I love to argue, but I also love to think deeply. I was inspired by a piece on critical thinking and writing that I read on Edutopia. It was entitled Strategies for Teaching Argument Writing
Andrea Marshbank works with 9th graders teaching English. Her students "enjoy pushing back against authority, sharing their opinions, and having those opinions validated by their classmates." That seems to me the foundation for a successful approach to writing.
It all involves reading, solid thinking, and a willingness to explore multiple perspectives. Of course, students may need to think outside the box. Technique has a role in what Marshbank refers to as the "moves" of argument writing.
She provides useful templates and examples to help teachers and their students master the methods of persuasive writing.
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