Writing an Argumentative Essay 1

Florida's educational standards are called Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T).
Every year, students across the state and different grade levels take the B.E.S.T Writing Assessment in April.
Each grade level is presented with its own prompt, which will either be argumentative or expository.

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​Thinking ahead:
The B.E.S.T Writing Assessment

WHY does the state want to test your writing skills?

Writing skills are an essential component of life; communication. Being able to fully explain a topic or create a claim on a certain argumentative topic and defend it is a very important communication skill that carries into many areas of life and vocations. ​

The B.E.S.T Writing Assessment

​During this assessment, the prompt will be clear on what type of essay (expository or argumentative) you are writing. You will be given source materials that you MUST READ and USE in your essay.

For argumentative writing, look for these keywords:

• Write an argumentative essay...

• Tell what you think

• In your opinion

• Take a position on

• Tell how you feel

• Argue whether
  

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In argumentative essays, you tell what you think or feel about a topic or issue you read about.
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​Planning

​Read the passage set + prompt
State your claim or position (pick a side)
Support your position with strong reasons

​**You are doing these steps as you fill out the packet!**

A great argumentative has 6 paragraphs, strong evidence and reasoning, stays on topic, and is very persuasive.

Planning an essay is a crucial step to ensure your essay is clear and convincing.
An outline helps!!!

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​Planning

Now I will create a sample outline for our prompt,
"Should students be required to stay in school until 18?"
Then,
you will complete the packet and draft an essay.