71. 8 Highly Engaging (and Controversial) Argumentative Mentor Texts for Middle and High Schoolers

Any English teacher can tell you that argumentative essays written by students are more often than not, dry, dull, and formulaic. I’m here to tell you, it’s not our students’ fault. The writing units most teachers follow to teach argument essays are dry, dull, and formulaic.Common core standards require that teachers prioritize the core concepts of argument writing such as the writing process, thesis statement, claim statement, reasoning, evidence, and the annotated bibliography. Teachers have to use a step-by-step process because students need these foundations.In all the years I’ve been an English teacher I have found that writing surpasses expectations when students have a purpose for writing and are given permission to write with voice and passion about high-interest topics. Listen to learn about 8 high interest argumentative articles (mentor texts) you can use with your students tomorrow. Each article includes possible writing skills you could teach as well as discussion questions!Support this podcast (you'll benefit too, I promise) by purchasing high quality resources that increase student engagement, promote equity, and are editable here: https://amandawritenow.com/shop/