Social Studies Argument Writing

Kick Start Social Studies Claims with Evidence   What is the recursive nature of SS reading and writing? Reading and writing cannot be separated. Students who learn to read critically will become better writers. Writing and rewriting with source information makes better readers. Therefore, read, write, listen, speak, the literacy cycle is complete when paired with classroom structures that encourage deliberation, collaboration and peer interaction.   Resources Library of Congress primary source material Lessons and Links Videos Read Like a Historian: Guide for Historical Inquiry ·       What makes an effective inquiry question? ·       Why is it important to gather evidence on both sides? ·       How is asking a focus question different from stating a lesson objective? Read Like a Historian: Using Sources ·       Getting students to discern sources. ·       Analyzing primary source documents. ·       Speaking and listening through the lesson. Historical Detective Work: Collaboration toward Evidence ·       Mystery encourages thinking skills ·       Reading to discern the facts ·       Discussion and debate to determine the outcome.   Essential Elements/Skills when teaching writing from sources Paraphrasing must be taught!  Think about the essence of a source then change the actual words to ensure that the thought is a reflection. Quote sources correctly!  Introduce your quotations, cite your sources and explain your thinking within the writing. Referencing and attribution is taught in English classes but check to see what form and content are currently being used.   See the Cape Writing Handbook on the Cape Henlopen website for specific directions and links. "Claims, Reasoning, Evidence." Washou Schools. Summer, 2013. Web. 16 July 2018. <http://www.washouschools.net >

How Is Social Studies Argument Different? 1.     Social studies writings routinely utilize both primary and secondary sources for analysis. 2.     Social studies writing will also have to acknowledge alternate or opposing claims.  3.     Sources should be distinctive, well defined and specific.   Tracy Kidder’s on writing in Social Studies: “ The hardest thing was learning to write. I was 13, and the only writing I had done was for Social Studies. It consisted of copying passages right out of the encyclopedia.”