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Lesson 1

Based on the planning and drafting we have done and considering the audience and purpose for our argument, we will each draft a paragraph that will be used to present and explain our positions and determine where to best place the paragraph in our arguments.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I draft a paragraph that clearly presents and explains the position I am taking in my argument, considering my purpose and audience?

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Materials

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Activity 1: Read – Discuss

Considering our purpose and audience, we will review the position statements we have previously written, make any final revisions, and determine how to introduce and explain our positions.

Review and potentially revise the position statement you previously developed.

Identify and explain to a partner the purpose of your argument and its intended audience. Summarize what you hope to communicate.

Consider and discuss what to write so your audience will understand your position, how it relates to the issue and question it addresses, and how it has developed from your reading and thinking.

Activity 2: Write – Discuss

We will draft clear and forceful paragraphs that present and explain our positions in response to the questions we previously articulated. We will do so in a way that considers our purpose and audience.

Draft a paragraph that introduces and explains your position, considering your purpose and audience as you determine the tone and language you will use.

Your statement of position (thesis) might be presented at the start of your paragraph as a topic sentence but could also come later or at the end of your position paragraph.

Work with a writing partner to review your position paragraph, using questions or criteria to determine how well the paragraph works and in what ways it might be improved.

Activity 3: Write – Discuss

We will determine how to incorporate the position paragraph in our overall argument and where to put it.

Looking at your final argumentation plan and your approach to reasoning, as developed in your Delineating Arguments Tool and Organizing Evidence Tool, determine where in your argument to place your position paragraph: at or near the start, somewhere in the middle, or near the end.

Discuss the options and your thinking with a writing partner.