the essay
and write a thesis statement.
Learning Target: By the end of the lesson:
I will be able to write a precise thesis statement and create an
outline for an argumentative essay.

15. Argumentative Writing Structure
Students’ Presentation
Create a Kahoot
activity about
elements of a
well structured
argumentative
essay.
Look for an
exemplary
argumentative
essay that is
well structured
and includes
the main
elements.
Create a Powerpoint
presentation about
elements of a well
structured
argumentative essay.
11AG - 11BG
Success Criteria: 1. I can read a model text and
determine the structure & elements of an argumentative text.

16. Elements of an Argumentative Essay
* An effective argument contains these elements:
• a precise claim
• consideration of counterclaims, or opposing positions, and a discussion of
their strengths and weaknesses
• logical organization that makes clear connections among claims,
counterclaims, reasons, and evidence
• valid reasoning and evidence
• use of specific rhetorical devices to support claims and counterclaims
• a concluding statement or section that logically completes the argument
• formal and objective language and tone
• error-free grammar, including accurate use of transitions
Success Criteria: 1. I can read a model text and determine the structure
& elements of an argumentative text.

17. Key points for Argumentative Writing
Claim Reason
is state or assert that
something is the case,
typically without providing
evidence or proof.
is a cause, explanation,
or justification for an
action or event.
Evidence
is the available body of
facts or information
indicating whether a belief
or proposition is true or
valid.
Success Criteria:
2. I can create a precise clear thesis statement.

18. Strategies for writing arguments
Distinguishing
argumentation
Appealing to
the audience’s logic
Forming a thesis
statement
Acknowledging
Counterclaim(s)
Success Criteria:
1. I can read a model text and determine the
structure & elements of an argumentative text.

19. Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Paragraph 1: Reason 1
Hook
Background
Thesis Statement
Paragraph 2: Reason 2
Paragraph 3: Reason 3
Paragraph 4: counterclaim
Sum-up
Restate the thesis statement
Your opinion
Supporting
Detail #1
Supporting
Detail #2
Supporting
Detail #3
Refuting
Detail #4
Write an Argumentative Essay - Organization
Success Criteria: 1. I can read a model text and determine the structure & elements of an argumentative text.

20. Gather Evidence
You have to consider these specific types of evidence as you write.
● facts: relevant statements that can be proven true
● statistics: facts presented in the form of numbers
● definitions: explanations of key terms that may be unfamiliar to
readers
● quotations: statements from authoritative sources (such as historical
documents)
● examples: events or situations that support a general idea
→ Always confirm your evidence using more than one source.
Success Criteria: 1. I can read a model text and
determine the structure & elements of an argumentative text.

21. Do's and don'ts of argumentative essays
Do’s Don’ts
Read the Assignment’s
Guidelines before You Start
Use Phrases Such as “I
believe” or “I think”
Integrate quotes smoothly. Use inflated phrases.
Organize your paper
logically.
Use contractions &
colloquial language
Carefully proofread.
Repeat the Thesis Statement
in the Conclusion [as stated
in the introduction]

22. Elaborate
04
● Gather evidence and create an outline.
● Produce your own argumentative text
Learning Target: By the end of the lesson:
I will be able to write a precise thesis statement and create an
outline for an argumentative essay.

23. Make it Interactive
The Topic: Should some
traditions or customs be stopped or
given up? To what extent do you
agree or disagree with this point?
Success Criteria: 2. I can create a precise clear thesis statement.
3. I can gather evidence and create an outline for my argumentative essay.

24. Write your Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a short statement, usually one sentence, which provides an
insight into what the essay is going to be about. They are used to enlighten the
audience on a variety of things, including:
● The author’s claim on a specific topic.
● The reasons that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.
→ When writing a thesis statement, it is very important that you ensure it
covers all of the above points. Example ↓
Success Criteria: 2. I can create a precise clear thesis statement.
Requiring school uniforms is the better choice because uniforms make students’ lives easier,
make them act more maturely, and create equality for everyone.
The author’s claim Reason 1
Reason 2 Reason 3

25. Write your Thesis Statement
The Topic: Should some traditions or
customs be stopped or given up? To what extent
do you agree or disagree with this point?
* Now write your thesis statement on the following topic:
Success Criteria: 2. I can create a precise clear thesis statement.
My Example:
While traditions and customs can play an important
role in our lives, we should be critical of them and be
willing to give up those that are harmful, outdated, or
discriminatory.

26. Brainstorming Supporting Ideas
The Topic: Should some traditions or customs be stopped or given up? To
what extent do you agree or disagree with this point? Complete the chart
below by giving reasons for your position.
1. Take a stand
2. Conduct research
to gather evidence
3. Sort your
evidence in the
shared Google doc. Success Criteria:
3. I can gather evidence and create an
outline for my argumentative essay.

27. Write an Argumentative Essay - Outline
The Topic: Should some traditions
or customs be stopped or given up?
To what extent do you agree or
disagree with this point? Create an
outline to develop your claim.
Success Criteria:
3. I can gather evidence and create an
outline for my argumentative essay.

28. ● Describe your learning experience of today.
● What did you accomplish in this lesson?
Plenary

29. Write your Final Draft
Success Criteria: 4. I can create an

30. Self Assessment & Reflection
Success Criteria: 4. I can create an
argumentative essay on the selected topic.

31. Stay Safe , Stay Healthy
Have
a Wonderful
Day
Rajaa Laghrissi