BuildPhrase · Grade 9 · Free activity

Build an honest argument

Draft an argument that supports a focused position and considers another view.

Name: __________________________ Date: ______________

Open the images in the images folder to read the visual lesson. Use your browser’s Print command to print this worksheet or save it as PDF. The answer key is separate.

Read and notice

An argument takes a position supported by reasons and evidence.
Plan your topic, purpose, audience and thesis before drafting.
A focused thesis states an action or position that people can reasonably discuss.
Use real evidence and identify its source. If you have not gathered it yet, say what you need.
Consider another view and respond respectfully. A proposal is not a proven finding.
Use observations that really happened; describe them without naming classmates.

Our class should have ten minutes of supported reading each day because learners need time to practise and help with difficult words. This is a proposal to discuss, not a report of a completed experiment.

Quick check

1. Which thesis is more focused?

☐ Reading is important.

☐ Books are things people read.

☐ Our class should have ten minutes of supported reading each day.

2. You have not conducted a survey. What should you write?

☐ Say you still need to gather learner responses.

☐ Invent a percentage that sounds convincing.

☐ Call your guess a research finding.

3. How can you introduce another view respectfully?

☐ Anyone who disagrees is wrong.

☐ Some people may prefer more independent reading time.

☐ We should ignore all other views.

Build your response

State a focused position
Our class should _____ because _____ and _____.

Explain your first reason
First, _____.

Add honest evidence or an evidence plan
My evidence is _____ (source: _____). / I still need to find out _____.

Explain the connection
This supports my position because _____.

Consider and answer another view
Some people may say _____. However, _____.

Conclude
Therefore, I suggest _____.

Review

☐ My position is focused.

☐ I separated real evidence from a proposal or an evidence plan.

☐ I considered another view respectfully.

☐ My conclusion follows from my reasons.