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Argumentative Writing Worksheets

The we choose to take a stand on an issue of any sorts, there is a requirement to validate your position if we are intent on finding the truth. When we work to substantiate our stance in a written form the piece we will create is viewed as augmentative writing. It can be viewed as the written form of a debate. In order to prepare for such a work, you will need to do a bit of detective work. Outside of a full-fledged research paper, this is one of the lengthiest investigations that you will need to do in order to write a well-prepared piece. The best arguments are prepared by fully understanding the stance of both sides of the issue. I have found from over a decade of working on this form of writing with students that at first it is difficult for them. This is because students have been conditioned to only find one correct answer. In an argumentative essay you will need to explore all of the things that support your side of the argument. I also find that after students get some experience with writing these pieces, they enjoy it and get stronger with every successive project. These worksheets with help students learn to approach these types of works and the process that is required to prepare great works.

Argumentative Writing Worksheets To Print:

Essay Outline - Use the graphic organizer to write an argumentative essay on the assigned topic.

Argument Writing Organizer - What would you say to the person who disagreed with you to change their mind? Present the counterargument. What would someone say if they disagreed with you?

Writing Prompt - Should the government offer free Internet access to everyone in the country?

Counterarguments - A counterargument is an argument someone makes in order to disagree with your claim. When writing an argumentative essay, it is important to anticipate the main counterarguments against your claim and to rebut (argue against, disprove) them. Doing so will make your essay more persuasive. It will also demonstrate that you have taken the time to consider different viewpoints.

Structuring Your Essays - We provide you with a handy outline to keep by your side as you write your essays.

Make a Claim - Should everyone be required to go to school?

What Do You Think? - Should schools be held legally responsible for the consequences of bullying?

My Outline - A great exercise to get yourself ready to create a masterpiece.

The MEAT Technique - This acronym stands for the order in which you create a hook, add background information, and finish it off with a thesis.

Transitions for Making Arguments - Transitional words and phrases are important in this type of writing because they allow you to move between paragraphs, ideas, and source information in a clear way that your reader can easily follow.

The Essay - Take a pro or con position on one of the topics. Use the outline below to organize your thoughts.

Restrooms - In Europe public restrooms are gender neutral. Should the U.S. have gender neutral public restrooms?

Have At It! - A series of ideas to get you working away on your own thoughts.

Convince Them! - This can be used as a tool to assess your work and see if you achieved your goal.

Analyze an Argument - What facts/reasons/evidence does the author use to support the claim? Does the author convince you to believe/agree with the claim? Why or why not?

Argumentative Essay Outline Worksheets - The focus in this series is to plan.

How to Write a Solid Argumentative Essay

There is a common format that is often followed here that is called the five-paragraph format. It begins with an introductory paragraph that states the issue and your stance on it. That is followed by three evidentiary body paragraphs that support your position and it ends with a conclusion paragraph. I am personally not a fan of carrying this into all forms of essay writing. I find that it several handcuffs students into thinking that this method fits all situations. There will be circumstances where you have endless evidence that must be explored and other times you may just have a single body of evidence. Complex issues require complex solutions. There also must be room for authors to flesh out their thoughts and create a sense of context for their readers.

Here are some clear principles that I encourage you reflect on as you write these types of works. In the introductory section we do need to give a brief overview of how we intent to substantiate our claims. We want to make sure our language flows well from paragraph to paragraph. As we transition into exploring the evidence make sure you cover all aspects of why your point is to be believed by the audience that is reading this. The body of your work should contain the evidence and that can be communicated any number of ways facts, data, even charts. It is important to make sure that the evidence is fully explained. When preparing a conclusion make sure that you reflect back on the introduction for your original thesis and all the evidence that backs up your position on the issue.

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