Text Dependent Writing

In South Carolina, fifth graders write TDWs as argumentative pieces.

That means:

• You will likely read two (or more) texts.

• The texts will disagree in some way.

• You must choose one side.

• You must prove your side is stronger using evidence from the texts.

• You must explain your thinking clearly.

You are not:

• Writing a summary. (Restating what you read.)

• Simply sharing your opinion. 

You are:

• Picking a side

• Proving it with evidence

• Explaining why it matters

• Showing you understand the other side

Think of yourself as a lawyer. The texts are your evidence. You are building a case using proof from the texts. Your job is to convince the jury (the reader).

Before you even start reading the passages, look carefully at the question.

Ask yourself:

1. What am I being asked to decide?

2. What are the two possible sides?

3. What words tell me what I have to do?
   
   

If the question says “Should…,” that means you must decide yes or no.

If it says “Which…,” that means you must choose one.

If it says “Why…,” that means you must explain the reasons.

You will read the passages two times.

First Read: Read to Understand

On your first read, do not highlight anything yet. Just read carefully.

After you finish each passage, stop and ask yourself:

• What is this author’s main argument?

• What is the author trying to convince me of?
  
  

Then write one simple sentence in your own words:

“This passage argues that __________________.”

Second Read: Gather Evidence

Now you are reading like a detective.

This time, you are looking for:

• Reasons the author gives

• Facts or explanations

• Examples

• Consequences

• Benefits

• Risks

1. When you find a strong reason, underline it or highlight it.

2. When you find a powerful fact or explanation, put a star * next to it.

3. Circle important vocabulary words that might help you sound precise in your essay.

Do NOT skip this step. This is where strong essays begin.

Before you start writing, you need a plan.

Step 1: Make a T-Chart

On your scratch paper, draw a T-chart. (See the example below.)

Under each side, write several strong reasons from each passage.

Step 3: Think Carefully

Now stop and ask yourself:

• Which side has stronger evidence?

• Which reasons are the most convincing?

• Which reasons can I explain best?

Step 4: Choose Your Side

Pick the side you feel most confident defending.

✔ You understand it
✔ You have strong evidence
✔ You can explain it clearly

Step 5: Pick Your BEST Three Reasons

Now go back and choose your three strongest reasons from your side.

Ask yourself:

• Which reasons are the most important?

• Which has the best evidence?

• Which will help me write the strongest paragraphs?

Why This Matters

You may list many reasons, but your essay should focus on:

✔ Three strong reasons
✔ Clear evidence for each
✔ Detailed explanations

Strong writers choose quality over quantity.

Your introduction is the first thing your reader sees.

It must show:

• You understand the topic

• You understand the debate

• You have chosen a clear side

• You are confident in your position

A Strong Introduction Has Three Parts:

1. Hook

2. Background Information

3. Thesis Statement

Part 1: The Hook

The hook is your first sentence (sometimes two).

Its job is to make the reader interested in the issue.

However, this is formal writing. Your hook must sound serious and connected to the topic.

Avoid:

• “Have you ever wondered…”

• “In this essay I will…”

• Jokes

• Personal stories

• Anything silly

Strong Hook Options

Option 1: Start With a Fact
School uniforms are required in many schools across the country.

Option 2: Start With a Big Idea
Schools must balance student freedom with creating a positive learning environment.

Option 3: Start With a Serious Question
Should students be required to wear the same clothing every day at school?

Check Your Hook

Ask yourself:

• Is it connected to the topic?

• Does it sound serious?

• Does it make the reader want to keep reading?

Part 2: Background Information

This is where many students lose points.

Background information explains:

• What is happening?

• Why is this an issue?

• Why are people debating it?

You are showing that you understand BOTH sides before choosing one.

What Background Information Should Include

• A short explanation of the topic

• A brief explanation of both sides

• Neutral language (no opinion yet)

👉 It should be 2–4 sentences

Example Background

Some schools require students to wear uniforms, while others allow students to choose their own clothing. Supporters believe uniforms help improve focus, reduce bullying, and create a sense of unity. Others argue that uniforms limit self-expression, can be uncomfortable, and may cost families money.

Part 3: The Thesis Statement (Most Important Part)

Your thesis is your position.

