Grade: 9 Subject: ELA (Writing) Unit: Argument Essays Lesson: 5 of 6 SAT: ExpressionOfIdeas ACT: Writing

Writing Application

Learning Objectives

In this lesson, you will:

  • Apply argument essay skills to your own writing
  • Practice drafting and revising argumentative paragraphs
  • Receive feedback on common writing issues
  • Develop a complete argument essay outline

Practice Quiz

Apply your writing skills to these exercises. Click each to see the model response.

Question 1: Write a thesis statement for: "Should students be required to take a financial literacy course?"

Model Answer: "All high school students should be required to complete a financial literacy course because it prepares them for real-world money management, reduces future debt problems, and addresses a critical gap in traditional education."

Key Elements: Clear position + three supporting reasons

Question 2: Revise this weak topic sentence: "This paragraph is about exercise."

Model Revision: "Regular physical exercise directly improves academic performance by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing stress hormones that interfere with concentration."

Improvement: Makes a specific, arguable claim rather than just announcing the topic.

Question 3: Add evidence to this claim: "Cell phone bans in schools improve student focus."

Model Answer: "A 2019 study by the London School of Economics found that schools banning phones saw test scores improve by 6.4%, with the greatest gains among struggling students. Additionally, teachers at phone-free schools reported 40% fewer classroom disruptions."

Key Elements: Specific source, statistics, and multiple pieces of evidence

Question 4: Write a counterargument and rebuttal for: "Schools should switch to a four-day week."

Model Answer: "Critics argue that a four-day week would create childcare problems for working parents. However, many districts have successfully addressed this by offering optional enrichment programs on the fifth day, and studies show that parents adapt their schedules within the first semester."

Key Elements: Acknowledges valid concern, then provides evidence-based response

Question 5: This sentence uses weak language. Strengthen it: "I think that maybe homework might possibly help students learn."

Model Revision: "Research consistently demonstrates that purposeful homework reinforces classroom learning and develops independent study skills."

Improvement: Removed hedging words (I think, maybe, might, possibly) and added confident, assertive language.

Question 6: Write a transition sentence connecting a paragraph about environmental benefits to one about economic benefits of solar energy.

Model Answer: "Beyond its clear environmental advantages, solar energy also offers compelling economic benefits for homeowners and businesses alike."

Key Elements: References previous point while introducing new one

Question 7: What's wrong with this conclusion? "In conclusion, I wrote about why homework is bad. That's my essay."

Answer: It merely announces what was done rather than reinforcing the argument or leaving an impact.

Better approach: Restate thesis in fresh words, summarize key points, and end with broader significance or call to action.

Question 8: Identify and fix the logical fallacy: "My grandfather smoked and lived to 95, so smoking isn't harmful."

Fallacy: Anecdotal evidence / hasty generalization

Fix: "While individual cases vary, decades of research involving millions of participants consistently demonstrates that smoking significantly increases risks of cancer, heart disease, and early death."

Question 9: Create an outline for an essay arguing that schools should start later.

Model Outline:

I. Introduction - Hook about teen sleep deprivation, thesis

II. Body 1 - Health benefits (sleep science, mental health)

III. Body 2 - Academic improvement (test scores, attendance)

IV. Body 3 - Counterargument (schedule concerns) + rebuttal

V. Conclusion - Call to action for school boards

Question 10: Write a compelling hook for an essay about reducing plastic waste.

Model Answers:

Startling statistic: "Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic enters our oceans."

Vivid image: "Imagine a beach where every footstep crunches not on shells, but on fragments of plastic bottles and bags."

Rhetorical question: "What will future generations find when they dig through the layers of our civilization?"

Next Steps

  • Write a complete argument essay draft
  • Practice peer review with a partner
  • Take the unit checkpoint when ready