View largerParts of an argument
Learning the parts of an argument: claim, reasons, evidence, a counterclaim with a response, linking words, and a conclusion
1 page35 KB
Argumentative and Persuasive Writing Worksheets
Learn the parts of an argument, practice claims, evidence, and counterclaims, then plan and write essays and persuasive letters.
Download the argumentative writing worksheets
Learn the parts of an argument
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3 pagesView all 3 pagesModel argumentative essay
Finding the claim, reasons, evidence, counterclaim, response, and linking words in a model argumentative essay
Answer key on page 3
3 pages56 KB
Practice claims, evidence, linking words, and counterclaims
View all 2 pagesClaim, Fact, or Opinion?
Telling a claim apart from a fact and a personal opinion
Answer key on page 2
2 pages62 KB
View all 2 pagesWhich evidence supports which Reason?
Identifying which evidence supports which reason in an argument
Answer key on page 2
2 pages61 KB
View all 2 pagesLinking words for arguments
Linking an opinion, reasons, and evidence with words and phrases such as consequently, specifically, for example, and however
Answer key on page 2
2 pages58 KB
View all 2 pagesFind the counterclaim
Recognizing and writing counterclaims: what someone on the other side of an argument might say
Answer key on page 2
2 pages54 KB
View all 2 pagesRespond to a counterclaim
Choosing and writing respectful responses to counterclaims that keep the claim strong
Answer key on page 2
2 pages54 KB
Plan and write arguments and persuasive letters
View largerArgumentative essay planner
Planning an argument: claim, reasons with evidence, a counterclaim with a response, and a conclusion
1 page31 KB
View largerPersuasive Letter: the fair money
Writing a persuasive letter with a claim, reasons, evidence, and a respectful response to a counterclaim
1 page39 KB
View largerPersuasive Letter: our town
Writing a persuasive letter with logically ordered reasons supported by facts and details
1 page41 KB
View all 2 pagesArgument Essay: who makes the Rules?
Writing an argumentative essay with a claim, reasons, evidence, and a counterclaim with a response
2 pages52 KB
View all 2 pagesArgument Essay: tablets or Textbooks?
Writing an argumentative essay with logically ordered reasons supported by facts and details
2 pages44 KB
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About these argumentative writing worksheets
**Argumentative writing** tries to convince a reader to agree with a **claim**, the main point the writer wants readers to accept, such as "Our school should add ten more bike racks." The writer backs up the claim with **reasons** (why the reader should agree) and **evidence** (facts, examples, and quotations that prove each reason). A strong argument also names a **counterclaim**, what someone on the other side might say, and gives a respectful **response**. It ends with a **conclusion** that restates the claim and asks the reader to think or act.
**Persuasive writing** uses the same parts, plus language that speaks to the reader's feelings and values: helping the reader picture the change, or asking them directly to act ("Sign our letter today!"). The difference is mostly one of emphasis. An argument leans on reasons and evidence; persuasion adds an appeal to the heart. These pages teach both.
Start with the anchor chart and an original model essay, then practice one skill at a time: telling a claim from a fact or an opinion, matching evidence to the reason it supports, choosing linking words like **consequently**, **specifically**, **for example**, and **however**, and finding and answering counterclaims. When the parts make sense, an essay planner, two persuasive letter prompts, and two argumentative essay prompts bring it all together.
Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.AIntroduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer's purpose.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.BProvide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.CLink opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically).
How to use them
- Read the anchor chart together, then find each part in the model essay.
- Use one practice page a day: claims, evidence, linking words, counterclaims, and responses.
- Plan an argument on the essay planner before drafting.
- Write a persuasive letter or an argumentative essay, then reread it as if you were on the other side.
Teaching tips
- Pick topics your child actually cares about. Arguing for a longer recess is easier than arguing about something far away.
- Ask "How do you know?" after every reason. The answer is usually the evidence.
- Practice saying the other side out loud first. A child who can state the counterclaim fairly writes a stronger response.
- Think about the audience. A letter to a principal needs different reasons than a letter to a friend.
Questions teachers and parents ask
What is the difference between argumentative and persuasive writing?
Both try to convince a reader. Argumentative writing relies mainly on reasons and evidence and addresses the other side. Persuasive writing uses those too, but also appeals to the reader's feelings and values and often ends with a direct call to action.
What is a counterclaim?
A counterclaim is what someone who disagrees might say. Writers state it fairly and then respond with a reason or evidence that shows why their own claim still holds.
What is the difference between a claim and an opinion?
An opinion tells a personal feeling or taste, like "Pancakes taste better than waffles." A claim is a position you argue for with reasons and evidence, often about what should happen, like "Our town should paint a crosswalk near the library."
When do kids learn argumentative writing?
Children write opinion pieces from the early grades. In 4th and 5th grade they begin ordering reasons, backing them with facts and details, and linking ideas with words like consequently and specifically, which is the foundation for full argumentative essays in middle school.