argument essay 8th grade

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8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

If you find yourself on this page, you are probably going to another level of your education – the final year of Middle school!

Isn’t it exciting?

One of the most common assignments in the 8th grade is an essay. Indeed, it gains new features. An eighth-grade essay is not the same as the sixth or seventh-grade one. It has more requirements and needs a deeper level of analysis.

How to write an 8th-grade essay? How many paragraphs should it contain? What is a standard 8th-grade essay format? On this page, you’ll find the answers to these and other questions that might arise. We’ve prepared creative 8th-grade essay topics, examples, and tips to write an A+ informative, narrative, or persuasive essay.

• 🧩 8th Grade Essay 101
• 📑 8th-Grade Essay Types
• 💾 Topics for the 8 th -Graders

🍎 8th Grade Essay Examples

🧩 8th-grade essay format explained.

Once again: the 8th-grade essay format is a bit different from that of the previous years.

Below, we thoroughly explain how long an 8th-grade essay should be and how to write it. We guarantee you’ll have no questions about the format and assessment of this type of work.

What Is the 8 th Grade Essay Format?

In this section, you’ll know which parts comprise any 8th-grade essay.

The first thing to remember: you’ve got onto an entirely new level. So, your writing isn’t as simple and short as it used to be in the previous school years.

Let’s start with the structure. The fundamental parts are the same as in any type of essay:

8th Grade Essay: How to Write & Typical Mistakes

With the help of this section, you’ll get to know the most straightforward and helpful tips for 8th-grade essay writing.

These are the things that any 8th grader should know!

8 th Grade Essay Do’s

• Look for reliable sources to find arguments and evidence.
• Try to arouse eagerness for writing: it surely will ease the whole process for you.
• Choose the topic that is interesting for you if you have such an option.
• Use academic language, special terms, consistent phrases, and correct grammar.
• Use good quotations from reputable sources to solidify your ideas.

8 th Grade Essay Don’ts

• Don’t write dully: an essay is a story. It should be exciting and consistent.
• Don’t make all your examples too similar: diversity is of the essence.
• Don’t let your text look like an unreadable pile of words: use graphic tools to highlight the most critical points.
• Don’t use unreliable sources and websites for citation.
• Don’t be afraid of honest self-expression. Your identity and thoughts are what make your 8th-grade essay unique.
• Don’t forget to revise your text after you’ve finished writing it.

8th Grade Essay Rubric

Meet the assessment strategies for 8th-grade writing. Here you’ll also find some prompts that improve your essay and lead you to a higher score.

So, the assessment pattern of a written piece comprises several main points. These are the things that assessors pay attention to:

📑 Eighth Grade Essay Types

We suppose that you come across different types of assignments during middle school. Among them, there indeed were descriptive and narrative essays.

However, now you are to face other exciting formats of writing. In the section below, you’ll get to know a few new types.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing where you make a claim and prove your point of view with solid arguments. Your aim at this point is to make readers nod in contempt while reading and share your opinion.

The structure may be pretty familiar to you:

In your argumentative essay, you should back up your opinion with some exact data: statistics, figures, research studies, and polls.

To solidify your claim, you can use three types of arguments:

• Aristotelian . The classical way – you make a statement and try to persuade the audience that it is the one that is fair and right.
• Rogerian . First, you display an issue, then present the opposing view. After that, reveal your own opinion and start convincing readers why they should take up your point.
• Toulmin . Present your thesis statement, then provide the audience with the grounds to support it. The final touch is to connect these parts.

PRO TIP: Explain why you disagree with the opposing point of view on your issue.

8th Grade Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is very similar to argumentative writing. There you have to pick up a mainly burning issue and establish a firm opinion towards it. The primary goal is the same as in the argumentative essay: to make your readers believe you.

Remember the three essentials of persuasive writing:

• Logos appeals to logic, which is apparent. Deliver your thoughts cohesively and reasonably.
• Ethos is about persuading the readers, appealing to their sense of ethics and morality.
• Pathos helps you convince through emotions.

8th Grade Essay – Informative

An expository essay brings concepts to complete understanding. In other words, you explain something to give a clue about the subject in question. Successful expository writing makes the audience get the whole picture, leaving no questions or misunderstandings.

To familiarize yourself with expository essay structure, check our recently updated guide on writing an expository essay .

And briefly look at six major types of expository essays:

💾 8th Grade Essay Topics

8th grade argumentative essay topics.

