Step-by-step to teach how to write an argumentative/persuasive writing.
Step 1: Watch how it's done.
In order to improve student writing, we, as teacher, need to show them mentor texts, examples of excellent writing within the genre students are about to attempt themselves. Then, students would read these texts, compare them and find where the authors used evidence to backup their assertions.
Step 2: Informal argument, freestyle.
First, the teacher will choose an interesting topic. Second, students will take a position, students who agree will be on one side of the classroom, and the ones who desagree will be on the other side of it. Finally, they will take turns explaining why they are in that position. The porpuse of arguing verbally is to make a connection with writing an effective argument.
Step 3: Informal argument, not so freestyle.
This step is similar to the previous one but it is more formal because the teacher gives some texts and articles to students. From those articles, students will be able to find some evidence to back up their points and try to persuade others. They argue still orally but also they could practise how to write the thesis stamentent by transfering their thoughts from the discussion.
Step 4: Introduction of the performance assessment.
In this step, the teacher will show students the major assigment on which they will work on for a couple of weeks. It is important that students can see what is expected of them, we can do that by showing them a model of a piece of writing, this sample could be something teacher-created or a model from a previous year student.
Step 5: Building the base.
Teachers should make sure that students have a solid base. For this reason, the teacher will spend a lot of time in pre-writing. Before students go directly to write the essay, they should make some drafts of the thesis statement and plan the main points in a graphic organizer. It is very important that students make a decent thesis statement in order to create a well-done essay. After accomplishing this, they will move into the following step.
Step 6: Writer's workshop.
After students have a decent thesis statement, they will work on their own writing. In this period, they will work independently on their writing and the teacher will help them by offering feedback. Moreover, they could share their work with peers and give and receive feebdback, too. However, in this step, grammatical mistakes are not corrected.
Step 7: Final assessment.
Finally, the essay is ready to hand in and to receive a grade. At this point, the teacher is familiarized with each student's writing and s/he has already given them a verbal or written feedback.
Step 3: Informal argument, not so freestyle.
This step is similar to the previous one but it is more formal because the teacher gives some texts and articles to students. From those articles, students will be able to find some evidence to back up their points and try to persuade others. They argue still orally but also they could practise how to write the thesis stamentent by transfering their thoughts from the discussion.
Step 4: Introduction of the performance assessment.
In this step, the teacher will show students the major assigment on which they will work on for a couple of weeks. It is important that students can see what is expected of them, we can do that by showing them a model of a piece of writing, this sample could be something teacher-created or a model from a previous year student.
Step 5: Building the base.
Teachers should make sure that students have a solid base. For this reason, the teacher will spend a lot of time in pre-writing. Before students go directly to write the essay, they should make some drafts of the thesis statement and plan the main points in a graphic organizer. It is very important that students make a decent thesis statement in order to create a well-done essay. After accomplishing this, they will move into the following step.
Step 6: Writer's workshop.
After students have a decent thesis statement, they will work on their own writing. In this period, they will work independently on their writing and the teacher will help them by offering feedback. Moreover, they could share their work with peers and give and receive feebdback, too. However, in this step, grammatical mistakes are not corrected.
Step 7: Final assessment.
Finally, the essay is ready to hand in and to receive a grade. At this point, the teacher is familiarized with each student's writing and s/he has already given them a verbal or written feedback.
