Name: _______________________________

READING AND WRITING

POWER FOR TEENS

MAGAZINE

skill:

Write an Argument Essay

In an argument essay, you express an opinion and try to convince your
readers to agree with you. Follow the steps below so you can write a
strong argument essay.

Argument Writing
common core
anchor standards:

W.1, W.4
use with:

Should Kids Learn

Cursive? p. 18

STEP 1: DecidE what you think

Consider the debate question. Should cursive be taught in schools?

Check the box next to the point of view you will support in your essay.
Yes! Cursive is still important and useful.
No! Cursive is a waste of time.
STEP 2: write a topic sentence

The topic sentence tells readers what your essay will be about. It should clearly and strongly
state the opinion you expressed in Step 1.

STEP 3: summarize the issue

Tell readers a bit about the issue. Dont focus on your point of view; explain the issue as a whole.
Your summary of the issue:

Continued on next page

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Your topic sentence:

Name: _______________________________
READING AND WRITING
POWER FOR TEENS

MAGAZINE

Write an Argument Essay(continued)

STEP 4: support your opinion

Write three reasons or pieces of evidence that help make your point.
1.

2.

3.

STEP 5: mention the other side

Why might someone disagree with you on this issue? Write one reason someone might give to
support the other side of the argument. Then explain why you think it is weak or wrong.
Argument for the other side:

STEP 6: write a conclusion

This is the last paragraph of your essay. Write a few sentences that remind readers of your
main points.

Scholastic Action Magazine November 17, 2014

2014 by Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.

Reason this argument is weak or wrong: