Prompt (choose one from the writing prompt and copy it here):

Question

What This Topic Addresses (one sentence):

Why People Should Care (one sentence):

Part 2: Argumentative Essay Planner
Introduction Hook:

Importance:

Claim:

1st Body Paragraph 1st Reason Supporting Claim:

1st Piece of Evidence:

Source Name and URL:

Elaboration on Evidence:

2nd Piece of Evidence:

Source Name and URL:

Elaboration on Evidence:

2nd Body Paragraph 2nd Reason Supporting Claim:

1st Piece of Evidence:

Source Name and URL:

Elaboration on Evidence:

2nd Piece of Evidence:

Source Name and URL:

Elaboration on Evidence:


Rubric
On Target Almost There Needs Improvement
Section 1:
Question, Topic, Why People Should Care 5–4 points
• I chose a question from the lesson.
• I clearly and thoroughly explained what this topic addresses.
• I clearly and thoroughly explained why people should care about this topic. 3 points
• I chose a question from the lesson.
• I explained what this topic addresses.
• I explained why people should care about this topic. 2–0 points
• I am missing a question from the lesson.
• I am missing an explanation of what this topic addresses.
• I am missing an explanation of why people should care about this topic.
Section 2:
Introduction 5–4 points
• I created a hook that creatively engages my audience.
• I included a clear and thorough statement of importance.
• I wrote a claim that clearly shows my position on the topic. 3 points
• I created a hook that engages my audience.
• I included a statement of importance.
• I wrote a claim that somewhat shows my position on the topic. 2–0 points
• I am missing a hook that effectively engages my audience.
• I am missing a statement of importance.
• I am missing a claim that shows my position on the topic.
Section 3:
1st Body Paragraph 20–16 points
• I clearly and effectively stated a reason for my position.
• I located two credible pieces of evidence from reliable sources to support my position.
• I included a clear and effective elaboration showing how my evidence connects to the reason for my position.
• I included the names and URL(s) of my source(s). 15–12 points
• I stated a reason for my position.
• I located one or two credible pieces of evidence from reliable sources to support my position.
• I included elaboration showing how my evidence connects to the reason for my position.
• I included the names and URL(s) of my source(s). 11–0 points
• I am missing a reason for my position or my position is unclear.
• I am missing evidence from reliable sources to support my position.
• I am missing elaboration showing how my evidence connects to the reason for my position or my explanation is unclear.
• I am missing the names and URL(s) of my source(s).
Section 4:
2nd Body Paragraph 20–16 points
• I clearly and effectively stated a reason for my position.
• I located two credible pieces of evidence from reliable sources to support my position.
• I included a clear and effective elaboration showing how my evidence connects to the reason for my position.
• I included the names and URL(s) of my source(s). 15–12 points
• I stated a reason for my position.
• I located one or two credible pieces of evidence from reliable sources to support my position.
• I included elaboration showing how my evidence connects to the reason for my position.
• I included the names and URL(s) of my source(s). 11–0 points
• I am missing a reason for my position or my position is unclear.
• I am missing evidence from reliable sources to support my position.
• I am missing elaboration showing how my evidence connects to the reason for my position or my explanation is unclear.
• I am missing the names and URL(s) of my source(s).

Completed Sample
Prompt (choose one from the writing prompt and copy it here):
Whether or not recycling should be required by law.
What This Topic Addresses (one sentence):
The United States produces more waste than any other country in the world, which has a severe impact on the environment because recycling is not required everywhere.

Why People Should Care (one sentence):
Around 82 million tons of trash is recycled in the United States per year, which helps to conserve energy, protect fossil fuels, and eliminate waste that would otherwise pile up in landfills.

