Name: ___________________________________
Breakthrough Writing 9
Date: ______________
Day 1 Student Handout
Crafting a Nuanced Argument Statement
Objective Today, you will examine the
qualities and importance of effective
argumentation
Proving Behavior: By explaining how to write
a nuanced argument statement, and writing
three examples.
Do Now: Think of a time when you’ve had to convince someone to do something they didn’t want to do (or when
someone did this to you!)—What strategies were used to best persuade either you or someone else?
Argumentation: __________________________________________________________________________
Basic Argument = __________________________________ + ___________________________________
Examples:
1. Schools should not require students to wear uniforms since it forces students to purchase specific
clothes they may not like wearing.
2. Schools should require students to wear uniforms because the rule helps students focus on
learning, not on what they are wearing everyday.
3. Schools should allow students to use cell phones on campus since ____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________________
because it is impossible to monitor the technology, and can easily lead to distractions in class, like
texting, or worse.
The CHB is what an author considers to be a generally accepted idea or practice, and by
nuancing their argument, they are able to offer a completely fresh, unique spin on an idea that
may otherwise be repeated
Name: ___________________________________
Breakthrough Writing 9
Date: ______________
Day 1 Student Handout
Nuance: _________________________________________________________________________________
Basic Argument Statement = What + Why
Nuanced Argument Statement = A Commonly Held Belief + Nuance Word + Explanation
Examples:
1. While some may argue that uniforms help students focus on learning, in reality they eliminate
opportunities for students’ personal individuality.
2. While critics present the belief that uniforms are an unfair requirement, they actually contribute to
creating a more equal student population, and ultimately, a more positive school culture.
3. (Choose either #3 or #4 from the Basic Argument examples and re-write to use the Nuance formula):
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Name: ___________________________________
Breakthrough Writing 9
Date: ______________
Day 1 Student Handout
Nuanced Words or Phrases:
 However
 Instead
 Nonetheless
 Yet
 On the other hand
Practice the Skill:
Read the 5 argument statements below. Identify each as either “Basic” or
“Nuanced.” If Basic, label the What and Why. If Nuanced, circle the “nuance” word. Then re-write one
Basic statement to be nuanced.
#
Basic or
Nuanced?
Argument Statement
1
Drivers should be required to wear seat belts because it is a proven safety measure.
2
Smoking should be prohibited in all indoor public spaces.
3
While traveling can seem a daunting task, it is important for young people to explore
the world at some point by taking a trip outside of their comfort zone of home.
4
AP classes should be mandatory for high school students to help prepare for college.
5
Even though they may reject the supervision, in reality it is important to supervise the
online behavior of children to make sure that they are making safe, smart decisions.
Re-written basic argument statement: __________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Show Mastery:
Complete the three tasks below to show mastery.
1. Complete the nuanced argument statement below—you are given the CHB:
Some may believe that teens should be able to use cell phones while driving, however ___________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Provide the CHB for the incomplete nuanced argument statement below:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________, however, in reality
school lunches are often not healthy or even tasty.
3. Write your own nuanced argument statement reflecting your opinion about whether or not students
should be allowed to go off their school’s campus for lunch during the day.
Name: ___________________________________
Breakthrough Writing 9
Date: ______________
Day 1 Student Handout
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Homework:
Use your class notes to answer the questions below.
1. What is the formula for basic argumentation?
2. How does the formula for basic argumentation change when you want to nuance an argument?
3. Why is nuancing an important skill to master as a writer?
“Silly Student” is trying to write argument statements to convince their classmates to agree with their
perspectives on different issues. Revise the two statements below to be effectively nuanced.
4. Our school should provide computers for every student so that we can complete assignments online, and
not have to carry textbooks anymore.
5. I disagree with the rule that students must attend detention if they didn’t complete homework; instead
they should be able to seek help from their teacher.