The Argument Writing Toolkit ─ Using Mentor Texts in Grades 6-8

In order for students to write effective arguments, they need to read good arguments. In this practical book, you’ll find out how to use mentor texts to make writing instruction more meaningful, authentic, and successful. Author Sean Ruday demonstrates how you can teach middle school students to analyze the qualities of effective arguments and then help them think of those qualities as tools to improve their own writing. You’ll learn how to:

• Introduce high-interest topics to students to get them interested and engaged in argument writing.

• Teach students to look at multiple sides of an issue and critically evaluate evidence to construct informed, defensible arguments.

• Make argument writing an interactive, student-driven exercise in which students pursue their own writing projects.

• Use mentor texts to help students learn the core concepts of argument writing and apply those skills across the curriculum.

The book is filled with examples and templates you can bring back to the classroom immediately, as well as an annotated bibliography which links the concepts in this book to the corresponding Common Core State Standards. Blank templates are also available as printable eResources on our website (http://www.routledge.com/9781138924390).

Sean Ruday is Assistant Professor of English Education at Longwood University. He is also the author ofThe Informational Writing Toolkit, The Common Core Grammar Toolkit, Grades 6-8, andThe Common Core Grammar Toolkit, Grades 3-5.