Writing Arguments: Understanding Warrants

Teach English Writing

One way to help ESL students learn English writing is to teach them how to write arguments following a simplified version of the Toulmin model. When students learn how to write claims with evidence and warrants, they are able to create clear arguments that sound persuasive.

The ability to construct a clear argument is a skill that can serve students well beyond the writing classroom. It can help them in ESL conversation classes, and in the workplace. For example, writing arguments can be very helpful for students who work in a foreign company and need to communicate with buyers and suppliers.

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Writing Judgments With Arguments

Teach ESL Students How to Write Arguments

This critical thinking lesson teaches students how to write thoughtful and well argued ideas that involve judgments. The focus is to help students understand the role and importance of warrants. Often, these short sentences create a logical connection between claims and evidence. Knowing how to create warrants and use them in a text is one strategy that can greatly improve the clarity and persuasiveness of student writing.

This ESL writing activity is based on work by George Hillocks Jr and his lesson plan in the book, Teaching Argument Writing.

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Learn English Writing, 12

Learn English Writing, 12

This is the plan to help ESL students learn English writing:

  1. improve vocabulary and reading comprehension by paraphrasing quotes;
  2. prepare for the quiz by reviewing study material (week 13);
  3. complete rewrites of compare and contrast story (coke video);
  4. rewrite blind folded people story;
  5. rewrite email;
  6. rewrite lost at sea (throw away 60 kg) story;

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Learn English, Paraphrase Quotes

Learn English, Paraphrase Quotes

In this pair work or small group discussion, students have two tasks: paraphrase the meaning of quotes and then debate the merits of the ideas. In this way, ESL students can improve their English communication skills through negotiated meaning and develop their listening and speaking skills as well.

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