• What is the main challenge you’ve ever met?
• What was the happiest moment of your childhood?
• Tell about the accomplishment you’re most proud of.
• What are the personal qualities you like most?
• Write about an inspiring celebrity.
• What does emotional intelligence mean?
• Write about the largest challenge of getting older.
• How is adolescence different from childhood?

Read the list of topics we’ve prepared for an 8th-grade essay. Choose your favorite or use our Free Essay Topics Generator to find the best one.

Persuasive Essay Topics for 8th Grade

• Would limited screen time be beneficial for health?
• Will the global use of electric vehicles save us from the ecological crisis?
• The government should provide citizens with more qualified psychological help.
• What are the pros and cons of buying a pet for a child?
• Should people use paper and textile bags instead of plastic ones?
• Is it necessary to attend PE classes in school?
• Is it ethical to use smartphones during the lesson?
• Should parents forbid their children from watching TikTok?
• Pros and cons of cheating on exams: immoral or beneficial?
• Should there be only healthy snack vending machines at schools?
• Is it acceptable for a teacher to raise the voice at a student?
• Should modern rappers’ songs be put through censorship?
• Is it ethical for students to discuss their teachers?
• Should all cosmetic products become cruelty-free?
• Should we stop the overconsumption of sugar for the sake of our health?
• Should zoos and circuses be banned forever?

8th Grade Informative Essay Topics

• Compare and contrast the environmental policies of the USA and Europe.
• What are the harmful effects of CO 2 emissions on the environment?
• How is the concept of freedom reflected in 20th-century literature?
• Reveal the details of the famous friendship of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
• Brush off or fight: how to act when you come across bullying at school?
• What are the most significant challenges school attendees usually face?
• How to overcome your fears without getting traumatized?
• How to prepare for the exam period and overcome anxiety?
• Freedom or despair: the history and concept of trailer parks in the USA.
• Explain the concept of sustainability and what benefits it has.
• Provide a classification of American lifestyles based on location.
• A reasonable person: describe the concept and the features.

Look at our 8th grade essay examples. These are mostly just excerpts, but we included the most significant parts. Approach us in case you need a similar paper or have any questions.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (#1)

The most notorious substance in the ecological discourse: is CO 2 really that bad?

Did you know that it’s better for the earth if you work out or jog with your mouth tightly shut? It’s not common knowledge, but professionals know: we need a considerable amount of CO 2 in our blood. In some terms, it’s even more vital than oxygen. Undoubtedly, there has to be a proper balance, and here is the point: CO 2 can be beneficial.

Though what good does it make to nature and the environment?

It’s all the same as with our body: CO 2 is not evil on earth, but there must be a proper balance. Now, this balance is critical, and we must make serious efforts to change the situation.

• According to last year’s research, the USA is in the second place among countries producing the most significant part of CO 2 in the whole world. The website statista.com published striking figures. 4.57 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced in 2020 by the energy consumption sphere in the United States.
• Besides, a recently published report from the IEA agency reveals another piece of statistics. Compared to the previous year, the amount of CO 2 emissions will rise to 5% in 2021. This year we’re facing 33 billion tons of this greenhouse gas.
• These figures mean nothing without context. Here you are: nature suffers greatly from CO 2 influence. Due to the greenhouse effect caused by an excess of CO 2 , the water temperature in oceans and seas is rising. This process is not positive at all because the natural habitat for sea creatures is altering. The changes are dramatic and lead to the extinction of many species.

In conclusion, we need to find an efficient way to improve the ecological situation regarding CO 2 emissions. The key is global social and individual awareness and consciousness. Each and every inhabitant of the Earth has to understand the meaning of CO 2 for global warming clearly. So, try to jog with your lips closed and choose a bike instead of a car.

Example #2: 8th Grade Persuasive Essay

Is it essential to stay away from social media for the sake of mental health?

Nielsen Company conducted research that says that the average US adult spends more than 10 hours interacting with social media each day. Indeed, social media plays a very considerable role in the life of a modern person. Most of us are more likely to spend time watching short videos than reading a good book. But is it harmful to our mental health to the extent that we have to quit using social media platforms?

To my mind, we are greatly dependent on our Instagram and TikTok accounts, and the content posted there. It certainly has a negative impact, too. However, the complete cancellation of social media is not a way out. The key to good mental condition is in the skill of managing your relations with them.

