Use this 2-page worksheet as independent practice to support your Argumentative Text Structure lesson. 

First, students will read an excerpt from an argumentative essay and identify elements of the excerpt. Then they choose three topics from a list and write claim sentences for each.  Finally, they create their own topic and claim sentences.

Through completing this activity, students demonstrate an ability to not only identify the claim of an argumentative text but also understand how the author uses facts to support their argument. 

Argumentative Essay Worksheet: Scaffolding and Extension Tips 

In addition to individual student work time, use this worksheet as a:

• Reading center activity
• Post-lesson exit ticket 
• Homework assignment
• Whole-class review (via smartboard)

Got fast finishers? Students who need a challenge can take one of the topics they chose from the list and expand their claim sentence into a paragraph or more.

Students who need extra support can complete the first part of the worksheet in guided practice. The second half could be turned into a pair or small group activity, given the pair or small group is told to choose the same topics.

A Variety of Ways to Prepare This Resource

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete.  

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

Get more handy worksheets here!  

This resource was created by Jennifer Hall, a teacher in North Carolina and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got writing activities of all kinds to cut down on lesson planning time:  

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