Reading Lab #13: Argumentative Essays and Counterclaims
Class Syllabus – Grades 3-5
Monday, April 10, 2022
Objective: Students will be able to identify the key components of an argumentative essay and learn how to make convincing arguments of their own.
Essential Questions:
- What are the six components of a standard argumentative essay?
- What is an opposing claim, or counterclaim?
- What’s the point of using an opposing claim?
Enduring Understandings:
- The six components of a standard argumentative essay are: Introduction, Supporting Paragraph 1, Supporting Paragraph 2, Supporting Paragraph 3, Counterclaim, Conclusion.
- An opposing argument (also called opposing claim, counterclaim, or rebuttal) is an argument that does not support your thesis statement. In fact, it directly contradicts it.
- By addressing an opposing claim, you actually strengthen YOUR argument. It shows the reader you: are credible (because you looked at both sides) and you can prove why the opposing argument is not correct.
Standards
Grade 3: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.4.A Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.4.B Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.4.C Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. Grade 4: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4.A Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4.B Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4.C Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. Grade 5: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.5.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.5.4.A Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.5.4.B Read grade-level prose and poetry orally with accuracy, appropriate rate, and expression on successive readings. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.5.4.C Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. Materials:
- Pen or pencil
- Piece of paper