• One of the recent surveys by the Lancet reports that Facebook users who scroll the newsfeed before sleep tend to be more depressed. Apparently, the deprivation of sleep affects mental well-being to a great extent.
• FInancesOnline has recently posted the results of the research. According to this data, Facebook constitutes 72% of people’s FOMO and anxiety. Posts about traveling and active social life create most of these feelings.
• At the same time, healthy rivalry can motivate development and growth. There’s a reasonable quotation saying that one should compare themselves yesterday instead of comparing to others. The best thing one can do to take care of their mental health is to take a digital detox for a while.

Thus, it is vital to trace your obsessions with social media and negative feelings caused by comparison with others on the Internet. Try to get more aware of it, take your time to rest from social media, and plunge into real life.

5 Paragraph Essay Example for 8th Grade (#3)

The Financier and American Tragedy : compare and contrast two main characters of Dreiser’s novels.

Do you know that Theodore Dreiser is sometimes called an American Fyodor Dostoevsky? Both writers touched upon the most sensitive social and existential issues. However, the subject of this paper is not the comparison of the authors but two famous Dreiser characters: Clyde Griffiths and Frank Cowperwood.

Both of these young American men were striving to reach financial and social success in a world of brutal struggle and hardships.

• Clyde Griffiths represents the desperate strive for American Dream. Born in a poor and religious family, he grows greedy for money and status. In his blind obsession with gaining a high social position, he doesn’t notice his spiritual degradation. He is smart enough to struggle his way into high society but not so witty to solidify his standing with decent means. He cheats, lies, and finally commits a murder: Clyde seems to be already born guilty at times. On reading the story, there doesn’t appear any sympathy toward him. On the contrary, he provokes feelings of abomination and disgust.
• Frank Cowperwood also aims to become wealthy and socially firm. He wants to improve his family’s life quality. Still, his ways and means astonish. Frank is a natural-born predator and strategist. His sophistication and sharp wit show up in him since his very childhood. He isn’t a man of high moral standards: Frank doesn’t mind cheating on his wife and manipulating city treasure money. However, he’s a passionate man, honest and open in his heart urges and impulses. That is the reason why fortune favors him.

However, having similar goals but different personalities and mindsets, Griffiths and Cowperwood reach completely different destination points.

How to Write an Essay in 8th Grade?

– You should pick up a good topic and formulate your attitude to the problem. – Write an outline. – Make a clear and brief thesis statement. – Think of at least 3 firm arguments if the essay type demands it. – Impress your readers with a firm conclusion. Voila! Do not forget to proofread!

How Long Is an Essay in 8th Grade?

The length of the 8th-grade essay slightly depends on the format and the particular type of writing. However, it varies from approximately 500 to 800 words. Within this framework, you have to make yourself clear and deliver all necessary points.

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph for 8th Grade?

The size of a paragraph in the 8th-grade essay has to be not less than 8 sentences in each. Besides that, mind that the sentences are primarily compound or complex, error-free, and coherent. Also, remember to connect the sentences and paragraphs with particular language means.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay in 8th Grade?

Choose an exciting and acute topic. Make up a thesis statement out of the problem. Draft an outline or a brief plan. Explore some reliable sources for the evidence and arguments for your essay. Organize the facts and information into a cohesive structure.

I’m an 8th grade student at a private school, and my teacher assigns us up to 4-6 pages most to write. First of all we get other essays on top of this, and usually have nearly to a week to finish. Me and my classmates struggle with this. Do you guys think this is too much for an average 8th grade student?

i am writin apaper right now and it is averreding and its about the changes we woud make to our cafeteria it has to be 5 paragraphs long

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Writing an Argument Essay

Description.

Students use their Atticus note-catchers and their understanding of Atticus as a character to weigh the evidence and craft the claim for their argument essay.

The prompt for the argument essay is set up to guide students toward the same position: It does make sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson. An answer to the contrary may show a lack of comprehension of Atticus as a character or of how best to use evidence. The goal of this essay is to teach students the basic skills involved in writing an argument essay.

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• Grade 8 ELA Module 2A, Unit 2, Lesson 10

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These resources, developed by the New York State Education Department, provide standard-level scaffolding suggestions for English Language Learners (ELLs) to help them meet grade-level demands. Each resource contains scaffolds at multiple levels of language acquisition and describes the linguistic demands of the standards to help ELA teachers as well as ESL/bilingual teachers scaffold content for their English learning students.

• CCSS Standard:

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• Argumentative Writing Prompts for 8th Grade Students

Are you an 8th grade student looking for thought-provoking argumentative writing prompts that will challenge your debating skills and help you express your ideas effectively? Look no further. In this section, we have compiled a list of engaging writing prompts specifically designed for 8th grade students like you.

