Author: Patty Ney

Persuasion/ Argumentation
Grade 8

Products or Action
Analyze informational and literary text through writing and discussion
Persuade or argue-create
debates, essays, speeches,
research papers, problems/
solution essays, cause/effect
essays, reflective journals
Compare and critique two
author’s beliefs and
assumptions about a single
topic or issue, citing text-
based evidence, and decide
which author presents a
stronger argument (written
or oral product)
Make judgments about how
effectively an author has
supported his beliefs, citing
text-based evidence
Support positions in a paper or presentations.
Cite sources in a paper or a presentation

Essential Thinking Needed while Reading or Listening to an Argument
Draw conclusions from what you read and hear
Analyze bias in what you read & hear
Analyze positions on an issue
Evaluate information used to support a position
Recognize fallacies in logic
Check sources for date & accuracy
Analyze persuasive techniques used in what you read and hear
Judge effectiveness of arguments
Determine Point of View in Media
Synthesize from a variety of sources to support an argument
Analyze web-based and other resource materials for relevance in answering research questions

Bolded text is new to this grade level.

Techniques to Use
or Analyze
Maintain a consistent focus on the thesis
Select details to extend ideas to persuade/argue
Use quotations, data, reasons,
multiple examples that build on
each other
Use personal knowledge, anecdotes and research to support an opinions
Use persuasive techniques (ethos, pathos, logos)
Consider your audience whether writing or verbally expressing your viewpoint (What appeals to that audience? What will persuade them? What questions will they have?)
Use the Toulmin Model to frame an argument