Mini Lesson: Argumentative Writing

Instructor Name: Mr. Zacharii Currie

Subject: English
Grade Level: 10th
Date: 03/23/2016
Common Core Language Arts Standards: Grades 9-10 and 11-12
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid
reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.B
Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant
evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that
anticipates the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1.C
Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text,
create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons
and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.
Topic:
I will teach students how to use deductive and inductive reasoning to argue claims in
argumentative essay writing.
Connect:
Students will learn how deductive and inductive reasoning can be used to support their
arguments with solid evidence. This is important in academic writing to avoid logical fallacies
and circular reasoning. Our argument is only as good as our ability to reason and use evidence.
Teach:
I will teach the students deductive and inductive reasoning by defining these terms,
demonstrating examples, quizzing their knowledge, and showing them videos of how deductive
and inductive reasoning can be used in writing professionally. I have prepared a PowerPoint and
handouts that encourage class participation. Students will watch a video of a talk show, and learn
how the information that the host reads from a prompter is prepared by professional writers who

used factual evidence to support the claim that the show is making. Students will also watch a
video clip that uses deductive reasoning humorously to demonstrate an entertaining application
of deductive/inductive reasoning and encourage students to practice deductive reasoning in their
writing.
Active Engagement: Students will pair up. Each pair of students will be given a handout that
contain a scenario and must be able to identify the reasoning techniques demonstrated in the
scenarios as deductive or inductive. The pairs will also be asked to identify a way in which
deductive or inductive reasoning was used in the video clips.
Link: I will summarize what I have taught the students and remind them of ways that deductive
and inductive reasoning can benefit their writing, and will stress to them that these techniques are
vital to argumentative college essay writing. I will also remind them of how these methods can
be used in writing as a career.

Works Cited

Deductive and Inductive Reasoning Chart. Digital image. Boundless.

Www.boundless.com, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2016.
Donald Trump. Digital image. Fullredneck. Http://www.fullredneck.com/, n.d. Web.
James, Mrs. Deduction and Induction Diagram. Digital image. Mrs. James - Math.
Mrsjamesndss.weebly.com, n.d. Web.
LastWeekTonight. "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Border Wall
(HBO)." YouTube. YouTube, 20 Mar. 2016. Web. 24 Mar. 2016.
ReggieNetCom110. "Monty Python Deductive Reasoning." YouTube. YouTube, 10
Aug. 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2016.