These argumentative writing prompts cover a wide range of topics, including controversial issues, current social concerns, and ethical considerations. By exploring these prompts, you will not only enhance your critical thinking abilities but also develop your persuasive writing skills.

Imagine debating whether students should have access to their phones in class or discussing the impact of captivity on exotic animals. Engage in thought-provoking conversations about the issue of bullying and appropriate punishment, or delve into the effects of specialized laws in our country.

Consider the benefits and drawbacks of weekend homework, and critically evaluate the government’s role in deciding school lunches. Explore the legality of smoking and the requirements of gym class. Reflect upon the age for drinking alcohol and join the fight against human trafficking.

Contemplate the ethical considerations of animal testing and engage in the debate on the death penalty. Examine the benefits and drawbacks of granting benefits to illegal immigrants and assess the readiness of the United States for a female president.

Reflect upon the impact of uniforms on personal expression and bullying, and discuss the effects of violent video games. Consider the controversies surrounding dairy consumption and the consequences of consuming hot dogs on the 4th of July. These are just a few examples of the many prompts we have prepared for you.

By engaging with these argumentative writing prompts, you will enhance your critical thinking skills, cultivate persuasive writing abilities, and learn how to construct well-supported arguments. So, embrace this opportunity, and let your voice be heard!

Explore a Range of Engaging Writing Prompts for 8th Grade Students

Let’s dive into a variety of argumentative writing prompts specifically curated for 8th grade students, covering a diverse range of thought-provoking topics that will challenge and inspire you.

These prompts are designed to encourage critical thinking and enhance persuasive writing skills, giving students the opportunity to express their opinions on issues that are relevant and engaging. From social issues to ethical considerations, educational policies to current events, there is a prompt to suit every interest and spark lively classroom discussions.

Some of the top argumentative writing prompts for 8th grade students include:

These prompts will challenge students to think critically, research and gather evidence, and construct compelling arguments. Engaging with these topics will not only enhance their debating skills but also develop their ability to communicate effectively and consider different perspectives.

• Expand Your Debate Skills with Middle School Argumentative Writing Prompts

As 8th graders, it’s important to delve into various thought-provoking topics that will broaden your understanding of the world. Use these prompts to explore controversial issues, foster critical thinking, and refine your persuasive writing abilities.

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of weekend homework?
• Should the government have control over school lunches?
• What is the legality of smoking and the age for drinking alcohol?
• How can we effectively combat human trafficking?
• What are the ethical considerations of animal testing?

By engaging with these argumentative writing prompts, you will develop essential skills such as research, analysis, and effective communication, preparing you for future academic and professional challenges. Embrace the opportunity to express your opinions, defend your arguments, and engage in meaningful debates.

Key Topics in 8th Grade Argumentative Writing Prompts

Get ready to explore a range of intriguing topics in our 8th grade argumentative writing prompts , addressing current social issues, ethical dilemmas, educational policies, and more. These prompts are designed to challenge students to think critically, analyze multiple perspectives, and construct persuasive arguments supported by evidence.

• Controversial Topics for 8th Grade

One of the key focuses of the argumentative writing prompts for 8th grade is to delve into controversial topics that spark debate and discussion. Students will explore issues such as the impact of captivity on exotic animals, the ethical considerations of animal testing, and the debate on the death penalty. These prompts encourage students to think deeply, research extensively, and present well-reasoned arguments.

• 8th Grade Debate Topics

The prompts also include a variety of 8th grade debate topics that cover a wide range of subjects. Students will contemplate the benefits and drawbacks of granting benefits to illegal immigrants, the government’s influence on fair news on social media, and the promotion of racism by the government. These topics encourage students to challenge preconceived notions and engage in informed discussions.

• Engaging Writing Prompts for 8th Grade Students

Furthermore, the argumentative writing prompts for 8th grade are carefully crafted to be engaging and relevant to students’ lives. Topics such as whether students should have access to their phones in class, the effects of specialized laws on the country, and the fairness of letter grades will captivate students’ interest and encourage them to explore their own beliefs and values.

• Enhancing Critical Thinking and Persuasive Skills through Argumentative Writing

By engaging with our carefully crafted argumentative writing prompts, 8th-grade students can develop essential skills in critical thinking, persuasive writing, and the ability to present well-supported arguments effectively. These prompts cover a wide range of engaging topics that stimulate students’ analytical thinking and encourage them to articulate their thoughts and opinions in a coherent and persuasive manner.

