Collaborative Arguments - Activity, Lesson, Debate, Argument Writing, Discourse

Bring the discourse -- across all subject areas -- with this high engagement activity!

Collaborative Arguments stimulates students' critical thinking and provides a platform to practice argument writing and refine reasoning skills--all while having fun in a whole-class competition. I use this activity throughout the year anytime students need a re-energizer and when I'm introducing new texts/concepts/ideas. This is also a must-have activity in AP Language as it allows for ample generative thinking with argument development.

When Would I Use Collaborative Arguments in My Classroom?

• At the start of a new text or unit in order to incite interest in the big ideas, essential questions, themes inherent in your text or unit.
• As a predictive tool, helping students to analyze data and draw conclusions in order to predict the big ideas (universal ideas) and themes they are about to encounter in a new text/unit.
• Anytime you want students to think about their stance on a topic. All you have to do is choose at least 2 debatable claims/evidence/idea for students to think about and apply to their own beliefs.
• Collaborative Arguments can also be used to review new skills or as a multiple choice review as long as groups of students are provided with a debatable claim.

Here's why the Collaborative Arguments Activity Works:

• It's a predictor/anticipation building activity that will activate students' interest in a unit's themes/concepts when launching a new text or unit.
• It's a level-up variation of the traditional “Anticipation Guide,” taking the work “off the page” in an immersive learning experience.
• It's a high-engagement activity that provides an authentic experience for students to hone their skills in generative thinking in an on-demand environment. This can be particularly helpful in Advanced Placement Language and Literature, where students need to think quick on their feet and generate ideas in a timed environment.
• It's a discourse-centered activity that includes small group discussion and “speed debating” between two groups of students. The goal is to engage in an exercise in consensus building as each small group works towards a unified agreement in response to a claim in a short period of time. This format not only encourages teamwork but also promotes the sharing and understanding of diverse perspectives.
• This activity is a great way to “stretch” a student’s perspective, allowing them a framework to try on new ideas and take thinking risks as they wrestle with ambiguity and competing ideas.

What do I need to implement Collaborative Arguments?

• As each claim is a "round" in the competition, I suggest 3-4 debatable statements, ideas, or claims related to the text/unit’s universal ideas, themes, and essential questions.
• The “99 Debatable Statements” is a great compilation of inciting claims from which to choose 3-4 that match your text/unit ideas/themes/questions. Note: These statement cards can be printed (and laminated for later use). These are organized by topic and can be used in different ways throughout the year.

What's Included in the Collaborative Arguments Resource?

• Activity "Infographic" Directions - 4 different variations: The directions are highly visual and chunk the activity into distinct and clear steps. The directions handout comes in 2 forms: 1) PDF/not editable; 2) Editable large format Google Slide with text boxes for you to add/revise to fit your own needs. Four different variations are provided in this resource with different timing options. You have the ability to create more variations depending on your needs using the editable Google Slides for this Infographic.

• A colorful graphic organizer for students to write their 3 reasons in support of their position. This comes in 2 forms: 1) PDF/non-editable and 2) Editable Google Slides version. You do not need to add anything to this organizer if you don't want to - it's ready to go for students to add their own thinking.

• Editable Claim Cards - color and black and white. Type in your own claims, or take claim cards directly from the "99 Debatable Statements Resource" (see more about that resource below.) Students love the manipulative feel that holding thse claim cards offers.

• A 3-page, detailed instructional guide with strategies for teaching argument writing and debate. This guide will help you implement the activity from start to finish. The instructional guide also includes pre-teach background information, academic vocabulary, and a full lesson plan with detailed teacher moves.

Looking for claims to use for The Collaborative Arguments Activity? I know that I am always searching for good claims that push students to think critically. Take a peak at my "99 Debatable Claims" resource - also outlined below. I use these claims every time we do a Collaborative Arguments Activity and constantly throughout the year in circles, discussion, and when students need a pick-me-up re-engager. Note: The "99 Debatable Claims" resource is NOT included in this Collaborative Arguments Listing.

Looking for more activities that promote critical thinking, discourse, and cognitive demand? Check out "The Consensogram" Activity "Generative Thinking Rounds Collaborative Argument Writing" activity!

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Check out these discourse resources to level up engagement in your classroom:

• Probing Questions Speed Dating
• Discourse Builder Discussion Roundtable / Close Reading Activity
• Questions Stems by Question Type One-pager
• Progressive Questioning PD Workshop

Check out these resources to engage students in Debate:

• Freedom v. Safety Debate
• Growth Mindset Debate
• Who Gets the Heart Debate
• Debate Template/Slides for In-person & Digital Debates
• Full Debate Bundle Adaptable for all levels/grades + ESL

Check out these Argument Writing Resources:

• AP Language Argument Essay Step-by-Step Writing Guide
• Rhetorical Claims & Appeals Bundle
• Argument Essay Slides
• Ethos, Pathos, Logos Slides
• AP Language Exam Overview & Study Guide with Links
• Argumentative Writing Folder
• Argument Writing Stems Handout with Counter-rebuttals
• “Unknown” AP Lang Argument Prompt Essay Organizer Kit
• “Overrated AP Lang Argument Prompt Essay Organizer Kit + Line of Reasoning

Check out these listings to boost your students’ engagement with Rhetorical Analysis

Read Like a Writer - Rhetorical Analysis Kit

AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Reflection Tool

Rhetorical Device BIG Slide Deck

Rhetorical Claims & Appeals Bundle

Full SignPost set + rubric

Preparing your students for AP / SAT Multiple Choice Exams? Drive home strategies through these resources that get students ENGAGED with test preparation.

• Multiple Choice READING Questions Video Guide + Scaffolded Notes
• Multiple Choice WRITING Questions Video Guide + Scaffolded Notes
• AP Lang Multiple Choice EXPERT LESSON Group Activity
• Multiple Choice WRITING Slides: Sentence Combining & Organization Questions
• Multiple Choice Strategies POWERPOINT - AP/SAT/PSAT/MCAS all subjects
• AP Lang Multiple Choice WRITING questions with VIDEO tutorials
• Multiple Choice READING questions GROUP SOLVE activity (AP Lang/SAT/PSAT)
• Multiple Choice Strategy Mini Cards

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