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