A strong thesis:

• Clearly answers the prompt

• Takes one side

• Lists your three BEST reasons

• Sounds confident

• Does NOT say “I think”

How to Write Your Thesis

Use this formula:

Students should/should not __________ because reason one, reason two, and reason three.

or

Although some people argue __________, students should/should not __________ because reason one, reason two, and reason three.

Example Thesis (Uses Three Strong Reasons)

Students should wear school uniforms because they help students focus, reduce bullying, and build a sense of school unity.

What a Weak Thesis Looks Like

Students should wear uniforms because they are good.

❌ Only one reason

❌ Vague

❌ Not convincing 

This is where you prove your argument.

• Your introduction tells your position

• Your body paragraphs prove it

Each body paragraph focuses on ONE reason from your thesis.
If you have 3 reasons, you need 3 body paragraphs.

What Every Body Paragraph Must Include

• A Topic sentence

• Evidence

• Explanation

Part 1: Topic Sentence

Your topic sentence tells what the paragraph will prove.
It should match one reason from your thesis and connect to the prompt.

Do NOT include evidence yet.

Example:
One reason school uniforms should be required is that they help students stay focused.

Part 2: Evidence

Now you must use proof from the text, such as facts, examples, or details.

Always introduce your evidence so it makes sense to the reader.

Example:
The text explains that students are less distracted by clothing when everyone wears the same thing.

Part 3: Explanation (Most Important Part)

After your evidence, explain your thinking.

Tell the reader why it matters and how it supports your argument.

Example:

This matters because students can focus more on learning instead of what others are wearing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Just summarizing
❌ Listing facts without explaining
❌ Not connecting to your thesis
❌ Repeating ideas
❌ Writing too little

Strong body paragraphs clearly prove your argument and help convince the reader.

Strong writers show they understand both sides.

Even though you choose one side, you must show that you understand the other side.

This is called a counterargument.

Including a counterargument shows deeper thinking and can improve your score.

What Is a Counterargument?

A counterargument is when you:

• Explain the opposing side fairly

• Use evidence from the other text

• Explain why your side is still stronger

You are not attacking the other side.
You are responding respectfully.

Step 1: Introduce the Opposing View

State the other side in a neutral, respectful way.

Example:
Some people argue that school uniforms limit students’ ability to express themselves.

Step 2: Use Evidence From the Other Text

Show that you understand the opposing passage.

Example:
The text explains that students may feel restricted because they cannot choose what to wear.

Step 3: Respond and Strengthen Your Position

Now explain why your side is still stronger.

Example:
Although self-expression is important, students can still express themselves in other ways, such as through their work and activities. Uniforms also help reduce distractions, which supports learning.

What a Strong Counterargument Looks Like

Some people argue that school uniforms limit self-expression. The text explains that students may feel restricted when they cannot choose their clothing. While this concern is understandable, uniforms help reduce distractions and improve focus. Because learning is the main goal of school, uniforms are still a better choice.

Why This Matters

Strong writers:

• Show they understand both sides

• Use evidence from the texts

• Explain their thinking clearly

• Stay focused on their argument

A counterargument shows strong reasoning and control.

This is your final chance to convince the reader.

Your conclusion should:

• Restate your claim in new words

• Remind the reader of your main reasons

• Leave the reader with a strong final thought

What to Avoid

Do not:

• Copy your introduction word-for-word

• Add new evidence

• Write only one short sentence

• Change your argument

Part 1: Restate Your Claim

Restate your thesis in a new way.

Do NOT copy it exactly.

Example:
For these reasons, school uniforms should be required in all schools.

Part 2: Remind the Reader of Your Reasons

Briefly summarize your main points.

Keep this short and clear.

Example:
Uniforms help students stay focused, reduce bullying, and create a sense of unity.

Part 3: End With a Strong Final Thought

Finish with a thoughtful statement.

You can:

• Talk about the future

• Emphasize importance

• Connect to a bigger idea

Example:
Creating a positive learning environment is essential for helping all students succeed.

What a Strong Conclusion Looks Like

For these reasons, school uniforms should be required in all schools. They help students stay focused, reduce bullying, and build a sense of unity. Creating a positive learning environment is important for every student’s success.

Why This Matters

A strong conclusion:

• Shows confidence

• Wraps up your argument clearly

• Leaves a lasting impression on the reader