When it comes to teaching argumentative writing, there are so many ways to allow students to demonstrate what they have learned. You absolutely do not need to write a full paper each time you’re teaching a specific skill. Consider alternative tasks to a paper such as letters, video, speeches, etc.
Here’s why you should consider scrapping the essay for your argumentative writing.
Reason One: Argumentative Writing Is a Genre, Not an Essay
What is it that you really want your students to get out of learning to write an argument?
The genre of argumentative writing can be broken down into these basics:
- The student investigates a topic.
- The student collects, generates, and evaluates the evidence.
- The student establishes a position in a concise manner.
But it doesn’t have to be a paper. If your assessment covers these basics, why not allow for some flexibility?
Reason Two: Your Students Could Use a Paper Break
When we assign papers, we often are not just looking for the content of the paper. We also grade for organization, fluency, spelling, punctuation, use of transition words, and a proper works cited page. Basically, we tend to grade for much more than just the content.
Some might say, “That’s just the way of English class.” But truthfully, this can be overwhelming for students. You might have heard the strategy to just grade for a few items off your rubric, but why not change the game entirely and let students work more creatively?
Reason Three: You Could Use a Paper Break
I’m always impressed when I see the work my students turn in, but I also like a little something different now and again. Giving my students creative options allows me a break from grading another essay with the same grading rubrics I’ve used over and over again. And I get to see a lot more insight into the way my students’ minds work and what they thrive in when I change up assessments.
Here are 10 argumentative writing assessments that are NOT just another paper.
#1: Letter
Have students write a letter to a stakeholder in the situation they are researching. This is a great way to demonstrate the impact of audience and purpose as well.
#2: A Poem
Some of your more literary students might love the challenge of arguing something in poetic form.
#3: Graphic Organizer
Sometimes all students need to understand the larger task at hand is to fill out a graphic organizer as if they were going to write a paper. This stops just short of writing the entire paper and allows students to go through the entire argumentative process while focusing on the big picture rather than the sometimes overwhelming task of crafting an entire paper.
#4: Public Service Announcement
Creating PSA’s is a great way to get your students engaged in the argumentative process.
#5: Poster
Have your students create a poster with software like Canva or even Google Slides. This is a great way for students to share their information using a creative, 21st century medium.
#6: Podcast
Podcasts are an amazing way to enhance speaking and listening skills. What better way to have students share their arguments than by creating a podcast?
#7: Blog
When crafting a blog, students can share what they’ve learned in an easy, relevant way.
#8: Speech
Have your students preview examples before writing their own speech. A speech can be a powerful tool for students to hone their argumentative skills.
#9: Video
Many students love creating videos. You can have them create a basic video or challenge them to create a TikTok or Reel as if they were creating for social media.
#10: Infographic
Creating infographics is an intriguing way for students to transfer what they’ve learned to an eye-catching medium. Canva and Piktochart have great templates.
Get 50 Argumentative Writing Prompts!
Another thing I like to do is start each day in my argumentative unit with an interesting bell ringer. I’ve been using these argumentative writing prompts with a lot of success. Students love the variety and I love that they are practicing their skills every day!
Have you tried any alternatives to an argumentative paper for your students? Let me know in the comments or continue the conversation with me over on IG and FB. I look forward to hearing what other ideas you love!
Happy teaching!