Through tackling controversial issues such as the impact of captivity on exotic animals, the ethics of animal testing, or the consequences of unregulated pet care, students are challenged to think critically about complex societal dilemmas. They are encouraged to consider different perspectives, gather evidence, and construct logical arguments to support their views. This process of analyzing and evaluating different arguments helps students develop their critical thinking skills and enhances their ability to assess complex information.

Furthermore, engagement with argumentative writing prompts fosters the development of persuasive writing skills. Students learn to structure their essays effectively, using persuasive techniques such as appealing to emotions, presenting strong evidence, and anticipating counterarguments. They also learn how to use language persuasively, crafting convincing and well-supported arguments that resonate with their readers.

Finally, argumentative writing prompts provide students with the opportunity to present their ideas and arguments confidently. Through practice, students learn how to communicate their thoughts clearly and coherently, honing their ability to express themselves effectively in both oral and written formats. These skills are not only valuable in academic settings but also in real-life situations where the ability to persuasively communicate ideas is essential.

These prompts are just a sample of the wide array of topics that challenge 8th-grade students to think critically, develop persuasive writing skills, and present arguments effectively. By engaging with argumentative writing, students can become adept at expressing their ideas, evaluating different perspectives, and engaging in meaningful debates.

Embrace the power of argumentative writing prompts for 8th grade students and witness the growth of critical thinking, persuasive writing, and effective communication skills as they delve into these thought-provoking topics.

Argumentative writing prompts for 8th grade students are an effective way to develop their skills in debating and conveying opinions. By exploring a range of engaging prompts, students can enhance their abilities to construct well-supported arguments and cultivate persuasive writing techniques. These prompts cover a wide variety of topics, including the impact of captivity on exotic animals, the ethical considerations of animal testing, and the consequences of consuming hot dogs on the 4th of July.

Encouraging students to tackle controversial issues such as the debate on the death penalty and the fight against human trafficking, these prompts provide opportunities for students to engage in important conversations and express their opinions on current social issues. By exploring these topics, students can develop their critical thinking skills and learn to articulate their thoughts and arguments effectively.

Furthermore, the use of argumentative writing prompts encourages the development of persuasive writing abilities. Students are challenged to present well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence, helping them to strengthen their ability to convince others of their viewpoints. Additionally, these prompts foster effective communication skills as students learn to express their thoughts and opinions in a clear and concise manner.

• Source Links
• https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/argumentative-essay-topics-for-middle-school/
• https://www.weareteachers.com/argumentative-writing-prompts/
• https://litinfocus.com/20-argumentative-essay-writing-topics-for-upper-elementary-and-middle-school-students/

Free Printable Argument Writing Worksheets for 8th Grade

Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8 Reading & Writing teachers: Discover a variety of free printable resources to help students develop strong arguments and enhance their writing skills.

Explore Argument Writing Worksheets by Grades

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• Reading & Writing

Explore printable Argument Writing worksheets for 8th Grade

Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are essential tools for teachers looking to enhance their students' reading and writing skills. These worksheets focus on developing critical thinking and analytical abilities in students, enabling them to construct well-reasoned and persuasive arguments in their writing. By incorporating nonfiction writing exercises, teachers can expose their students to a variety of topics and help them develop a strong foundation in research and fact-checking. Reading and writing activities in these worksheets are designed to cater to the unique needs of Grade 8 students, ensuring that they are appropriately challenged and engaged. With Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8, teachers can effectively prepare their students for more advanced writing tasks in the future.

Quizizz offers a comprehensive platform that complements Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8, providing teachers with an interactive and engaging way to assess their students' progress. In addition to offering a wide range of quizzes and games that cover various aspects of reading and writing, Quizizz also allows teachers to create their own customized quizzes to target specific skills and concepts. This flexibility makes it an invaluable resource for educators looking to supplement their Grade 8 curriculum with fun and interactive learning experiences. Furthermore, Quizizz's extensive library of resources, including nonfiction writing prompts and reading comprehension activities, ensures that teachers have access to a diverse array of materials to support their students' growth in reading and writing. By integrating Quizizz into their lesson plans, teachers can provide their Grade 8 students with a well-rounded and engaging approach to developing their argument writing skills.

How to Teach Argument Writing Step-By-Step

No doubt, teaching argument writing to middle school students can be tricky. Even the word “argumentative” is off-putting, bringing to mind pointless bickering. But once I came up with argument writing lessons that were both fun and effective, I quickly saw the value in it. And so did my students.

