We've started our second major unit in writing that will take us up to Winter Break: Research-Based Argument Essays. As opposed to just "opinion essays," the rigor has increased this year as they are basing their opinions on evidence. This isn't necessarily an easy task for these kiddos as sometimes they want to rely heavily on their emotions. I'm teaching them that to make a solid argument and to convince others, they need to provide researched evidence, facts, quotes, and data to support their claims.
As a class, we will be looking at the debate of whether or not chocolate milk should be sold in schools. We will spend the next week or so stating our claim, researching, and learning to write a well-developed argumentative essay. At the end of this time, students will be allowed to explore their own topic and conduct research to support their thinking.
