Today is rung 2 of 12 on this topic
A research-based argument
Can do: Plans and writes a multi-page argument using evidence from several sources, properly cited.
Why it matters
It's the closest thing to real academic work they've done, and it demands planning, synthesis and stamina at once.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Writes it the night before, so the structure is whatever order the research happened to come in.
⏱️ Two-minute check
Ask for the plan before any prose exists.
Solid looks like: A thesis and a paragraph-by-paragraph outline that exists before the writing starts.
The full activity for this topic · 40 minutes across several days
Outline Before Prose
- 1Write the question, then the working thesis. It's allowed to change.
- 2Outline one line per paragraph, with the evidence noted next to each.
- 3Check the outline flows as an argument before writing a single sentence.
- 4Draft from the outline, one section per sitting.
- 5Leave a day, then revise for structure first and wording second.
If it's too hard
Three paragraphs from a three-line outline.
If it's too easy
Include a counter-argument section and a limitations paragraph.
Say this
"Show me the outline. If the argument doesn't work in ten lines, it won't work in five pages."