In my book Friends of the Wolf I make a case for preserving and protecting wolves. I use reasoning and evidence to help make my case. I include an opposing viewpoint, and address it. My goal in writing this was to get readers to accept my viewpoint, not necessarily to agree or to do anything about it (although I did include practical suggestions for what they can do if they do agree).
Writing that uses reasoning and evidence for the purpose of having readers accept a viewpoint is known as Argument writing. I call it Make A Case writing. Persuasive writing is a close cousin, but it uses more opinion and emotion and its goal is to have readers actively agree with the viewpoint or to do something.
What is a view that you have for which you could make a case? Here are some examples:
We should not have to wear masks in school.
Everyone should be vaccinated.
Football is dangerous and should not be played in high school.
I should be able to stay up later at night.
We should be able to chew gum in class.
Math is the best subject.
Dogs (or cats or rabbits or ???) make the best pets.
I invite you to click on the Comments tab above and write a statement for which you could make a case. Extra points *** for those who actually make their cases here. It’s a great way to get your writing out for others to see. Remember, reasoning and evidence.
I will be reading a responding to all. Have fun!
We should let pandas go extinct.
Here’s some ideas from Ms. Klym’s 5th graders at Page Elementary in Springfield:
We should not dump garbage in the ocean. Merrick
Rehab for many things should be free because people need help and sometimes can’t afford it. Emmy
We should not allow animal testing. Brooklynn
We should not wear masks in school. Sophia
Plastic should not be used. It never goes away. Nevaeh
School needs to start at 10am. Graison
If you cut a tree down, you need to plant 5 in its Place. Henri
Recycling centers should be in every city and fully funded. Elizabeth
Teachers need to be paid more. Graison
There should more task forces for kidnap victims. So many people go missing and are not found. Leland
Police reform should happen in all cities. Ali
Homeless shelters should be built to accommodate everyone Emmy
Thanks for contributing, and I hope you will be making a case using evidence and reasoning for the ideas you shared. I’d love to read them. RY
The following comments come from Ms. Markham’s 5th grade class at Veneta Elementary. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Pandas should NOT go extinct.
Totally agree!
Everyone should have a dog.
Even if they don’t want one?
Monsters are real.
Really?
People should not have prejudice (racism).
I wonder why prejudice exists.
Native Americans should be recognized and protected.
I’m right with you on this, Connor!
People should stop invading animals’ natural environments.
Would love to hear your evidence for this.
All baseball and softball is boring.
Would love to hear the case you make for this.
I should be able to skip school when I want.
What? Your parents don’t let you skip school whenever you want? I’d like to hear your case for that!
All ages should be allowed to play football in school.
Do you think there are some safety issues involved?
Little brothers should not be pests all the time.
What?!? That’s what they’re there for.
Everyone should own a horse.
Uhhh…do I have to?
Scientists should bring do-do birds back.
Interesting…I wonder if it’s possible.
I should be allowed to have as many Corgis as I want.
Would love to hear your reason(s).
The ocean should not have trash in it.
Yes, it’s pretty disgusting in some places.
Wooly mammoths should stay extinct.
Hmmm…I’d be interested to know your reasoning for that.
Polar bears should be saved.
Agreed!
School is stressful.
It was for me, too. I’d be interested in knowing why it’s stressful for you.