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!
I think that 5th grad should learn up to 13 count by’s.
Some bugs, like wasps, should go extinct. -Nels
Tacos are good
There should be a bathroom for non-binary people, and no one should be judged for it.-Ada
Red Pandas should not be experiencing extinction
Everyone should wear what they want at school. -Audri
School should be 2 hours because it’s too stressful.
Medicine should be free for everyone, because if you need a pill to survive, you’re just paying for your life.
– Anneke
We should help all animals’ from going extinct. -Moira
I think that we shouldn’t spit groups up with genders. -Addy
We all should stop making pollution really bad. People are putting too much pollution in the air, water, ground, and other places.
My case is that things should be cheaper so people can buy what they need.
All cultures should have equal opportunities and chances.
There should be no homework
My case, is that we could wear hat at school
Everyone should have equal rights.
All internet and cell service should be free. -Sherrene
Hey Robert, do you think that kids should have homework? I think they should to keep the brain sharp over time and not get dull without any homework. Another reason is when I was in 3rd grade when I was doing homework i thought that one-thwoths was what one-half was but I learned by doing homework! so leave your opinion under this comment please 🙂
The only homework I assigned is to read EVERY night. A book you choose.
Health Care should be available to everyone, but unnecessary and optional surgeries like plastic surgeries should have to be paid for.
i should have a snake because they are my favorite animal but my dad hates them
Students should not have homework because we have school 6 hours a day mainly learning about math,science,health and more but we don’t need to get tortured working at home.
i should have a phone!
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.