Digging into Argumentative Writing with Students: Why It Matters & How to Teach It

One of the key components of teaching middle school ELA is working on argumentative writing with students. Let’s spend some time talking about why it matters and how to teach it effectively to this age group. 

Argumentative writing is one of the most challenging skills for students to master. 

It requires them to analyze texts deeply, understand an author’s purpose, and construct well-supported arguments—all skills they need for testing season and beyond.

So…what’s the problem? 

Many students don’t dig deep enough when analyzing arguments. They might identify a claim, but they struggle to explain how the reasoning and evidence connect. 

That’s why our Analyzing Argumentative Writing – Test Prep Packet is a game-changer.

Why Argumentative Writing is a Must Before Testing

Standardized tests expect students to:

✔️ Break down an argument – What is the author’s claim? What evidence do they use? How do they justify their reasoning?
✔️ Recognize counterclaims & rebuttals – Can they identify and evaluate multiple perspectives?
✔️ Use strong transitions – Do their ideas flow logically from one point to the next?
✔️ Answer evidence-based questions – Can they support their responses using textual evidence?

Our Test Prep Packet helps students build all of these skills while keeping them engaged with a high-interest topic: “The Benefits of Dogs in the Workplace.”

What’s Inside the Test Prep Packet?

This resource makes argument analysis interactive and accessible, with multiple activities designed to deepen student understanding. 

Here’s what’s included:

• Argumentative Passage 
• Passage Interactive Activity 
• Graphic Organizer Sort Activity & Cheat Sheet 
• Evidence-Based Question Set 
• Transition Words & Counterclaim/Rebuttal Activities 
• Self-Assessment Tool 

How to Use It in Your Classroom

Kickstart your learning about analyzing argumentative writing with a simple question… “What makes an argument strong?” 

Ask students to discuss this in small groups and come up with possible answers. Collect their thoughts somewhere where all students can see them. Then, let students debate the responses in search of some key things that make an argument strong.

Then, use the resource to break it down step-by-step. Use the handouts and pieces of this resource to guide students through claims, reasoning, and finding good evidence.

Once you’ve worked through the resource in its entirety, the pieces of the resource and the ideas used can be used with other passages. Don’t forget to check out our high-interest Paired Passage sets at The Sparkly Notebook store! There are a lot of great topics to work with as you continue to discuss analyzing arguments with students.

The Best Part?

Students get high-rigor practice without the boredom of standard test-prep worksheets. 

This packet makes argumentative writing engaging, accessible, and follows the standards!

Want to dive deeper into real-world argumentative writing? Check out Analyzing Argumentative Writing – Social Media and Teens for another high-interest topic!

👉 Get your students test-ready with the Analyzing Argumentative Writing – Test Prep Packet today!