Exploros | Reading Argumentative Text

Reading Argumentative Text

Students learn the elements of an argumentative text and identify them in a short passage. Next, they explore the connection between knowing a text’s audience and reading argumentative text. Then they read an argumentative passage and identify the audience, claim, reasons, and evidence. Finally, they consider whether the argument in the passage they read is convincing.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience students learn the elements of an argumentative text and identify them in a short passage. Next, they explore the connection between knowing a text’s audience and reading argumentative text. Then they read an argumentative passage and identify the audience, claim, reasons, and evidence. Finally, they consider whether the argument in the passage they read is convincing.

Objectives

Identify the elements of an argumentative text.
Explain the claim and supporting evidence in an argumentative text.
Identify the audience for an argumentative text.

Duration

One class period.

When you turn on the TV, you might see an ad that shows someone eating a plate of cheesy nachos. Suddenly you feel hungry. Or maybe you read a short article about why it is important to recycle. Then you decide to encourage your friends and family to do a better job of recycling.

Media sends a message. Often, that message is that you should feel or act in a certain way. In a way, media is arguing with you. In this experience, you’ll find out more about how to read argumentative texts.

Objectives

Identify the elements of an argumentative text.
Explain the claim and supporting evidence in an argumentative text.
Identify the audience for an argumentative text.

cartoon of a television with the message “As seen on TV”

Have you ever seen a TV commercial that made you want to buy or do something?

Briefly describe the most recent commercial you saw. Then describe how the advertiser tried to persuade you.

Encourage a discussion about successful advertisements. What do those commercials that stand out do well? Encourage students to share the different techniques used by advertisers—powerful language, attractive images, compelling arguments, etc.

TV commercials are similar to certain types of written texts because the advertisers or authors want to persuade you to agree with them. In this experience, you will learn how to read some of these argumentative texts carefully.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.