You see, we teachers have an ace up our sleeve. It’s a known fact that from ages 11-14, kids love nothing more than to fire up a good ole battle royale with just about anybody within spitting distance.

Yup. So we’re going to use their powers of contradiction to OUR advantage by showing them how to use our argument writing lessons to power up their real-life persuasion skills. Your students will be knocking each other over in the hall to get to the room first!

I usually plan on taking about three weeks on the entire argument writing workshop. However, there are years when I’ve had to cut it down to two, and that works fine too.

Here are the step-by-step lessons I use to teach argument writing. It might be helpful to teachers who are new to teaching the argument, or to teachers who want to get back to the basics. If it seems formulaic, that’s because it is. In my experience, that’s the best way to get middle school students started.

Prior to Starting the Writer’s Workshop

A couple of weeks prior to starting your unit, assign some quick-write journal topics. I pick one current event topic a day, and I ask students to express their opinion about the topic.

Quick-writes get the kids thinking about what is going on in the world and makes choosing a topic easier later on.

Define Argumentative Writing

I’ll never forget the feeling of panic I had in 7th grade when my teacher told us to start writing an expository essay on snowstorms. How could I write an expository essay if I don’t even know what expository MEANS, I whined to my middle school self.

We can’t assume our students know or remember what argumentative writing is, even if we think they should know. So we have to tell them. Also, define claim and issue while you’re at it.

Establish Purpose

I always tell my students that learning to write an effective argument is key to learning critical thinking skills and is an important part of school AND real-life writing.

We start with a fictional scenario every kid in the history of kids can relate to.

ISSUE : a kid wants to stay up late to go to a party vs. AUDIENCE : the strict mom who likes to say no.

The “party” kid writes his mom a letter that starts with a thesis and a claim: I should be permitted to stay out late to attend the part for several reasons.

By going through this totally relatable scenario using a modified argumentative framework, I’m able to demonstrate the difference between persuasion and argument, the importance of data and factual evidence, and the value of a counterclaim and rebuttal.

Students love to debate whether or not strict mom should allow party kid to attend the party. More importantly, it’s a great way to introduce the art of the argument, because kids can see how they can use the skills to their personal advantage.

Persuasive Writing Differs From Argument Writing

At the middle school level, students need to understand persuasive and argument writing in a concrete way. Therefore, I keep it simple by explaining that both types of writing involve a claim. However, in persuasive writing, the supporting details are based on opinions, feelings, and emotions, while in argument writing the supporting details are based on researching factual evidence.

I give kids a few examples to see if they can tell the difference between argumentation and persuasion before we move on.

Argumentative Essay Terminology

In order to write a complete argumentative essay, students need to be familiar with some key terminology . Some teachers name the parts differently, so I try to give them more than one word if necessary:

• thesis statement
• bridge/warrant
• counterclaim/counterargument*
• turn-back/refutation

*If you follow Common Core Standards, the counterargument is not required for 6th-grade argument writing. All of the teachers in my school teach it anyway, and I’m thankful for that when the kids get to 7th grade.

Organizing the Argumentative Essay

I teach students how to write a step-by-step 5 paragraph argumentative essay consisting of the following:

• Introduction : Includes a lead/hook, background information about the topic, and a thesis statement that includes the claim.
• Body Paragraph #1 : Introduces the first reason that the claim is valid. Supports that reason with facts, examples, and/or data.
• Body Paragraph #2 : The second reason the claim is valid. Supporting evidence as above.
• Counterargument (Body Paragraph #3): Introduction of an opposing claim, then includes a turn-back to take the reader back to the original claim.
• Conclusion : Restates the thesis statement, summarizes the main idea, and contains a strong concluding statement that might be a call to action.

Mentor Texts

If we want students to write a certain way, we should provide high-quality mentor texts that are exact models of what we expect them to write.

I know a lot of teachers will use picture books or editorials that present arguments for this, and I can get behind that. But only if specific exemplary essays are also used, and this is why.

If I want to learn Italian cooking, I’m not going to just watch the Romanos enjoy a holiday feast on Everybody Loves Raymond . I need to slow it down and follow every little step my girl Lidia Bastianich makes.

The same goes for teaching argument writing. If we want students to write 5 paragraph essays, that’s what we should show them.

In fact, don’t just display those mentor texts like a museum piece. Dissect the heck out of those essays. Pull them apart like a Thanksgiving turkey. Disassemble the essay sentence by sentence and have the kids label the parts and reassemble them. This is how they will learn how to structure their own writing.

