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Best-of-Smekens Writing Conference:
Writing Remix 2019

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Six-Traits Essentials | Grammar & Conventions | Writing About Reading

Modes & Genres | Writer’s Workshop Management | Text-Based Responses

Modes & Genres

Quick Links:
Session 1: Meet the Argumentative Writing Standard
Session 2: Target Key Skills within an Informative Writing Unit
Session 3: Plan the Year of Writing Units
Session 4: Know the Narrative Non-Negotiables
Session 5: Teach Developmentally-Appropriate Writing in the Primary Grades

SESSION 1

Meet the Argumentative Writing Standard

Opinion Scale | Persuasive Scale | Argumentative Scale

Argumentative v. Persuasive Writing

Collect details for all perspectives

Identify details, facts, pros/cons, strengths/weaknesses, etc. for all sides.

Eventually, reveal multiple perspectives within informational texts. The Perspectives Flipbook series offers two major positions on historical events and hot topics.

Several websites offer excellent informative text that reveals hot topics, current trends, and kid-friendly issues.

Infer a commercial’s claim

Start with commercials where the claim is very clear.

Then move to less obvious arguments.

Choose a position in 4 steps

Teach students to first chart the perspectives before choosing a position.

Review this video clip explaining the four steps to align with the strongest position, not personal opinion.

Separate information by source & perspective.

List many good reasons

10 Reasons Template | Mac & Cheese Example

Collect details to infer reasons

Distinguish reasons from evidence.

List details in support of a position.
Group related details.
Infer reasons with supporting-detail sentences.

ShamWow! Video | Commercial Transcript

Flashcards to sort
List of details
Group related details.
Infer reasons with supporting-detail sentences.

Teach students how to collect, cut, group, and rank their details. Download a list of statements for/pro and against/con genetic engineering.

Observe a 30-minute lesson and activity executed in a Concord Junior High science class.

Order reasons for maximum effect

Crescendo to the strongest persuasive reason.

Consumer Reports | Counter Argument

Start end end persuasive pieces.

Present both sides

A more sophisticated organization is the They say… I say… rhythm. This organization creates an interior debate where the writer juggles both perspectives throughout the body. (Taylor Swift’s letter to Apple demonstrates this organization.)

Clinch it with a clever statement

I look forward to seeing girls in the next catalog you send out.

Not everything about chocolate-covered marshmallows is sweet.

We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us for free music.

The government whisks away clouds of smoke while legislating clouds of discrimination.

Download student writing samples with strong introductions and conclusions