TOP PICKS | 18 TOOLS
Resources for Persuasive and Argumentative Essay Writing
Top Picks
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ThinkCERCA
Well-structured lessons encourage deep analysis, thoughtful writing
Bottom line: This is a ready-to-go, research-backed resource that focuses intently on CCSS-aligned and AP-level critical reading and writing skills.
Writable
Stellar program scaffolds the writing process with peer review and feedback
Bottom line: This is an intelligently structured tool for teaching writing and review that focuses on process as much as product.
Quandary
Slick ethics game teaches students to make tough decisions
Bottom line: This versatile game that can teach ethics, argumentation, and civics is light on interactivity but will come alive through discussion.
Community in Crisis
Game shows real-world uses for literacy and decision-making skills
Bottom line: A clever, real-world, and civic-minded context to learn and practice ELA skills.
Vital Signs
ELA game set in a medical clinic shows the value of literacy skills
Bottom line: Great ELA lessons that realistically integrate literacy skills into the simulated day-to-day of a medical clinic.
Argument Wars
Supreme Court sim covers Constitutional history, the art of argument
Bottom line: Social Studies and Civics teachers will find Argument Wars valuable as part of a larger in-class lesson; it's a fun, free way to introduce major court cases and includes plenty of extension activities.
Drafting Board
Students get persuasive skills with delightful civics-based essay tool
Bottom line: It's a fantastically detailed tool that helps kids through every step of persuasive essay writing.
NoodleTools
Expansive research tool uniquely melds learning and productivity
Bottom line: While the complex, old-school design isn't ideal, NoodleTools gives students specific assistance where they need it the most -- with citations, paraphrasing, elaboration, and organization.
ProCon.org
Comprehensive, nonpartisan resource navigates controversial issues
Bottom line: The balanced pro/con format makes this a go-to source for online research on controversial issues.
Race to Ratify
Great history game offers cool constitutional spin on persuasion
Bottom line: This super smart game will get students digging into and understanding the federalist and anti-federalist sides of the U.S. Constitution ratification debate.
Room for Debate
Experts examine, dissect, and discuss critical issues
Bottom line: A helpful site for exploring multiple perspectives on key current events and hot topics.
StudySync
Superb ELA resource features engaging activities, stellar support
Bottom line: An exceptional, ever-growing resource for helping your students become close readers, careful writers, and critical thinkers.
Kialo Edu
A terrific, troll-free zone for structuring student discussion and debate
Bottom line: A valuable platform for students to learn about social and political issues while practicing digital citizenship and argumentation.
The Learning Network
Process current events through engaging NYT-style lens
Bottom line: From a trusted news organization with its finger on the pulse of the world, this free resource can be a reliable source of activities and ideas for current event discussions.
The Sports Network 2
Make news and build ELA skills with this cable sports show sim
Bottom line: It's a great blend of important cross-disciplinary critical reading skills and a fun newsroom context that'll show students how learning translates to working life.
Weava
Chrome extension helps organize web-based research
Bottom line: For Chrome users and mostly digital classrooms, this is a fairly intuitive tool that'll help students wrangle their research.
YourCommonwealth
Engage with passionate international perspectives from youth
Bottom line: Offers a rich variety of news and opinion stories on global issues, and its young writers will get U.S. students hooked on civic engagement.
iSideWith
Easy-to-use political quiz provides instant results, provokes debate
Bottom line: A great tool to help students determine and compare political views; especially useful during the election cycle.