Also, encourage your detectives to evaluate the evidence. Ask students to make note of how the authors use anecdotes, statistics, and facts. Have them evaluate the evidence and whether or not the writer fully analyzes it and connects it to the claim.

This is absolutely the best way for kids to understand the purpose of each part of the essay.

Research Time

Most of my students are not very experienced with performing research when we do this unit, so I ease them into it. (Our “big” research unit comes later in the year with our feature article unit .)

I start them off by showing this short video on how to find reliable sources. We use data collection sheets and our school library’s database for research. There are also some awesome, kid-friendly research sites listed on the Ask a Tech Teacher Blog .

Step-By-Step Drafting

The bedrock of drafting is to start with a solid graphic organizer. I have to differentiate for my writers, and I’ve found they have the most success when I offer three types of graphic organizers.

1- Least Support: This is your standard graphic organizer. It labels each paragraph and has a dedicated section for each part of the paragraph.

2- Moderate Support: This one has labels and sections, but also includes sentence stems for each sentence in the paragraph.

3- Most Support: This one has labels and sections and also includes fill-in-the-blank sentence frames . It’s perfect for my emerging writers, and as I’ve mentioned previously, students do NOT need the frames for long and soon become competent and independent writers.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction has three parts and purposes.

First, it has a hook or lead. While it should be about the topic, it shouldn’t state the writer’s position on the topic. I encourage students to start with a quote by a famous person, an unusual detail, a statistic, or a fact.

Kids will often try to start with a question, but I discourage that unless their question also includes one of the other strategies. Otherwise, I end up with 100 essays that start with, “Do you like sharks?” Lol

Next, it’s time to introduce the issue. This is the background information that readers need in order to understand the controversy.

Last, students should state the claim in the thesis statement. I call it a promise to the reader that the essay will deliver by proving that the claim is valid.

Writing the Supporting Body Paragraphs

Each supporting body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the idea and states the reason why the claim is valid. The following sentences in the paragraph should support that reason with facts, examples, data, or expert opinions. The bridge is the sentence that connects that piece of evidence to the argument’s claim. The concluding sentence should restate the reason.

Writing the Counterclaim Paragraph

The counterclaim paragraph is a very important aspect of argument writing. It’s where we introduce an opposing argument and then confidently take the reader back to the original argument. I tell students that it’s necessary to “get in the head” of the person who might not agree with their claim, by predicting their objections.

It can be tough for kids to “flip the switch” on their own argument, so I like to practice this a bit. I give them several pairs of transitions that go together to form a counterclaim and rebuttal. I also switch up what I call this part so that they use the terminology interchangeably.

• It might seem that [ counterargument . ]However, [ turn-back .]
• Opponents may argue that [ counterargument .] Nevertheless, [ turn back .]
• A common argument against this position is [ counterargument .] Yet, [ turn-back .]

A great way for kids to practice this is to have them work with partners to write a few counterarguments together. I let them practice by giving them easy role-playing topics.

• Your cousins want to jump into a poison ivy grove for a TikTok challenge. Choose your position on this and write a counterargument and turn-back.
• Your friend wants to get a full-face tattoo of their boyfriend’s name. Choose your position on this and write a counterargument and turn-back.

This kind of practice makes the counterargument much more clear.

The concluding paragraph should remind the reader of what was argued in the essay and why it matters. It might also suggest solutions or further research that could be done on the topic. Or students can write a call to action that asks the reader to perform an action in regard to the information they’ve just learned.

My students write about local issues and then turn the essays into letters to our superintendent, school board, or state senators. It’s an amazing way to empower kids and to show them that their opinion matters. I’ve written about that here and I’ve included the sentence frames for the letters in my argumentative writing unit.

I hope this gives you a good overview of teaching argument writing. Please leave any questions below. Please also share your ideas, because we all need all the help we can give each other!

And one more thing. Don’t be surprised if parents start asking you to tone down the unit because it’s become harder to tell their kids why they can’t stay up late for parties. 🙂

Stay delicious!

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EL Education Curriculum

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• ELA 2019 G8:M2:U3:L9

Write a Practice Argument Essay: Analyze and Draft a Counterclaim

In this lesson, daily learning targets, ongoing assessment.

• Technology and Multimedia

Supporting English Language Learners

Materials from previous lessons, new materials, closing & assessments, you are here:.

• ELA 2019 Grade 8
• ELA 2019 G8:M2
• ELA 2019 G8:M2:U3

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Focus Standards:  These are the standards the instruction addresses.

