Grade 10 Research and Argumentative Essays

Study Notes for Grade 10 Students

Understanding Research, Campaigns, and Advocacies

• Research often uses specific language to establish credibility. Examples of this include specific terminology, formal tone, and citation of sources.
• Campaigns and advocacies aim to influence public opinion and action. Effective campaigns often employ persuasive language to appeal to the audience’s values and emotions.
• Public service announcements (PSAs) frequently use emotional appeals, clear and concise messaging to create a lasting impact.

Identifying Features and Parts of an Argumentative Essay

• Argumentative essays present a clear stance on a specific issue and support this position with evidence.
• Strong argumentative essays outline a thesis statement explaining the author's main argument.
• Supporting evidence can include factual data, examples, anecdotes, or expert opinions.
• Counterarguments acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints
• Organization of argumentative essays is crucial. The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion should align to build a logical argument.

Making Statements of Assertion or Opinion

• An assertion states a belief or idea as fact. (Remember, understand, analyze)
• Opinions express a personal judgment or viewpoint.
• Assertions and opinions are often supported by evidence, though not always.
• Strong assertions often include a rationale or explanation backing the claim.
• Distinguishing between verifiable facts and personal opinions is critical.
• Opinions need to be backed with reasoning.

Formulating Claims of Fact, Policy, and Value

• Claims of fact present statements that can be proven or disproven. (Remember)
• Claims of policy suggest a course of action or solution. (Apply)
• Claims of value express judgments or preferences regarding the worth of something.
• All types of claims need support; fact claims might involve statistical evidence, claims of policy often necessitate examining existing policies and systems, while claims of value need justification and often rely on accepted criteria.

Sample Test Questions (40 items)

• (Note: Specific question details are omitted for space considerations; each question would have four options, and a correct answer indicated by an appropriate letter.)*
• Observe the language of research, campaigns, and advocacies (Remember, Understand, Analyze, Apply, Evaluate - 5 items)*
• Item placement (e.g., #1, #10): [Example]
• Bloom's Taxonomy level: Remembering/Understanding/Analyzing/Applying/Evaluating
• Identify features and parts of an argumentative essay (Remember, Understand, Analyze - 5 items)*
• Item placement: [Example]
• Bloom's Taxonomy level: Remembering/Understanding/Applying
• *Make statements of assertion or opinion (Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate - 10 items) **
• Item placement: [Example]
• Bloom's Taxonomy level: Remembering/Understanding/Applying/Analyzing/Evaluating
• Formulate claims of fact, policy, and value (Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze - 7 items)*
• Item placement: [Example]
• Bloom's Taxonomy level: Remembering/Understanding/Applying/Analyzing
• Example Question (Hypothetical, for illustrative purposes):*

1. What is an effective way to ensure a claim of policy is adequately argued? (a) By presenting facts (b) By providing multiple examples that prove your point. (c) By offering solutions and demonstrating an understanding of existing systems. (d) By explaining your personal preference for the action stated.

• Important Considerations for Test Questions:*
• Clear, concise language.
• Specific directions.
• Precise question wording.
• Appropriate assessment of higher-order thinking skills.

This quiz focuses on the essential elements of research, campaigns, and argumentative essays for Grade 10 students. It highlights the significance of persuasive language, emotional appeals in PSAs, and the structure of a strong argumentative essay. Students will learn to identify key features and techniques for effective communication.