Argumentative Essay Writing Unit

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Total Pages: 363 pages
Answer Key: Included with Rubric
Teaching Duration: 3 Weeks
File Type: Zip

Help your students master argumentative essay writing with this comprehensive, scaffolded, and engaging Argumentative Essay Writing Unit! Designed for grades 6-8, this resource follows the gradual release model (I Do, We Do, You Do) to guide students step by step - from understanding the fundamentals to crafting well-structured, evidence-based argumentative essays. Start the unit with a fun and relevant Rant Writing activity that captures students' attention! Using videos of real rants, students will analyze persuasive techniques and create their own, making this the perfect high-interest hook before diving into argumentative writing.

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What’s Included?

✅ 18 Comprehensive Lessons – Covers everything from thesis statements to in-text citations
✅ Graphic Organizers – Regular and modified versions for student notetaking
✅ Scaffolded Instruction – Gradual release model for effective skill-building
✅ Differentiated Activities – Supports diverse learners with tailored exercises
✅ Standards-Aligned – Meets Common Core (Grades 6-8) & Ontario Curriculum Standards
✅ Versatile Formats – Printable PDF & Google Slides™ for flexible instruction

Lesson Overview:

⭐Pre-Unit: Rant Writing Activity – Engaging students in persuasive writing
⭐Lessons 1-16: Step-by-step instruction on argumentative writing, including:

• Crafting strong thesis statements
• Finding and using reliable sources
• Incorporating claims, counterclaims, and rebuttals (7th & 8th grade CCSS)
• Writing body paragraphs, conclusions, and citations
• Peer & self-editing for a polished final essay

Included Lessons:

• Pre-Unit: Rant Writing Unit
• Lesson 1: Understanding Argumentative Writing
• Lesson 2: Engaging Anticipation Activity: Agree or Disagree?
• Lesson 3: Topic Selection for Argumentative Writing
• Lesson 4: Crafting a Clear Thesis Statement
• Lesson 5: Techniques for Locating Reliable Sources
• Lesson 6A: Exploring Different Types of Evidence
• Lesson 6B: Conducting Effective Research
• Lesson 7: Emphasizing Formal Writing Skills
• Lesson 8: Introduction to Constructing Paragraphs
• Lesson 9: Developing Effective Body Paragraphs
• Lesson 10: Concluding Paragraph Strategies
• Lesson 11A: Understanding Claim and Counterclaim (7th Grade Common Core)
• Lesson 11B: Incorporating Claim, Counterclaim, and Rebuttal (8th Grade Common Core)
• Lesson 12: Ensuring Proper Essay Formatting
• Lesson 13: Creating an Effective Works Cited Page
• Lesson 14: Implementing In-Text Citations Correctly
• Lesson 15: Encouraging Self and Peer Revising and Editing
• Lesson 16: Facilitating a Productive Publishing Day

Make argumentative writing accessible, engaging, and effective in your classroom with this all-in-one unit!

Why Teachers Love This Unit:

✅ Easy to Implement – With step-by-step lessons and a gradual release model (I Do, We Do, You Do), teachers can confidently guide students through the writing process with minimal prep.
✅ Engaging & Student-Friendly – The Rant Writing Unit makes learning fun and relatable, helping students connect with persuasive writing before diving into essays.
✅ Differentiated for Diverse Learners – Modified graphic organizers, scaffolded lessons, and tailored activities ensure that all students can succeed.
✅ Standards-Aligned & Rigorous – This unit meets Common Core (Grades 6-8) and Ontario Curriculum Expectations, ensuring students learn essential writing skills.
✅ Encourages Critical Thinking – Students learn to support their arguments with evidence, analyze counterclaims, and properly cite sources—essential skills for academic success.
✅ Versatile & Flexible – Available in both printable and digital (Google Slides) formats, making it perfect for in-person, hybrid, or virtual classrooms.
✅ Tried & Tested by Teachers – Educators rave about how this unit helps students grasp argumentative writing in a structured, engaging way.

What Teachers Have Said About This Argumentative Essay Writing Unit:

1. “I loved the way this resource organized and laid out the foundation of writing a good essay. It really helped me get the students engaged and truly understand what they need to do to be successful.”
2. “Very helpful resource! I have never taught grade 7/8 language before and this helped me know exactly what to do with minimal prep. Thank you!”
3. “Students do well at sharing their opinions and demanding others listen to them, but they do not do well at supporting their thoughts with evidence. This unit helps students to use evidence to support their thoughts, cite appropriately, and complete the requirements of an argumentative essay.”

With this resource, teachers can save time while helping students become confident, persuasive writers!

Save Money Buy The Bundle

Stop using your evenings and weekends to plan out your ELA program. Find this Argumentative Essay Writing Unit in this Full Year Middle School English Language Arts Lesson Bundle 2. Inside this incredible bundle, you'll find over 100 meticulously crafted resources that cater to every aspect of teaching - Reading, Writing, Speaking/Listening/Oral, Media Literacy and Seasonal Lessons.