Introduction Hook:
What if instead of throwing trash away, it could be transformed into something new and useful?
Importance:
The United States produces more waste than any other country in the world, which has a severe impact on the environment because recycling is not required everywhere. However, things are beginning to change. Around 82 million tons of trash is recycled in the United States per year, which helps to conserve energy, protect fossil fuels, and eliminate waster that would otherwise pile up in landfills.
Claim:
Recycling should not just be encouraged; it should be required by law.
1st Body Paragraph 1st Reason Supporting Claim:
Recycling reduces the need for landfills because people will throw less away.
1st Piece of Evidence:
Millions of pounds of discarded goods end up in dumps. Chemicals pollute food, water, and the air we breathe.
Source Name and URL:

Washington State Department of Ecology (www.ecy.wa.gov)
Elaboration on Evidence:
When some of these chemicals mix, like methane and oxygen, dangerous reactions can occur.
2nd Piece of Evidence:
Today, recycling efforts in the United States divert 32 percent of waste away from landfills. That prevents more than 60 million tons (54.432 metric tons) of garbage from ending up in landfills every year.
Source Name and URL:
Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov)
Elaboration on Evidence:
Less trash means fewer chemicals leaking out from landfills into the environment, where they could possibly harm people.

2nd Body Paragraph 2nd Reason Supporting Claim:
Recycling is good for business because it creates more jobs.
1st Piece of Evidence:
1,800 U.S. business are part of recycling plastics. Millions of related jobs exist for Americans.
Source Name and URL:
Environmental Protection Agency (epa.gov)
Elaboration on Evidence:
If recycling were required by law, there would need to be more businesses created to handle the increase in materials being recycled.

Answer 1

Prompt (choose one from the writing prompt and copy it here):
Whether or not social media has a positive influence on society.

What This Topic Addresses (one sentence):
The impact of social media on societal behaviors, relationships, and information dissemination, with a focus on whether its effects are beneficial or detrimental to our communities.

Why People Should Care (one sentence):
As social media becomes a predominant means of communication, understanding its influence is crucial for fostering healthier relationships and information exchange in an increasingly digital world.

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Part 2: Argumentative Essay Planner

Introduction
Hook:
Imagine waking up to thousands of messages, updates, and notifications that shape your perspective of the world—this is the daily reality for millions through social media.

Importance:
The rise of social media has transformed how we interact, access information, and express ourselves, leading to significant implications for society at large, from mental health to activism.

Claim:
While social media can have negative effects, its overall influence on society is positive, as it fosters connection, promotes social change, and enhances access to information.

1st Body Paragraph
1st Reason Supporting Claim:
Social media enhances interpersonal connections and fosters relationships that transcend geographical boundaries.

1st Piece of Evidence:
A study found that individuals who actively engage on social media report stronger relationships and feelings of support.
Source Name and URL:
Pew Research Center, https://www.pewinternet.org

Elaboration on Evidence:
This evidence suggests that social media serves as a bridge, allowing friends and families to stay in touch despite distance, which can enhance emotional well-being.

2nd Piece of Evidence:
According to a survey, 61% of millennials feel that social media helps them connect with friends and meet new people, influencing their social lives positively.
Source Name and URL:
Statista, https://www.statista.com

Elaboration on Evidence:
This statistic indicates that the ability of social media to foster connections helps combat loneliness and creates communities around shared interests and identities.

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2nd Body Paragraph
2nd Reason Supporting Claim:
Social media platforms play a pivotal role in promoting social change and activism by giving marginalized voices a platform.

1st Piece of Evidence:
The #BlackLivesMatter movement gained significant traction through social media, mobilizing protests and addressing systemic racism globally.
Source Name and URL:
The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com

Elaboration on Evidence:
This example shows how social media can amplify social justice movements, providing real-time updates and organizing capabilities that traditional media cannot match.

2nd Piece of Evidence:
Research indicates that 70% of social media users are inspired by seeing their peers advocate for social issues online.
Source Name and URL:
Global Web Index, https://www.globalwebindex.com

Elaboration on Evidence:
This finding reveals that the visibility of social issues on social media encourages users to become active participants, fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility among individuals.

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Final Notes:
This argumentative essay plan outlines the benefits of social media as a means to connect people and promote social change, with evidence supporting its positive societal influence.