Author: Patty Ney

Products or Action
Written or Oral
Write to examine a variety of perspectives (argumentative paper on
opposing viewpoints
concerning medical research,
animal testing, etc.)
Write to compare and contrast the logic and use the evidence of two opposing arguments
Express an insight or solve a problem from using text; write an editorial or make a
presentation
Evaluate one’s own viewpoint and the viewpoints of others in the context of a discussion
Write to analyze informational and literary texts
Persuade or argue-create
debates, essays, speeches,
research papers, problem/
solution essays, cause/effect
essays, reflective journals
Make judgments about how
effectively an author has
supported his beliefs, citing
text-based evidence
Support positions in a paper or presentation
Cite sources in a paper or
presentation

Persuasion/ Argumentation
Grade 9-12

Essential Thinking Needed while Reading or Listening to an
Argument
Anticipate and address readers’ questions or arguments
Analyze audience (eliminate biased language, take into account age, cultural background,
gender of audience)
Use ethos, pathos, logos; fallacies in logic
Analyze bias in what you read & hear
Analyze positions on an issue
Evaluate information used to support a position
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
Use the Toulmin Model to frame an
argument
Critique persuasive and propaganda
techniques (emotional appeal-pathos,
fallacies)
Critique effectiveness of rhetorical
information(peer presentations,
speeches,arguments)
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 opinion
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 critical reasoning skills to analyze
and evaluate positions
Create and articulate possible
alternative resolutions to public issues
and evaluate these resolutions using
criteria that have been identified in the
context of discussion
Evaluate research to determine need for additional information/investigation
Evaluate research for alternate solutions
Evaluate how research has solidified or changed your own point of view