Argumentative Writing — Extension Challenge
Read the passage below, then answer the questions.
A Garden That Grows More Than Vegetables
Lincoln Middle School started a garden last year. The garden club planted tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in raised beds behind the cafeteria. According to the school newsletter, "Students who worked in the garden reported feeling more connected to their school." The garden also donated over fifty pounds of fresh vegetables to a local food bank. Ms. Rivera, the garden club advisor, said the program cost the school less than two hundred dollars to start. However, some parents worried that garden time took away from classroom instruction.
Tip: In these questions, you'll practice the same evidence + elaboration skills you already use — but at a higher level. Focus on addressing counterarguments and analyzing how elaboration changes an argument's impact.
Charlotte's Extension Challenge
Directions: Read "A Garden That Grows More Than Vegetables" above. Answer each question in complete sentences. Push yourself: include evidence, explain what it means, AND address the counterargument.
1. Write a body paragraph that includes evidence from the passage, explains what the evidence means, AND addresses the counterargument (that garden time takes away from instruction).
2. The passage mentions that the garden cost "less than two hundred dollars." Imagine a principal who says, "We can't afford new programs." Write three to four sentences using this evidence to counter that argument. Explain what the evidence means — don't just state it.
3. Compare the argumentative moves in these two sentences: (A) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables." (B) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables to a local food bank, which shows that a small school program can make a real difference for families who don't have easy access to fresh food." What does Sentence B do that Sentence A doesn't? Why does it matter?
Finished Early? Find a paragraph in your OWN community clean essay where you cited evidence but could have explained it better. Rewrite that paragraph with stronger elaboration.
Eduardo's Extension Challenge
Directions: Read "A Garden That Grows More Than Vegetables" above. Answer each question in complete sentences. Push yourself: include evidence, explain what it means, AND address the counterargument.
1. Write a body paragraph that includes evidence from the passage, explains what the evidence means, AND addresses the counterargument (that garden time takes away from instruction).
2. The passage mentions that the garden cost "less than two hundred dollars." Imagine a principal who says, "We can't afford new programs." Write three to four sentences using this evidence to counter that argument. Explain what the evidence means — don't just state it.
3. Compare the argumentative moves in these two sentences: (A) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables." (B) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables to a local food bank, which shows that a small school program can make a real difference for families who don't have easy access to fresh food." What does Sentence B do that Sentence A doesn't? Why does it matter?
Finished Early? Find a paragraph in your OWN community clean essay where you cited evidence but could have explained it better. Rewrite that paragraph with stronger elaboration.
Lucas's Extension Challenge
Directions: Read "A Garden That Grows More Than Vegetables" above. Answer each question in complete sentences. Push yourself: include evidence, explain what it means, AND address the counterargument.
1. Write a body paragraph that includes evidence from the passage, explains what the evidence means, AND addresses the counterargument (that garden time takes away from instruction).
2. The passage mentions that the garden cost "less than two hundred dollars." Imagine a principal who says, "We can't afford new programs." Write three to four sentences using this evidence to counter that argument. Explain what the evidence means — don't just state it.
3. Compare the argumentative moves in these two sentences: (A) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables." (B) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables to a local food bank, which shows that a small school program can make a real difference for families who don't have easy access to fresh food." What does Sentence B do that Sentence A doesn't? Why does it matter?
Finished Early? Find a paragraph in your OWN community clean essay where you cited evidence but could have explained it better. Rewrite that paragraph with stronger elaboration.
Mateo's Extension Challenge
Directions: Read "A Garden That Grows More Than Vegetables" above. Answer each question in complete sentences. Push yourself: include evidence, explain what it means, AND address the counterargument.
1. Write a body paragraph that includes evidence from the passage, explains what the evidence means, AND addresses the counterargument (that garden time takes away from instruction).
2. The passage mentions that the garden cost "less than two hundred dollars." Imagine a principal who says, "We can't afford new programs." Write three to four sentences using this evidence to counter that argument. Explain what the evidence means — don't just state it.
3. Compare the argumentative moves in these two sentences: (A) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables." (B) "The garden donated fifty pounds of vegetables to a local food bank, which shows that a small school program can make a real difference for families who don't have easy access to fresh food." What does Sentence B do that Sentence A doesn't? Why does it matter?
Finished Early? Find a paragraph in your OWN community clean essay where you cited evidence but could have explained it better. Rewrite that paragraph with stronger elaboration.