Argument Writing and Grammar: Grade 6 Study Guide
Strong arguments are organized and clear, and they respect the reader.
An argument essay introduces a topic and a clear claim, organizes reasons logically, supports each with relevant evidence, uses transition words (however, therefore, for instance) and ends with a conclusion that follows from the argument. A formal style avoids slang and personal chat.
Grade 6 grammar includes pronoun case (subject I, he, they; object me, him, them; possessive my, his, their), intensive pronouns (I myself did it) and making pronouns agree with the noun they replace.
Structure of an argument
| Paragraph | Job | Starter |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Hook and claim | Many students believe… Yet I argue… |
| Reason 1 | Point and evidence | First, … For instance, … |
| Reason 2 | Point and evidence | In addition, … According to… |
| Counterclaim | Fair response | Some might say… However, … |
| Conclusion | Restate and finish | In conclusion, … |
Pronoun case and agreement
Use subject pronouns before verbs: She and I went. Use object pronouns after verbs and prepositions: The coach gave it to him and me. Test a compound by removing the other person: 'The coach gave it to I' is wrong, so 'to me' is right. A pronoun must agree in number with its noun: Each student must bring his or her book or All students must bring their books.
Subject or object?
Does it sound right?
Singular or plural?
Is it clear what it refers to?
Sentence variety and revision
Mix sentence lengths and openings. Replace weak verbs, cut repeated words and check that every paragraph has one main point. Peer review: ask what is most convincing and where the reader wants more evidence. Proofread last for spelling, punctuation and capitalization.
Worked example and common mistakes
Example: 'School lunches should include more vegetables. First, vegetables give students vitamins. For instance, a serving of carrots… However, some argue that students will not eat them. In response, …' Common mistakes: stating a claim with no evidence, ignoring the other side and using vague pronouns such as 'it' with no clear noun. Underline every pronoun and find its noun.
Check your understanding: model answers
1. him. 2. Each student should bring his or her own pencil (or All students should bring their own pencils). 3. An opposing view that you respond to.
✨ Key Takeaways
- State a clear claim.
- Support reasons with evidence.
- Address the counterclaim.
- Use the right pronoun case.
💬 Questions for Discussion & Reflection
- Choose: Give the ball to (he/him).
- Rewrite so the pronoun agrees: Each student should bring their own pencil.
- What is a counterclaim?
Print lined paper for writing →