Standard/Learning Target: W1, L2
ELAGSE8W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
ELAGSE8L2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Success Criteria: At the end of this assignment student will be able to successfully write an argumentative essay which includes: a. Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically. b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text. c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. d. Establish and maintain a formal style. e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
Assignment: Argumentative Writing Prompt: “Who faces more peer pressure in school, girls or boys?”
Activity: Planning: Body Paragraphs-Supporting Evidence: Use the template provided for planning and drafting essay:
Link: Argumentative_Essay_Planning_Sheet (2).pdf Download Argumentative_Essay_Planning_Sheet (2).pdf
Video Links - Counterclaim and Rebuttal Paragraph Refresher Videos:
Link A:
Link B:
Instructions: Use the argumentative writing planning graphic organizer to create the body paragraphs for the essay. Next, develop each body paragraph with a topic sentence followed by supportive evidence for each paragraph. Then write a summarizing statement for each supportive paragraph. Open a word document and type the argumentative essay using the graphic organizer as a guide for writing the essay.
Follow the argumentative writing planning graphic organizer to create the introduction paragraph which includes: a hook sentence to grab the reader’s attention, background information about topic, and thesis statement which includes argumentative evidence that tells the reader what your essay will discuss.
Additionally, continue using the argumentative writing planning graphic organizer to develop the counterclaim which states the opposing side, and then follow up with the rebuttal which reinforces the original claim. Finally, write the concluding paragraph summarizing the main points of the essay.
Be sure to use transition words and check conventions such as: correct spelling and punctuation, as well correct capitalization and proper subject and verb agreement.
Submit both the graphic organizer and the word document essay you created on this platform. Each activity counts as separate grades. Good luck and do your best!
Title: Who Faces More Peer Pressure in School: Girls or Boys?
Introduction:
Hook: Did you know that peer pressure can significantly influence a student's choices and behaviors?
Background information: Peer pressure is prevalent in schools, affecting both boys and girls. However, an ongoing debate revolves around which gender experiences more peer pressure.
Thesis statement: In this essay, we will explore and provide evidence to support the claim that girls face more peer pressure in school than boys.
Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence: One reason why girls experience more peer pressure is the societal expectation to conform to specific beauty standards.
Supportive evidence 1: Research shows that girls are influenced by their peers to conform to popular beauty trends, leading to unhealthy habits such as extreme dieting and excessive makeup use (Source 1).
Supportive evidence 2: In a study conducted by Smith et al. (Year), it was found that girls are more likely to experience body dissatisfaction due to peer pressure, which can result in low self-esteem and negative body image (Source 2).
Summarizing statement: The pressure on girls to meet societal beauty standards not only affects their physical well-being but also impacts their mental health.
Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence: Another reason why girls face more peer pressure is the pressure to excel academically and achieve high grades.
Supportive evidence 1: Research suggests that girls are more likely to be subjected to academic pressure from their peers, leading to intense competition and a fear of failure (Source 3).
Supportive evidence 2: A study conducted by Johnson and Smith (Year) found that girls feel the need to constantly prove their intelligence and competence, which can be overwhelming and detrimental to their overall well-being (Source 4).
Summarizing statement: The constant pressure to excel academically puts girls under immense stress, affecting their mental and emotional health.
Body Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence: Additionally, girls often face relational and social pressure from their peers, leading to a higher likelihood of conformity.
Supportive evidence 1: Research shows that girls are more susceptible to social rejection and exclusion if they do not conform to peer expectations, leading to a fear of being isolated (Source 5).
Supportive evidence 2: In a study conducted by Johnson et al. (Year), it was found that girls are more likely to engage in negative behaviors such as gossiping and backstabbing to maintain or improve their social standing (Source 6).
Summarizing statement: The fear of social isolation drives girls to conform to societal norms, even if it means engaging in harmful behaviors.
Counterclaim:
Opposing claim: Some may argue that boys face equal or more peer pressure than girls in school.
Rebuttal: While it is true that boys also experience peer pressure, research consistently highlights the unique challenges and pressures faced by girls in terms of beauty standards, academic achievement, and social conformity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, girls face more peer pressure in school compared to boys. The societal expectation to conform to beauty standards, the pressure to excel academically, and the relational and social pressure all contribute to the greater influence of peer pressure on girls. It is important for educational institutions and parents to address and support these challenges faced by girls to ensure their overall well-being and success. Through awareness and proactive measures, we can create a safer and more supportive school environment for all students.
Note: Please remember to consult the provided video links for further guidance on counterclaim and rebuttal paragraphs.