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 

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).

The Prompt: 

“Do you think Americans watch too much television? Are there benefits to watching television? Write an essay in which you take a position on whether or not Americans should watch less television.”

What is the big question?

Should Americans watch less television?

What are the two sides?

Side 1: Americans should watch LESS television

• Too much TV can be unhealthy

• It can take away time from exercise, schoolwork, and friends

• It may lead to unhealthy habits (like eating junk food)

• It can reduce time for social interaction and real-life activities

Side 2: Americans should NOT watch less television (TV has important benefits)

• It can teach us new things (science, history, current events)

• It helps families spend time together and build relationships

• It can help people relax and reduce stress

• It helps people stay informed about the world

UNDERLINE (Main Reasons)

• “teach us about different subjects”

• “improve kids’ knowledge and skills”

• “creates special moments and lasting memories”

• “more physical activity”

• “more time for creative activities”

• “spend more time talking, playing games, or doing activities together”

STAR ⭐ (Strong Proof / Facts)

• “at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day”

• “help improve communication among family members”

• “tend to know more about what is happening in the world”

• “reduce stress and make us feel happier”

• “more likely to eat unhealthy snacks”

CIRCLE (Important Vocabulary Words)

• “educational programs”

• “communication”

• “relaxation”

• “stress”

• “physical activity”

• “social interactions”

• “creative activities”

• “imagination”