• W.8.1, W.8.1a, W.8.1b, W.8.4, W.8.5, W.8.10, L.8.5b

Supporting Standards:  These are the standards that are incidental—no direct instruction in this lesson, but practice of these standards occurs as a result of addressing the focus standards.

• RI.8.1, RI.8.4, RI.8.10, W.8.1c, W.8.6, SL.8.1, L.8.4, L.8.6
• I can identify the purpose of each part of the counterclaim paragraph of a model argument essay. ( W.8.1a )
• I can write the counterclaim of my practice essay. ( W.8.1a, W.8.4 )
• Opening: Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9 ( W.8.1b )
• Work Time A: Annotated Model Essay ( W.8.1a )
• Work Time B: Language Dive: Counterclaim ( W.8.1a, L.8.5b )
• Work Time C: Counterclaim of Practice Argument Essay ( W.8.1a, W.8.4 )
• Prepare the Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (one per student).
• Ensure there is a copy of Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9 at each student's workspace.
• Strategically pair students for work in Opening A, with at least one strong reader per pair.
• Review the Argument Writing checklist to become familiar with what will be required of students over the remainder of the unit.
• Post the learning targets and applicable anchor charts (see Materials list).

Tech and Multimedia

• Work Time C: Prepare devices with word-processing capabilities for students to continue drafting.
• Continue to use the technology tools recommended throughout previous modules to create anchor charts to share with families; to record students as they participate in discussions and protocols to review with students later and to share with families; and for students to listen to and annotate text, record ideas on note-catchers, and word-process writing.

Supports guided in part by CA ELD Standards 8.I.C.11, 8.I.C.12, 8.II.A.1, and 8.II.A.2.

Important Points in the Lesson Itself

• To support ELLs, this lesson includes a Language Dive on a sentence that introduces a counterclaim in the model essay. Students will have already seen this sentence in the previous lessons while reading and analyzing the model essay. In the Practice portion of this Language Dive, students begin drafting a sentence for the counterclaim paragraph of their own essays. After the Language Dive, students will directly transfer what they have learned and practiced while writing the practice argument essay.
• Students may find it difficult to understand the structure of a counterclaim paragraph and struggle to form a coherent counterclaim in their essays. Prioritize the collaborative portions of the lesson to ensure that students are receiving appropriate support and that they are able to discuss and ask questions as they become more familiar with this element of an essay. The oral rehearsal portion of Work Time C may be especially beneficial for ELLs.
• dimension, rebuttal, refute, validity (A)

(A): Academic Vocabulary

(DS): Domain-Specific Vocabulary

• Academic word wall (one for display; from Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 2, Opening A)
• Characteristics of Argument Writing anchor chart (example for teacher reference) (from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Closing A)
• Characteristics of Argument Writing anchor chart (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Closing A)
• Model Essay: "Transportation Choices" (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time A)
• Argument Writing checklist (example for teacher reference) (from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time C)
• Argument Writing checklist (one for display; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time C)
• Practice Argument Essay Writing Plan graphic organizer (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 5, Work Time C)
• The Omnivore’s Dilemma (one per student; Module 2, Unit 1, Lesson 1, Closing and Assessment A)
• Painted Essay® template (one per student; from Module 1, Unit 3, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
• Model Essay: “Transportation Choices” (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time A)
• Argument Writing checklist (one per student; from Module 2, Unit 3, Lesson 4, Work Time C)
• Independent reading journals (one per student; begun in Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 6, Work Time B)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9 (example for teacher reference)
• Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (example for teacher reference)
• Language Dive Guide: Model Essay: "Transportation Choices," Paragraph 5 (for teacher reference)
• Green, red and yellow markers (one of each color)
• Language Dive: Model Essay: "Transportation Choices," Paragraph 5 note-catcher (example for teacher reference)
• Entrance Ticket: Unit 3, Lesson 9
• Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher (one per student and one for display)
• Practice Essay Counterclaim note-catcher ▲
• Language Dive: Model Essay: “Transportation Choices,” Paragraph 5 note-catcher (one per student)
• Language Dive: Model Essay: “Transportation Choices,” Paragraph 5 sentence chunk strips (one per group)
• Devices (one per student; see Technology and Multimedia)

Each unit in the 6-8 Language Arts Curriculum has two standards-based assessments built in, one mid-unit assessment and one end of unit assessment. The module concludes with a performance task at the end of Unit 3 to synthesize students' understanding of what they accomplished through supported, standards-based writing.

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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

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