Cody Sallee

ENGL 401
5/6/2016
Article #3

Article #12 Response

Summary:
Since the introduction of the Common Core State Standards,
requirements for the teaching of writing have been shifting. Common Core
puts more of an emphasis on argumentative writing than persuasive writing,
which was previously more prominent. The article discusses different
strategies that teachers can use to address the standards such as identifying
fact vs. opinion, varying syntax, the use of mentor texts, involving contentarea teachers, and a few others. The article states that the reason for
switching from persuasive to argumentative is the greater real-world
application students will be able to gain. Persuasive essays are highly
emotional and experienced-based, meaning they are more personal and
prone to bias. Argumentative essays require the writer to gather evidence
and present it logically. This manner of writing is more widely used in college
and in career. Argumentative writing also forces the writer to consider the
other side of the argument which is more engaging than relishing in personal
experience.
The article provides a chart of differences in writing requirements for
the K-12 range. As students progress through the years, they are required to
build more and more evidence-based arguments that are strengthened by

clear structure, strong conventions, and precise claims. By grades 9-12,

students will be able to think critically about both sides of any given story
and argue for either side. The article goes on to suggest different activities
that teachers can use to fulfill the Standards. It suggests having students
read different argument pieces with arguments that acknowledge the other
side and some that do not. It suggests teachers have students write an
argument for different audiences to see how the writing changes. It also
encourages teachers in other areas of study to also teach writing from their
perspective (a history teacher going over rhetoric from the past).
Response:
This article introduced a lot of great ideas that would be easy to do in a
classroom. I most liked the idea of writing an argument piece for different
audiences. I think this concept is interesting because it changes how the
topic is addressed and what different supporting evidence is used. This is a
great way for students to understand how to work with different kinds of
people, which is a vital skill in the workforce.
I definitely agree that argumentative writing should be more commonly
used than persuasive writing. I believe a strong argumentative piece is worth
much more than a persuasive piece because of the level of effort that must
be involved in its creation. From an assessment standpoint I think the
argument piece gives the teacher a much better idea of where the students

are at in writing performance. I will take note of these ideas so I can

implement them in my future classes.