Name: _______________________________
READING AND WRITING
POWER FOR TEENS
MAGAZINE
skill:
Write an Argument Essay
In an argument essay, you express an opinion and try to convince your
readers to agree with you. Follow the steps below so you can write a
strong argument essay.
Argument Writing
common core
anchor standards:
W.1, W.5
use with:
“Are Video Games
Sports?” p. 20
STEP 1: DecidE what you think
Consider the debate question. Are video games sports?
Check the box next to the point of view you will support in your essay.
Yes! Playing video games can be called a sport.
No! Playing video games cannot be called a sport.
STEP 2: write a topic sentence
The topic sentence tells readers what your essay will be about. It should clearly and strongly
state the opinion you expressed in Step 1.
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Your topic sentence:
STEP 3: summarize the issue
Tell readers a bit about the issue. Don’t focus on your point of view; explain the issue as a whole.
Your summary of the issue:
Continued on next page →
Scholastic Action Magazine • May 5, 2014
Name: _______________________________
READING AND WRITING
POWER FOR TEENS
Write an Argument Essay (continued)
STEP 4: support your opinion
Write three reasons or pieces of evidence that help make your point.
1.
2.
3.
STEP 5: mention the other side
Why might someone disagree with you on this issue? Write one reason someone might give to
support the other side of the argument. Then explain why you think it is weak or wrong.
Argument for the other side:
© 2014 by Scholastic Inc. Teachers may make copies of this page to distribute to their students.
Reason this argument is weak or wrong:
STEP 6: write a conclusion
This is the last paragraph of your essay. Write a few sentences that remind readers of your
main points.
Scholastic Action Magazine • May 5, 2014
MAGAZINE